| Background Acute splenic sequestration is one of the major clinical forms of sickle cell disease. This potentially life-threatening complication is defined by a rapid sequestration of sickle red blood cells in the spleen. Approximately 30% of young patients will develop this complication and 49% of them will have recurrences. Methods The decision tree method is a statistical method that can act as a medical decision tool in the case of a complex biological problem. The decision tree method is used here to determine the variables involved in the severity and recurrence of acute splenic sequestration crises. Results A prior decision tree shows that platelet level, variation in spleen size, patient age and hygrometry also called relative humidity define acute splenic sequestration severity. A second one shows that spleen size variation, atmospheric pressure and patient age define recurrence. Conclusions For the first time, biological and environmental parameters are combined to discover some interesting rules which can lead to more accurate evaluations of acute splenic sequestration severity and recurrence. Thus, this method provides a sharp diagnostic tool which could improve medical treatment for better patient care. |
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