Haematological profiles of children with sickle cell anaemia in steady state and vaso-occlusive crisis: a comparative study.

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a major health problem in many parts of the world particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries with Nigeria having the highest disease burden. The disorder is characterised by chronic haemolytic process; with subsequent marrow hyperactivity resulting in higher levels of leucocytes and platelet counts in SCA patients compared to normal population. Aims: This study aimed to compare the haematological profiles (leucocyte counts, absolute neutrophil count, platelet counts, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit level) of SCA children (in steady state or in vaso-occlusive crisis) aged one year to 17 years with age- and gender- matched children with haemoglobin genotype AA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 children with SCA grouped into subjects in steady state (36) and those having vaso-occlusive crisis (14) and age- and gender- matched controls (50) with haemoglobin genotype AA. Physical examination of the participants was conducted and blood samples collected for haematological tests. Data analyses were carried out using SPSS statistical package version 21. P value ≤ 0.05 set as significant level. Results: The leucocyte count, neutrophil count and platelet counts of children with SCA were higher  (particularly for those in vaso-occlusive crisis) than matched controls (P-value < 0.05) whereas the haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit level were lower among children with SCA compared to the controls (P-value < 0.01). Conclusion: Strategies targeting on reduction of leucocyte and platelet count as well as improving the haemoglobin concentration could reduce the disease severity and improve wellbeing of children with SCA.