Evaluation of Acute Painful Episodes with Foetal Hemoglobin Level and Other Haematological Parameters in Sickle Cell Patients in Abuja Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Heterogeneity in sickle cell anaemia manifestations ranges from near asymptomatic cases to severe illness.  Objective: This study determined the relationship between foetal haemoglobin F level, other haematological parameters and acute painful episode score of sickle cell disease patients in FCT Abuja Nigeria. Methods: 60 Sickle cell patients were selected for the study. 20 severe crises, 20 non-severe crisis SS were enrolled in the study. Control group comprised 20 apparently healthy haemoglobin AA individuals. Data were analysed descriptively. Results: Hb F level increased significantly in non-severe crisis sickle cell anaemia (7.12%± 3.6) and severe crisis (5.30%±2.3) groups, compared to the control group (0.32±1.8). This trend was also observed in RDW, MCHC and MCV. The mean Hb concentration and haematocrit (Hct) were significantly lower for both non- severe crisis and severe crisis SCA groups. There was no significant correlation between HbF and any of the haematological parameters in both non severe crisis and severe crisis groups. Patients with SCA had higher levels of HbF than matched controls. HbF had no correlation with any of the haematological parameters in both severe and non-severe SCA groups studied. Conclusion: Further studies should focus on environmental factors contributing to this variability.