Author(s): BA Animasahun, F Bode-Thomas, EO Temiye, Njokanma OF
This study aimed to document the cardiovascular features of children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), in steady state at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) using clinical evaluation. A prospective and cross-sectional study involving 100 children with SCA and 100 age and sex matched controls aged one to fifteen years. Their cardiovascular statuses were evaluated by clinical examination. About 80% of the subject were diagnosed after one years of age, twenty two [36.7%] of the 60 sixty subjects had received at least one blood transfusion. The commonest signs in subjects were hepatomegaly, pallor and laterally displaced apex beat. They had significantly lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure but higher respiratory rates and pulse rates compared to controls. (p< 0.01). Sickle cell anaemia is diagnosed late among Nigerian children. Blood transfusion is common among children with SCA, Increased Respiratory rate and heart rate but lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The commonest clinical signs were hepatomegaly, pallor and laterally displaced apex beat, due to chronic anaemic state.