Author(s): Chinawa JM, Emodi I, Ikefuna A, Ocheni S, Uwaezuoke SN
Sickle Cell anaemia (SCA) is a genetic haematological disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. The current steady state haemoglobin concentration among children with sickle cell anaemia attending University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital since relocation to the present new site four years ago are not known necessitating the study. Objectives: To determine the steady state, gender comparison of haemoglobin concentration and vital signs among children with Sickle Cell anaemia in Crises and Steady State attending UNTH Ituku-0zalla Enugu. This is a prospective observational study involving 50 children with SCA in steady state, 50 in crisis and 50 with normal haemoglobin AA genotype carried out between June 2009 and October 2009. The steady state haemoglobin concentration among children with sickle cell anaemia in this environment was 7.2±1.2g/dl. The mean haemoglobin concentration among the group of subjects showed a significant gender difference (p=0.016). Females in both crises and steady state had fairly high haemoglobin concentration when compared to their male counterparts. The mean temperature, pulse and respiratory rate of sickle cell anaemia subjects in crises were 37.2±1.03oC, 101.15±19.73/mins and 34.0±3.36/mins respectively while the values for steady state and control were lower and statistically significant. The mean haemoglobin concentration of subjects in g/dl (crises 6.8+1.7 and steady state 7.2+1.2) was significantly lower than (10.8+1.2) obtained in the controls. Females with SCA had fairly high haemoglobin concentration when compared to the male counterparts.