Factors Associated with Steady State in Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients: Insights from a Tertiary Hospital in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Context

Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is a highly variable disease in which the steady state is periodically interrupted by crises. Understanding factors associated with the steady state can help early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of SCA patients, especially in resource-poor settings.

Aim

To identify haematological and biochemical factors associated with steady state in adult SCA patients.

Settings and Design

A descriptive cross-sectional study involving adult SCA patients in steady state at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

Materials and Methods

• Clinical information was obtained using structured questionnaires and case files.

• Haematological parameters:

  • Haematocrit

  • White blood cell (WBC) count

  • Platelet count

  • Foetal haemoglobin (HbF)

• Biochemical parameters:

  • Total bilirubin

  • Direct bilirubin

  • Indirect bilirubin

  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

• Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.

• Significance level: P < 0.05.

Results

• Sample size: 100 SCA patients in steady state

• Age range: 18–43 years

• Gender distribution:

  • 78 females

  • Male-to-female ratio: 1:3.5

• Mean age at diagnosis: 45 months

Mean Haematological Values

• Haematocrit: 23.4 ± 4.5%

• WBC: 12.1 ± 3.6 × 10⁹/L

• Platelet count: 366.1 ± 131 × 10⁹/L

• HbF: 7.5 ± 4.3%

Mean Biochemical Values

• Total bilirubin: 23.7 ± 18.7 µmol/L

• Direct bilirubin: 9.7 ± 11.3 µmol/L

• Indirect bilirubin: 14.0 ± 12.2 µmol/L

• AST: 44.9 ± 19.0 U/L

• ALT: 28.8 ± 11.6 U/L

Significant Differences

• Only HbF showed significant gender differences (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The study identified the following as factors associated with steady state in SCA patients:

• Moderate anaemia

• Elevated WBC and platelet counts

• Raised total bilirubin

• Increased AST and ALT

• Elevated HbF

Clinicians should consider these findings when evaluating and managing SCA patients.