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  • Title: Profile of the Nigerian sickle cell anaemia patients above 30 years of age.
    Author: Yetunde A, Anyaegbu CC.
    Journal: Cent Afr J Med; 2001 Apr; 47(4):108-11. PubMed ID: 11921675.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To examine the haematological profiles of patients with sickle cell anaemia above the age of 30 years. DESIGN: Prospective cross sectional study. SETTING: Department of Haematology University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. SUBJECTS: 98 patients with sickle cell anaemia above the age of 30 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and haematological profiles of the patients. RESULTS: There were 75 females and 23 males. The steady state packed cell volume was 21 to 28% with a median of 24% Haemoglobin F (HbF) level in 33 patients was greater than 3% but less than 5%. Thirty six patients had a HbF which was greater than 5% but less than 10%. Twenty three patients had a HbF level which was greater than 10% but less than 15%. Five patients had a HbF level greater than 15% and only one patient had a HbF level of 22%. The severe complications of sickle cell anaemia were not observed in 87 patients (88.8%), though some age related complications like Grade 4 ischaemic necrosis of the femoral head, chronic inflammatory liver changes and ophthalmic complications were observed. Eighty six patients had never had a blood transfusion, while 76 had never been admitted into hospital. Thirty four patients had a mild to moderate degree of splenomegaly while 64 patients had mild to moderate degree of hepatomegaly. Seven of the patients had chronic ulcers which spanned five to 12 years before the study. Five patients, however, had had cerebrovascular accidents. The cohort of patients with HbF level greater than 10% had not experienced priapism, acute chest syndrome, cerebrovascular accidents or chronic leg ulcer. All the patients have had a form of Western education, have a good knowledge of the disease and possible outcome. CONCLUSION: The study strongly suggests that for the survival of the sickle cell anaemia patient, educational background of patients and their parents, awareness of hospital treatment and early presentation in hospital are major contributory factors. Also, adequate medical care, maintenance of disciplined life styles, stable or sedentary occupation and good family support, prompt and effective treatment of complications, all contribute to better health and hence a longer life span.
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