RENAL FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN ADULT SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA PATIENTS IN THE AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (ABUTH) ZARIA

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of renal function abnormalities among the sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients in the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria. Patients and Method A total of 94 SCA patients and 94 Controls were recruited. The age range for the SCA patients was 15-50yrs(median=22yrs) while that of the Control was 1556yrs(median=23yrs). The Study group was made up of 31(33%) males and 63(67%) females giving a male: female ratio of 1:2 .There were 62(66%) males and 32(34%) females in the Control group giving a male: female ratio of 2:1. They were evaluated using a questionnaire and clinical procedures. Thereafter, blood samples were taken for full blood count, serum urea, electrolytes and creatinine. Their urine samples were also taken for urinalysis. Results and Conclusion Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the study group were significantly higher than age-matched controls. There were significant changes in all the haematological parameters viz: mean haematocrit= 0.25 ±0.5(p value=0.0001), mean white blood cells count=9.6 ±3.5 x109/l(p value=0.0001), mean platelet count=386 ±170 x109/l(p value=0.0001) and mean reticulocyte count=7.3 ±3.0%(p value=0.0001) consistent with values found in other studies. There were no significant differences in serum urea, creatinine and electrolytes. Other significant abnormalities found include proteinuria (25.5%), microscopic haematuria(17%), and a mild urine concentrating defect. Only urea had a significant relationship with severity of anaemia. The renal abnormalities found in this study include proteinuria, microscopic haematuria and urine concentration defect. This pattern is consistent with that seen in adolescents and young adults to which the majority of the study subjects belong.

RENAL FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN ADULT SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA PATIENTS IN THE AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (ABUTH) ZARIA