Coagulation profile in sickle cell anemia in tertiary care teaching hospital

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited haemoglobin disorder marked by chronic haemolytic anaemia due to the polymerization of abnormal haemoglobin S (HbS), which distorts red blood cells into a sickled shape. These altered cells lead to Vaso-occlusion, resulting in complications such as pain crises, stroke, and acute chest syndrome. SCD is associated with a hypercoagulable state, and abnormalities in coagulation parameters may have prognostic significance. Aims and Objective • To evaluate the coagulation profile in patients with sickle cell anaemia. • To compare the profile in steady state versus during Vaso-occlusive crises. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study involving 150 individuals was conducted over 10 months (July 2024-April 2025). It included 50 SCD patients in steady state, 50 during crisis, and 50 healthy controls with HbAA genotype. Coagulation tests, including Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), were analyzed and compared. Results: Patients with SCD showed significantly prolonged PT and APTT values compared to the control group. Notably, APTT was significantly more prolonged during crises than in steady state. These differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of coagulation abnormalities in SCD patients, even in steady state, with further derangement during crises. These findings support the role of coagulation profiling in the clinical assessment and management of SCD.