Hematology Parameters and Clinical associations in Children with Steady-State Sickle Cell Anemia in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Hematology parameters are essential for evaluating and managing sickle cell anemia patients and can be used to predict disease severity and outcomes. Aim: To determine the mean values of hematology parameters of children with steady-state sickle cell anemia and relate the means to clinical parameters. Methods: This study was a hospital–based cross-sectional descriptive study, with participants recruited through the nonprobability sampling method. The demographic characteristics, clinical findings and hydroxyurea usage of the study participants were recorded. A five milliliters blood sample was used to determine the full blood count and fetal hemoglobin level via a Sysmex kx-21 N (hematology auto analyzer) and a CEA996Hu enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for fetal Hemoglobin (HbF), respectively. Results: One hundred ten children, including 61 (55.5%) males and 49 (44.5%) females were studied. The mean PCV, WBC counts and HbF were 24.4±3.40%, 9806.91±4375.80×10°9c/l, and 4.29±2.72%, respectively. Males had significantly higher PCVs than females did (p=0.045), and the WBC count was significantly greater among those aged 6–10 years (p=0.043). A high WBC count was associated with disease severity (p=0.039), and hydroxyurea was associated with the frequency of blood transfusions (p=0.000). Conclusion: The mean HbF level was low, and the mean PCV was within the normal range. A high mean WBC count was associated with disease severity, with individuals aged 6–10 years having significantly greater counts. Hydroxyurea had no effects on hematology parameters but was associated with the frequency of blood transfusions. Multicenter studies are desirable to further evaluate clinical benefits of hydroxyurea. Keywords: Sickle cell anemia, children, hematology parameters, clinical associations