Renal function in children with sickle cell anemia

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Published on: March 14, 2017

A Karabay Bayazit1, A Noyan, B Aldudak

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Cukurova University School of Medicine, Balcali, Adana, Turkey.

Clinical Nephrology
|February 28, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) show distal tubular abnormalities, not proximal, impacting kidney function. This study highlights consistent renal functional derangements in pediatric SCA patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is associated with diverse renal dysfunctions.
  • Understanding these dysfunctions in childhood is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and demonstrate renal function abnormalities in children with homozygous sickle cell anemia (HbSS).
  • To compare renal function between pediatric HbSS patients and healthy children.

Main Methods:

  • Renal function studies were conducted on 55 pediatric HbSS patients and 13 healthy controls.
  • Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed on blood and timed urine samples.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric HbSS patients exhibited higher serum potassium and uric acid levels compared to controls.
  • Significantly lower mean tubular phosphate reabsorption and fractional potassium excretion were observed in HbSS patients.
  • Patients showed higher urine pH and lower specific gravity and osmolality, indicating distal tubular dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Distal tubular abnormalities are the most consistent renal functional derangements in children with SCA.
  • Significant proximal tubular dysfunction is not a common feature in pediatric SCA patients.
Abstract

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