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Cobalamin status in sickle cell disease.
O I Ajayi1, S Bwayo-Weaver, S Chirla
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Howard University Hospital, 2041 Georgia Avenue N.W, Washington, DC 20060, USA. olaide.ajayi@gmail.com
International Journal of Laboratory Hematology
|July 27, 2012
Summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients had lower serum cobalamin levels than controls. However, the prevalence of cobalamin deficiency was similar between groups, suggesting other factors influence vitamin B12 status in SCD.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Conflicting studies exist on whether individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) have a higher prevalence of cobalamin deficiency.
- This study aimed to prospectively compare cobalamin status in African-Americans with and without SCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare serum cobalamin levels and deficiency prevalence in African-Americans with and without sickle cell disease (SCD).
Main Methods:
- Serum cobalamin, folate, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid (MMA) were measured in 86 African-Americans (29 with SCD, 57 without).
- Additional markers including anti-intrinsic factor antibody, Helicobacter pylori antibody, and gastrin were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Median serum cobalamin was significantly lower in the SCD group (235 pM) compared to the non-SCD group (292 pM) (P=0.014).
- No significant differences in MMA or homocysteine levels were observed between groups.
- After accounting for chronic renal disease, the prevalence of cobalamin deficiency was similar (6.9% in SCD vs. 3.5% in non-SCD, P=0.6).
Conclusions:
- Sickle cell disease patients exhibited lower serum cobalamin levels but not a higher prevalence of deficiency.
- Future research should consider measuring haptocorrin and holotranscobalamin for a more accurate assessment of cobalamin status in SCD.
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