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A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
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Renal function in children suffering from sickle cell disease: challenge of early detection in highly resource-scarce

Michel Ntetani Aloni1, René Makwala Ngiyulu1, Jean-Lambert Gini-Ehungu1

  • 1Division of Hemato-oncology and Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Kinshasa, School of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Plos One
|May 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo show higher glomerular filtration rates and uric acid levels, alongside lower urea levels, compared to healthy children. These findings highlight common renal abnormalities in pediatric SCD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Public Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is highly prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Limited data exists on renal abnormalities in Congolese children with SCD.
  • This study addresses the gap in understanding kidney function in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate renal function in Congolese children with homozygous sickle cell disease (Hb-SS).
  • To compare kidney function markers between children with Hb-SS and healthy controls (Hb-AA).
  • To assess blood pressure, glomerular filtration, urea, and uric acid levels.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 65 Congolese children with Hb-SS and 67 healthy controls.
  • Measurements included blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) corrected for body surface area (BSA), urea, and uric acid levels.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare parameters between groups.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher GFR (hyperfiltration) observed in the Hb-SS group (30.8%) compared to controls (6.1%).
  • Elevated uric acid levels and decreased urea levels were found in children with Hb-SS.
  • No statistically significant difference in blood pressure was noted between groups; proteinuria was present in 6.2% of Hb-SS children.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperfiltration, low urea, and high uric acid are more prevalent in Congolese children with sickle cell disease.
  • These findings indicate common renal abnormalities in pediatric SCD patients in this region.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the long-term renal implications.
Abstract

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