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Longitudinal differences in aerobic capacity between children with sickle cell anemia and matched controls

Andrew M Watson1, Robert I Liem, Zengqi Lu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|January 6, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) show lower maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) than healthy peers, with this gap widening during puberty. These differences persist even after accounting for key physiological factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) often experience chronic health challenges.
  • Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) is a critical indicator of cardiorespiratory health.
  • Understanding fitness trajectories in SCA is crucial for managing long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the longitudinal changes in maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) between children with SCA and healthy controls.
  • To investigate the association of VO2peak trajectories with physiological variables like hemoglobin concentration and fat-free mass.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study involving 33 children with SCA and 30 matched healthy controls.
  • Three annual fitness assessments measuring VO2peak.
  • Statistical analysis using linear mixed models to compare changes over time, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Children with SCA had lower baseline VO2peak and hemoglobin levels compared to controls.
  • Over time, children with SCA exhibited smaller increases in VO2peak, Tanner stage, and fat-free mass.
  • The disparity in VO2peak trajectories between groups remained significant after adjusting for multiple physiological factors.

Conclusions:

  • Children with SCA have significantly lower relative VO2peak than healthy children, and this difference exacerbates during puberty.
  • These VO2peak trajectory differences are independent of age, sex, Tanner stage, fat-free mass, and hemoglobin concentration.
  • The findings highlight potential long-term cardiorespiratory implications for children with SCA.
Abstract

Keywords:
Tanner stageVO2 maxadolescenceaerobic capacitysickle cell anemia

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