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Congolese children with sickle cell trait may exhibit glomerular hyperfiltration: A case control study
Michel Ntetani Aloni1, René Makwala Ngiyulu1, Célestin Ndosimao Nsibu2
1Division of Hemato-oncology and nephrology, Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Kinshasa, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo.
Insights
Children with sickle cell trait (SCT) in sub-Saharan Africa show a higher prevalence of hyperfiltration, indicating potential renal changes. Further research is needed to understand this renal physiology in SCT individuals.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Sickle cell trait (SCT) is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Previous research indicates SCT carriers may impact renal function.
- Renal abnormalities in African children with SCT remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess glomerular function in Congolese children with sickle cell trait (SCT).
- To investigate potential renal abnormalities in children with SCT.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study compared glomerular function in 43 children with SCT (Hb-AS).
- Participants were matched for age with 65 children with sickle cell anemia (Hb-SS) and 67 normal controls (Hb-AA).
- Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and blood pressure were assessed.
Main Results:
- Blood pressure differed significantly between Hb-AS and Hb-SS groups.
- Hyperfiltration was observed in 16.3% of children with SCT, higher than controls (6.1%) but lower than sickle cell anemia patients (30%).
- No statistically significant differences in eGFR or hyperfiltration rates were found between groups; no proteinuria was detected in the SCT group.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 1 in 6 children with SCT exhibited hyperfiltration.
- These findings suggest potential alterations in renal physiology among SCT individuals in Africa.
- Further studies are warranted to explore renal function in SCT populations.
Background:
The prevalence of sickle cell trait is extremely high in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent studies have reported the impact of sickle cell carriers on renal function. However, data on renal abnormalities in children with sickle cell trait in this part of the world are unknown. In this report, we assess the glomerular function of children with sickle cell trait (SCT).
Methods:
A case control study was conducted to assess the glomerular function in 43 Congolese children with sickle cell trait (Hb-AS) matched for age to 65 children with sickle cell anemia in steady state (Hb-SS) and 67 normal controls (Hb-AA).
Results:
There was a significant difference in the blood pressure levels between the Hb-AS group vs Hb-SS group (P<.05). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) corrected for body surface area was increased in Hb-AS group compared to Hb-AA group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=.48). At the same time, the eGFR was decreased, but no significantly so, in the Hb-AS group compared to the Hb-SS group (P=.19). The proportion of children with Hb-AS (16.3%) who had hyperfiltration was higher compared to the proportion (6.1%) found in the Hb-AA group, but lower compared to the proportion found in the Hb-SS group (30%). However, in both situations, the difference was not statistically significant. No case of proteinuria was detected in children with Hb-AS.
Conclusion:
It appears that at least one of six children with SCT had hyperfiltration. The findings could form a basis for further studies on this renal physiology among SCT individuals in Africa.
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