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Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Pulmonary hypertension in Nigerian adults with sickle cell anemia
Valentine N Amadi1, Michael O Balogun2, Norah O Akinola3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State.
Background:
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the commonest hemoglobinopathy and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is reported to play a significant role in this regard. There is very limited literature on PH in SCA in Nigeria.
Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Doppler-derived PH in SCA, assess its influence on exercise capacity, and determine the correlates and predictors of measures of estimated pulmonary pressure.
Methods:
A total of 92 SCA subjects had echocardiography and 6-minute self-paced walking exercise. PH was diagnosed by Doppler echocardiography on finding a tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) of ≥2.5 m/s. The pulmonary flow profile was also assessed to estimate mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP).
Results:
Doppler-derived PH was detected in 23.9% of adults with SCA. The 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) was significantly lower in SCA adults with PH than in those without PH (380.33 ± 63.17 m vs 474.28 ± 76.74 m; p = 0.014). TRV and estimated MPAP had a significant inverse correlation with the 6MWD (r = -0.442; p < 0.001 and r = -0.571; p < 0.001, respectively).
Conclusion:
PH as derived by Doppler is common in Nigerian adults with SCA and has a significantly negative influence on exercise capacity. Screening for PH should be encouraged to optimize management and thus improve their quality of life and life expectancy.
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