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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Isolation of Neonatal Extrahepatic Cholangiocytes
Published on: June 5, 2014
Hepatobiliary Findings in Nigerian Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia
O F Adeniyi1, A M Akinsete1, E A Odeghe2
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/ Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos.
Insights
Hepatobiliary abnormalities are common in children with sickle cell anaemia, with viral hepatitis and gallstones being frequent. Early diagnosis via clinical screening and ultrasonography is crucial for timely treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Hepatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hepatobiliary abnormalities are frequent in adult sickle cell anaemia patients but underreported in children, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap concerning hepatobiliary complications in pediatric sickle cell anaemia.
- Resource limitations in managing these complications in affected regions are also considered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of hepatobiliary complications in children with sickle cell anaemia.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with these complications.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 134 children (aged 1-18 years) with sickle cell anaemia in steady state.
- Data collection included clinical history, physical examination, basic hematologic and biochemical indices, and abdominal ultrasonography.
- Analysis focused on the relationship between complications and risk factors like age, crisis frequency, and blood transfusions.
Main Results:
- Hepatobiliary abnormalities were found in 39.6% of the children.
- The most prevalent complications were chronic hepatitis B (14.9%), cholelithiasis (12.7%), and hepatitis C (4.5%).
- Older age, male gender, and frequent blood transfusions were associated with increased prevalence of certain complications, particularly viral hepatitis and cholelithiasis.
Conclusions:
- Hepatobiliary abnormalities are highly prevalent in children with sickle cell anaemia.
- Early diagnosis through clinical screening and ultrasonography is essential for effective management.
- This approach can lead to timely therapeutic interventions and improved patient outcomes.
Introduction:
Hepatobiliary abnormalities occur commonly in sickle cell anaemia and these have been extensively reported in the adult patients. However, complications have been sparsely reported in children especially in the sub-Saharan African continent. This study aimed to highlight the hepatobiliary complications in this group of children using clinical examination, laboratory testing and abdominal ultrasonography. The challenges in a resource limited country are also highlighted.
Subjects, Materials And Methods:
One hundred and thirty- four (134) children aged 1-18years with sickle cell anaemia in steady state were recruited into this crossectional study. Clinical history and physical examination obtained were documented. Relevant basic haematologic and biochemical indices (Full blood count, liver enzymes and viral markers for hepatitis B and C) and abdominal ultrasonographic parameters were documented for all the children. The relationship between the complications and possible risk factors (age, frequency of crisis and blood transfusions) were also documented.
Result:
Fifty-three (39.6%) of the children had hepatobiliary abnormalities. Chronic hepatitis B infection was the most prevalent complication (14.9%) seen followed by cholelithiasis (12.7%) and Hepatitis C infection (4.5%). Other complications identified were cholecystitis (3.0%), biliary sludge (1.5%), liver cirrhosis (0.7%). Age was significantly associated with viral hepatitis (p=0.003) and cholelithiasis (p=0.0007) and the conditions were more prevalent in the older age group. The hepatobilary complications were also more prevalent in the males. Frequent blood transfusions was significantly related to viral hepatitis (p=0.03). The use of hydroxyurea was not significantly related to any of the complications.
Conclusion:
Hepatobiliary abnormalities are prevalent in children with sickle cell anaemia. Clinical screening and the use of ultrasonography would aid early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention in this group of children.
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