Cardiovascular Findings in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Steady State seen in Calabar, Nigeria

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality linked to multi-systemic complications. With recent improvements in healthcare globally, it is expected that SCA patients in Nigeria will live longer. The cardiovascular complications may thus become prevalent.

Fifty-two patients with sickle cell anemia in steady state and 52 controls were recruited. The assessment included history, physical examination, 12-lead resting electrocardiography, 2D, M-Mode and Doppler echocardiography, six-minute walk test and NTerminal pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro BNP) assay.

The mean age of the sickle cell patients was 28.87±7.89 years and most were post-secondary or tertiary institutions. They had faster pulse rates (84.69±9.48 vs75.48±10.35 beats/minute, p=0.000), lower blood pressure (Systolic 112.56 ±10.87 mmHg vs 115.42 ± 14.75mmHg; Diastolic 70.79±9.03mmHg vs 71.27±9.23 mmHg) and lower Body Mass Index (21.55±3.51 vs 24.94±4.56kg/m2; p=0.000). Mean left ventricular (LV) internal diameters in systole and diastole were (3.19 ±0.57cm vs 2.81±0.45 cm; p=0.000) and (4.99±0.69cm vs 4.29±0.56 cm; p=0.00) respectively. Left and right ventricular systolic functions were normal. None of the patients with SCA met the criteria for pulmonary hypertension while 88.89% of those screened using Natriuretic peptide were at risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (NT-proBNP levels ≥ 160pg/ml). Functional status assessed by sixminute walk test was normal (373.00 ±60.40m vs 403.83±72.87 m; but significantly lower than in controls (p= 0.021).

The cardiovascular system is adversely affected in persons with sickle cell anaemia especially as they grow older. Despite the presence of left ventricular remodeling, the patients with SCA in this study maintained good functional status. Regular cardiovascular assessment is advised.