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Serum cobalamin concentration in sickle cell disease (HbSS)

B O Osifo, F A Lukanmbi, A Adeyokunnu

    Acta Haematologica
    |January 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Sickle cell children (HbSS) show reduced serum cobalamin and linked erythrocyte folate levels. Supplementing cobalamin with folate may reduce infection frequency and severity in these patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Hematology
    • Nutritional Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Sickle cell disease (HbSS) is associated with various hematological abnormalities.
    • Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins like cobalamin and folate, are common in sickle cell patients.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate serum cobalamin, folate, and erythrocyte folate levels in children with sickle cell disease during the steady state.
    • To explore the relationship between cobalamin and folate status in these patients.
    • To discuss the potential role of cobalamin in folate metabolism and immune function.

    Main Methods:

    • Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were measured.
    • Erythrocyte folate concentrations were determined.
    • Total leucocyte and neutrophil counts were analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Significant reduction in serum cobalamin concentration observed in sickle cell children.
    • Significant increases in total leucocyte and neutrophil counts noted.
    • A positive correlation between serum cobalamin and erythrocyte folate levels was found, with lowest erythrocyte folate in patients with lowest serum cobalamin.

    Conclusions:

    • Cobalamin deficiency may impact erythrocyte folate polyglutamate synthesis and immune function in sickle cell disease.
    • Daily cobalamin supplementation, alongside folate, may benefit sickle cell patients by potentially reducing infection frequency and severity.

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