Does G gamma/A gamma ratio and Hb F level influence the severity of sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) exhibits significant variations in clinical presentation in different populations for which several genetic factors including SCA-associated alpha- and beta-thalassaemias, G-6-PD deficiency and elevated Hb F level have been implicated as possible ameliorating factors. Saudi Arabia is unique in that mild and severe forms of the disease occur at a high frequency. We investigated the G gamma/A gamma ratio and Hb F level and correlated these values with the severity of SCA. The results showed that Hb F level varies significantly in both groups of patients with no evident correlation with the mild clinical manifestations. However, G gamma/A gamma ratio correlated significantly with the disease severity where a high ratio was observed in patients with the mild and a low ratio in patients with the severe disease. The results are evaluated and discussed in the light of correlation studies and regression analysis.