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Hepatic function tests in children with sickle cell anaemia during vaso occlusive crisis
A Ojuawo1, M A Adedoyin, D Fagbule
1Department of Child Health, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Insights
Sickle cell anaemia patients show higher liver enzymes and bilirubin during vaso-occlusive crisis. These levels normalize upon recovery, suggesting transient liver dysfunction in children with sickle cell disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Hepatology
- Sickle Cell Disease Research
Background:
- Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder.
- Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is a hallmark complication of SCA, causing severe pain and organ damage.
- Hepatic involvement in SCA during VOC requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate transient hepatic functional changes in children with SCA during VOC.
- To compare liver function test (LFT) results during crisis and recovery phases.
- To identify specific biomarkers indicative of hepatic stress during SCA crises.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 30 children with SCA during VOC and at recovery.
- Assayed liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
- Assayed other parameters: total protein, albumin, and bilirubin.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated serum ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels were observed during VOC compared to recovery (p < 0.005).
- Elevations were particularly pronounced in younger patients.
- No significant differences in total protein and albumin levels were found between crisis and recovery phases.
Conclusions:
- Transient hepatic functional derangement likely occurs during vaso-occlusive crisis in children with SCA.
- Elevated ALT, ALP, and bilirubin serve as indicators of acute hepatic stress during SCA crises.
- Monitoring LFTs during VOC may aid in managing hepatic complications in pediatric SCA patients.
Abstract:
Thirty children with sickle cell anaemia had their serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin and bilirubin, assayed during vaso-occlusive crisis and at recovery. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels were significantly higher during crisis than at recovery, (p < 0.005) especially in the young patient. However, the total protein and albumin levels were not significantly different in crisis and at recovery. A transient hepatic functional derangement during vaso-occlusive crisis is a probable explanation for the reported changes.