The sickle gene: a marker for blood pressure?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hematology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder prevalent in many populations, including Nigerians.
• Understanding the cardiovascular implications of SCD, such as blood pressure variations, is crucial for patient management.
• Previous studies on blood pressure in sickle cell anemia (SS) have yielded varied results, necessitating further investigation in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate blood pressure patterns in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia (SS) compared to those with sickle cell trait (AS) and without sickle cell anemia (AA).
• To identify factors, including genotype, age, body mass index, and sex, that correlate with blood pressure in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted on 224 Nigerians from families with and without sickle cell anemia.
• Blood pressure measurements were taken for offspring (n=162) across different genotypes (SS, AS, AA).
• Regression analysis was performed to determine independent correlates of blood pressure, controlling for relevant variables.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in systolic blood pressure was observed among the SS, AS, and AA groups.
• Children with sickle cell anemia (SS) exhibited significantly lower diastolic blood pressure compared to AS and AA groups (60.6 vs. 66.5 and 65.4 mm Hg, respectively; P < .01).
• Age was identified as the sole independent predictor of blood pressure after adjusting for genotype, age, body mass index, and sex.

Conclusions:

• Sickle cell anemia is associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in Nigerian children.
• Diastolic blood pressure may be a potential indicator of cardiovascular changes in sickle cell anemia.
• Age is a significant determinant of blood pressure in children, irrespective of sickle cell genotype.