Arginine supplementation improves lactate dehydrogenase levels in steady-state sickle cell patients: preliminary findings from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) disrupts oxygen transport due to the abnormal shape and rigidity of red blood cells, leading to hemolysis. Hemolysis, a major co-morbidity in SCD, is indicated by elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Arginine depletion, which is essential for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, contributes to various complications in SCD.

Relevance of repeated analyses of albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate in African children with sickle cell anaemia.

Glomerular hyperfiltration and albuminuria are frequent kidney abnormalities in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). However, little is known about their persistence in African SCA children. This prospective study included 600 steady-state SCA children aged 2-18 years from the Democratic Republic of Congo.