Association of homocysteine and inflammatory-related molecules in sickle cell anemia.

Objective: Investigate the role of homocysteine (Hcy), Th17-related cytokines, and adhesion molecules in the inflammatory state seen in the sickle cell anemia (SCA).

Methods: We studied the Hcy, interleukin (IL)-17, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) cytokine levels of 62 SCA patients, as well as the expression levels of inflammatory and endothelial activation markers.

Results: We found significant associations between Hcy levels and increased expression of IL-17 and TGF-β among SCA patients, and a positive significant correlation between Hcy and soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecules (sVCAM).

Sickle cell anemia: delayed diagnosis in Bahia, Brazil--a largely Afro-descendant population.

Hemoglobinopathies are the most common genetic disorders in the world and include sickle cell anemia (SCA), which is a public health problem in Brazil. Nevertheless, the disease is highly unknown among health professionals, and delayed diagnosis constitutes an important cause of concern for caretakers of SCA patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and laboratory history of SCA patients whose diagnosis was established during the first year of life to those of other SCA patients who had delayed SCA diagnosis.

Alloimmunization and clinical profile of sickle cell disease patients from Salvador-Brazil.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an important public health issue in Bahia, Brazil. Erythrocyte transfusions may reduce morbidity of SCD, however, they are associated with numerous risks. Among other risk categories, alloimmunization to red cell antigens may result from transfusions.