Some haematological parameters, copper and selenium level among children of African descent with sickle cell disease in Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria.

Background: Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder of haemoglobin causing myriad of pathology including anaemia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate some haematological parameters and trace elements of total of forty-five (45) children with Sickle cell disease attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto.

Method: Twenty-five (25) apparently healthy children which were assessed as controls. The haematological parameters were determined using automated method and trace elements (copper and selenium) were determined using colorimetric and atomic absorption spectrophotometry method respectively.

Results: The Mean WBC and PLT was significantly higher among sickle cell disease subjects when compared to controls individuals (p< 0.05). The Mean RBC, HCT, HGB, MCV, MCH and MCHC was significantly lower among Sickle cell disease patients when compared to controls (p< 0.05). The Mean Copper and Selenium value was significantly lower (40.4 ± 1.44 μg/dl and 54.6 ± 1.60 ng/ml) among Sickle cell disease subjects compared to controls (75.6 ± 1.30 μg/dl and 86.3 ± 2.30 ng/ml) (p< 0.05). The WBC, HGB, HGT and Copper values of Sickle cell disease subjects shows a weak positive put non-statistically significant correlation with age (p> 0.05). The RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT, and Selenium values of sickle cell disease patients shows a negative non-statistically significant correlation indicating that the selenium level decreases as the age increases (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: This study shows that the WBC and platelet count was significantly higher among sickle cell disease subjects compared to controls. The RBC, HCT, HGB, MCV, MCH and MCHC were significantly lower among sickle cell disease patients compared to controls. The serum copper and selenium levels were significantly lower among sickle cell subjects compared to controls. We recommend that trace elements (copper and selenium) and haematological parameters be monitored routinely among sickle cell disease children to optimize the care offered to these individuals.