Serum Calcium, Inorganic Phosphates and some Haematological Parameters in Sickle Cell Disease in Enugu Metropolis

Abstract

Objectives: Sickle cell disease has long been associated with bone deformities and pain. Mineral salts such as calcium and inorganic phosphate are critical in bone formation and metabolism. This investigation was designed to study the serum concentration of these minerals as well as some haematological parameters in persons who suffer from sickle cell disease. Methods: Forty five patients who have sickle cell disease (HbSS) attending the sickle cell clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, were recruited for the study after obtaining informed consent. Twenty healthy persons (HbAA) served as controls. Serum calcium level was determined by EDTA titration, inorganic phosphate by spectrophotometric method of Goldberg and the Haematological parameters by Bain method. Results: The age range of both test subjects and controls was 3 to 26 years. There were no significant differences in calcium and inorganic phosphate levels of test and control subjects (p>0.05). There were however, significant differences when values of haematological parameters were compared in tests and control subjects (p Conclusion: The results suggest that serum calcium and phosphate levels may not be affected significantly in sickle cell disease. Key Words: Calcium, phosphate, sickle cell disease, haematological parameters Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.15(1&2) 2003: 5-8