Comparison of Serum Electrolytes between Sickle Cell and Control Group: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Sickle-cell anaemia is an inherited disease in which genes for sickle-cell haemoglobin comes from both parents. Electrolytes such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) are essential for the normal functioning of the cells and organs. The present study was carried out to evaluate and determine the relationship between electrolytes values in Sickle cell anaemia patients. Aim: To compare serum electrolytes levels between Sickle cell and control group. Materials and Methods: Meta-analysis was carried out on the findings of ten published studies that were related to serum electrolytes levels of sickle cell anaemia patients. The pooled mean for serum electrolytes was estimated by using a random-effects model. Results: Pooled mean for serum sodium was lower in sickle cell anaemia with p value 0.04. However, potassium levels were higher in patients than controls with p value 0.01. Conclusion: Pooled mean reported in this study can be useful in working out the management of sickle cell anaemia.