Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Adult Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria

Background; Sickle cell anaemia is the most common monogenic hematologic disorder in Nigeria. Cardiovascular pathology, resulting in electrocardiographic abnormalities are a common finding in adult sickle cell patients. Objective; This study investigated the pattern of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in steady state adult sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) patients and compared the findings with that of age and sex matched Haemoglobin AA(HbAA) controls. Methodology; Fifty steady state adult HbSS participants were recruited from the haematology clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital while fifty age and sex matched HbAA controls were recruited from the hospital community. Participants underwent resting 12 lead ECG using a Schiller CARDIOVIT AT-1 ECG machine. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Results; The prevalence of ECG abnormalities amongst the adult sickle cell participants and controls was 70% and 10% respectively. ECG abnormalities were more common amongst male sickle cell participants and left ventricle hypertrophy was the most frequent ECG abnormality detected. Conclusion; There is a high prevalence of ECG abnormalities amongst adult sickle cell anaemia patients. Regular Electrocardiography is recommended for early detection of these abnormalities for early treatment and improved quality of life. Keywords: Electrocardiographic Abnormalities, Sickle Cell Disease Patients, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Haemoglobin AA