Biochemical features of hepatic dysfunction in Nigerians with Sickle Cell Anaemia

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to document the biochemical manifestations of liver dysfunction in Nigerians with sickle cell anaemia with the aim of alerting physicians on the need to consider these changes in the overall management of the disease condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum total proteins, albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels were estimated in 150 patients with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) and 100 control (HbAA) subjects. RESULTS: The serum total proteins and albumin levels were found to fall within the reference intervals in both the HbSSpatients and the controls. However, the mean bilirubin (total and conjugated) levels and the activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the HbSSpatients than the control subjects. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated elevated levels of serum bilirubin, ALP, ALT and AST in patients with sickle cell anaemia.