A comparative study of haematological parameters in children suffering from sickle cell anaemia (SCA) from different regions of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) occurs frequently in several regions of Saudi Arabia but the haematological and clinical presentations are significantly variable. We investigated 264 Saudi children suffering from SCA originating from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Normal children from the same region were used as controls. Freshly obtained blood samples from patients and controls were used to estimate haematological parameters, red cell indices, Hb A2 and Hb F levels. The results of children from the different regions were separately analysed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Significant variations were seen in the haematological parameters in SCA patients compared to controls in each region. In addition, comparison of patients from different areas also showed wide variations. The highest levels of haemoglobin, red blood cells and haematocrit were in the SCA children from the eastern province, and the lowest levels were from those in the western province. Red cell indices and Hb A2 levels did not differ significantly but HbF levels were significantly higher compared to the control group. Inter-regional differences were seen in the Hb F level. A slight but statistically significant increase was seen in the total haemoglobin with Hb F. This paper compares the haematological parameters of SCA in different regions of Saudi Arabia and shows a significant haematological heterogeneity in SCA in Saudis.