Assessment of renal function in children with sickle cell anaemia in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a multisystemic disorder affecting almost all organs of the body including the kidneys. Structural and functional renal abnormalities are recognizable in SCA patients.

Objectives: To estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of children with SCA in steady state attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

Materials and Methods: Sixty SCA cases and 60 age and gender matched non SCA children (control) were recruited over a period of 6 months. It was a case-control study conducted at the Paediatric Haematology Clinic and the General Paediatric Outpatient Clinic of UMTH.

Results: The mean ± SD GFR for SCA subjects was 125 ± 39.8ml/min/1.73m², while the control group had 106 ± 15.8 ml/min/1.73m². There was a positive correlation between age and GFR for SCA subjects. Children with SCA in steady state have GFR within normal range but higher than those of age and gender matched Haemoglobin AA; p<0.05. Previous episodes of vaso occlusive crisis was observed not to have significant effect on GFR of the children with SCA in steady state.

Conclusion: Sickle cell anaemia children in Maiduguri under the age of 14 years in steady state have normal GFR that is hardly influenced by previous episodes of VOC.

Keywords: Glomerular filtration rate, Sickle cell anaemia, Steady state, Schwartz formula