Effects of hyperbilirubinaemia on fructosamine assay in sickle cell anaemia

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that high levels of bilirubin interfere with the colorimetric estimation of fructosamine both in-vivo and in-vitro. None of the previous studies was conducted in a defined clinical disorder. Aim: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of hyperbilirubinaemia on the measurement of fructosamine in patients with sickle cell anaemia (Hb SS), a highly prevalent genetic disorder in our society. Methodology: Serum fructosamine, glucose, albumin and total bilirubin were measured in 150 Hb SS patients and 100 healthy volunteers as controls. Results: The mean fructosamine concentration was statistically similar in Hb SS patients and controls. No statistical difference was found between the mean fructosamine concentration at different levels of serum total bilirubin in Hb SS patients and controls. Conclusion: These results show that high levels of bilirubin in patients with sickle cell anaemia, in the steady state, do not interfere with the colorimetric estimation of fructosamine.