Anthropometric Profiles Of Homozygous Sickle Cell Children In North-Western Nigeria: Findings From Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the growth of homozygous sickle cell disease children aged 12 – 60 months with their non- sickle cell disease counterparts in North-Western Nigerian city of Sokoto.
Methodology: The anthropometric parameters of homozygous SS children aged 12 – 60 months were compared with non- sickle cell disease children of similar socio-demographic characteristics.
Results: The homozygous SS children had significantly lower mean weight (9.94 ± 3.04 kg) when compare to the non- sickle cell disease children (12.66 ± 3.57 kg) (p < 0.05). Their mean height (73.75 ± 11.82 cm) and mid upper arm circumference (9.06 ± 2.17 cm) were both comparably lower than those of their non-sickle cell disease counterparts (108.71 ± 12.21 cm and 10.19 ± 2.19 cm respectively), both differences being found to be significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Consistent with studies from other places, homozygous SS children had lower growth and development as evident from their lower anthropometric profiles.


Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 11 (2) 2008: pp. 45-48