Main Article Content
Growth parametrs among sickle cell disease patients in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease has been associated with a lot of morbidity and mortality, with an attendant emotional, physical, and financial
burden on the affected population. The degree of its burden probably has been on the decline as a result of a combination of better education,
counselling and better Medicare. This study has tried to study the present state of this burden on growth parameters in the Niger Delta Region of
Nigeria.
Methods: height and weight measurements of children and adolescents were taken from the sickle cell clinic of University of Port Harcourt
Teaching Hospital and normal school children of University of Port Harcourt Schools and data obtained compared.
Results and Conclusion: significant difference in weight and height for age was observed from age 10-20. There were no significant difference in
weight and height for age below 10years. Improvement in Medicare and availability of counselling services may account for the delayed manifestation of the burden of sickle cell disease on growth parameters.
burden on the affected population. The degree of its burden probably has been on the decline as a result of a combination of better education,
counselling and better Medicare. This study has tried to study the present state of this burden on growth parameters in the Niger Delta Region of
Nigeria.
Methods: height and weight measurements of children and adolescents were taken from the sickle cell clinic of University of Port Harcourt
Teaching Hospital and normal school children of University of Port Harcourt Schools and data obtained compared.
Results and Conclusion: significant difference in weight and height for age was observed from age 10-20. There were no significant difference in
weight and height for age below 10years. Improvement in Medicare and availability of counselling services may account for the delayed manifestation of the burden of sickle cell disease on growth parameters.
