Abstract
In this study we have measured a variety of hematogical parameters in 17 sickle cell disease (SCD) patients (mean age: 35 years) for a period of 30 months. Several hematological parameters were measured under conditions of vaso-occulsive crisis as well as in the steady state noncrisis period. The mean serum calcium content (mg of calcium per dl) was found to be less (P < 0.05) during crisis (8.24 ± 0.73, N = 7) than during the non-crisis states (8.81 ± 0.43, N = 15). This decrease in serum calcium may be the result of calcium influx into Hb SS-erythrocytes. Irreversibly sickled Hb SS-erythrocytes are known to have a particularly high calcium content. Fibrinogen levels were also found to be much higher (P < 0.01) in the crisis state (426±195 mg/dl, N = 3) compared to the noncrisis state (236 ± 47 mg/dl, N = 14). Measurements of serum LDH and of oxygen saturation (p-50 per cent) and blood gases were not significantly different in the two states (crisis vs steady state). There is an increased shift to the right of the optical density of sickle hemoglobin during crisis compared to the steady state. Measurement of the optical density of sickle hemoglobin may be useful in predicting the frequency of sickle cell crisis in some patients.
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Hara, S., Adhikary, P., Hardy, R. et al. 912 STUDIES RELATED TO THE CRISIS EPISODES IN SICKLE CELL PATIENTS. Pediatr Res 19, 262 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00942
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00942