Sickle cell anemia (SCA) and the impact of G6PD activity on the Hematological parameters

Abstract

Objectives: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are the most common inherited red blood cell (RBC) disorders. The aim of this study was to determine, compare, and correlate G6PD activities with hematological parameters in SCD patients with deficient and non-deficient G6PD and healthy controls in Sana'a, Yemen. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 SCD patients (SCA = 84; SCT = 66) and 150 controls who attended some hospitals in Sana’a from April to June 2022. Five milliliters of venous blood were used for the estimation of CBC and G6PD activity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Results: The SCD patients had significantly lower Hb, PCV, and RBC and higher reticulocytes than controls (P ˂ 0.020). The SCA patients were significantly lower in Hb, PCV, and MCHC and higher in reticulocytes than SCT. G6PD deficiency was found in 26% of the SCD patients, and it was more prevalent in SCA than in SCT and in males than in females. The deficient patients had significantly lower Hb and PCV and higher reticulocytes than non-deficient patients. G6PD activity was found to be positively related to Hb and PCV. Conclusion: G6PD deficiency was more common in SCA patients and had an impact on hematological parameters, which could lead to increased RBC hemolysis. As a result, screening SCA patients for G6PD levels during diagnosis and treatment is advised.