The Influence of Decreased Levels of High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol on Hematological Indices in Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Author(s):

Emokpae AM, Kuliya-Gwarzo A

Background: Changes in lipoproteins levels in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients are well�known, but the physiological ramifications of the low levels observed have not been entirely resolved. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL�c) on hematological indices in steady state SCD patients. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 84 SCD patients on steady clinical state, 36 males and 48 females with a mean age 21 (6) years. All those who have had blood transfusion within 4 months, infection, chronic kidney disease, and inflammatory episodes were excluded. Full blood count, total cholesterol, HDL�c, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride were assayed. Hematological indices of SCD patients with decreased levels of HDL�c were compared with those with normal HDL�c levels. Results: The SCD patients with decreased levels of HDL�c presented with lower levels of hemoglobin (P < 0.01), hematocrit (P < 0.001), total leukocyte count (P = 0.02), red blood cell count (P < 0.01), absolute neutrophil count (P = 0.04), absolute monocyte count (P < 0.01), and triglyceride (P = 0.02).Of the 47 SCD with decreased levels of HDL�c, 82.9% (39/47) have had blood transfusion while 48.6% (18/37) out of 37 SCD with normal HDL�c have had blood transfusion. Conclusion: SCD patients with decreased levels of HDL�c had more severe anemia, higher leukocyte and platelet counts than those with normal HDL�c levels. The low HDL�c marker may assist in the prediction of adverse clinical events in these patients.