Abstract:
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder common in Sudan usually in the west.
It is one of the haemolytic anaemias that shortened the life of the red blood cells.
Sickle cell shape occur due to polymerization of haemoglobin S which is present due
to substitution of valine for glotamic acid at position 6 of the β-globin chain. Fetal
haemoglobin (Haemoglobin F) is increased in sickle cell disease.
This study aimed to determine fetal haemoglobin (Haemoglobin F)
level in
patients with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait The study carried out in 100
predetermined samples collected crossectionally in Kosti hospital during the period of
September 2008 to March 2009. 90 samples were sickle cell disease and sickle cell
trait and 10 samples were used as control.
The techniques used were ,Complete blood count (CBC) by sysmex
hematological analyzer - Sickling test - The alkaline method for haemoglobin
electrophoresis ( cellulose acetate electrophoresis ) – Estimation of haemoglobin F
level by the Modified Betke Method.
The study showed that the mean level of haemoglobin F in patients with sickle
cell disease receiving hydroxyurea was 21.98 % , and the level of Haemoglobin F in
those who were not receiving hydroxyurea was 16.8 % while it was 1.5 % in sickle
cell trait and 0.46 % in normal individuals.
