Frequency of Sickle Cell Anemia and Sickle Cell Trait in Meseria tribe who referred to Heglig hospital From Eastern Heglig Area

Abstract

This study was analytical, descriptive and cross-sectional conducted to determine the sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait frequency among Eastern Heglig area in patients referred to Heglig hospital in Southern Kordofan state in the period between November 2008 to February 2009. One hundred (100) patients were informed about the study and agreement for participation was obtained. A venous blood of 2.5 ml was collected in EDTA containers and investigated for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, a complete blood count (CBC), sickling test and haemoglobin electrophoresis were carried out. Fully automated hematological analyzer (Sysmex Kx 21N), Electrophoresis tank and power pack were used for analysis and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer program version 13 was used for data processing. The mean age of the sickle cell disease patients was (17.2 years). The results showed that percentage of sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease were (40) and (10) respectively. Hemoglobin level, total erythrocyte and packed cell volume of the sickle cell disease patients were (6.67g/dl), (2.4 X 106/Cumm) and (20.7%), respectively. There were no significant differences in sickle cell disease and normal individuals in mean cell haemoglobin concentration (32.2g/dl), mean cell volume (86.68fl) and mean cell hemoglobin (27.98 pg) (p < 0.399, p < 0.203 and p < 0.189 respectively, The total leukocytes (15.1X 103 / Cumm) p < 0.000) and platelets count (452.5X 103 / Cumm) p < 0.005) were significantly elevated in sickle cell disease when compared with normal individuals. In conclusion, sickle cell anaemia is highly frequent in the studied area, which is most likely due to the consanguineous marriages.