Correlation between Anthropometric Variables, Social Class, Age and Hematological Profile among Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in ENUGU South-East Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a common haematological genetic disorder, could affect both the growth and haematological profile of the sufferer.

Objectives: This study aims at determining any correlation between anthropometric variables and haematological parameters among children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA).

It also determines the association between social class and haematological parameters of children with SCA.

Methods: A total of 80 subjects were recruited into the study, comprising 40 HbSS patients. This is cross sectional study of haematological indices and anthropometric measurement of children with sickle cell anaemia aged 6-20 years.

All data were coded, entered, and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), version 20.

Results: There was statistical significant correlation between BSA and total white blood cell count (TWBC) (p=0.028) but not with Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Hb: r=0.073, p=0.654 ESR: r=0.224, p=0.164 TWBC: r=0.348, p=0.028. The Haemoglobin concentration, TWBC and ESR values are 7.77 g/dl, 11.96×109, and 15.4 mm/hr There is also no statistical significant correlation between BMI and haematological variables: TWBC r= 0.100 p=0.51, Hb: r=0.118, p= 0.469 ESR: r= 0.033, p=0.841.

There is also no statistical significant correlation between chest circumference and haematological indices. TWBC r= 0.216 p=0.181, Hb: r=0.043, p= 0.793 ESR: r= 0.143, p=0.378.

There were no statistical differences in mean for all the variables studied among the social classes. Hb; p=0.373 ESR p=0.633. TWBC p= 0.451.

Conclusion: Infection is not the only cause of elevation in TWBCs. it is important to also consider the impact of surface area on white blood cell count of children with SCD before using antimicrobials for such infections.