Journal of Medical and Biological Science Research

44-46

Authors: Nnodim Johnkennedy, Udujih Bernard Uche, Nwaokoro Joakin Chidozie, Uche Ukonu and Onah Christian

The serum homocysteine levels of sickle cell patients attending General Hospital Owerri, Nigeria were evaluated to determine whether or not the serum levels of these homocysteine were normal. One hundred confirmed sickle cell patients (HbSS), and thirty sickle cell patients in crisis age 5 to 30 years were selected. One hundred normal subjects (HbAA) age 5 to 30 years were used as control. The mean level of homocysteine was significantly increased in sickle cell anaemia (p<0.05), when compared with the control (HbAA). However, the mean level of homocysteine was significantly more increased in sickle cell crisis compared with sickle cell anaemia. The result suggests, that sickle cell anemia is linked with elevated homocysteine level, which could lead to increased risk of hypercoagulability and thromboembolic complications as well as cardiovascular risk in sickle cell anaemia. Key words: Homocysteine, Sickle cell anaemia, General Hospital, Owerri.