Assessment of serum iron levels in children with sickle cell anaemia at Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
Sixty children with sickle cell anaemia in the steady
state attending the haematology clinic at Kenyatta
National Hospital were assessed for serum iron levels
and for the prevalence of iron deficiency. Laboratory
investigations included hemoglobin, mean corpuscular
volume (MCV), white blood cell count (WBC), serum
iron,total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum
ferritin, peripheral blood films and stools for
parasites. The most reliable screening test for
iron deficiency was serum ferritin. Twenty two
children (36%) were found to be iron deficient(serum
ferritin less than 12ng/l). Hookworm ova were found
in eight of these children making it the single most
important cause of iron deficiency. The conclusion
made from this study is that iron deficiency anaemia
is a potential problem in the non transfused sickle
cell patients and therefore needs to be looked for in
these patients.
Citation
Degree of Master of Medicine (paediatricsPublisher
University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences
Description
A dissertation submitted in part fulfillment
for the Degree of Master of Medicine (paediatrics)
in the University of Nairobi