Effect of Haematocrit on Left Ventricular Dimensions and Systolic Function in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia: A Comparative Study
Chika Onyinyechi Duru *
Department of Paediatrics and Child health, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Timipah Peregba West
Department of Paediatrics and Child health, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Josephat M. Chinawa
Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Olukemi O. Ige
Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Fidelia Bode-Thomas
Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This was a comparative cross-sectional study where the left ventricular dimensions and functional parameters of 41 children (aged 1 to 18 years) with sickle cell anaemia were compared with those of 52 age-and-sex matched HbAA controls using transthoracic echocardiography. Majority of the left ventricular dimensions were significantly larger in the study group than the controls (p<0.05). The mean indices for left ventricular systolic function were higher in the study group than the controls though not statistically significant (p>0.05). Left ventricular dimensions correlated positively with age and body surface area in both groups (p<0.05) but inversely with haematocrit in the study group especially the left ventricular internal diameters in diastole and systole and left ventricular mass (p=0.001). Although 14.6% - 59.5% of the changes in cardiac dimensions were attributable to age, haematocrit level and body surface area in the study group (p<0.05), most of this effect was due to haematocrit.
Keywords: Left Ventricular dimensions, left ventricular systolic function, sickle cell anaemia, children, echocardiography