A comparative study of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in sickle cell disease subjects and controls in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundSickle cell disease is characterized by chronic complications that affect almost all body organs. Pancreatic disease is rare in SCD. CA 19-9 is a non-specific surrogate marker for pancreatic disease especially carcinoma. CA 19-9 levels have not been evaluated in SCD patients in our environment.ObjectivesThe study aimed to compare the levels of CA 19-9 in homozygous sickle cell disease subjects in steady state with those of (Hb AS) and normal healthy subjects (Hb AA)MethodSeventy nine subjects including 39 Hb SS, 19 Hb AS and 21 Hb AA subjects were recruited in a cross-sectional study in Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Teaching Hospital. Haemoglobin genotype and CA 19-9 estimation were done using Hb electrophoresis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS 21. P value was set at 0.05.ResultThe mean CA 19-9 (U/ml) level in Hb SS, Hb AS and Hb AA were 13.6 ± 7.6, 15.3 ± 9.9, and 20.0 ± 15.9 respectively. [Reference value <37U/ml] CA 19-9 was significantly lower in Hb SS compared to Hb AA subjects (p = 0.035).ConclusionLow levels of CA 19-9 in Hb SS may suggest reduced pancreatic disorders in SCA.

GDF -15 and Severity Scores in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

“…Though SCD patients have exactly the same genetic mutation, they present with a wide range of phenotypes; the reason why this happens is not completely understood. Finding biomarkers that predict these phenotypes has become very important for individualized therapy [4,5,6] some of these biomarkers may also become useful as therapeutic tools.…”

Interface of non-communicable diseases and infections in Africa

“…There are other hematology papers such as Toye's work on PCR for the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia19, carbohydrate antigen B19 in sickle cell disease,20 and the effect of pan-retinal photo-coagulation21. Then comes mental health in practice22;23,24 followed by dental challenges 24,25.…”