Detection of Early Onset Nephropathy in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Calabar, Nigeria Using Microalbuminuria

Uzomba CI; Nsa EI; Brown ES; Enyuma CO; Ekpe LE; Ineji EO; Etuk IS; Asindi AA

doi:10.61386/imj.v18i3.715

Authors

Uzomba CI Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of clinical sciences, College of medical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Nsa EI Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of clinical sciences, College of medical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Brown ES Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Enyuma CO Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of clinical sciences, College of medical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Ekpe LE Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical, College of medical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Ineji EO Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of clinical sciences, College of medical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Etuk IS Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of clinical sciences, College of medical sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Asindi AA Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v18i3.715

Keywords:

Sickle cell, Nephropathy, Children, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Asymptomatic nephropathy in children with sickle cell anaemia starts in childhood and may progress to overt renal dysfunction in adult life. This study was carried out to detect early asymptomatic nephropathy in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in steady state using microalbuminuria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 80 children aged 2 to 16 years, with sickle cell anaemia in steady state. Sociodemographic data, hydroxyurea use, packed cell volume (PCV) and number of blood transfusions given, were recorded. Two consecutive spot urine samples were collected for urinalysis and urinary albumin/creatinine estimations. Data were analysed using SPSS 22, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Microalbuminuria was prevalent in 25% of the subjects. Urine albumin/creatinine ratio had significant negative correlation with steady state PCV. Body mass index, blood pressure, number of blood transfusions and use of Hydroxyurea, had no relationship with microalbuminuria.

Conclusions: Microalbuminuria was seen in children with sickle cell anaemia in our environment; hence, its early screening is recommended.