PATTERN OF HEPATIC ENZYMES PROFILE IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS ATTENDING MADONNA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (MUTH)

Sickle cell anaemia is a lifelong blood disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. The sickling occurs because of a mutation in the haemoglobin gene. This study, is aimed at evaluating liver enzymes in Sickle cell anaemia. Before the commencement of the study, ethical approval was obtained from the Madonna University teaching hospital Ethical Committee. The study consists of 233 subjects divided into two (2) groups. Ninety (90) subjects with Hemoglobin Genotype HbAA and one Hundred and fourty three (143) subjects with the Genotype HbSS. Cellulose acetate alkaline hemoglobin electrophoresis technique was used in determination of hemoglobin genotype. Reitman-frankel method was used in in-vitro determination of ALT and AST activities. Phenolphthalein Monophosphate method was used in in-vitro determination of ALP activity. The data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. There was a significant difference in AST levels (IU/l) of HbAA (22.46±2.51) when compared to HbSS (72.03±25.94), t(126) = 10.07, p. value = 0.000. There was also a significant difference in ALP levels (IU/l) of HbAA (19.54±3.34) when compared to HbSS(70.25±17.65), t(126) = 15.09, p. value = 0.000. A significant difference, was also observed in ALT levels (IU/l) of HbAA(16.53±2.51) when compared to HbSS(64.50±27.17) t(103) = 17.44, p. value = 0.000. Patients with sickle cell disease can develop liver disease as a result of intrahepatic sickling of erythrocytes, viral hepatitis and iron overload secondary to multiple blood transfusions, and gallstone disease as a result of chronic hemolysis.