Background: Sickle cell anaemia is associated with inflammatory and haemostatic abnormalities. C- reactive protein ( CRP), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) as well as Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are known drivers of inflammation and haemostasis. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the role of VWF, Factor VIII, ANC and CRP as markers of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in sickle cell anaemia patients.

Aims: The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the role of VWF, Factor VIII, ANC and CRP as markers of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in sickle cell anaemia patients.

Methods: A total of 97 HbSS patients, 50 in steady-state and 47 in crises were studied at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, while 50 HbAA apparently well, age-matched persons served as controls. The mean CRP, ANC, VWF and Factor VIII in  VOC were determined and compared to steady-state patients using the student t-test. Association between the biomarkers were determined using the Spearman correlation test. A one way ANOVA was done to determine the mean difference across the pain scale of the different biomarkers.

Results: In a total of 97 patients evaluated, the mean values of CRP, ANC, VWF and Factor VIII were significantly higher in VOC than in steady-state ( p < 0.001). ANC, VWF and Factor VIII were positively correlated with CRP. CRP level was significant in the ANOVA test. In the multivariate analysis, ANC was the best predictor of VOC.

Conclusions: These data highlight the clinical relevance of inflammation and haemostasis in VOC. Increased ANC and CRP could be early predictors of VOC and thus have potential use as biomarkers of early VOC.  

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ISTH Congress Abstracts - https://abstracts.isth.org/abstract/an-assessment-of-some-inflammatory-and-haemostatic-proteins-as-biomarkers-for-vaso-occlusive-crises-in-sickle-cell-anaemia-patients/