Publication:

Biochemical assessment of liver in sickle cell disease patients at a tertiary care hospital of north India

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is frequently associated with liver disease. The constant state of hemolysis due to reduced red cell survival; and multiple blood transfusions will lead to hepatic sinusoidal congestion, viral hepatitis, cholestasis, and haemosiderosis, all of these may contribute to the development of liver disease. The aim of the study was to assess the biochemical liver function tests in steady state adult SCD patients in a tertiary care hospitalMethods: Fifty seven adult SCD patients in steady state and sixty hemoglobin AA controls were enrolled in the study. Liver function tests were carried out in all subjects.

Results The serum total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct and indirect bilirubin and total protein were significantly higher in SCD patients (P <0.001) than in controls. Serum iron and ferritin were higher in SCD patients with hepatic disease (p<0.01), which could be due to iron overload, whereas serum transferrin and total iron binding capacity were decreased in these patients.

Conclusions Steady state SCD patients had elevation of Transaminases and remaining liver function parameters compared to age matched controls. It is advisable that liver function tests be interpreted with caution in these patients.