Determination of Leuco-Cytometric Anomalies in Sickle Cell Disease Patients During Vaso-Occlusive Crisis

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a globally prevalent monogenic disorder, involves a single nucleotide mutation in the beta-globin gene, leading to the polymerization of hemoglobin S (HbS) during deoxygenation. Vaso-occlusive pain crises are a prominent complication of SCD, driven by key mechanisms such as HbS polymerization, vaso-occlusive phenomena, endothelial dysfunction, and sterile inflammation. Leucocytes are said to contribute to the complication of SCD.The study aimed to investigate leuco-cytometric anomalies during VOC in SCD patients, focusing on absolute leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count, and qualitative changes in blood smear. The research included 65 participants in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria, with confirmed SCD diagnoses in VOC. Sample was analysed for complete blood count using automated method while qualitative changes was analysed using manual method. The gender distribution was 46% males and 54% females, with a mean age of 22.6±4.16. Quantitative leuco-cytometric parameters revealed mean total white blood cell counts of 12.97±8.57, for male and female it revealed a mean value of 12.17±7.35 and 13.66±9.55 respectively. Mean differential counts revealed 4.46±2.97, 5.77±6.22 and 2.74±2.59 for granulocytes, lymphocytes and MID respectively in the general sample. 4.76±3.48, 5.15±4.06 & 2.29±1.82 for male differentials and 4.20±2.48, 6.30±7.62 & 3.13±3.08 for female. Qualitative changes in leucocytes during crisis included mild alterations such as neutrophil toxic granulation, vacuolation, and left shift. This study shows an increase in WBC, Absolute count and some mild qualitative changes in SCD patients during VOC.