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. 2017 Nov;31(6):e22143.
doi: 10.1002/jcla.22143. Epub 2017 Jan 19.

Congolese children with sickle cell trait may exhibit glomerular hyperfiltration: A case control study

Michel Ntetani Aloni  1 , René Makwala Ngiyulu  1 , Célestin Ndosimao Nsibu  2 , Pépé Mfutu Ekulu  1 , Jean Robert Makulo  3 , Jean-Lambert Gini-Ehungu  1 , Nazaire Mangani Nseka  3 , François Bompeka Lepira  3
Affiliations

Congolese children with sickle cell trait may exhibit glomerular hyperfiltration: A case control study

Michel Ntetani Aloni et al. J Clin Lab Anal. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of sickle cell trait is extremely high in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent studies have reported the impact of sickle cell carriers on renal function. However, data on renal abnormalities in children with sickle cell trait in this part of the world are unknown. In this report, we assess the glomerular function of children with sickle cell trait (SCT).

Methods: A case control study was conducted to assess the glomerular function in 43 Congolese children with sickle cell trait (Hb-AS) matched for age to 65 children with sickle cell anemia in steady state (Hb-SS) and 67 normal controls (Hb-AA).

Results: There was a significant difference in the blood pressure levels between the Hb-AS group vs Hb-SS group (P<.05). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) corrected for body surface area was increased in Hb-AS group compared to Hb-AA group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=.48). At the same time, the eGFR was decreased, but no significantly so, in the Hb-AS group compared to the Hb-SS group (P=.19). The proportion of children with Hb-AS (16.3%) who had hyperfiltration was higher compared to the proportion (6.1%) found in the Hb-AA group, but lower compared to the proportion found in the Hb-SS group (30%). However, in both situations, the difference was not statistically significant. No case of proteinuria was detected in children with Hb-AS.

Conclusion: It appears that at least one of six children with SCT had hyperfiltration. The findings could form a basis for further studies on this renal physiology among SCT individuals in Africa.

Keywords: Democratic Republic of Congo; children; proteinuria; renal hyperfiltration; sickle cell trait.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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