World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2016, 6, 258-264
Published Online August 2016 in SciRes. http://www.scirp.org/journal/wjcd
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/wjcd.2016.68029
How to cite this paper: Lepira, F.B., Mukendi, T.K., Mbutiwi, F.I.N., Makulo, J.R., Sumaili, E.K., Kayembe, P.K. and Nseka,
N.M. (2016) Sickle Cell Trait, Hemoglobin Levels and Anemia among Black Patients with Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease:
A Post Hoc Analysis. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 6, 258-264. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/wjcd.2016.68029
Sickle Cell Trait, Hemoglobin Levels
and Anemia among Black Patients with
Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease:
A Post Hoc Analysis
F. B. Lepira
1*
, T. K. Mukendi
1
, F. I. N. Mbutiwi
1
, J. R. Makulo
1
, E. K. Sumaili
1
,
P. K. Kayembe
2
, N. M. Nseka
1
1
Division of Nephrology, University of Kinshasa Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
2
Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Received 20 June 2016; accepted 8 August 2016; published 11 August 2016
Copyright © 2016 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Abstract
Objective: To assess the relationship between SCT, hemoglobin levels and anemia in CKD black pa-
tients. Method: A post-hoc analysis of data from 188 patients, enrolled in a cross-sectional study of
sickle cell trait (SCT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), was performed to assess the relationship
between SCT, hemoglobin (Hb) levels and anemia defined as Hb < 12 g/dl in men and <11 g/dl in
women. Student t test, Mann Whitney and Chi square test were used as appropriate for different
comparisons. P < 0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: SCT (HbAS) and normal
hemoglobin (HbAA) were present in 39 (21%) and 149 (79%) CKD patients, respectively. Despite
similar estimated GFR (eGFR) and age, HbAS patients had significantly lower Hb levels (8.8 ± 1.8 vs
10 ± 2.2 g/dl; p = 0.001) and a higher proportion of anemia (95% vs 72%, p = 0.001). In multiple
linear regression analysis, eGFR, BMI, SBP and SCT emerged as independent determinants of Hb
levels. The presence of SCT was associated with 1.185 g/dl decrease in Hb levels. Conclusion: In
the present case series, SCT was associated with lower Hb levels suggesting its potential contribu-
tion to the pathogenesis of CKD-associated anemia.
Keywords
Anemia, Sickle Cell Trait, Chronic Kidney Disease, Black Africans
*
Corresponding author.