Correlating P-Selectin and Haemoglobin F Levels with Numerical Pain Score in Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The pathology of bone pain, vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is multi-factorial and include endothelial damage, abnormal cellular adhesion, and chronic inflammation with an expression of several inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to correlate one of the substances implicated in the pathogenesis i.e. serum P-Selectin among SCA patients in VOC crisis with patients’ Numerical Pain Score

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional, study involving 49 HbSS participants in VOC attending the Haematology Clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.  All participants had their serum P-Selectin level assayed as well as Haemoglobin Quantification to determine HbF levels. They were also assessed for severity of pain during VOC using a standardized Numerical Rating Scale for Pain. Data were analysed using statistical package for social welfare (SPSS) version 23.

Results: The mean P-selectin level in the SCA was 14.19 + 1.22 ng/ml whilst the mean HbF percentage was 3.71 + 2.38% and mean Numerical Rating Scale for Pain was 7.18 + 1.44.There was no significant correlation between P-Selectin and HbF levels with the Numerical Rating Scale for Pain with P= 0.85.

Conclusion: Serum P-Selectin levels and HbF failed to show a significant positive correlation and Numerical Rating Scale for Pain