title: Radioisotope investigations of haematological disorders (excluding sickle cell disease) in Sierra Leone.
abstract: Using 51Cr, 125I, and 59Fe, red cell survival, blood volumes and certain aspects of iron metabolism were investigated in Sierra Leoneans referred for further evaluation of various blood disorders. The data provided clarification of the nature of the anaemia in some patients and demonstrated the haemolytic and erythropoietic role of the spleen in others with splenomegaly. Blood volume values in healthy individuals were found to be similar to those of normal subjects in other populations. Increased plasma volumes commonly described in non-African patients with anaemia and splenomegaly were also recorded in this group of Sierra Leoneans. Information obtained from these studies indicates that facilities for radioisotope investigations would be an asset in the diagnostic evaluation of complex blood disorders and in haematological research in developing African countries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Knox-Macaulay
mesh_terms: D002859:Chromium Isotopes; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007504:Iron Radioisotopes; D008297:Male; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012807:Sierra Leone
chemical_list: D002859:Chromium Isotopes; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007504:Iron Radioisotopes