The prevalence of sickle cell trait in Sierra Leone. A laboratory profile.
Three thousand five hundred and twenty four (1527 male and 1997 female) samples were screened for the presence of the abnormal haemoglobin--Sickle Cell (HbS) between 1990-1993. 780 (22%) of these show sickle erythrocytes in a reduced oxygen environment. Electrophoretic differentiation of 344 samples positive from the metabisulphite screening test, revealed that 76 are of the homozygous form with 3 being HbSC. Noting the adverse consequences on the health status of those affected and the expense involved in the management of such patients, there is an urgent need for intervention.
Wurie
A T
AT
Ramsy Medical Laboratories, Freetown.
Wurie
I M
IM
Gevao
S M
SM
Robbin-Coker
D J
DJ
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001797:Blood Protein Electrophoresis; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012807:Sierra Leone / Q000453:epidemiology