PULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell diseases are one the commonest hemoglobinopathies in the central and southern India. About 20-30% deaths in Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients occur due to respiratory disorder. Studies had shown that highest mortalities in Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients is due to pulmonary complications. Pulmonary function test (PFT) assess the functional status of respiratory system so the study was planned to determine the changes in lung functions in SCA adolescent patients and to compare it with age, gender and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy adolescent individuals using Spirometry.

Material and methods: 60 adolescent subjects (30 cases (SCA) and 30 controls) were included in the study whose pulmonary function test parameters using spirometry were measured.

Results: 22 (73.4%) had abnormal spirometric results, 18 (60%) had restrictive pattern, 2(6.6%) had obstructive pattern, 2(6.6%) had mixed pattern and 8 (26.6%) had no abnormality.

Conclusion: Pulmonary functions are significantly decreased in sickle cell anaemia adolescents. Possible restrictive pattern is the predominant spirometric abnormality in these patients.