Foetal haemoglobin in Nigerian children with sickle cell anaemia. Effect on haematological parameters and clinical severity.

The relationship of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) to several clinical and haematological parameters in 86 children aged 5 to 16 years who had sickle cell anaemia (SCA) has been examined. The mean HbF level was 6.8 +/- 3.6%. Higher HbF values were significantly associated with fewer blood transfusions, fewer hospital admissions and higher rate of hepatomegaly. A trend for children with higher HbF levels to have better physical development and a more normal haemogram was also noted though this was not statistically significant.