Coagulation changes in sickle cell disease in early childhood.

Measurements of the coagulation system were carried out in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in both steady state and on the 1st day of painful crisis and were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. No significant differences were found in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, reptilase time, plasma fibrinogen, antithrombin III, factor VIII:C, ristocetin-cofactor (Ri-Cof) and platelet aggregation responses to ADP, collagen and adrenaline. Abnormal aggregation responses to ristocetin were noted in all patients with SCD when compared to controls. Daily measurements during the first 4 days of painful crisis showed significant elevation of fibrinogen and Ri-Cof and enhancement of aggregation to ADP and adrenaline by the 3rd day of crisis. It was concluded that the changes noted, rather than being primarily responsible for the onset of crisis, can only be secondary changes arising from the aetiological factors of crisis, i.e. stasis and acute-phase proteins.