Radioisotope investigations of haematological disorders (excluding sickle cell disease) in Sierra Leone.

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.