Haematological Profile of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in the Acholi Sub-Region, Uganda

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder most prevalent in Eastern and Western Africa. With the high prevalence of SCD in northern Uganda, we set out to document the haematological profile of patients with SCD in Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study at Gulu University Teaching Hospitals from February to May 2025. Patients with SCD gave blood, which was analysed at GRRH, and the results were shared with their healthcare providers. Logistic regression was done to determine the association between the haematological parameters and hydroxyurea use. Results: Four hundred eighteen blood samples were analysed. The mean age of the participants was seven years of age, and the median was 5 years of age, ranging from 1 to 28 years of age. About 95% of participants had anaemia, 92.1% erythropenia, and 92.6% low haemtocrit levels. Meanwhile, 47.9% of participants had leucocytosis and 49.1% thrombocytosis. Hydroxyurea use was associated with a normal platelet count (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.65, p-value=0.001). Conclusion: In patients with sickle cell disease, there were increased white blood cells, platelets, and low red blood cells. That may reflect increased haemolytic activities that destroy the sickled red blood cells in low oxygen tension. Hydroxyurea use was associated with normal platelet counts.