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Plasma sodium and potassium changes in sickle cell patients
F. O. Agoreyo* and N. Nwanze
Department of
Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of
Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
agoreyofo@yahoo.com.
Accepted 22 December, 2009. |
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The aim of
this study was to measure the body electrolytes (in plasma)
such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (k+)
in adult sickle cell patients with genotype (Hb SS) genotype
and compare with controls normal with (Hb AA) genotype. The
study involved a total of 38 individuals, both males and
females in the age range of 16 - 40 years. There were 3
study groups; steady state group, crisis state group and
control group. Flame photometry was used to analyze sodium
and potassium. In the males there was a statistically
significant reduction in the concentration of sodium in both
the steady state (129.40
± 1.462)
and crisis state (121.60
± 0.678)
when compared with control group (134.40
± 2.040).
Also, there was a statistically significant increase (P <
0.05) in the concentration of potassium in both the steady
state (4.58 ± 0.171 mmol/l) and crisis state (4.66 ± 0.154
mmol/l) when compared with normal group (3.50
±
0.172 mmol/l). The regular measurement of plasma sodium and
potassium is, therefore, necessary in the management of the
sickle cell disease patients.
Key words:
Steady state, crisis state, plasma sodium, plasma potassium. |
