Detection of Haemoglobin S Among Libyan Children in Sebha Medical Centre

Abdulgader Saleh Ali; Alghanay Abobaker Alghanay; Saad Mohammed Othman; Mohammed Mahmud Ahmed

Authors

Abdulgader Saleh Ali Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya
Alghanay Abobaker Alghanay Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya
Saad Mohammed Othman Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya
Mohammed Mahmud Ahmed Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya

Keywords:

Haemoglobin S, Sickle cell anaemia, Libyan children

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anaemia is caused by a single-base mutation leading to substitution of amino acid valine for glutamic acid at the sixth position of the β-globin chain. In the homozygous (Hb SS) both genes are abnormal, whereas in the heterozygous (Hb AS) only one chromosome carries the gene. Clinical presentation of sickle cell disease occurs frequently in children admitted in the Department of Paediatrics in Sebha Medical Centre.

Objective: The main aim of this study, was to apply the alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoresis technique to investigate the presence of haemoglobin S in blood collected from these children.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected in EDTA anticoagulant tubes from 19 child (males = 13 and females = 6), suspected with sickle cell anaemia, and used for haematology and haemoglobin alkaline electrophoresis (pH 8.4) analysis.

Results: The haematological indices results were: total haemoglobin (X= 7.27 ± 1.35 g/dl), RBC (X= 2.56 ± 0.53 x 10⁶/mm³), MCV (X= 88.74 ± 8.05 fl), MCH (X= 29.87 ± 2.40 pg) and Total leukocytes count (TLC) (X=13.69±6.31 x 10⁶/mm³). The results of haemoglobin fractions as separated by alkaline electrophoresis were: 7 (36.8%) children had a haemoglobin fraction migrated in the position of Hb A, and 8 (42.1%) children had a single abnormal fraction migrated in the position of Hb S. Whereas, 4 (21.0%) children had two fractions migrated in the position of Hb A and S.

Conclusion: We conclude that a large prospective study would lead to better understanding of the distribution of these genetic disorder among Libyan populations, at least in this region of the country. Consequently, better genetic counselling and more efficient way of utilising the health care resources as well as improving family planning programmes could be achieved.

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