RT - Journal TY - JOUR A1 - Adefehinti, O A1 - Adeodu, O A1 - Obuotor, E T1 - Plasma lactate dehydrogenase level as indicator of severe Homozygous sickle cell disease YR - 2015/7/1 JF - Nigerian Journal of Health Sciences JO - Niger J Health Sci SP - 75 OP - 79 VO - 15 IS - 2 UL - http://www.https://chs-journal.com//article.asp?issn=1596-4078;year=2015;volume=15;issue=2;spage=75;epage=79;aulast=Adefehinti;t=5 DO - 10.4103/1596-4078.182320 N2 - Background: Homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD) (SS), also called sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common SCD in Nigeria. Studies done in the developed world showed that serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels correlated positively and significantly with clinical severity of the disease. This study attempts to provide information on the relationship between the plasma LDH level and the clinical severity of SCA in Nigerian children. Objective: The objective of this work was to assess plasma LDH level in Nigerian SCA children, aged 5-15 years, as a clinical indicator of disease severity. Methods: Plasma LDH level was measured quantitatively using Randox LDH reagent kit. A semi-quantitative assessment of clinical severity of SCA was carried out on all the SCA subjects using the Bienzle et al. assessment profile modified for this study. Subjects were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe disease based on their clinical severity score. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 software. Results: Eighty SCA children, 40 in steady state and 40 in hemolytic (with or without vaso-occlusive) crises were studied. Mean plasma LDH level was significantly higher in SCA subjects in crises than for those in steady state (P = 0.0284). Only steady state plasma LDH level correlated positively and significantly with clinical severity score (P = 0.0151). Conclusion: Plasma LDH appears to be a reliable indicator of SCA disease severity in the steady state in Nigerian children. ER -