Abstract
Introduction: Microalbuminuria (MA) is considered as an early marker of various diseases affecting the renal system. Its relevance in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), who are known to be prone to renal complications, has not been fully explored. Microalbuminuria in the early stages of sickle cell nephropathy is a hallmark of future deterioration of renal function. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and its clinical correlates in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease attending sickle cell anaemia clinic at King Salman Armed Forced Hospital (KSAFH). Methods: This is a hospital based case-control study that was conducted in KSAFH in the period from 2014-2016. A total of 145 patients aged 3 - 18 years attending sickle cell clinic were randomly selected. These children were divided into 3 groups. Group A Sickle cell anaemia (69 patients), Group B sickle thalassemia (13 patients), Group C sickle cell trait (10 patients) along with 54 healthy children of comparable age as controls. The demographic data including age, sex, and residency were analysed. A urine sample of all eligible children of the 3 groups together with controls were collected and analysed and screened for microalbuminuria. The haemoglobin level with microalbuminuria was recorded and compared between the 3 groups and the controls. Results: The mean age of patients was found to be 8.5 years and 44.6% were females. Microalbuminuria (MA) was found in 42/145 (28.9%) and it was much more common in males than in females 61.9% and it was more common at a higher age. None of the clinical characteristics (painful crisis, blood transfusion) was significantly related to MA. Haemoglobin levels were significantly lower in subjects with MA than in those without MA. Conclusions: Microalbuminuria was a insignificant number of patients with sickle cell disease and was more common in males and higher age. In conclusion, the prevalence of MA in children (1-16 years) with SCA in our study was 28.9%. Prevalence of MA was influenced by age, gender.