LIVER INVOLVEMENT IN SICKLE CELL TRAIT: A CASE CONTROL STUDY AMONG NEPALESE INDIGENOUS THARU COMMUNITY

Background: Sickle cell trait is not usually regarded as a disease state because it may present several types of health complications that are either uncommon or mild and have not been thoroughly investigated. This article aims to describe the relationship between sickle cell trait (SCT) and liver function test (LFT) parameters in tharu community of western tarai region of Nepal. Method: Sixty two (62) subjects divided into control subjects (n = 31) and heterozygous sickle cell patients ( n = 31) were recruited for the study and were investigated for a liver function tests including the measurement of total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in both groups. Mean, Standard deviation, Students T test analysis were used for analysis of results. Result: The serum total protein, globulin, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher in SCT patients than in controls, with P values of 0.014, <0.001, 0.003, 0.006, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively. However, there were no significant difference in the mean value of albumin and direct bilirubin. There was strong correlation noticed between AST and LDH in the test group. Conclusion: It appears that abnormal liver function tests in patients with sickle cell trait poses an uncertain threat for liver disease. The liver functions of the SCT patients were significantly compromised as compared to controls. Studies at molecular level are needed to understand the pathophysiology and progression of liver disease in sickle cell anemia. It is advisable that liver function tests be interpreted with caution in these patients.