Sex and Age-Independent Variations in Biomarkers among Sickle Cell Patients in Ibadan, Oyo State

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder predominant among people of African origin. Nigeria has the highest burden of the disease in the world. Demographic factors have been shown to influence the clinical manifestation of the disease. Understanding sex and age-related variations in key makers such as C-reactive protein and FDP would significantly improve personalized management.

Aim/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the Sex and Age-related Variations in C – Reactive Protein and Fibrinogen Degradation Products Among Sickle Cell Patients in University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo state.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, from March to July 2019. A total of 91 Sickle cell disease patients and 40 normal participants were used. C - reactive protein and fibrinogen degradation products levels were measured and data were stratified by age and sex. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Data was summarized into Tables and Graphs as appropriate.

Results: The study included 91 sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and compared their levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) to those of controls. CRP levels showed no significant difference between SCD patients and controls (2.31 vs. 2.10, p = 0.400) and were not influenced by age or sex (p = 0.454). In contrast, FDP levels were significantly lower in SCD patients compared to controls (0.66 vs. 1.28, p = 0.001), with no variation based on sex (p = 0.873). FDP levels were also found to be independent of age and sex in SCD patients.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CRP and FDP levels in SCD patients are not influenced by demographic factors such as age and sex. While CRP levels were similar between SCD patients and controls, suggesting limited utility as a biomarker, FDP levels were significantly lower in SCD patients. These findings indicate that FDP could serve as a potential biomarker for understanding disease mechanisms or monitoring SCD progression, but further research is needed to establish its clinical relevance.