Plasma sodium and potassium changes in sickle cell patients

The aim of this study was to measure the body electrolytes (in plasma) such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (k+) in adult sickle cell patients with genotype (Hb SS) genotype and compare with controls normal with (Hb AA) genotype. The study involved a total of 38 individuals, both males and females in the age range of 16 - 40 years. There were 3 study groups; steady state group, crisis state group and control group. Flame photometry was used to analyze sodium and potassium. In the males there was a statistically significant reduction in the concentration of sodium in both the steady state (129.40 ± 1.462) and crisis state (121.60 ± 0.678) when compared with control group (134.40 ± 2.040). Also, there was a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in the concentration of potassium in both the steady state (4.58 ± 0.171 mmol/l) and crisis state (4.66 ± 0.154 mmol/l) when compared with normal group (3.50 ± 0.172 mmol/l). The regular measurement of plasma sodium and potassium is, therefore, necessary in the management of the sickle cell disease patients.   Key words: Steady state, crisis state, plasma sodium, plasma potassium.