Impact of urinary schistosomiasis on haematological parameters and frequency of vaso-occlusive crisis among patients with sickle cell disease in northern Nigeria

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have impaired immunity with vulnerability to infections including parasitic infestations. Majority of SCD patients live in nations where urinary schistosomiasis is also endemic. This study was aimed at determining the impact of urinary schistosomiasis on haematological parameters and frequency of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) among patients with SCD. Materials and Methods We compared the haematological parameters and frequency of VOC among SCD patients with and without schistosomiasis in northern Nigeria. Result SCD patients with schistosomiasis had lower haematocrit, higher reticulocyte count, higher prevalence of iron deficiency, more intense leucocytosis and thrombocytosis, higher prevalence of bacterial urinary tract infections and higher ESR. The frequency of VOC was significantly higher in SCD patients with schistosomiasis. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that urinary schistosomiasis adversely affected the severity and prognosis of SCD. SCD patients, the majority of whom live in schistosomiasis endemic countries, should have regular urine tests for early detection and treatment of schistosomiasis in order to avert its adverse interaction with SCD.