Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine Level in Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A Cross Sectional Study
Seham Fathy Khedr *
Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Mohamed Hosny El Bradaey
Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Hala Mohamed Nagy
Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Mohamed Ramadan El-Shanshory
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Eslam Elhawary
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) consists of a group of hemoglobinopathies in which individuals inherit hemoglobin variants derived from single point mutations. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) contributes to limiting Nitric Oxide (NO) bioavailability in SCD. The aim of the present study was to assess the level of the Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine in children with sickle cell.
Methods: This cohort cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 children which were divided in to 3 equal groups. Group I: SCD children with sickle retinopathy. Group II: SCD children without retinopathy. Group III: healthy control children who were selected from the outpatient clinic.
Results: There was a significant increase in ADMA level among participants withSCD. There was a positive significant correlation between ADMA level and family history as well as the incidence of hepatomegaly. There was no significant correlation between ADMA level and demographic and laboratory parameters except LDH.
Conclusions: The level of ADMA is elevated in children with sickle cell anemia. High plasma ADMA level is a risk for hepatomegaly in children with sickle cell anemia.
Keywords: Asymmetric dimethyl arginine, ADMA, sickle cell disease, SCD