Evaluation of the relationship between intravascular hemolysis and clinical manifestations in sickle cell disease: decreased hemopexin during vaso-occlusive crises and increased inflammation in acute chest syndrome

Yildirim,Nazim | Unal,Selma | Karahan,Feryal

The aims of this study were to determine the possible relationships between the levels of hemin, hemopexin, acid sphingomyelinase, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), and other parameters in patients with SCD and to assess whether they were associated with vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) or acute chest syndrome (ACS). Patients with SCD (homozygous or sickle beta-thalassemia) who were confirmed to have VOC or ACS were included. Blood samples were obtained at admission, on the third day of hospitalization, and at steady state. Demographic characteristics, pain (visual analog scale), complication history, complete blood count, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein levels were recorded. Hemin, hemopexin, acid sphingomyelinase, and NOx were measured via ELISA. A total of 31 patients (22 VOC, 9 ACS) wer...