Serum .Adhesion Molecules (VCAM1-E-Selectin and• Von Willebrand Factor) in Sickle Cell - Disease during Crisis-Quiescence -

Abstract

This work was conducted on 31 patients with sickle cell disease, 22 in steady state and 9 in V.O.C. attending the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Children's Hospital Ain Shams University, for detection of serum levels of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and E-selectin), vWF and NO, their possible correlation with the clinical severity of the disease and the role of hydroxyurea in modifying levels of adhesion molecules.

All patients were subjected to full clinical assessment, laboratory evaluation including complete blood count(CBC), Hb electrophoresis and serum levels ofVCAM-1, E-selectin, vWF and NO.

Out of 31 patients 54.8% were sickle thalassemic and 45.2% had sickle cell anemia. No significant difference was shown between both groups as regard levels ofVCAM-1, E­ selectin, vWF or NO.

Estimation of sVCAM-1, E-selectin and vWF revealed significantly higher levels among patients with SCD during steady state compared to the control group (P<0.001).

Morever, the levels were markedly elevated in those during V.O.C. than those during steady state (P<0.05).

As regard NO, their levels were significantly decreased in patients during steady state with further significant decrease during V.O.C compared to control group(P<0.05,P<0.001).