A Study of Lipid Profile in Sickle Hemoglobinopathy Patients and Its Correlation with Pulmonary Hypertension and Hemolysis

Abstract

Introduction: This study was planned to assess the lipid profile of patients of sickle hemoglobinopathy coming to our hospital and its possible relationship to vasculopathic complications such as PAH and hemolysis. Methodology: All suspected and known adult cases of sickle cell hemoglobinopathy were enrolled for the study. The patients confirmed to have sickle cell hemoglobinopathy were included in the study. All those patients with a history of taking lipid lowering drugs or history of acute illness during the two weeks prior to the assessment or any immunocompromised state or pregnancy were excluded. All included participants were subject to CBC, renal and liver function tests, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid profile, Chest X ray, ECG, 2D Echo and USG abdomen. Mean lipid values (triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein levels) were measured and compared with TRV to see for any correlation. Bivariate correlations were assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results: The mean total cholesterol in the participants was 113.42 ± 26.095 (mg%), mean LDL was 60.276 ± 23.10 (mg%), mean HDL was 28.60 ± 6.596 (mg%). Mean CHOL/HDL ratio was 4.11 ± 1.05(mg%) and mean triglycerides level was 124.72 ± 80.537(mg%). Thus, cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels were reduced in the study participants. A significant moderately negative correlation was noted between bilirubin and cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels (p = .031, .004 and .001 respectively). There was no correlation of lipid levels with pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion: Sickle hemoglobinopathy is associated with low total cholesterol, low LDL-C and low HDL-C levels. However, reports regarding triglyceride levels in sickle hemoglobinopathy are inconsistent. SCD is also significantly associated with PH. Low lipid levels are associated with low atherogenesis and more severe hemolysis in patients with SCD but have no correlation with PH.