The Interaction of Sickle Cell Trait and Anticardiolipin Antibodies in Venousthromboembolism

• Published in: Blood 2021-11, Vol.138 (Supplement 1), p.4261-4261
• Main Authors: Ezekekwu, Chinedu A, Kotila, Taiwo R, Anyanwu-Yeiya, Chinonso Chiemeka, Akingbola, Titilola S., Tayo, Bamidele
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0006-4971; 1528-0020
• DOI: 10.1182/blood-2021-151564

Introduction Among the risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) are inheritance of the sickle cell gene and antiphospholipid syndrome. Antiphospholipid antibodies are elevated in sickle cell disease but there is little information on its levels in sickle cell trait. The prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies and association with VTE is equally not known in the Nigerian population. Methods A case control study involving 50 consecutive patients with Doppler confirmed venous thromboembolism at the University College Hospital Ibadan and 50 apparently healthy individuals. Haemoglobin electrophoresis was carried out using cellulose acetate membrane. IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies were assayed by ELISA. Results The mean age of the patients was 58.7±18.5years, range of 21-89 years, there were 21 males (42%). Majority of the patients (42 (84%)) had deep venous thrombosis while five (10%) patients presented with pulmonary embolism, one had both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A patient had portal vein thrombosis and another, an intracardiac clot. Sedentary lifestyles, hypertension and concomitant malignancy were the most prevalent risk factors (34% each) (figure I). Both sedentary lifestyle and cancer were significantly associated with VTE (p