Immunological Study of Sickling Patients in Basrah-Iraq

Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive inherited hemoglobinopathy, characterized by hemolysis, inflammation, recurrent vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and infections. Various immunological derangements, including specific and nonspecific immune responses, were noted in many recent studies and were criticized to disease pathophysiology and complication evolution and propagation. This case-control study to the best of my knowledge represent the first study in Iraq deal with subject, has been carried on patients with sickle cell disease registered at Basra Center for Hereditary Blood Diseases from the first of December 2016 till the end of March 2017. A total of 96 samples were included, 32 patients with sickle cell disease their ages ranged from 16 to 55 years have been evaluated during vaso-occlusive crisis and then after followed up till they attained steady state. There were 32 normal control subjects matched with patients in age and sex. This study compared differences in the levels of certain immunological parameters including: complete blood count, complements, C-reactive protein, immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subsets and specific cytokines TNF , IL1beta, IL6, IL8, IL10 and IL12.