SERUM LEVELS OF ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS IN FOETAL HAEMOGLOBIN (HbF) PERSISTENT SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA CHILDREN IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

Background: sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is one of the commonest health problems of Nigerian children. Method: The serum levels of antioxidant vitamins A (retinol), C (ascorbic acid) and E (alpha-tocopherol) were determined in foetal haemogbobin persistent sickle cell anaemic (Hb SS + F), sickle cell anaemic (Hb SS) and normal (Hb AA) children. Results: The levels of antioxidant vitamins in Hb SS+F children were found to be insignificantly different (p 0.05) when compared to those of Sickle Cell anaemic (Hb SS) children. While significantly higher values (p 0.05) of the vitamins in normal children (Hb AA) were observed when compared to those in HbSS+F and Hb SS children. The slightly less depressed levels of the antioxidant vitamins in Hb SS+F children may probably be attributed to the relatively less frequent sickle- cell crises often found in these individuals. Conclusion: The less depressed serum levels of anti-oxidant vitamins in HbSS + F children may be contributory factor to their relatively stable clinical status. Therefore, it is recommended that HbSS + F children as well as HbSS children be placed on regular anti-oxidant vitamins – A, C and E supplement.