Abstract

VILLAESCUSA BLANCO, Rinaldo et al. Alterations of the complement system in patients with basal sickle cell anemia. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2001, vol.17, n.2, pp. 123-127. ISSN 1561-2996.

The activity of the classic and alternative complement pathways, as well as the quantitation of some of their components was determined in 46 patients with sickle cell anemia (haemoglobin SS), 21 with no clinical complications and 25 with them. Among the most frequent complications we found: number of infections, malleolar ulcers, and vaso-occlusive, hepatic and aplastic crises. A year previous to the blood sample taking was considered as the limit. A significant reduction of the activity of the alternative pathway, factor B and component C3 was proved in the group of patients with clinical complications. A marked correlation was observed between the number of vaso-occlusive crises and infections and the activity of the alternative pathway, factor B and complement C3. These results suggest that the inflammatory phenomena that may persist among patients with basal sickle cell anemia, mainly those with prior history of clinical complications, may produce alterations in the complement activity

Keywords : ANEMIA [complications]; COMPLEMENT PATHWAY, ALTERNATIVE; COMPLEMENT FACTOR B [deficiency].

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