Haematological Indices in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Priapism at the Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, South West Nigeria

This study evaluates haematological indices in male patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS) who have experienced priapism compared to age-matched HbSS patients without priapism at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH TH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Priapism in sickle cell disease is a severe complication associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and altered erythrocyte rheology, and its haematological correlates remain poorly characterised in the Nigerian literature. A case-control study recruited 50 HbSS males with documented priapism episodes and 50 age-matched HbSS males without priapism from the haematology clinic. Full blood count, fetal haemoglobin percentage (HbF), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reticulocyte count were assessed during the steady state. Results showed significantly lower haemoglobin, higher reticulocyte count, and higher LDH in priapism patients, consistent with heightened haemolytic intensity as a pathophysiological driver. HbF percentage was significantly lower in the priapism group, confirming fetal haemoglobin's protective role against vascular complications. White blood cell count did not differ significantly between groups. The study recommends assessment of haemolysis markers including LDH and reticulocyte count as part of the evaluation of SCD patients at risk for priapism, with hydroxyurea therapy to raise HbF considered a priority intervention for affected patients at LAUTECH TH. Keywords: sickle cell disease, priapism, haemolysis, fetal haemoglobin, Ogbomoso.