Haematological Parameters of Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Steady State Attending Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

Sickle cell disease is a common inherited haemoglobinopathy in Nigeria, and understanding haematological profiles during steady state is essential for baseline clinical assessment. This study evaluated haematological parameters of sickle cell disease patients in steady state attending the Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, North West Nigeria. Eighty patients with confirmed homozygous sickle cell disease, free from crisis for at least four weeks, were recruited alongside 40 age-matched healthy controls. Full blood count parameters including haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, platelet count, and red blood cell indices were determined using an automated haematology analyser. Unpaired t-tests and ANOVA were applied for comparison. Results showed significantly lower haemoglobin and packed cell volume in sickle cell patients compared to controls, consistent with chronic haemolytic anaemia. White blood cell and platelet counts were elevated in patients, reflecting ongoing inflammatory and compensatory processes. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration did not differ significantly between groups. Age and sex did not substantially modify the haematological pattern. The study concludes that sickle cell patients in steady state at this centre exhibit haematological profiles consistent with global literature but with some population-specific characteristics. Findings provide a useful reference range for clinicians managing sickle cell disease in Sokoto. Keywords: sickle cell disease, haematological parameters, steady state, packed cell volume, Sokoto.