Blood Coagulation Profiles in Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Enugu State

Coagulation abnormalities are well-documented complications of sickle cell disease, contributing to vaso-occlusive crises and thrombotic events. This study evaluates blood coagulation parameters including prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and platelet count in patients with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS genotype) in steady state attending a sickle cell clinic in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A case-control design was used, with 100 sickle cell anaemia patients and 100 haemoglobin AA controls matched for age and sex. Venous blood samples were collected into citrate tubes and analysed using a semi-automated coagulation analyser. D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were also measured to assess for subclinical hypercoagulability. History of vaso-occlusive crises, blood transfusion, and hydroxyurea use was documented. The study aims to characterise the haemostatic profile of sickle cell patients in steady state and to determine whether coagulation abnormalities persist outside of acute crisis episodes. Findings will contribute to clinical management of thromboembolic risk in sickle cell disease patients in South East Nigeria. Keywords: sickle cell anaemia, coagulation profile, prothrombin time, haemostasis, Enugu State.