Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with the psychological problems in children with sickle cell disease

Abstract EN

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder Characterized by chronic hemolysis accompanied by several complications which significantly affect the outcome.

It occurs at variable frequencies in Middle Eastern Arab countries.

Cytokines one of the most important factors plays a central role in pathogenesis of the disease and its complications.

Children with SCD continue to face many challenges of living with a chronic condition that requires lifelong medical management that may place them at risk of psychiatric symptoms and disorders Psychological disorders are one of the most important complications faced by SCD and depression is the commonest one.

IL- 6 one of pro- inflammatory cytokines related to certain psychiatric conditions like depression.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association of IL- 6 with the behavioural disturbances in Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients in steady state.

Methods: This study comprised 62 children diagnosed as having (SCD) in steady state.

Another 62 healthy children served as control group.

They were screened for their anthropometric measurements (height, weight, Body mass index (BMO for- age Z- score), clinical parameters and laboratory assessment (serum IL- 6, LDH, plasma ferritin, reliculocytic count, CBC), psychological assessment using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSCL-17).

Resnlts: The psychological parameters showed a significant higher 3 subscale of the test in patients than control, Positive correlation between IL6 and 3 subscale of the test.

SCD patients taking hydroxyurea were not at increased risk of psychiatric disorders compared with patients not taking hydroxyurea.

Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that Children with SCD had several psychological problems which related to increase levels of pro- inflammatory cytokines (IL- 6).