Reduced Frequency of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Sickle Cell Trait

C. Hershko*, J. Moreb, Y. Gaziel, A. M. Konijn, E. A. Rachmilewitz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The prevalence and causes of anaemia among the inhabitants of a Southern Lebanese village were studied. Of the 317 patients examined 75, or 24% were found to be heterozygotes for Hb S. There was a reciprocal relation between the presence of sickle cell trait and of iron deficiency anaemia. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia defined as the coexistence of Hb below 13 g/dl in adult males and below 12 in adult females and children with two laboratory indicators of iron deficiency, was 10.3 % in the normal population as against 1.3 % in the sickle cell trait group (P < 0.008). The reduced frequency of iron deficiency anaemia in sickle cell trait may be explained by increased iron absorption, or alternatively by reduced iron requirements and a lower risk of discrepancy between iron supply and demand. Because of the central role of iron in the function of a great number of enzymes and proteins, it is possible that protection against iron deficiency anaemia by the sickle cell trait may result in improved working capacity and a lower incidence of infections.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)304-310
Number of pages7
JournalScandinavian Journal of Haematology
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1982

Keywords

  • iron deficiency
  • iron metabolism
  • nutritional anaemia
  • sickle cell anaemia

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