JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Many structural and functional abnormalities of the kidney are observed in patients with sickle cell anemia and the related hemoglobinopathies. The environment of the renal medulla is characterized by acidosis, hypertonicity and hypoxia. These factors tend to promote HB S polymerisation and red cell sickling, thereby making this part of the kidney susceptible to changes in oxygen delivery. So these patients exhibits numerous kidney structural and functional abnormalities, changes that are seen along the entire length of the nephron. Changes are most marked in patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia, but are also seen in those with compound heterozygous states and the sickle cell trait. The renal features of sickle cell disease include hematuria, proteinuria, tubular disturbances and chronic kidney disease. Therapy of these conditions requires specialized knowledge of their distinct pathogenic mechanisms.

Key words: Proteinuria, Renal failure, Renal features, Sickle cell disease.