Abstract:
Haemalologica1 investigations for 225 paediatric patients
aged between zero to 15 years who presented
for elective surgery were studied retrospectively
over a five-month period. In addition to the
Haemoglobin (Hb), the Sickling test and the
haemoglobin electrophoresis where applicable were
done. Thirty per cent (30%) of the patients bad Hb
of 10g/d) and below. The lower Hb was found more
commonly in the age group zero to 5 years. Eleven
(4.9%) patients did not have the Sickling test done.
Twenty-three (23) out of 29 patients with Sickling
positive had electrophoresis done. The results were
21 AS; 1 SS; and 1 SC. Blood film for malaria parasites
yielded positive results in 33 out of 175 (18.9)
patients. There were no immediate anaesthetic complications
in any of the patients. The need for minimum
test of Hb. Sickling and blood film for malaria
parasites are discussed.