SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ZARIA, AND SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SICULINE SYRUP
SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ZARIA, AND SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SICULINE SYRUP
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Date
1998-05
Authors
IFEAKANWA, EJIOFOR JANET
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Abstract
In Part I of this two-part study, the pharmacological and non-drug management as well
as several indices relating to sickle cell anaemia patients at the Ahmadu Bello University
Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria were studied based on hospital records (154 patients)
and discussions with doctors and other staff. Age/weight correlations showed a retarded
growth in these children compared to healthy children, and this effect was seen by the
5th month and could be as much as 18%. Most of the sickle cell patients found in Zaria
were Hausa/Fulani muslims of possibly middle and low socio-economic status. The
hand foot syndrome, fever, cough and hepatosplenomegaly (especially hepatomegaly)
were the most common signs and symptoms of sickle cell anaemia. Laboratory
investigations showed extremely low PCV (average values being 24.89%) and
haemoglobin (average being 7.64g/dl). Drug therapy included antimalarials,
haematinics, analgesics, antibiotics and anthelmintics. Non-drug management measures
such as advice on good nutrition, general health care and counselling were also given.
Patients were mostly asked to see their doctors every three months, although
appointments scheduling could be as frequent as one week. In Part II, 'siculine syrup'
a plant extract was screened pharmacologically for antisickling and other activities using
laboratory animals. Siculine (0.625 - 5%) inhibited the sickling process dosedependently
in both human Hb-AS and Hb-SS genotypes but had no reversal effect on
already sickled red blood cells. The drug exhibited a dose-dependent analgesic effect
in mice. Siculine contained cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenes and sterols. The
drug also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus but not against P.
aeruginosa and E. coli. Rat uterine and intestinal smooth muscles (rabbit and guinea
pig) were contracted while both skeletal and cardiac muscles were relaxed. Siculine did
not affect food intake, but water intake in both male and female rats was increased and
diuretic effect was observed especially in the female. In conclusion, both
pharmacological and non-drug management of sickle cell anaemia patients, in and out
of crises situations, at the ABUTH, Zaria are in accordance with good medical practice.
Inhibition of sickling and pain relief by siculine are probably the pharmacological basis
for its purported usefulness in sickle cell crises. This study also revealed other
pharmacological effects of siculine and emphasises the rationale for screening of
traditional herbal preparations that may be useful in prevention and treatment of diseases.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School, ABU Zaria
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of
M.Sc Pharmacology
Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Keywords
SICKLE,, CELL,, ANAEMIA,, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY,, TEACHING HOSPITAL,, ZARIA,, PHARMACOLOGICAL,, STUDIES,, SICULINE SYRUP