Hyperuricaemia in sickle cell disease.

The serum uric acid level of 69 children below the age of 11 years with homozygous sickle cell disease was determined by the uricase method. The values were compared with those seen in normal children in the same age group who were used as a control. A statistically significant difference was seen in their mean values; 28% of children with sickle cell disease exceeded the upper normal limit of the control group. The implications of the comparatively high uric acid levels are discussed.