Hepatic function tests in children with sickle cell anaemia during vaso occlusive crisis.

Thirty children with sickle cell anaemia had their serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin and bilirubin, assayed during vaso-occlusive crisis and at recovery. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels were significantly higher during crisis than at recovery, (p < 0.005) especially in the young patient. However, the total protein and albumin levels were not significantly different in crisis and at recovery. A transient hepatic functional derangement during vaso-occlusive crisis is a probable explanation for the reported changes.