Differential Correlation between Foetal Haemoglobin and Full Blood Count Based on Inherited Haemoglobin Type; A CrossSectional Study in Cape Coast, Ghana

Background: Foetal haemoglobin (Hb F) has been shown to modulate the severity of sickle cell anaemia (SCA). However, there is scarcity of data on the impact of Hb F levels in other inherited haemoglobin variants. This cross-sectional study sought to investigate the relationship between Hb F and full blood count parameters in participants based on their inherited haemoglobin type. Materials and methods: Four milliliters of venous blood were drawn from 170 consecutively consented participants (aged 10 -55 years) into EDTA-anticoagulated tubes. Full blood counts (FBC) were estimated using Horiba ABX Pentra XL80 analyzer, whereas haemoglobin variants were determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Hb F was estimated using the modified Bekte-alkali denaturation method. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 25 for Windows). Relationship between Hb F and FBC parameters were explored using Pearson correlation coefficient analyses. Statistical significance was established at p <0.05 level. Results: Whereas majority (61.8%) were females, there was no significant differences in age among the participants based on gender. Participants with inherited haemoglobin variants comprised 20% of the study population. Total WBC was significantly higher in participants with inherited haemoglobin variants (p = 0.011). Hb F levels were also significantly elevated in participants with inherited haemoglobin variants (p <0.001). Additionally, whereas Hb F was inversely correlated with RBC (p =0.226), Hb (p = 0.021), HCT (0.031), MCV (0.266), MCH (0.15) and MCHC (0.231) in those with no haemoglobin variants, it was positively correlated with RBC (0.409) Hb (p = 0.006), HCT (p = 0.003), MCV (p = 0.074), MCH (0.047) and MCHC (p = 0.583) in those with inherited haemoglobin variants. Moreover, there was inverse correlation between Hb F and total WBCor platelet counts in participants with inherited haemoglobin variants. Conclusions: Leukocytosis and inverse relationship between Hb F and WBC or platelet count in those with haemoglobin variants might predispose them to severe manifestations of haemoglobinopathy.