Serum haptglobin level in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT

Measurement of the concentration of serum haptoglobin by RID and electrophoresis as haemoglobin binding capacity in 66 schistosomal patients together with 20 apparently healthy controls showed the following - The normal values were similar to those of the Mediterranean an countries and not the African ones. - RID technique utilizing polyvalent antisera specific for human Hp is preferred to be applicable for routine assay than the electrophoretic one. - Serum Hp was reduced in schistosomiasis, more so in the advanced stage. The fall may be due to iron deficiency anaemia and intrasplenic destruction of RBCs due to sluggish circulation in the fibrotic congested spleen i.e. a sign of haemolysis. - The elevated values were observed in cases complicated with polyposis coli. The cause may be in part acute phase reaction to inflammatory changes. - No correlation could be detected between serum Hp level on one hand and the degree of anemia, ESR or alpha [2]-globulin on the other hand