[Hepatitis B virus serologic status among hospital health care staff in Lome]. / Évaluation de la protection vaccinale contre le virus de l'hépatite B chez le personnel soignant hospitalier à Lomé

To assess the hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic status of hospital health care personnel in Lome. From June 1 to August 31, 2007, 100 workers vaccinated against HBV and 50 unvaccinated workers participated in this comparative cross-sectional study. The data studied were: age, sex, vaccination status, history of accidental exposure to blood, and enzyme-linked immunoassay results for HBs antigen (Ag), total anti-HBc antibodies (Ab), and anti-HBs Ab. Vaccinated subjects had a mean age of 33.2 ± 8.2 years and unvaccinated subjects of 35.2 ± 9.6 years; their respective sex ratios (M:W) were 2:1 and 3:1. Protective levels (>10 IU/L) of anti-HBs Ab were found in 78% (n = 78) of vaccinated subjects compared with 44% (n = 22) of those unvaccinated. HBs Ag was found in 36% (n = 36) of vaccinated and 56% (n = 28) of unvaccinated subjects. Of subjects previously accidentally exposed to blood, 67% (n = 35) had HBs Ag compared with 30% (n = 29) of those subjects without such exposure. This study has proved the high prevalence of HBs Ag carrier status among health care workers in Lome and confirms the importance of vaccination against HBV.

[Rare hemoglobins in Togo: a 15-year study at the Lomé University Campus Hospital Center]. / Les hémoglobines rares au Togo : à propos d'une étude réalisée sur quinze ans au CHU Campus de Lomé (Togo).

OBJECTIVES: To identify the rare hemoglobins (Hbs) encountered in Togo and characterize their geographical and ethnic distribution and hematologic expression. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective descriptive study covers 27,530 hemoglobin electrophoresis tests performed in the department of Hematology of the Lomé Campus teaching hospital from January 1996 through December 2010, the national reference laboratory. The anomalies identified were studied with both alkaline and acid electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), all performed in Lome. Any other specialized examinations were conducted mainly at the biochemistry laboratories of either Robert Debre Hospital in Paris or Henri Mondor Hospital in Creteil (France). RESULTS: During the study period, 20 cases of a rare Hb were identified, i.e., 0.07% of all Hb analyses. These rare mutants were: HbK Woolwich (10 cases, 50% of the rare Hbs); HbD Korle-Bu (7 cases, 35%); HbJ Lome, G Philadelphia, and Hb Lepore (1 case each, 5% for each). Eighteen cases were associated with Hb A. Two cases of composite rare Hb were found: HbS/HbK Woolwich and HbC/Hb D Korle-Bu. Carriers of Hb Lepore and of HbC/HbD Korle-Bu had hypochromic and microcytic anemia. HbK Woolwich was found in the Adja-Ewé and Tem-Kabyé ethnic groups, in the Maritime and Kara regions; HbD Korle-Bu, HbJ Lome, and Hb Lepore were also identified among the Adja-Ewé, and HbG Philadelphia in the Akposso ethnic group of the Plateau zone. CONCLUSION: This study although limited to Lome, allowed us to identify the rare Hb forms observed in Togo. Other studies on a national scale will specify their real frequency.

[Chronic myeloid leukemia and imatinib: Experience at the Lome Campus teaching hospital (Togo)]. / Leucémie myéloïde chronique et imatinib, expérience du CHU Campus de Lomé au Togo.

BACKGROUND: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal malignant myeloproliferative disorder characterized by the expansion of hematopoietic cells carrying the Philadelphia chromosome (t 9.22). Our main objective was to assess the efficacy of imatinib in CML patients, measured by their survival. METHODS: Over a six-year period (June 2003 through May 2009), 25 patients were seen regularly for CML at the Lomé Campus teaching hospital. Patients received imatinib after diagnosis and underwent regular laboratory monitoring (quantification of BCR-ABL ratio by RT-PCR). Patients' survival and treatment response were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients' mean age at diagnosis was 40 years (range: 9 to 72 years). Men predominated (17 compared with 7 women). Splenomegaly was found in 80% of cases. The mean leukocyte level was 188.71 g/L (24.4-350). Six patients (24%) had thrombocytosis with a mean platelet count of 491.15 g/L (108-2000). Six patients (24%) died after developing accelerated-phase CML or blast crisis. Estimated overall survival of patients at 6 years was 60%. Molecular biology monitoring detected a secondary G250E mutation with resistance to imatinib in one patient. Standard hematological side effects led to reduction in imatinib doses. The principal nonhematological side effects were weight gain and transient digestible disorders. CONCLUSIONS: At six years after diagnosis, imatinib was effective in treating patients with CML, even in sub-Saharan Africa. Mutation-induced resistance required regular molecular biological monitoring to determine the need to switch to later-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines and chemokines in infants with uncomplicated and severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Cytokine and chemokine levels were studied in infants (<5 years) with uncomplicated (MM) and severe malaria tropica (SM), and in Plasmodium falciparum infection-free controls (NEG). Cytokine plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13, IL-31 and IL-33 were strongly elevated in MM and SM compared to NEG (P<0·0001). Inversely, plasma concentrations of IL-27 were highest in NEG infants, lower in MM cases and lowest in those with SM (P<0·0001, NEG compared to MM and SM). The levels of the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP3)-α/C-C ligand 20 (CCL20), monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG)/CXCL9 and CXCL16 were enhanced in those with MM and SM (P<0·0001 compared to NEG), and MIP3-α/CCL20 and MIG/CXCL9 were correlated positively with parasite density, while that of IL-27 were correlated negatively. The levels of 6Ckine/CCL21 were similar in NEG, MM and SM. At 48-60 h post-anti-malaria treatment, the plasma concentrations of IL-10, IL-13, MIG/CXCL9, CXCL16 and MIP3-α/CCL20 were clearly diminished compared to before treatment, while IL-17F, IL-27, IL-31 and IL-33 remained unchanged. In summary, elevated levels of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines and chemokines were generated in infants during and after acute malaria tropica. The proinflammatory type cytokines IL-31 and IL-33 were enhanced strongly while regulatory IL-27 was diminished in those with severe malaria. Similarly, MIP3-α/CCL20 and CXCL16, which may promote leucocyte migration into brain parenchyma, displayed increased levels, while CCL21, which mediates immune surveillance in central nervous system tissues, remained unchanged. The observed cytokine and chemokine production profiles and their dynamics may prove useful in evaluating either the progression or the regression of malarial disease.

[Situation and perspectives of blood transfusion in Togo]. / Situation actuelle et perspectives de la transfusion sanguine au Togo.

We report the successive stages of the reorganization of the blood transfusion sector in Togo. The starting point was the elaboration of the national policy of blood transfusion, then the adoption of a decree organizing the sector as well the various decree of application, particularly that related to transfusion good practices. The current policy recommends two poles of qualification of the blood ant its components and the creation of six stations of collection and distribution attached to these poles. The reorganization started with the rehabilitation of the National Blood Transfusion Centre (CNTS) in Lomé. If the problem of human resources is alarming, especially the availability of hemobiologists, the rehabilitation allowed the increase of the blood collection passing from 5272 donations in December 2003 to 18 164 in December 2008. However, the requirement of blood products is satisfied in 50% in all the country. In 2003, 24% of the blood products were rejected for positive viral markers against 8.37% in 2008 in relation with the improvement of blood safety. Efforts must be continued to reinforce it in the CNTS and to make a better selection of the donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (CRTS) de Sokodé. The analysis of the weak points of the sector (human resource insufficiency, shortage of the blood products, blood safety) made it possible to indicate solutions to improve the sector of blood transfusion sector. Future outcome is funded in the blood transfusion safety development project in Togo financed by the Agence française de développement (AFD, French development agency).

[Internal quality control of the blood products in the Lomé National Blood Transfusion Centre]. / Contrôle de qualité interne des produits sanguins labiles préparés au Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine de Lomé.

AIM: Evaluate the conformity of blood red cells units prepared in the Lomé CNTS with European norms concerning volume, haemoglobin content and haematocrite. Measure the conservation of the haemostatic properties and the rate of haemostasis factors V and VIII in the fresh frozen plasma. Measure the rate of residual cells in the plasma. METHODS: In the year 2006, from March 1st to April 15th, we analysed the quality of 135 units of whole blood, red blood cells (RBC) and plasma from blood donors in the Lomé National Blood Transfusion Centre. The quality control had concerned: the volume of whole blood units; the volume, the haemoglobin content and the haematocrite of red blood cells units; the volume, the prothrombin rate, the cephalin with activator time (TCA), the rate of haemostasis factors V and VIII and the number of residual cells (red cells, leucocytes and platelets) in the plasma. RESULTS: Among the 135 units of whole blood which were controlled, 50.57% were in conformity with the norms concerning the volume. The red blood cells units were in conformity with norms concerning their volume, their haemoglobin content and their haematocrite respectively in 21.48%, 80.75% and 20% of the cases. The volume of 75.56% of the plasma units controlled were conform with the norm. All of the plasma units were conform with the norm concerning the number of residual platelets while the number of residual red blood cells and leucocytes were conform respectively in 80.74% and 60%. The percentage of conformity concerning the prothrombin rate, the TCA, the coagulation factor V and the factor VIII were respectively 66.67; 97.78; 48.89 and 47.4 before freezing, and 54.81; 88.14; 64.44; 84.44 a month after freezing. CONCLUSION: To improve the quality of the new blood products of the Lomé CNTS, some correctives actions must be applied concerning the adequate volume of blood which must be collected from the donors, the position of the blood bags in during the centrifugation and the volume of plasma which must be take out of the bag of red cells.

[Knowledge, attitudes and practices about blood donation. A sociological study among the population of Lomé in Togo]. / Etude des connaissances, attitudes et pratiques en matière de don de sang. Enquête sociologique dans la population de Lomé (Togo).

GOALS: 1) analyse the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Lome population about blood donation; 2) identify obstacles to blood donation among the population of Lome; 3) suggest some solutions to improve the performance of the National Blood Transfusion Centre (CNTS). METHODOLOGY: We have conducted a sample survey among the population of Lome from the 6th to 21st October 2003. Three hundred persons filled a questionnaire. RESULTS: In the sample, 183 (61%) were males. Their age ranged from 18 to 67 years with 2/3 of young peoples between 18 and 37 years. Pupils/students were 24,33%, wage-earners, 55% and the unemployed, 17,67%. More than the half of the investigated persons (54,67%) were unmarried and 96, 33% persons were literate. Nearly all the people (96,33%) knew about blood donation in Lome and they have received information mainly from friends, media and sensitization by the CNTS. Sixty-one percent of the investigated knew where blood is donated. All the investigated were unanimous about the vital role of blood. Whatever their religion, they recognized its sacred nature. The majority of the investigated (85%) were willing to donate blood. Only 95 people were donors. The reasons for non-donation were mainly related to the fear of catching diseases (31,71%) especially the HIV (9,76%), the lack of information (25,37%), the religious beliefs (19,51%) and the fear of knowing the result of one's HIV test. 277 people (92,33%) said that blood should be donated without remuneration. CONCLUSION: There is a growing interest in the blood donation among the population of Lome but new strategies must be elaborated to inform the population and motivate blood donors.

[Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B viruses in patients with sickle-cell disease in Togo]. / Virus de l'immunodéficience humaine et virus des hépatites virales C et B chez les patients drépanocytaires au CHU Campus de Lomé (Togo).

CONTEXT: The clinical features of sickle cell disease (SCD) are vaso-occlusive and/or hemolytic crises which treatment may require blood transfusions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections in a population of SCD patients. METHODS: All the samples were analyzed by Elisa technique. We studied 119 sera for HIV using Elisa and a confirmation test in case of positive Elisa. We screened 91 sera for HCV and 119 sera for HBV. RESULTS: The prevalence was 5.04% for HIV, 6.5% for HCV and 20.2% for HBs Ag. Homozygous (SS) patients were more infected than compound heterozygous patients SC, (p < 0.02). 24.6% of the children (0 to 15 years of age) were infected as well as adults (35.5%). The Relative Risk to be contaminated was 7.14 for HIV, 4.29 for HCV and 5.43 for HBV in transfused compared to non transfused SCD patients. CONCLUSIONS: This high infectious risk in SCD patients should lead us to elaborate a better strategy to increase the safety of blood transfusion in Togo.

[Four case reports of Biermer's anemia in West Africa]. / A propos de quatre observations de maladie de Biermer en Afrique de l'Ouest.

The purpose of this report is to describe 4 cases of Biermer's anemia observed in West Africa over a 7-year period. Severe asthenia was the main clinical manifestation. Laboratory tests consistently demonstrated macrocytic anemia usually with a deep drop in hemoglobin levels ranging from 40 to 84 g/l associated with various degrees of thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. Other consistent findings were bone marrow megaloblastosis, serum vitamin B12 deficiency, and intrinsic factor antibodies. In most cases diagnosis was established on the basis of therapeutic tests with subsequent confirmation. Treatment using vitamin B12 therapy was successful in all cases. The authors recommend iron deficiency testing during the course of the disease and gastric biopsy during fibroscopy of upper digestive tract even if no macroscopic lesions are found.

[Hemoglobin anomalies at the university hospital center in Lome, Togo]. / Les anomalies de l'hemoglobine au centre hospitalier universitaire de Lome, Togo.

Togo is a sub-Saharan African nation with a number of public health problems including endemic tropical disease. The country is also located in the Lehmann sickle cell belt characterized by a high incidence of genetic red blood cell disorders. The purpose of this study was to identify the main hemoglobin variants, evaluate their incidence and discuss diagnostic pitfalls. Data on 5604 subjects was compiled from the 3 studies, i.e., a 405-case prospective study conducted in a rheumatology department, a 5028-case retrospective study using electrophoresis and a 171-case transversal study in newborns. Diagnosis of hemoglobinopathy was based on alkaline electrophoresis. Rare hemoglobins were identified in the Biochemistry Laboratory of the Henri Mondor Hospital in Paris, France. Diagnosis of alpha-thalassemia was checked by PCR. The main abnormal hemoglobins were the S and C variants with respective incidence ranges of 15.8 to 16.7% for the AS trait and 12.1 to 15.8% for AC trait. SS sickle cell disease was observed in 1.2 to 2% of subjects and SC sickle disease in 2.3 to 4.2%. Rare hemoglobulinopathies involved the fast hemoglobulin variant, hemoglobin D, and hereditary persistence of hemoglobin F. Alpha-thalassemia was detected in 47% of the 171 newborns studied with a predominance of the heterozygous form (36.8%), followed by the homozygous form (8%). The incidence of alpha gene triplication in the newborns was about 2.4%. Hemoglobin Barts was not a consistent finding in association with diagnosis of alpha-thalassemia since it was present in 15 newborns with normal alpha genotype (8.8%) and absent in 10 newborns with heterozygous alpha genotype (5.9%). This study demonstrates that molecular biology is the best method for the detection of the alpha-globin gene abnormalities.

[Evaluation of eight diagnostic tests for HIV infection in Lome (Togo)]. / Evaluation de la performance de huit tests de diagnostic de l'infection à VIH à Lome (Togo).

This study to evaluate the performance of eight diagnostic tests for HIV/AIDS infection was conducted at the National Reference Center for HIV/AIDS/STD in Lomé, Togo. The tests were as follows: Enzymum test anti HIV Combi, Enzymum tests anti-HIV1 + 2 + subtype O, Genscreen HIV 1/2, Ice 1.0.2, Vironostika HIV Uni-Form II Plus O, Genie II HIV 1/2, SFD HIV 1/2 PA and DETERMINE HIV 1/2. A total of 238 serum specimens collected consecutively between January and April 1999 were studied. They were from 161 occasional blood donors and 77 patients. New Lav-Blot I and Ii (western blot) were used as reference tests. Test sensitivity ranged from 90 to 100%. Specificity ranged from 96 to 100%. The Enzymum test anti HIV Combi used only on serum samples from blood donors demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Tests based on Elisa (Emzymum Combi, Enzymum HIV 1 + 2 + subtype O, Genscreen, Ice 1.0.2 and Vironostika) allowed acceptable diagnosis of HIV/AIDS as alternatives to western blot. Two of the three rapid assays tested provided acceptable results, i.e., Genie II HIV 1/2 and SFD HIV 1/2. They are suitable for screening to prevent HIV transmission by blood transfusion in areas where Elisa is unfeasible.

Priapism in sickle cell anemia in Togo: prevalence and knowledge of this complication.

Prevalence of priapism and knowledge on this disease was assessed by interviewing a group of 114 sickle cell anemia patients, 5 years and older, considered to be genotypically homogenous (Benin or #19 haplotype). Prevalence of priapism in homozygous sickle cell patients was 26.3% (30/114) and that of the control group of subjects with Hb AA was 2% (2/102) (the difference was very significant: p = 5.10-7). Actuarial probability of having priapism by 20 years of age was 69 +/- 8.5%. Few homozygous patients without a history of priapism (15.8%) have heard about priapism. This lack of knowledge, added to low accessibility of a health care system, may explain the high rate of impotence (31.6%). The results of this study led us to plan a large program of infonnation about priapism and sickle cell disease in the Togolese population.

[Intracavernous injections of etilefrin: its efficacy in the treatment of priapism in sickle cell patients]. / Injections intracaverneuses d'étiléfrine: efficacité dans le traitement curatif des épisodes de priapisme chez le drépanocytaire.

OBJECTIVE: To date, the treatment of priapism in sickle-cell patients has relied on measures aimed at lowering blood viscosity and acidosis and reducing the level of circulating hemoglobin S (hyperhydration, alkalinization, or exsanguinotransfusion...) Surgical cavernous-venous shunt may be proposed if conservative treatment fails. We examined the efficacy of intracavernous etilefrin injections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1996 through October 1997 (20 months) we performed 35 consecutive intracavernous injections of an alphastimulant, etilefrin in 7 sickle-cell patients (6 SS, 1 AS) who had experienced one or several episodes of low-flow priapism lasting 2 to 28 hours. RESULTS: Involution of the tumefaction was rapidly achieved in all cases. Tolerance was satisfactory, although some post-injection undesirable effects were reported by certain patients: moderate transient pain (2-5 min) in the retrosternal area, or intense pain in the penis (more intense than the priapism) which lasted 10 to 30 minutes. This work confirmed the earlier reported efficacy of intracavernous injections of etilefrin and suggests that the autonomous nervous system plays an important role in the genesis of this condition in sickle-cell patients. Patients should be informed about the observed undesirable effects which have not been reported previously in the literature. CONCLUSION: Etilefrin can be proposed as first line treatment for priapism in sickle-cell patients (at least in cases lasting less than 24 h). The pathogenic mechanism could involve neuromuscular dysfunction.

Hemoglobins in Togolese newborns: Hb S, Hb C, Hb Bart's, and alpha-globin gene status.

The gene frequency of the most important hemoglobin (Hb) abnormalities is reported in a population of 171 Togolese newborns. Hb phenotypes, hematological parameters, and the more frequently described alpha-gene deletions were analyzed. Structural abnormalities of beta-globin were observed in 35.7% of the children with a gene frequency of 0.105 for beta(S) and 0.091 for beta(C). The frequency of the different alpha-globin genotypes was alpha alpha/ = 0.71, -alpha/ = 0.28, and alpha alpha alpha/ = 0.01. All of the individuals homozygous for the -alpha genotypes, and most of the heterozygous individuals, carried Hb Bart's. Within the alpha alpha/alpha alpha and the -alpha/alpha alpha groups, several individuals with or without Hb Bart's were found; they did not differ from the others by their red blood cell (RBC) parameters but by their levels of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F). The African alpha2 polymorphism marker, characterized by the replacement of G by TCGGCCC at position 7238 (EMBL HSHBA4, 1993) and of T 7174 by G, was found in 21 newborns. The mean value of Hb F was calculated for each genotype, the mean (G)gamma percentage was 69.4 +/- 4.0%, and the gene frequency of the AgammaT marker was 0.10; this marker was linked to the normal beta-globin cluster.

Le lymphome de Burkitt au Togo: aspects epidemiologique; clinique; therapeutique et evolutif

Une etude retrospective portant sur 332 dossiers d'enfants traites pour lymphome de burkitt sur une periode de 10 ans dans le service de pediatrie du CHU de Lome-Tokoin a ete effectuee afin d'analyser les differents aspects epidemiologiques; cliniques; therapeutiques et proposer des solutions pour une meilleure prise en charge des patients. 28 enfants ont ete retenus soit 2;8 cas par an; 0;04 pour cent des hospitalisations en pediatrie et 73;68 pour cent des lymphomes malins non hodgkiniens durant la periode consideree. L'age des patients a varie entre 13 mois et 14 ans avec une moyenne de 7;5 ans; le sexe masculin est predominant (sex-ratio = 1;5); 72 pour cent des patients sont de famille ayant un bas niveau socio-economique et 66;4 pour cent sont originaires du Sud du pays. Le delai moyen avant consultation est de 3 mois; les localisations maxillo-faciales ont ete constatees dans pour 100 cas soit isolement (32;1 pour cent) ou associees aux localisations abdominales (25 pour cent); ganglionnaires (25 pour cent) et medullaires (10;7 pour cent). Le protocole therapeutique utilise est a la base de cyclophosphamide. Les resultats ne sont pas tres satisfaisants puisque la letalite est elevee de l'ordre de 25 pour cent. Le suivi des malades en remission est tres difficile; les patients ne venant pas regulierement aux controles. Les conclusions de cette etude permettent de formuler les recommandations suivantes: - Sensibilisation des parents sur la necessite d'un suivi regulier au long cours; - Approvisionnement regulier des services hospitaliers en drogues antimitotiques; - Creation d'un service d'onco-hematologie avec une unite de radiotherapie

[Spinal diseases in a rheumatology hospital unit in Lomé (Togo)]. / Pathologie rachidienne en consultation rhumatologique à Lomé (Togo).

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the different kinds of spinal diseases in patients attending the rheumatology unit of Lomé hospital, Togo. Among the 4927 patients seen over a 5-year period, 1966 (40%) had spinal involvement. The disease observed were as follows: degenerative spinal disorders: 1872 cases (95%); infectious discitis: 41 cas (2.1%); spondyloarthropathies: 33 cases (1.8%); tumors: 20 cases (1.1%). Degenerative spinal involvement affected mainly lumbar and cervical spine. The only unusual clinical feature was that Schober's index was often normal. Lumbar spinal stenosis was common (233 cases, 12.4%), especially in females, and occurred at an earlier age than in the Western world. Ankylosing spondylitis features included mildness of extra-articular manifestations and an often negative family history. Pott's disease was de leading cause of infectious discitis. The present study suggests that spinal disorders are as frequent in Africa as in Western countries.

[Chronic myeloid leukemia manifesting as gout. Reflections on secondary gout in Black Africa]. / Goutte révélatrice d'une leucémie myéloïde chronique. Réflexions sur les gouttes secondaires observeés en Afrique noire.

This report describes the case of a 63-year-old obese and alcoholic butcher who suffered two episodes of distal oligoarthritis. These episodes were attributed to gout on the basis of response to colchicine and demonstration of hyperuricemia. Given the presence of hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and hyperleukocytosis, a sternal puncture and myelogram were performed and led to diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia. In addition to the classic predisposing factors for gout, sickle cell anemia could be implicated in Black Africa. Longer life expectancy for patients with sickle cell anemia could increase the incidence of gout in Black Africa.

[Rheumatic diseases and hemoglobinopathies in Lomé (Togo)]. / Maladies rhumatismales et hémoglobinopathies a Lomé (Togo).

This prospective cross-sectional study was designed to determine the frequency and impact of hemoglobinopathies in rheumatology clinic patients in Lomé (Togo). Among the 405 study patients, 142 (35%) had an abnormal hemoglobin, 22% had hemoglobin S, and 16.8% had hemoglobin C. Sickle cell anemia and sickle cell-hemoglobin C disease (2% and 4.2% of patients respectively) were associated with vasoocclusive crises and necrosis of the femoral head. Presence of AS or AC (heterozygotic forms of hemoglobins S and C) was found in 15.8% and 12.1% of patients, respectively. These proportions were similar to those reported in the population at large. Presence of AS or AC had no detectable influence on degenerative spinal disease, osteoarthritis of the knee, tendinitis or inflammatory joint diseases. Our data suggest that presence of AS or AC has no adverse significance and should be disregarded when evaluating patients with musculoskeletal symptoms.