Serum immunoglobulins in sickle cell disease.

Immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM were estimated in 20 cases of sickle cell disease in steady state, eleven cases of sickle cell disease in crisis and/or infection, 20 cases of sickle cell trait and 14 normal healthy controls. Immunoglobulin deficiency has not been observed in sickle cell disease. Significantly raised IgG but normal IgA and IgM found in sickle cell disease cases was probably due to chronic stimulation of reticuloendothelial cells secondary to chronic hemolysis. IgM levels were significantly higher in patients with splenic enlargement > 3 cm. There was no alteration in immunoglobulin levels in sickle cell trait.