Radiological Assessment of Craniometric Indices in Sickle Cell Anaemia Subjects in Rivers State

This study was carried out with the aim of radiologically determining any differences in the cephalometric and facial indices between SCA and non-SCA subjects of same age and sex and determine values for cephalic and Nasal Indices of SCA subjects. A total of 286 skull radiographs of subjects aged 3 – 30 years, comprising 250 radiographs of non-SCA and 36 radiographs of SCA patients were used for this study. Measurements were carried out using a Digital Venier's Caliper to determine values for calculation of cephalic and Nasal indices for the different ages and sexes. Occipito-frontal and Lateral radiographs of non-SCA subjects were obtained from the Radiology Departments of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) while radiographs of SCA subjects were shot at the Radiology Department of UPTH. Occipito frontal and Lateral radiographs of non-SCA subjects were obtained from the Radiology Departments of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) while radiographs of SCA subjects were shot at the Radiology Department of UPTH. The data were statistically analyzed using Z-test at 95% confidence interval. From the results obtained, mean cephalic index of non-SCA subjects was found to be 76.66±10.67 while those of SCA subjects was 76.21±3.11 which was not statistically significant(p>0.05). Male mean cephalic index for non-SCA subjects was determined as 78.29±4.72 while SCA subjects was 75.99±3.22 and was statistically significant(p<0.05). Female non-SCA subjects mean cephalic index was found to be 76.91±6.46 while that of SCA subject was 76.40±1.14 (not significant, p>0.05). Mean Nasal index of non-SCA subjects was 74.71±9.23 and SCA subjects was 72.90±4.80. The results indicated growth retardation in SCA subjects which can be used as diagnostic tool in the management of sickle cell anaemia patients by maxillofacial surgeons, paediatricians, medical radiologists and forensic anthropologists.

Key Words: Cephalic and Nasal Indices, Radiology, Rivers State, Sickle Cell Anaemia