SERUM-CALCIUM AND VITAMIN-D STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH SICKLE-CELL DISEASE IN CURACAO

We measured parameters of calcium homeostasis and vitamin D status in HbSS patients (median age 8 years, range 3-19; 8 females, 10 males) an d matched HbAA controls living in the tropical island of Curacao. Seru m calcium concentration in HbSS patients [2.32(0.07)mmol/L] was lower (ANCOVA, P = 0.002) than that of HbAA controls [2.44(0.14)]. None of t he subjects had hypocalcaemia. There were no differences in serum conc entrations of phosphate, total protein, albumin, intact parathyroid ho rmone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [87(27) nmol/L in patients, 86(15) nm ol/L in controls) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. There were no significa nt relations between PTH and 25(OH)D. We conclude that vitamin D statu s of HbSS patients in Curacao is adequate.