Effect of Aspartame on Hemoglobin in Sickle Cell Anemia
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Date
2024-05
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Society for Scientific Research
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disorder characterized by aberrant hemoglobin S (Hb S) due to an A-to-T mutation in the ?-globin gene. This leads to erythrocytes deforming or sickling, causing sickle cell crises, growth retardation, increased infection susceptibility, chronic hemolysis, multi-system organ damage, disability, and death. Anemia in SCD patients is primarily due to reduced red cell lifespan and hypersplenism in infants. Methods: Patients from the VIMSAR Burla general medicine ward OPD/IPD were randomly assigned to a control group and a study group. Clinical examinations and histories were recorded, including hospital stay frequency, volatile organic compounds, blood transfusion history, and medication use. Patients on hydroxyurea continued their treatment. Conventional blood investigations (CBC, random blood sugar, liver function tests, serum urea, creatinine levels, and urine analysis) were conducted. Results: The study showed that SCD patients in the study group taking 4 mg/day of aspartame had a significant increase in mean hemoglobin percentage starting from the first month and continuing until the third month, compared to the control group. The most substantial therapeutic benefit was observed in the third month. Conclusion: Currently, hydroxyurea is the only FDA-approved effective treatment for SCD, but it it has several side effects. Aspartame, a safer over-the-counter medication, demonstrated greater efficacy than hydroxyurea in raising Hb% and reducing VOC, hospitalisations, and blood transfusions without adverse effects over a six-month trial. Aspartame is suggested as a potential first-line treatment for SCD, warranting a large-scale double-blind randomised controlled study to confirm its therapeutic benefits.
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Keywords
Sickle Cell Disease, Aspartame, Hemoglobin, Hydroxyurea, Anemia, Red Blood Cells, Hypersplenism, Randomized Controlled Trial, Erythrocytes, Hemolysis
Citation
Behera TK, Behera JR, Mishra A, Madhual S. Effect of Aspartame on Hemoglobin in Sickle Cell Anemia. SSR Institute of International Journal of Life Sciences. 2024 May; 10(3): 5574-5579