Gum Arabic as Fetal Hemoglobin Agent in Sickle Cell Anemia
Gum Arabic as Fetal Hemoglobin Agent in Sickle Cell Anemia
The purpose of this study is to determine whether Gum Arabic is effective as fetal hemoglobin
 inducing agent for sickle cell anemia patients.
: High level of fetal haemoglobin (Hb F) decreases sickle cell anaemia (SCA) severity and
 leads to improved survival. Butyrate proved to increase HbF production in vivo and in vitro
 studies. Nonetheless, its short half-life limited its utilization in clinical practice. Gum
 Arabic (GA) is edible, dried, gummy exudate from Acacia Senegal tree. GA fermentation by
 colonic bacteria increases serum butyrate concentrations. The investigators hypothesized
 regular intake of GA will increase serum butyrate level. The latter will induce fetal
 hemoglobin production and ameliorate patients' symptoms. 47 patients hemoglobin SS aged 5-42
 years, on regular follow up in Military hospital were recruited from April 2014 to January
 2015 Patients received dose of G A 30g/day for 12 weeks. Hb F, complete blood count and
 Erythropoietin level were measured. The main outcome of interest was the level of HbF after
 12 weeks.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. over 5 year old

 2. less t5han 50

 3. diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell anemia by Hb electrophoresis

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. patients received blood transfusion within the last three months or admitted to the
 hospital within 2 weeks because of Sickle cell anemia -related events or crisis.