C-reactive protein and the menstrual cycle in females with sickle cell disease

Abstract

There are notable sex disparities in the frequency and severity of vaso-occlusive pain episodes (VOEs) in sickle cell disease (SCD), with females experiencing more frequent and severe episodes during the reproductive years. Many individuals report a temporal link between VOEs and the menstrual cycle, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role in modulating inflammation and pain. This study explores the relationship between inflammatory markers and the menstrual cycle in females with SCD. Plasma samples from 13 female and 18 male individuals with confirmed SCD were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory biomarkers. In female patients, sex hormones were measured to determine the menstrual cycle phase. While no overall difference in CRP levels was observed between males and females, CRP levels fluctuated significantly across the menstrual cycle in females, with higher levels in the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase. Additionally, platelet counts were significantly elevated in females during the follicular phase compared to males. These findings suggest that cyclic inflammation may contribute to the increased frequency and severity of VOEs in females, particularly during the perimenstrual period. Further research is needed to explore whether hormonal interventions can reduce perimenstrual VOEs in SCD.