Background: Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic hemoglobinopathy globally and systemically affects body functioning, decreasing exercise capacity.
Objective: To assess exercise capacity through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and biomarkers in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.
Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study involving 20 children and adolescents from Brazil. Demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained. Baseline measurements included biomarkers (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, platelets, reticulocytes, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and fetal hemoglobin). The following data were obtained before, during, and after the 6MWT: heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation.
Results: Eighteen children and adolescents ages 5-14 years old were analyzed, 61.1% boys, 100% black or brown, and 61.1% in primary education, with low household income. The average distance walked in 6MWT was 463.8 (137.7) m, significantly less than the predicted value (P < .001). The distance of 6MWT was associated positively with age (P = .042) and inversely with reticulocyte count (P = .42) and interleukin 6 (P = .00). Age modified the effect of interleukin 6 in younger children (P = .038).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest increased baseline levels of biomarkers of hemolysis and inflammation impact on 6MWT performance.
Keywords: 6-minute walk test; hemoglobinophaty; physical effort; young people.