Abstract

Motivation: Blood R1 (R1Blood) is associated with hematocrit level (Hct). However, it is unclear whether Hct of normal hemoglobin (HctA) and sickle hemoglobin (HctS) have a similar impact on R1Blood. Goal(s): Evaluate the impact of HctA and HctS on R1Blood in healthy controls and SCD patients. Approach: Multiple linear regression with R1Blood as the dependent variable and Hct of combined hemoglobin A and F (HctAF), HctS, age, and sex as independent variables was performed. Results: R1Blood was associated with HctAF, HctS, age, and sex. Moreover, the association between R1Blood and HctS was significantly different from that between R1Blood and HctAF. Impact: Blood R1 is essential in various MRI applications. Our findings are crucial for developing an accurate blood R1 estimation model in sickle cell disease patients.