Haematological Values for Children, Adults and Geriatrics in Nnewi and Environs, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Haematological parameters are very important in defining the health status of individuals. Hence availability of haematological reference ranges have been used as discriminators for individuals that are healthy or ill. Some independent factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, geographical location, lifestyle and method of assays are known to affect reference ranges, therefore in establishing reference ranges one must put these factors into consideration. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in Nnewi and its environ, and a total of 1,947 subjects were selected for this study using stratified random method. Whole blood sample was collected in EDTA bottle and tri-sodium citrate bottle from each subject for the haematological parameters. Kruskal Wallis and Man-Whitney statistical tool were used for the multivariable and two variables analysis respectively, using SPSS version 21 software package. Result: Significant differences (p=0.00) were observed among the different age groups; the adults had Hb, PCV and RBC values higher when compared with that of the children and the geriatrics. PT and CT tests showed significantly lower values (p=0.00) in the adults when compared to the children and geriatrics. No significant differences (p=0.276) were seen among the children, adults and geriatrics in MCV, INR and BT. Conclusion: Some of the haematological parameters vary among the age groups; children, adults and geriatrics. The haematological values obtained from this study for children, adults and geriatrics, can serve as a reference values to guide health care providers in management of patients in Nnewi and its environ.