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Haematological values from a Gambian cohort--possible reference range for a West African population
I M O Adetifa1, P C Hill, D J Jeffries
1Bacterial Diseases Programme, Medical Research Council (UK) Laboratories, The Gambia. iadetifa@mrc.gm
International Journal of Laboratory Hematology
|July 18, 2008
Summary
This study established haematological reference ranges in The Gambia, revealing age and gender-specific variations. Findings link low hemoglobin to childhood malnutrition but not adult obesity, highlighting regional differences in blood count ranges.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Anthropometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Establishing regional haematological reference ranges is crucial for accurate health assessments.
- Existing reference ranges often do not reflect diverse populations, including those in West Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine haematological reference ranges for the West African subregion using a Gambian cohort.
- To analyze the relationship between haematological parameters and nutritional status (malnutrition, thinness, obesity) in different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of full blood counts from 1279 individuals aged one year and above.
- Collection of anthropometric and body composition data.
- Calculation of mean, median, and 90% reference values for haematological parameters.
Main Results:
- Haemoglobin (Hb) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) increased with age and showed gender-specific changes in adults.
- Hb levels were significantly lower in underweight and stunted children.
- White Blood Cell (WBC) and platelet counts decreased with age, with higher WBC in malnourished children and higher platelet counts in adult females.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential haematological reference ranges for The Gambia, applicable to the West African subregion.
- Nutritional status significantly impacts haematological parameters in children, but not adult obesity.
- Gambian reference ranges, while similar in mean/median values, show lower 90% ranges compared to Western standards, emphasizing the need for localized data.