Common Hematological Reference Indices Among Healthy Reproductive Age Indian Women-Data Subset from Nationwide Study

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Reproductive Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Population-based studies on hematological indices among reproductive-age women in India are lacking, despite implications for women's health and pregnancy outcomes.
• Existing reference values for hematological parameters may not accurately reflect the health status of this demographic.
• Establishing normative ranges is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of various health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate normative ranges for key hematological parameters in apparently healthy Indian women of reproductive age (18-40 years).
• To compare these generated ranges with currently used reference values.
• To explore correlations between hematological indices and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 5884 apparently healthy women from six eco-geographic zones across India.
• Exclusion of participants with anemia, clinical, or biochemical abnormalities, resulting in a final cohort of 472 women.
• Analysis of hematological parameters including hemoglobin, RBC, WBC, platelet count, and ESR to generate 2.5th and 97.5th centiles.
• Pearson's correlation used to assess associations with HOMA-IR.

Main Results:

• New reference intervals were established for hemoglobin (12-15.1 gm/dl), RBC (3.68-5.55 millions/μl), WBC (4.1-11.26*109/L), platelet count (1.32-4.42*105/μl), and ESR (4.35-41.65 mm/hr), differing significantly (p < 0.05) from current values.
• Hematological indices showed no significant variation across different age groups, geographical zones, ethnicities, or rural/urban origins.
• Significant associations were found between ESR, WBC, monocytes, and platelets with HOMA-IR. Women with HOMA-IR > 2 exhibited significant differences in MCV, ESR, eosinophil, and platelet counts.

Conclusions:

• This study provides pioneering, representative reference data for hematological indices in Indian women of reproductive age.
• The generated normative ranges differ from existing values and should be considered for clinical practice and future research.
• The findings highlight potential links between hematological parameters, insulin resistance, and women's health in India.