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Haematological reference ranges for schoolchildren
M R Taylor1, C V Holland, R Spencer
1Department of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Clinical and Laboratory Haematology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
This study establishes new reference ranges for hematological values in children aged 4-19. Findings reveal age- and sex-based differences in hemoglobin, red blood cell, and white blood cell counts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Establishing accurate reference ranges for hematological parameters in school-aged children is crucial for diagnosing various conditions.
- Existing studies often have limitations, including small age ranges or exclusion of significant population segments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine comprehensive reference ranges for red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet indices in a large cohort of school-aged children.
- To investigate age- and sex-related variations in these hematological parameters.
Main Methods:
- Automated blood cell counting was performed on samples from 2135 children aged 4-19 years.
- Participants were recruited from randomly selected schools to ensure a representative sample.
Main Results:
- Median hemoglobin and red blood cell counts increased with age in both sexes until age 12, after which they diverged.
- Girls exhibited higher platelet counts than boys, with variations in mean platelet volume and plateletcrit related to age and sex.
- Total leucocyte count decreased with age, with notable sex-specific differences emerging in neutrophil and monocyte counts in older children.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential, updated reference ranges for pediatric hematology, accounting for age and sex differences.
- The findings highlight significant developmental trends and sex-based variations in hematological indices during childhood and adolescence.