Some Haematological Parameters of the Elderly in Sokoto, Nigeria

The assessment of haematological parameters is very necessary because, they are important proxy indicators useful in the assessment of immune status, therapeutic purposes and monitoring of disease progression and treatment outcome for proper patient management. This study was aimed at determining some haematological parameters in apparently healthy elderly persons living in Sokoto, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving a total of 105 apparently healthy elderly persons living in Sokoto. Elderly persons aged 60years and above were recruited for the study. Full blood counts (FBC) were determined using five part haematological analyser by Mindray, Germany. Data were analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Haematological parameters showed distinct differences with some local reference ranges. This study found out that the values of WBC, Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, Eosinophil, Monocyte, RDW-CV, Platelet Count, MPV, PDW and Plateletcrit were within the normal range in according to reference ranges used in Sokoto. While the values of RBC, HCT, MCHC, MCH and MCV were lower based on reference values used in Sokoto. However, RDW-CV was raised. There were statistical significant increases in mean values of Hb, HCT and MCV among male than females in Sokoto metropolis (p<0.05). There was statistical significant increases in mean values of PLT count among females than males in (p<0.05). There were statistical differences in mean values of Neutrophil, RBC, HCT, PLT and PCT among different age groups in Sokoto metropolis (p<0.05). There were statistical differences in mean values of WBC, Lymphocyte, Neutrophil, Eosinophil, RDW-CV, PLT, PDW and PCT among different groups of BMI in Sokoto metropolis (p<0.05). It was observed that monocyte increased significantly with BMI from normal weight to obesity (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study established a baseline data for FBC in elderly in Sokoto. Some of the parameters under study vary with local reference range. Elderly have lower haemoglobin and HCT. There is age, gender and BMI variation in the parameters studied. There is need to establish a different reference ranges for elderly in a given location for proper understanding and management of elderly population in our society.