The haematological profile of four hundred (400) apparently health adult Nigerian residing in Zaria, aged 60-85years old were studied and compared with young adults control 20-30 years in order to establish haematological reference values for the aged men and women. Haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, differential white blood cell counts, platelet counts, mean cell volume, means cell haemoglobin and mean cell Haemoglobin concentration were analyzed using cell Haematology analyzer (CELL Dyn 4000) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined using westergreen method. The mean value of RBC count, Hb, Hct, WBC count, Platelet count and neutrophils were significantly lower in apparently healthy elderly male and female (P<0.001) than in control. All hematological parameters estimated showed sex and age related differences except basophils and MCHC. ESR showed sex and age differences with higher mean value in apparently healthy elderly females. A slight decrease in the mean values of neutrophils was observed in both sexes and ages. Mean value of MCV, MCH, lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes were significantly increased in the elderly males and females compared to those in the young adult control (P<0.001). Based on physiological variation (age and sex) the reference value for fourteen (14) haematological constituents of blood have been estimated, in order to provide medically reliable evaluation of haematological values in the elderly males and females. The use of seperates reference haematological values for the aged adults is hereby advocated; further study to ascertain the actual causes of low haemalogical value in the elderly is hereby recommended.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
3. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
5. CONCLUSION
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
7. REFERENCES
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this study is to establish accurate haematological reference intervals for an apparently healthy adult Nigerian population aged 60-85 years residing in Zaria, and to compare these values with those of a younger control group (20-30 years) to assess physiological changes associated with ageing.
- Establishment of haematological reference values for geriatric Nigerians.
- Comparative analysis of blood parameters between healthy elderly and young adults.
- Identification of age- and sex-related differences in haematological indices.
- Investigation of the impact of physiological ageing on marrow cellularity and haematopoiesis.
- Validation of the necessity for age-specific reference ranges in clinical diagnostics.
Extract from the Book
INTRODUCTION
Ageing is a general physiology process which affects cell and the systems made up of them, as well as tissue components. In old age red bone marrow sites are slowly replaced with yellow inactive marrow. Red marrow forms all types of blood cells and it is also one of the largest and most active organs of the human body. It may be tempting to assume that blood counts may be low in the elderly because of the established fatty changes in the marrow with age (1).
No markers of alternatives of erythrocytes physiology and production clearly to ageing have been stated, nor even is it clear if Laboratory haematological values need to be adjusted to the age (2). Anaemia is observed to be common in the elderly and its prevalence increase with age. However anaemia should not be accepted as an inevitable consequence of ageing. Most elderly persons are able to maintain their haemoglobin level above anaemia level and secondly up to 80% of anaemic elderly people have an identifiable causes of anaemia when investigated (3). The normal haematopoiesis constitutes the process of producing diverse, differentiated blood cell types in a manner related to physiological requirement.
During ageing, modulation of haematopoiesis becomes disordered, impairing the ability of older people to respond appropriately to the demand for the blood cell replacement triggered by stimuli such as blood loss or cytoreductive chemotherapy (3).
In addition, age-related event such as genomic secondly to oxidative stress and impaired regulation of cytokine production, may contribute to or cause the emergence of abnormal clones of haematopoietic cells referred to as myelodysplastic syndromes (4).
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides the physiological background of ageing, its impact on bone marrow and haematopoiesis, and justifies the need for specific reference values for the elderly.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Details the study design, including the criteria for selecting 400 healthy elderly volunteers and young controls, as well as the analytical techniques used for blood testing.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Outlines the mathematical and statistical methods employed to analyze the collected data and determine the mean, median, and reference intervals.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Interprets the study findings, compares them with international standards and previous literature, and explains the physiological reasons for the observed haematological variations.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the study's findings, emphasizing the urgent need for local, age-specific reference ranges in clinical practice.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Acknowledges the professional support received from staff at the Department of Haematology, ABUTH, Zaria.
REFERENCES: Lists the academic literature and clinical standards consulted to support the research findings.
Keywords
Haematological profile, Geriatrics, Ageing, Zaria, Reference values, Anaemia, Haematopoiesis, Red marrow, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Nigeria, Clinical laboratory, Physiological variation, Elderly, Blood parameters, Haematocrit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research study?
The study investigates the haematological profile of healthy elderly Nigerians in Zaria to establish appropriate age-specific reference ranges.
What are the primary themes addressed in the paper?
The research focuses on the impact of ageing on haematological parameters, the distinction between physiological changes and disease, and the reliability of current international reference values for local populations.
What is the central research question?
The study aims to determine if there are significant differences in blood parameters between the elderly (60-85 years) and younger adults (20-30 years), and whether these warrant the use of separate reference intervals.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The researchers used the Yaro Yamane formula for sample size determination, analyzed blood samples via a CELL Dyn 400 Haematology Analyser, and utilized the Westergren method for ESR, followed by standard parametric statistical analysis.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The text covers the physiological processes of ageing, the decline in marrow cellularity, the prevalence of anaemia, and detailed comparative data tables for various haematological constituents.
Which key terms describe the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Geriatrics, Haematological profile, Reference values, Haematopoiesis, and Ageing.
Why did the authors choose to use a young adult control group?
The control group was essential to provide a baseline for comparison, helping to distinguish between changes attributable to normal ageing versus those potentially indicating underlying health issues.
What specific conclusion did the authors reach regarding clinical practice?
The authors advocate for the adoption of specific haematological reference values for the elderly in Zaria and across Nigeria to ensure reliable clinical evaluations and avoid misdiagnosis.
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- Joseph Toryila (Autor:in), K. Amadi (Autor:in), A. B. Adelaiye (Autor:in), 2008, Haematological Profile Of Apparently Healthy Geriatric In Zaria, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/191596
