Ann. Pak. Inst. Med. Sci. 2010; 6(1): 55-57

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the haematological parameters in middle and upper socioeconomic class individuals of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas.
Study Design: It is a descriptive case series.
Place and Period of Study: This study was conducted in Islamabad Diagnostic Centre’s haematology laboratory during the period of 5th November 2008—30th March 2009.
Materials and Methods: The blood samples of 439 individuals (239 males and 200 females) were collected and analyzed under standardized conditions in the hematology laboratory of Islamabad Diagnostic Centre.
Results: A significant difference in RBC count and hemoglobin was observed when values of normal males and females were compared. (hemoglobin male 14.8 g/dl & females 12.9 g/dl P value < 0.05. RBC count males 5.29 mil/mm³ and females 4.6 mil/mm³ P. value <0.05). The comparison of males and females who were suffering from some disease showed significant change in hematocrit and platelets count (HCT male 37 % and females 35% P. value <0.05. platelets count male 272000/mm³ and females 275000/mm³). There was also a significant difference in values of platelets count in normal males between those who were doing regular exercise and those who were not, but no such effect was observed in normal females between those who were doing exercise and those who were not.(247000/mm³ male and 238000/mm³ males doing exercise P. value <0.05). Almost all parameters showed significant difference when values of normal males were compared with males who were ill (all parameters except monocytes and eosinophils). Similar changes were observed when values of normal females were compared with females who were suffering from illness (all parameters except MCV, Monocytes and Eosinophils).
Conclusions: With few notable exceptions, significant differences were observed in main parameters between upper and lower socioeconomic classes. No effect of exercise was noted among healthy females probably because of a small sample size in this group.
Key Words: Hematological parameters, Socioeconomic class, Exercise.

Introduction


Complete blood picture is a routine test which is used frequently by clinicians to support their diagnosis of several diseases, such as anemias, acute infections, hemorrhagic states, allergic disorders, cancers, and immune disorders, health screening and pr-operative evaluations.

We are mostly relying on Western countries data for reference, although we know their geographic, environmental, and socioeconomic conditions, dietary habits are different from ours. It is well documented that hematological values vary in different population groups in different parts of the world. The socioeconomic, environmental conditions as well as age, sex, ethnic background and physical activity can cause variation in hematological parameters.^1-5 In Pakistan environmental conditions and dietary habits are different from western countries, so there is need to have our own baseline values. Acute and chronic infections effect hematological parameters. Acute infections cause reduction of 0.10-2.40 g/dl in hemoglobin on 3rd day of infection.⁶

Leukocytosis following exercise is well known since the end of past century.⁷ In 1924 A.Egoroff showed the reaction of total leukocyte count, granulocytes, monocyte and lymphocytes to a marathon race outlining granulocytosis and lymphopenia during the first hours after the end of exercise.⁸ This study was conducted to evaluate the haematological parameters in middle and upper socioeconomic class individuals of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas.