Assessment of Haematological Parameters and Body Mass Index Among Geriatric Out- Patients in Ekpoma, Edo State.

Abstract:

Aging is associated with physiological changes that affect various bodily systems, including the haematological system. This study aimed to evaluate haematological parameters and Body Mass Index (BMI) in geriatric subjects (≥60 years) and compare them with apparently healthy young adults (20-33 years). A total of 100 subjects (50 geriatrics and 50 controls) were recruited for this study. Haematological parameters, including white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, granulocyte count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and platelet count, were assessed. BMI was calculated, and comparisons were made between geriatric and control groups. The results showed higher BMI values in geriatric subjects, although not statistically significant. White blood cell count was lower in geriatric subjects, while lymphocyte count, granulocyte count, and platelet count showed no significant differences. Haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly higher in geriatric subjects. The findings suggest that aging is associated with changes in haematological parameters and BMI, which may not necessarily indicate disease. The study's results are consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for haematological values among blacks and highlight the importance of considering age-related changes in haematological parameters when assessing the health status of geriatric subjects.