Hematological reference ranges among healthy Ugandans

Abstract

Reference values are essential for the interpretation of hematologic data in clinical practice and research studies. Symptom-free human immunodeficiency virus antibody-negative Ugandan adults (183 subjects, aged 15 to 74 years, 37.7% women and 62.3% men) were studied to establish hematological reference ranges. The central 95% areas under the distribution curves were 1,453 to 4,448 cells per l for the absolute lymphocyte count, 559 to 2,333 cells per l for the absolute CD4 count, 253 to 1,396 cells per l for the absolute CD8 count, and 0.68 to 4.4 for the CD4/CD8 ratio. Women had significantly higher mean absolute lymphocyte counts (2,826 versus 2,568/l), absolute CD4 counts (1,425 versus 1,154/l), and absolute CD4/CD8 ratios (2.58 versus 1.88) than did men. These reference ranges differ from those reported for populations outside Africa.

Haematological and biochemical reference values of Gambian infants

“…Indeed, increasing numbers of clinical trials of vaccines against infectious diseases are being conducted in African infants for which determinants of safety will include the degree of deviation of the haematological and biochemical indices from the reference ranges following vaccination. Unfortunately, the reference ranges of haematological and biochemical indices used for infants in many African countries including the Gambia are those obtained from industrialised countries (Tugume et al 1995;Karita et al 2009). Given that these laboratory parameters might be influenced by differences in genetic, environmental, dietary and social factors (Saxena & Wong 1990;Bain 1996;Taylor et al 1997;Quinto et al 2006;Adetifa et al 2009) using reference values derived from another population might lead to a wrong interpretation, which may influence the outcome.…”

Establishment of haematological and immunological reference values for healthy Tanzanian children in Kilimanjaro Region

“…Data regarding immunological and haematological reference intervals for healthy African populations are scarce, particularly for infants, children, and adolescents. Values currently used are often based upon results generated from Caucasian populations living in industrialized countries (Wintrobe 1981;Tugume et al 1995;Karita et al 2009). In the last decade, a few studies have been conducted in Africa demonstrating differences in normal values compared to those established in industrialized nations (Daniel 1973;Embree et al 2001;Gerardin et al 2002;Menard et al 2003;Lugada et al 2004;Eller et al 2008;Kibaya et al 2008;Mayhood et al 2008;Karita et al 2009).…”

CD4 T cell measurements in the management of antiretroviral therapy-A review with an emphasis on pediatric HIV-infected patients

“…Therefore it is recommended that CD4 testing be interpreted in the context of the current non-HIV infections which may temporarily influence the patients' medical conditions, and that the test is repeated following any significant changes from previous results. It should be noted that the ''normal'' reference ranges for both CD4 T cell percentages and absolute counts in African children and adults differ from those reported for populations in Europe and North America (30)(31)(32). This may be at least partially attributable to the unique geographical environments and endemic pathogens (30).…”