Hematological Profile and Inflammatory Markers in Rheumatoid Arthritis Subjects: A Case-control Study in Elele, Nigeria

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterised by inflammation affecting the joints and, in some cases, extra-articular organs. The condition typically follows a relapsing–remitting course, with periods of symptomatic exacerbation interspersed with phases of remission. This study evaluated the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and selected erythrocyte indices among individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the Elele community. A cross sectional case control study was employed with a total of 71 subjects consisting of 38 males (53.5%) and 33 females (46.5%) aged 20-60 years. Among the 71subjects, 32(45.1%) were positive (test) while 39(54.9%) were negative(controls). Among the 38 males, 14(36.8%) were positive while 24(63.2%) were negative. Of the 33 females, 18(54.5%) were positive while 15(45.5%) were negative. The packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin estimation and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were assessed using standard procedures. Data analysis was conducted using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25, results were expressed in mean ± SD (standard deviation). T-test was used to compare the mean values of the tests and control groups. Values were considered significant at P<0.05. There was significant increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate among females subjects with rheumatoid arthritis when compared with the control (p<0.05). There was significant decrease in packed cell volume among females with rheumatoid arthritis when compared with the controls. The hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were slightly reduced though statistically non-significant (p>0.05). There was a significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration among male subjects with rheumatoid arthritis when compared with the controls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, packed cell volume and hemoglobin in the male subjects when compared with the controls. The overall assessment of these parameters showed a significant increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate while packed cell volume was significantly reduced among the tests subjects when compared with the controls (p<0.05). But, there was no significant difference in the hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p>0.05). In conclusion, there is increased red cell aggregation among these subjects, which was more pronounced among the females. Therefore, proper care should be instituted to avoid unnecessary complications.