Evaluating Haematological Profiles in Cases of Early-Onset Canities in Port Harcourt

Abstract

Introduction: Low levels of red blood cell metrics, such as haemoglobin concentration, have been linked with premature canities, which are premature gray hair. Aim: This study assessed the haematological profiles (red blood cell metrics) among individuals with premature canities in Port Harcourt. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional study design with a total of 90 participants divided into 3 equal groups: the Test, the Negative Control, and the Positive Control Groups. Five milliliters of venous blood sample was collected from each subject with ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid sample containers. An automated method was used for the determination of the levels of some of the red cell metrics using a Sysmex automated haematology analyzer. The supravital staining technique was used for reticulocyte count (RC), and data obtained was analyzed with SPSS. Results: The study recorded a statistically significant low level of red blood cell count and increased reticulocyte count among the Test group when compared with the Control groups as p<0.05, but no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the other parameters. Using Pearson correlation, there was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation with HGB, (r) = 0.38 and P=0.04. Degree of canities had statistically insignificant correlations/ associations with all the parameters among the Test group of the study participants using Pearson correlation and Ordinal logistic regression. Conclusion: This study revealed the involvement of reduced red blood cell count and increased reticulocyte count in premature canities. More studies with different populations are needed.