Population-Based Biochemistry, Immunologic and Hematological Reference Values for Adolescents and Young Adults in a Rural Population in Western Kenya

2011

Reference Values for Adolescents and Young Adults in Western Kenya

Sample size: 298 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Zeh Clement, Amornkul Pauli N., Inzaule Seth, Ondoa Pascale, Oyaro Boaz, Mwaengo Dufton M., Vandenhoudt Hilde, Gichangi Anthony, Williamson John, Thomas Timothy, DeCock Kevin M., Hart Clyde, Nkengasong John, Laserson Kayla

Primary Institution: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-Kenya), Kisumu, Kenya

Hypothesis

The study aims to establish clinical laboratory reference values for African adolescents and young adults that can be used in clinical trials and for patient management.

Conclusion

Hematological and biochemistry reference values from African populations differ from those derived from North American populations, highlighting the need for region-specific reference values.

Supporting Evidence

40% of otherwise healthy study participants were classified as having an abnormal laboratory parameter.
Significant gender variation was observed in hematological parameters.
Lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell values were detected compared to U.S. reference ranges.

Takeaway

This study found that blood test results for young people in Kenya are different from those in the U.S., so doctors need to use local numbers to help patients better.

Methodology

The study involved randomly selecting 298 HIV-seronegative individuals aged 13–34 years from two population-based cross-sectional surveys in western Kenya.