Comparative Study of Some Hematological Parameters and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women in Benin City, Nigeria

E.B. Ezenwanne* and R.O. Aikpitanyi-Iduitua

Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University Of Benin, Benin City, Edo State – Nigeria.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2167

ABSTRACT: It was the aim of this studyto comparethePeak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and some hematological indices in pregnant women withthose of non-pregnant women.This study was carried out in University of Benin Teaching Hospital Antenatal Clinic and St Philomena’s Catholic Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 118 women were engaged for this study. These were made up of 84 pregnant women,out of which 10 women were in their first trimester, 40 in their second trimester and 34 in their third trimester. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the two hospitals. Another 34 non pregnant women were used as control group. All the participating women were within the age ranges of 25 to 35years. Determination of PEFR wasdone using mini Wright peak flow meter. Venous blood samplesof each subject were collected, and packed cells volume (PCV), total white cells count (WBC), platelet count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)of each subject was determined.The PEFR was found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) compared with those of control subjects. The PEFR of the control women was 483.75±13.1,that ofthe first trimester was 462.25 ± 8.71, second trimester was 423.75± 10.51 and third trimester was 391.25 ± 7.81, respectively. Comparatively the PEFR was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the order ofthe trimesters, thus: first trimester < second <third. The Packed cell volume was also significantly decreasedacross the trimesters (p<0.001). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate wassignificantly higher across the trimesters (p<0.001). Platelet count value wassignificantly decreased in the first and second trimesters compared to the control subjects (p<0.001). Total white cells count increased significantly in the second and third trimesters (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study has drawn attention to thePEFR lowering effect of the gravid uterus on the pulmonary function of pregnant women. It can also be concluded that a decrease in packed cells volume and platelet countvaluesaccompanied with increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and total white cells count are features of normal pregnancy.

KEYWORDS: Hematological parameters; Peak flow rate; Comparative study; Pregnant women; Trimesters

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