Evaluation of Haematological Parameters in Stroke Patients in South-Western Nigeria

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of both ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke which has been linked to chronic and acute inflammation. Variations in the biochemical status of stroke patients might be accountable for the high morbidity and mortality associated with stroke.

Aims of the Study: This study was designed to investigate haematological parameters namely Parked cell volume(PCV), Total Leucocyte Count(WBC), Platelet Count, and Differential Leucocyte Count(Neutrophil and Erythrocyte) in stroke patients attending various teaching and general hospitals in South-Western part of Nigeria.

Place and Duration of the Study: This study included already diagnosed stroke patients attending Teaching Hospitals and general hospitals in south-Western Nigeria and was carried out between 2015 to 2017.

Methodology: Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total leucocyte (WBC), differential leukocyte and platelet count was determined using the method of Cheesbrough, (1999).

Results: The result of this study revealed a significant increase p<0.05 in platelet count in stroke patients when compared with the control. Similarly, there is a significant increase p<0.05 in differential leukocyte count(neutrophil and lymphocyte count) in these patients when compared with the control. However, the WBC level in these patients is not significantly p<0.05 different from the control subjects. The PCV in stroke patients is significantly lowered p<0.05 when compared with the control subjects.

Conclusion: This study reveals alterations in most of the haematological parameters considered in this patients which is a pointer to the fact that these parameters with further investigations could give clues to the diagnosis and management of stroke thereby reducing its morbidity and mortality.