Some Haematological Parameters in Women on Different Types of Contraceptives Attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Haematological parameters are measurable indices of blood that can be used to identify and monitor some pathological and physiological abnormalities. Contraceptive use is one of the factors that affect these parameters.

Objective: This study was aimed to assess some haematological parameters (total white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (Lymph), mixed cell count (MID), Neutrophils (Neut), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hgb), haematocrit (HCT), platelets count (PLT), mean platelets volume (MPV), platelets distribution weight (PDW), plateletcrits (PCT), and platelets large cell ratio (P-LCR)) of women using different types of contraceptives attending family planning Clinic of Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study. Which involved a total of 76 subjects; 51 were women on different types of contraceptives, and 25 were women not on any contraceptives. Those using implants were 24, injectable were 14, IUCD were 6 and oral pills were 7. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using a Sysmex haematology analyzer. Data were analyzed using statistical software package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0, expressed as Mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analyzed using student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Results: There were significant decreases in values of WBC, NEUT and PCT of the test subject when compared with control (p=0.02), (p=0.04) and (p=0.02) respectively. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the values of Lymph, mid, RBC, Hgb, HCT, PCT, MPV, PDW and P-LCR in test subjects when compared with control (p≥0.05). The study showed a significant decrease in PCT of those using pills, injectables, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) and implants (p=0.04). Also, Significant differences in WBC, Lymph and MID were observed among the Yoruba, Nupe and Igbo tribes that participated in the study (P=0.02) (P=0.00) and (P=0.01), respectively.

Conclusion: The study has shown that WBC, NEUT and PCT are reduced in those using contraceptives. This can lead to a reduced immune system, exposure to infections and haemostatic disorders. Therefore, there is a need to monitor the haematological parameters of those on contraceptives to avoid adverse haematological effects.