Changes in Packed Cell Volume and Some Biochemical Parameters of Adult Females during Pregnancy in North-West Nigeria

Background: Pregnancy is associated with changes in woman’s renal function, carbohydrate and protein metabolism and particularly hormonal pattern. The objective of this study was to determine the values of packed cell volume and some biochemical parameters during pregnancy in North-west Nigeria due to scanty information documented in this part of Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty apparently healthy pregnant women, aged 17-40 years, were studied between August, 2010 and October, 2011 at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano while 100 age-matched and apparently healthy, non-pregnant women, resident in Kano metropolis as the pregnant women, were used as controls. Blood samples collected from the subjects were analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), random blood sugar (RBS), urea and creatinine using standard laboratory techniques.

Results: There were significantly lower values of packed cell volume and random blood sugar in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (P<0.05) and higher value of urea level in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (P<0.05).The values of creatinine levels in pregnant and non- pregnant women showed no significant difference (P>0.05) while parity and maternal age showed no effects on the PCV levels during pregnancy.

Conclusion: This study has shown reduced PCV value in pregnant women probably due to haemodilution and dietary deficiency of iron while the lower value of RBS may be attributed to reduced consumption of cassava or carbohydrate rich foods in this environment. Elevated urea level in the studied pregnant women might be associated with their high protein diets.