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The Normal Platelet Count and Platelet Factor 3 Availability in Some Nigerian Population Groups
Author(s) -
Essien E. M.,
Usanga E. A.,
Ayeni O.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0036-553X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1973.tb00085.x
Subject(s) - nigerians , platelet , medicine , population , coagulation , immunology , environmental health , political science , law
As part of a study to establish the normal values of haemostatic parameters in Nigeria, we have found that among blood donors aged 18–45 years, the mean normal platelet count as determined by phase contrast microscopy was 186, 740/μl (± 94, 000) or in round numbers, 190, 000/μl ± 90, 000. These donors were almost all peasant farmers and represent the bulk of the Nigerian population. Among ‘elite’ Nigerians (doctors, senior civil servants etc.) however, the mean count was 218, 100/μl (± 100, 000) (220, 000/μl ± 100, 000); the difference in the counts between both groups is statistically significant. Thus the ‘normal’ platelet count in the bulk of the Nigerian population is significantly lower than usually accepted values. An assessment of the functional capacity of the blood donor platelets by platelet factor‐3 availability suggests that, compared with a control group, donor platelets make their platelet factor‐3 more readily available for coagulation and may thus compensate for their relatively low circulating number.