Open AccessReference intervals of common clinical biochemistry analytes in young Nigerian adults
Author(s) -
Ojor Ayemoba,
Nathan Okeji,
Nazir Hussain,
Tahir Umar,
Anthony Ajemba-Life,
Terfa S. Kene,
Uchechukwu Edom,
Ikechukwu Ogueri,
Goodluck Nwagbara,
Inalegwu Ochai,
Usman Adekanye,
Ikenna Onoh
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0247672
Subject(s) - medicine , percentile , population , nigerians , reference range , demography , environmental health , family medicine , statistics , mathematics , sociology , political science , law
Background Reference intervals are assessment tools for interpretation of clinical test results. These intervals describe the dispersion of test parameter values of apparently healthy persons in defined populations as health status indicators. Using reference intervals obtained and validated in populations outside the geographical region of derivation for medical decision-making may impact negatively on clinical interpretation and patient management. Many countries have established their reference values, current studies on these data for Nigeria are however scarce. Determination of clinical biochemistry reference intervals for young Nigerian adults which is of particular importance in routine clinical management and conduct of clinical trials in response to existing and emerging diseases will add significantly to the existing body of knowledge. Objective The objective was to establish reference intervals for 24biochemistry analytes among Nigerians aged 18 to 26 years. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among 7,797 consenting male and female military applicants aged 18 to 26 years from 37 States of Nigeria. It was a total study among volunteers for military service. Blood samples were collected and subjected to serological testing for HIV-1 and 2, hepatitis-B, malaria, pregnancy and haematuria to restrict our study population to apparently healthy participants. Biochemical assays were performed on 6,169 participant samples that met the inclusion criteria. Generated data was entered into MS Excel ® and exported into SPSS ® software version 16 for analysis. Statistical tools used were frequencies, median, mid 95 th percentile range with 2.5 th and 97.5 th percentiles as limits. Reference intervals were estimated using nonparametric methods. No intergender statistical comparison was made. Results Complete records were obtained for 6,169 eligible participants. Median values and associated reference intervals were similar in both genders. Conclusion The findings from this study will help in clinical decision-making and play a significant role in supporting the current global rapid expansion of clinical trials in response to the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic solutions to existing and emerging diseases.