COMPARISM OF THE SERUM FERRITIN LEVELS OF BLOOD DONORS AND NON-BLOOD DONORS IN ORLU

Nwosu, D.C., Nwanjo, H.U., Obiakor, O. R., Obeagu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Ugwu Getrude Uzoma, Izuka, N., Dike-Ndudi, J., Ojiegbe, G.C., Onuoha,C., Ajero, C.M.U, Nwokike, G.I., Okpara, K.E.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the serum ferritin levels of three groups of individuals and to determine the relationship between frequency of blood donation and serum ferritin level. These groups were: (a) individuals with no history of donation (Group A), (b) individuals with a history of 1-3 donations (Group B), and (c) individuals with a history of 4-7 donations in the last one year (Group C). The mean serum ferritin levels of group A was 84.14±45.10 ng/ml, group B 68.35±35.06 ng/ml and group C 7.79±9.24 ng/ml. The WHO reference range for the parameter was obtained as Serum – ferritin (males) = 21-385 ng/ml. The serum fenitin levels were found to be significantly decreased (P<0.05) among the group C when compared to ggroup A and group B. Sixty percent of donors in group C had their iron stores (serum ferritin <4 ng/ml) completely depleted and had developed iron deficiency anaemia (Hb

Keywords: serum fenitin levels, deficiency anaemia.