Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted in Zaria, Nigeria aimed at
determining reference values of Platelet Counts, Mean
Platelet Volume and the relationship between the Platelet
Count and Mean Platelet Volume. These parameters were
determined from 400 healthy elderly subjects comprising 210
males and 190 females. with a mean age of 69.4±7.9 years .
400 young adults were used as control comprising 200 males
and females respectively with a mean age of 24.1 ±4.2years.
Healthy elderly adults had a mean platelet count of 161.8±3.0
X 109/L and 214.5±3.1 X 109/Lin males and females respectively.
Sex and age differences in platelet counts were observed in
the elderly subjects (P < 0.05). The mean (SEM) for mean
platelet volume for healthy elderly males and females was
9.8±0.6 fl and 9.7±0.6 fl respectively. There was an inverse
correlation between mean platelet volume and platelet counts
(r = - 0.286, P < 0.05). Platelet count was lower in healthy
elderly subjects compared to the young adults control (P <
0.05). The use of separate reference value of platelet count in
the elderly is advocated.
