Differences between reference intervals of blood counts of Brazilian adults with and without sickle cell trait according to laboratory tests from the National Health Survey

Abstract

Objective: to compare reference intervals (RI) of blood counts of Brazilian adults with and without sickle cell trait (SCT). Methods: Cross-sectional study, with the National Health Survey, 2014-2015, composed of 8,952 individuals. 234 adults constituted the sample with SCT. The RI of adults with and without SCT were compared in the study “Reference values ​​for laboratory tests of blood count in the Brazilian adult population: National Health Survey”, by Rosenlfed et al. (2019). The parametric method was used and Student's t test for comparison (p≤0.05). Results: There were statistically significant differences between RI of adults with and without SCT in men and women for hemoglobin, MCV, HCM, CHCM, white blood cells, absolute lymphocytes, mean platelet volume and RDW; At all ages, for white blood cells and RDW in men and for MCV, HCM, CHCM, mean platelet volume and RDW in women; Between 18 to 59 years, for HCM, MCV, CHCM, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets in men and in women for lymphocytes, red blood cells, white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and platelets; From 60 years, for hemoglobin and hematocrit in men and in women for hematocrit, white blood cells, neutrophils and platelets; In white, black and brown races for white blood cells, neutrophils and platelets (p<0.05). Conclusion: Brazilian adults with SCT had lower counts of hemoglobin, MCV, HCM, CHCM, white blood cells and higher RDW than without SCT. The results show the importance of genetic counseling and research to support the proper management of this condition in Brazil.