Study of Some Hematological and Biochemical Variables in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis Attending Tasaawa Rural Hospital

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple body systems, with its most severe impact commonly observed in the joints of the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. This study was conducted at Tasaawa Rural Hospital and included non-pregnant women aged between 30 and 79 years. A total of 100 samples were collected. The results revealed that the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis among the studied population was 10%. A significant decrease was observed in hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts, accompanied by an  increase in red cell distribution width (RDW). However, no statistically significant differences were detected in the remaining hematological parameters. The findings also indicated that liver and kidney functions remained within normal ranges. No statistically significant differences were found in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, or creatinine levels. The study samples were further classified into three age groups: (30–39) years, (40–50) years, and (51–79) years. The results demonstrated statistically significant differences in platelet indices, including platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT), as well as in the two enzymes; ALP and ALT. In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed in the other variables.  Results showed a decrease in hemoglobin level and red blood cell counts, while white blood cell and platelet counts remained within normal limits. The study concluded that the percentage of sample positive for arthritis was 10% among the studied women. It also demonstrated decreased hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts, along with an increased RDW, while no statistically significant differences were observed in other parameters. Additionally, it showed that liver and kidney function tests remained within normal ranges.