Assessment of Packed Cell Volume, Red Cell Indices and Serum Albumin in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis in Owerri, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/h2gxcr53Keywords:
Myasthenia Gravis, Packed Cell Volume, Red Cell Indices, Serum Albumin, Hematology, Autoimmune DiseaseAbstract
Background: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by fluctuating weakness of voluntary muscles, resulting from immune-mediated destruction or functional blockade of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. While MG is primarily viewed as a neurological disease, increasing evidence suggests hematological and biochemical alterations may occur, influencing disease progression and prognosis.
Objective: This study assessed the packed cell volume (PCV), red cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), and serum albumin levels in patients diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in Owerri, Nigeria, compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 30 patients with clinically confirmed Myasthenia Gravis and 30 apparently healthy controls. Venous blood samples (7 mL) were collected under aseptic conditions. Hematological analyses, including PCV and red cell indices, were performed using an automated hematology analyzer, while serum albumin was determined by the bromocresol green (BCG) method. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The mean values of PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and serum albumin in MG patients were significantly reduced compared with controls: PCV (28.00±5.50 vs. 36.90±3.30)%, MCV (76.70±8.50 vs. 83.70±6.90)fL, MCH (24.20±3.50 vs. 27.00±3.20)pg, MCHC (30.40±1.50 vs. 31.50±0.90)g/dL, and serum albumin (2.40±0.40 vs. 3.60±0.60)g/dL, all p<0.01. Sex-based analysis showed significantly higher PCV in males than females (30.40±3.50 vs. 26.00±4.20, p=0.004), while other indices showed no significant sex difference. Correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between serum albumin and red cell indices.
Conclusion: Patients with Myasthenia Gravis in Owerri exhibit significantly lower PCV, red cell indices, and serum albumin compared to healthy individuals, suggesting the presence of anemia and hypoalbuminemia possibly linked to chronic inflammation, malnutrition, or treatment-related effects. Routine hematological and biochemical monitoring should be incorporated into MG management protocols.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mbonu Sophia Ukamaka, Aloy-Amadi Oluchi Chinwe, Akujobi Augustine Ugochukwu (Author)
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