Abstract:
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lungs. Hematological
abnormalities are common in asthma. The most common hematological abnormalities include
eosinophilia, neutrophilia, leukocytosis, and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Different
factors can be associated with hematological abnormalities in asthma.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the selected hematological abnormalities
and their associated factors among asthmatic patients in Northwest Ethiopia.
Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 320 asthmatic
patients in Northwest Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study
participants. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data were collected by using a pre-tested
structured questionnaire and by reviewing medical records. Six milliliter of blood was collected
from asthmatic patients for hematological profile analysis and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
determination. Hematological profiles were analyzed by Unicel DxH 800. To determine the
erythrocyte sedimentation rate Westergren method was used. Data were entered to Epi data
software version 3.0.4 and analyzed by using a statistical package for social science version 20
software. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with
hematological abnormalities. A p-value of less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression
analysis was considered statically significant.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of neutrophilia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, and
leukocytosis were 35.3%, 20%, 11.9%, and 10.3% respectively. No habit of doing physical
exercise (AOR=3.25; 95% CI: 1.43–7.37) and taking drugs other than asthmatic drugs before three
months (AOR=2.63; 95% CI: 1.22–5.65) were associated with neutrophilia. Being admitted to the
emergency department (AOR= 0.27; 95% CI: 0.11–5.67) was found to be associated with
eosinophilia. In addition, being admitted to the emergency department (AOR= 5.44; 95%CI: 2.6–
11.3) were found to be associated with thrombocytopenia.
Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the predominant prevalence of neutrophilia followed
by eosinophilia among asthma patients. Therefore, considering selected hematological
abnormalities and their associated factors should be important for proper monitoring and
management of asthmatic patients.
Key words: Hematological abnormalities, Eosinophilia, Neutrophilia, Asthma, Leukocytosis
