SELECTED HEMATOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ASTHMATIC PATIENTS IN NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

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