Evaluation of serum ferritin levels and blood counts in apparently normal individuals in Nnewi, South-east Nigeria

Serum ferritin levels as well as blood counts are variously affected in diverse disease conditions, particularly those characterized by inflammation. To evaluate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and blood counts in apparently healthy Nigerian subjects. Five (5ml) of venous blood was collected for full blood count, malaria parasite, serum ferritin and C- reactive protein (CRP) estimation from 88 apparently healthy subjects. Those positive for malaria parasite (on blood film examination) or had elevated serum CRP were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 16; (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL). Associations were tested between parameters using Pearson's correlation, set at a coefficient of p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and all participants gave informed consent. The median, mean and modal ages of subjects were 23.50 years, 25.25 years and 16.00 years, respectively while the mean packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell (TWBC), platelet count and serum ferritin level were 0.37L/L, 7.10 x 10(9)/L, 246.39 x 10(9)/L and 18.35 ng/ml, respectively. Age of subjects varied significantly with serum ferritin, platelet count and TWBC (p > 0.05). The PCV, platelet count and TWBC varied significantly across the different age groups of the study population (p < 0.05), likewise the PCV in males, compared to females (p < 0.05). Serum ferritin level in our apparently healthy subjects is lower than previously reported but did not vary significantly with blood counts.