Blood chemistry profile of a South Pacific Island population.
OBJECTIVE
To determine basic blood chemistry parameters in the population of the island of Mauke in the South Pacific.


METHODS
As a part of a health survey carried out in 1992, 24 laboratory parameters were measured in serum samples of 502 subjects representing 80.8% of the total population.


RESULTS
Blood glucose, uric acid and globulin values were above the respective reference intervals in 9%, 5% and 4% of the subjects. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine values were elevated in 1.8% and 1.2% of the subjects. Hypoalbuminaemia was found in 1.2% to 4% of the subjects, more frequently in the older age groups. Gamma glutamyltransferase levels were elevated in 6.2% of the subjects. Iron values were below the reference interval in 8.0% of the subjects. Serum cholesterol levels were elevated in 4.4% of the subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The blood chemistry data reflect the disease profile of this Pacific Island population including the presence of diabetes and iron deficiency as well as renal, hepatic and infectious diseases. The data can be used in comparative inter-island studies as well as in those between Pacific Island and other populations.
Department of Pathology, University of Turku, Finland. timo.nevalainen@utu.fi
T J
TJ
Nevalainen
A
A
Guinea
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011114:Polynesia / Q000453:epidemiology
D015415:Biomarkers