Normal reference values for hematological parameters, red cell indices, HB A2 and HB F from early childhood through adolescence in Saudis.
BACKGROUND
Values of hematological parameters are affected by factors such as age, sex, ethnic background and social, nutritional and environmental factors. The objective of this study was to determine the values of hematological parameters, red cell indices and Hb A2 and Hb F levels in normal Saudi children, living in the Central Province of Saudi Arabia.


METHODS
The study was carried out on 1526 apparently healthy children, with ages ranging from 1-15 years, and selected during a household screening program. Hematological parameters, red cell indices, and hemoglobin types (Hb A2 and Hb F) were estimated, and the children were divided into 15 groups depending on the age. Male and female children were separated, and the mean and standard deviation of each parameter was calculated for each age group.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in the red cell count in the male and female children. White blood cells gradually decreased from 2 years onwards, while hemoglobin and hematocrit levels increased significantly from 2 to 15 years. Mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin also showed slight increases, while mean cell hemoglobin concentration remained more or less constant. Hemoglobin A2 and Hb F showed slight but nonsignificant fluctuations. Comparison of the results with those reported in the literature shows that Saudi children have some values similar to Caucasians, while others have values which are intermediate between Caucasians and African children.


CONCLUSIONS
The values reported in this study can be used as normal reference values for Saudi children and adolescents.
El-Hazmi
M A
MA
Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, and King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Warsy
A S
AS