title: Haematological and biochemical reference intervals for infants and children in Gabon.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish reference intervals for major haematological and biochemical parameters in Gabonese infants and children.
  
  
  METHODS
  The reference sample population consisted of 226 healthy infants (4-9 weeks of age) and 185 healthy children (18-60 months of age). Basic red cell parameters as well as total and differential white blood cell counts were performed. Clinical chemistry parameters consisted of glutamate-pyruvic transaminase and creatinine, and total bilirubin was measured in children. Statistical analysis was based on the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Nonparametric methods were used to determine 95% reference limits and their 90% confidence intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to European populations, values for several red cell parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume) were lower and platelet counts were higher. Eosinophils were higher in the older age group, most likely caused by intestinal helminths.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study confirms the importance of establishing reference limits for local populations. The reference ranges could be used as a benchmark for similar populations in Central Africa.
authors.affiliation: Medical Research Unit, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Humberg
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kammer
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mordmüller
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Kremsner
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lell
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005681:Gabon; D006400:Hematocrit; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000379:methods; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D006454:Hemoglobins