Pregnancy-Related Hematocrit Changes and Malaria-Associated Anemia with ABO/Rh Blood Group Distribution in Nigerian Women
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Pregnancy is associated with physiological hematologic changes that may be exacerbated by endemic infections such as malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated hematocrit levels, malaria history, and ABO/Rh blood group distribution among Nigerian women.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45 pregnant women, stratified by trimester, and 45 age-matched nonpregnant controls attending a tertiary hospital in North-Central Nigeria. Hematocrit was measured using an automated hematology analyzer, while ABO and Rh blood groups were determined using standard serological techniques. Malaria exposure within the preceding 12 months was assessed using a structured questionnaire; among pregnant women, malaria infection within the preceding 12 months was additionally confirmed by microscopy or hospital records. Associations were examined using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
Mean hematocrit was significantly lower among pregnant women compared with nonpregnant controls (33.14% ± 2.86% vs 34.36% ± 2.99%; p=0.020). Hematocrit values did not differ significantly across pregnancy trimesters (p=0.742). A history of confirmed malaria infection within the preceding 12 months was associated with a reduction in hematocrit among pregnant women (32.26% ± 2.85% vs 34.22% ± 2.49%; p=0.020). Blood group O positive was the most prevalent phenotype (33.3%), and ABO/Rh distribution did not differ significantly between pregnant and nonpregnant women.
Conclusion:
Pregnancy in this Nigerian population was associated with a modest but physiologically appropriate reduction in hematocrit, while recent malaria infection produced an additional, clinically important decline. The observed ABO/Rh distribution follows expected regional patterns.
Keywords:
Hematocrit
pregnancy
anemia
ABO blood group
Rh blood group
malaria
Nigeria
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