Effects of HBV and HCV on Haematological Features

Introduction: Hepatitis B and C, often known as HBV and HCV, are blood-borne diseases that have a high incidence of illness and mortality. Hematological parameters are crucial in identifying cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in these patients because these illnesses are responsible for liver ailments.

Aim: This study seeks to address the effects of HBV and HCV on haematological features of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C patients undergoing treatment at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Study Design: Study is a cross-sectional hospital research carried out on 85 participants in the trial, of whom 20 had Hepatitis C, 40 had Hepatitis B, and 25 were in the control group (healthy subjects). HBV and HCV was estimated using a quick diagnostic test while FBC was used to quantified haematological features using a 3-part analyzer. The patients' blood was obtained for testing (study group and control group).

Results: The HBV positive study group was considerably different from the control group. At p‹0.05, PLT (222.13± 60.5) and (257.3± 84.7), LYM (37.11 ± 9.48) and (45.34 ± 10.4), and NEUT (55.21 ± 10) and (46.24 ± 9.64) respectively for both study and control groups showed statistically significant differences. There was no discernible difference between the HCV positive study group and the HCV control participants in the haematological measures at p‹0.05. Variations in cell morphology were seen in both HBV- and HCV-positive participants as well as control subjects. 9 of the 31 HBV positive study participants displayed microcytic hypochromic film appearance, while the microcytic normochromic film appearance was seen in 31. A microcytic normochromic film appearance was seen in the 12 HCV positive study group, while a microcytic hypochromic film appearance was seen in the 8 groups. All of the control subjects, with the exception of 1, had a normocytic normochromic film.

Conclusion: The study has shown that persons with HBV and HCV infections may exhibit microcytosis, hypochromia, anisocytosis, and poikilocytosis on film readings despite the haematological features being normal.