Abstract:
This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted to
determine the hematological parameters among homeless children in
Khartoum state during the period from August 2008 to March 2010.Two
hundred (200) samples were obtained from Tayba, Soba and Althawra
Rehabilitation Centers. Concerning the consent form a written agreement from
the social welfare constitution was afforded, because most of participants were
less than 18 years old and had no guardians so legally the caring entity should
burden their consent signing. Participation was obtained. 5 ml of venous blood
were collected, 2.5 ml into K+ EDTA containers for hematological parameters
and 2.5 ml into plain containers for iron profile study from all participants.
Fully-automated hematological analyzer (Sysmex Kx 21N) was used for
determination of the hematological parameters and spectrophotometry was
used to determine iron profile .The collected data was analyzed using
statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer program .
The most prominent type of anaemia was normocytic normochromic anaemia
followed by microcytic hypochromic anaemia. Many abnormalities of blood
cell morphology were seen in peripheral blood films of study group. The iron
profile of the study group showed that many of them had an abnormal iron
profile. Regarding the white blood cells despite normal count there was
marked lymphocytosis, eosinophilia & monocytosis with few atypical
lymphocytes and hypersegmentation of neutrophils.
Most of the study participants showed abnormal hematological parameters
mostly due to environmental, nutritional and medical status.
