Haematological Profile of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

This study characterises the haematological profile of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. COPD induces a range of haematological adaptations in response to chronic hypoxaemia and systemic inflammation. A case-control study enrolled 100 COPD patients classified by GOLD staging and 50 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Full blood count, reticulocyte count, and arterial oxygen saturation were assessed. Spirometry data and smoking history were obtained from clinical records. Results revealed polycythaemia in 28 percent of COPD patients overall, with prevalence rising to 47 percent in GOLD stage 4 patients, reflecting erythropoietic compensation for chronic hypoxia. Conversely, anaemia was present in 19 percent of patients, attributed to systemic inflammation and haemodilution in those with cor pulmonale. Leucocytosis with neutrophilia was present in 41 percent of cases, consistent with recurrent respiratory infections. Mean platelet volume was elevated in COPD patients, suggesting platelet activation in the prothrombotic COPD state. Haemoglobin showed a significant positive correlation with oxygen saturation and a negative correlation with GOLD stage. The study recommends routine haematological assessment for all COPD patients at ABUTH and tailored management of polycythaemia in severe GOLD stages to reduce thrombotic risk. Keywords: COPD, polycythaemia, haematological profile, hypoxaemia, Zaria.