Haematological Parameters in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, South West Nigeria

This study evaluates the haematological parameters in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, South West Nigeria. The liver plays a central role in haemopoiesis, clotting factor synthesis, and thrombopoietin production, and its chronic dysfunction produces complex haematological abnormalities. A cross-sectional case-control study enrolled 100 CLD patients, classified as chronic hepatitis, compensated cirrhosis, or decompensated cirrhosis, and 50 healthy controls. Full blood count, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were assessed. Serum albumin and bilirubin were obtained from clinical records. Results showed pancytopenia in 45 percent of cirrhotic patients, most severe in the decompensated group. Thrombocytopenia was the most common isolated cytopenia (63%), attributed to hypersplenism and reduced thrombopoietin production. Macrocytosis was present in 40 percent of patients, partly attributable to alcohol use, B12 or folate deficiency, and dyserythropoiesis. Prothrombin time was significantly prolonged in proportion to Child-Pugh score, confirming the utility of coagulation testing in hepatic functional staging. D-dimer elevation in decompensated patients suggested concurrent fibrinolysis and coagulopathy. The study recommends routine haematological profiling and coagulation assessment at each CLD clinic visit at FMC Owo, with particular attention to thrombocytopenia management prior to invasive procedures. Keywords: chronic liver disease, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, macrocytosis, Ondo State.