Haematological Changes Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, North West Nigeria

This study characterises haematological changes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) attending the nephrology clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano State, North West Nigeria. CKD produces complex haematological derangements, most notably renal anaemia, which worsens outcomes and quality of life. A cross-sectional study recruited 150 confirmed CKD patients across stages 3 to 5 and 75 matched healthy controls. Full blood count, reticulocyte count, serum erythropoietin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation were assessed. Disease staging was based on estimated glomerular filtration rate. Findings demonstrated progressive worsening of haemoglobin, reticulocyte count, and red cell indices with advancing CKD stage. Anaemia was present in 84 percent of stage 5 patients, predominantly normocytic normochromic in pattern. Erythropoietin levels were inappropriately low for the degree of anaemia in 68 percent of cases, confirming impaired renal erythropoietin synthesis as the primary mechanism. Iron deficiency co-existed in 38 percent, complicating anaemia management. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 22 percent of stage 4 and 5 patients. Platelet function abnormalities were suggested by prolonged bleeding time despite normal platelet counts in several patients. The study recommends routine haematological profiling at each CKD stage transition, early initiation of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in stages 4 and 5, and concurrent iron status monitoring at AKTH. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, renal anaemia, erythropoietin, haematological changes, Kano.