Haematological Profile of Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, South South Nigeria

This study characterises the haematological profile of patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Nephrotic syndrome produces a hypercoagulable state through multiple mechanisms including loss of natural anticoagulants in urine and elevated hepatic fibrinogen synthesis, placing patients at significant risk of thromboembolic events. A cross-sectional study enrolled 80 nephrotic syndrome patients confirmed by heavy proteinuria (greater than 3.5 g/24 hours), hypoalbuminaemia, oedema, and hyperlipidaemia, alongside 40 healthy controls. Full blood count, prothrombin time, APTT, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and platelet indices were assessed. Serum albumin and 24-hour urinary protein were obtained from clinical records. Results demonstrated elevated fibrinogen (mean 5.2 g/L), raised D-dimer, elevated platelet count, and elevated MPV in NS patients compared to controls. Haemoconcentration contributed to elevated haematocrit in 35 percent of patients. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was markedly elevated in all NS patients. Two patients had evidence of deep vein thrombosis at the time of the study, consistent with the known thrombotic risk. The study recommends routine coagulation profiling at NS diagnosis, anticoagulation prophylaxis consideration in high-risk patients, and regular platelet and fibrinogen monitoring as part of nephrotic syndrome management at UPTH. Keywords: nephrotic syndrome, hypercoagulability, fibrinogen, thrombosis risk, Port Harcourt.