Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Haematological and Haemostatic Parameters among the Exposed Workers at Generator Servicing Centres in Benin City

Objectives: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and highly toxic gas produced from incomplete combustion of fuel. This gas has capacity to bind with haemoglobin to compete for oxygen uptake when inhaled, thereby altering the blood physiology. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of carbon monoxide on haematology and haemostasis parameters among the exposed workers at gasoline generators service centre in Benin City. Methodology: Eighty-eight participants (workers n = 44 and;controls n = 44) took part in this study. Carbon monoxide used for this study was sourced from the smoke being emitted by gasoline generators during repairs. The participants’ haematological parameters were analysed using haematology autoanalyzer (Sysmex Poch 100i model, Germany), while PT and PTTK were assayed using standard methods. Results: The mean values of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width coefficient variation (RDW-CV) observed in both the workers at generator service center and their controls fell within normal ranges, but the mean red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) of workers at generator service center fell below normal as against the normal value for controls. There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of lymphocytes (p = 0.134), and granulocytes (p = 0.584). In contrast, significantly (p Conclusion: In this study, carbon monoxide emitted during repairs has no deleterious effects on haematological and haemostasis parameters of the exposed workers at generator service centre in Benin City. However, PT and PTT exceeded normal value in the workers at the generator service centre compared to the controls. More work needs to be done especially on longer duration of exposure and at various concentrations of carbon monoxide exposure.

Assessment of Renal Erythropoietic Status of the Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients without Renal Impairment in Benin City, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a carbohydrate metabolism disorder which is caused due to impairment in insulin secretion and/or the activity of insulin, leading to chronic hyperglycemia with defective carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. This study aimed at assessing the erythropoietin (EPO), hemoglobin and renal parameters levels among the newly diagnosed diabetic patients and providing valuable insights into the management and progression of the disease. A case-control study was conducted on samples of 60 consenting participants including newly diagnosed diabetic patients (n − 30), and healthy controls (n − 30) of age ranging between 20 - 50 years. EPO level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the renal parameters (electrolytes) were measured using Ion-Selective Electrodes. Hemoglobin, urea and creatinine were measured using cyanmethemoglobin and colorimetric methods respectively under standard protocols. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, diabetes duration, iron rich diet consumption, medication history and family history were collected via questionnaires. Independent sample t-test indicated significantly higher mean hemoglobin (p < 0.05), packed cell volume (p = 0.05) and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001) in newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared with their healthy control. No significant differences were observed in EPO, creatinine, urea, potassium, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride between the two groups. In this study, the values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, EPO and all renal biomarkers were normal, this may be due to the early diagnosis of the disease. It also suggests the extensive capacity of the kidney which is able to withstand metabolic disturbances in the newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus condition. Routine medical check and lifestyle modification are recommended to a newly diagnosed diabetic patients. Also further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these assessments in predicting diabetes complications, disease progression and guiding therapeutic interventions.