Evaluation of Complete Blood Count in Symptomatic Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Sana’a City, Yemen
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can affects several organs and systems in human body. It is frequently associated with hematological alterations that reflect disease activity. Data on complete blood count variations among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Sana’ a, Yemen, are limited.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate complete blood count variations in symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis patients in Sana’a city, Yemen.
Patients and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 participants, including 100 RA patients and 100 healthy controls. The CBC parameters were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. ACCP antibodies were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay, while RF and CRP were measured using spectrophotometric turbidity and nephelometry methods. The ESR was determined using the Westergren method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: RA patients showed significantly lower Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, with significantly higher RDW compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). RBC and total WBC counts were not significantly different between the groups. Neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, platelet count, PCT, NLR, MLR, and PLR were significantly increased, whereas lymphocytes and MPV were significantly decreased in patients with RA (p < 0.05). ACCP, RF, CRP, and ESR levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in controls (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Significant CBC alterations are common in RA patients and may serve as accessible markers of inflammation and disease activity. The most prominent findings were anemia-related changes, thrombocytosis, elevated inflammatory cell ratios, and reduced MPV.
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