Comparison of Hematological and Biochemical Profile Changes in Pre- and Post-Chemotherapy Treatment of Cancer Patients Attended at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia 2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to compare hematological and biochemical profile changes in pre- and post-chemotherapy among cancer patients admitted at the Oncology Unit of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH), Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 376 cancer patients admitted in the Oncology Unit at ACSH. Demographic data, hematological and biochemical profiles were collected from smart care and patient cards. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. Descriptive statistics and paired sample students T-test statistical methods were used.

Results

From 376 study subjects, 228 (60.6%) were females. All the hematological profiles, except lymphocyte (LYM) (P > 0.05), showed significant decrement in post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy; white blood cell (WBC) (P < 0.01), red blood cell (RBC) (P < 0.01), hemoglobin (Hb) (P<0.001), hematocrit (HCT) (P < 0.05), platelet (PLT) (P < 0.001) and neutrophil (NUT) (P < 0.05). The biochemical profiles showed that blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were non-significantly decreased, urea (P > 0.05) and creatinine (CR) (P > 0.05), in post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were non significantly increased, ALT (P > 0.05) and AST (P> 0. 05), in post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Hematological profiles, except lymphocytes, were found significantly decreased whereas biochemical profiles, urea, and creatinine were decreased non-significantly, while AST and ALT showed non-significant increments in post-chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy.

Keywords:

• cancer
• chemotherapy
• hematological profiles
• biochemical profiles
• Ethiopia

Acknowledgments

We would like to start with a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who shared a kind word and gentle nudge to keep us moving forward toward completing our research. We would like to thank and express our deepest gratitude to Mekelle University which sponsored the research, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Oncology Unit professionals.

Abbreviations

ACSH, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; CRT, creatinine; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; Hb, hemoglobin; HCT, hematocrit; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; LYM, lymphocytes; MRN, medical record number; NUT, neutrophil; PLTs, platelets; RBCs, red blood cells; WBCs, white blood cells.

Data Sharing Statement

The dataset supporting the conclusion of this article is available from the authors on request.

Ethics Approval

The study was conducted per the Declaration of Helsinki. The ethical clearance was taken from Mekelle University, College of health science, Ethical review committee. The letter was formally submitted to Ayder Comprehensive Specialized hospital and got permission. To keep the confidentiality of the patients’ data recorded, the data collection procedure was anonymous.

Consent for Publication

Not Applicable.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest for this work.