Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and red cell index values in metropolitan San Juan children and adolescents
Santiago Borrero, P.J.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 73(11): 538-547
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 PMID: 6950728 Document Number: 701134
One thousand five hundred eighty-seven (1,587) children and adolescents attending private and public schools in the San Juan Metropolitan Area and nearby towns were tested for hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), and red cell index values with a Coulter Model S Automated Counter. Hb, Hct, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values in boys and girls were similar up to 11 years. The mean Hb increased from 12.6 gm/dL at 5 years to 14.1 gm/dL at 11 years; and the mean minus 2 standard deviation (M-2SD) values, considered as the lower limits of normal, were 11.5 gm/dL and 12.2 gm/dL, respectively. In males, the mean Hb increased fast during adolescence: from 14.0 gm/dL at 12 years to 15.8 gm/dL at 18; and the corresponding lower limit of normal values were 12.5 gm/dL and 14.0 gm/dL. In females, the mean Hb dropped from 14.1 gm/dL at 12 years to 13.4 gm/dL at 17. The M-2SD values in females dropped from 12.8 gm/dL to 11.2 gm/dL in that same age period. A large percentage (20 percent) of adolescent girls with Hb between 12.8 gm/dL and 11.2 gm/dL had iron deficiency. Hct values showed a pattern similar to those of Hb. Average MCV values showed a regular increase with age in both sexes, from 80 fL at 5 to 89 fL at 18 years; but MCH did not change much. Tables of normal values for Hb, Hct, MCV, and MCH for children and adolescents of various ages were prepared and are presented for use as reference in Puerto Rico.
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