Assessment of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time among the elderly in Amaeze farm settlement, Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The implementation of suitable diagnostic measures in evaluating and managing disease conditions is crucial for attaining effective clinical results. The incidence of coagulation abnormalities in older adults is on the rise, highlighting the need for dependable diagnostic tools like Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT). As a result, this research sought to assess Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time in elderly individuals residing in Ameze Farm Settlement, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 60 participants, consisting of 28 males and 32 females, provided informed consent and were included in the study. Five millilitres (5 mL) of blood were drawn from each participant into properly labelled anticoagulant containers. Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) were measured using standard laboratory techniques. The findings indicated that the PT values for female participants aged 60–69 years and 70–79 years did not significantly differ (P > 0.05) from those of their male counterparts. However, male participants aged 80–89 years showed higher PT values compared to females in the same age category. Likewise, the aPTT values for male and female participants aged 70–79 years and 80–89 years were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Nonetheless, the aPTT values for male participants aged 60–69 years were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of their female counterparts. In summary, the results of this study indicated that PT and aPTT values among the elderly participants were generally elevated compared to established reference values, implying potential age-related changes in coagulation parameters within the study population.