Abstract

Background
Baseline investigations can yield substantial information in understanding noma disease aetiopathogenesis and management. This study aimed to present the pattern of some basic haematological and biochemical parameters in patients with acute noma
Materials and Method
This retrospective study used five five-year records of patients managed with acute noma (March 2018–April 2023). Ethical approval was obtained and patients’ demographic information such as age and sex was extracted. The results of full blood count and its differentials electrolyte, urea, creatinine, retroviral status, and hepatitis B surface antigen were recorded. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS FD version 25).
Result
There were 100 (48.8%) males and 105 (51.2%) females in the age range of 9 months to 21 years and a mean±SD of 5.06±3.74 years. The Hb concentration ranges from 3.0-11.3gm/dl with mean±SD of 8.20±1.66gm/dl. The majority of the subjects had leukocytosis 137 (66.2%). The results of platelet count showed that the majority195 (95%) had normal platelet count. The mean corpuscular blood volume (MCV) shows microcytic RBCs in 157 (76.6%). Hyperkalemia 60(29.3%) was the most common electrolyte derangement found. The status of the retroviral screening revealed majority 198(96.6%) of the study subjects were negative. Only 6(3.0%) of the study subjects were reactive to hepatitis B surface antigen
Conclusion
Anaemia, leukocytosis, and deranged electrolytes are the main findings of this study whereas platelets count was majorly normal. This finding could substantially navigate in the overall management of noma disease.

Key words: Noma, Investigations, haematological, biochemical, haemoglobin