Serum antiphospholipid antibodies among healthy adults in northeastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid antibodies have been associated with variety of conditions. There is no standard health associated reference values required for the interpretation of antiphospholipid antibodies result available among adults in North- eastern Nigeria and Nigeria in general. The aim of this study is to determine the normal serum level (cutoffpoint) in healthy adult Nigerians. The need or otherwise for stratification of the reference values by sex would also be determined.

METHODS: Seventy-six healthy adults' medical students and health workers were enrolled in the study over the period of twelve consecutive months. Blood samples were taken for quantification of antiphopholipid antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Apparently healthy adults age between 16-50 years who are neither human immunodeficiency virus positive nor VDRL positive were included in the study. Reference values were calculated by parametric method.

RESULTS: The mean serum concentration of IgG Antiâ2GP1 for the sample population was 21.43 +/- 9.43 U/ml. The mean serum concentration of IgG Antiâ2GP1 for males was 18.6 +/- 7.6 U/ml while for the female sample population was 22.7+/-10.2 U/ml. There is no gender variation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The reference value for serum antiphospholipid antibodies in healthy adults in Northeastern Nigeria was 21.43 +/- 9.43 U/ml. The reference values should be used in this environment for both sexes. Extension of the scope of the study to cover the entire homogenous society of Northern Nigeria is recommended.