Isolated Neutropenia/Benign Ethnic Neutropenia: A Common Clinical and Laboratory Finding in Southern and Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: Isolated mild neutropenia is a common clinical problem. The current study aims to validate our previous findings regarding the high prevalence of isolated neutropenia in Southern and Southwestern Saudi Arabia and explore the effect of altitude or regional differences. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, laboratory results of a commercial laboratory were screened over a period of 5 years (2016–2020) in seven different cities in South and southwestern Saudi Arabia. Participants’ laboratory investigations were reviewed and excluded for any ab-normal complete blood count, renal profile, liver profile, lipid profile, thyroid function test, fasting blood glucose, or HbA1c findings. Descriptive analysis and 95th percentile range were calculated using standard statistical methods. Results: A total of 91,880 complete blood count results were included in the final analysis. isolated neutropenia is common laboratory finding, with a prevalence ranging from 11-23%. The 2.5th percentile of the neutrophil count was lower than 1.5×109/L in all seven cities. Conclusions: Mild to moderate neutropenia is common in Southern and Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN) may explain this high prevalence. Since BEN has no clinical significance, the reference range for normal neutrophil counts needs to be adjusted to reflect the effect of BEN.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Members of the Saudi Community: Perceptions and Expectations From the Pandemic

“…Moreover, several participants developed their own businesses during the pandemic, which allowed people to have free time to think and build for their future. As reported by Awan, by the end of the second quarter of 2020, roughly 571.7 thousand small and medium enterprises were established in Saudi Arabia with 2% of them being new establishments entering the economy sector [ 45 ]. Many participants gained the skills of cosmetology and shaving during the pandemic curfews as every shop was either closed or suspended.…”