Estimation of Reference Values of Biochemical Parameters Exploring the Renal Function in Adults in Ngaoundere, Cameroon

Clinical examinations are accompanied by biological analyzes to guide or confirm the clinical diagnosis. The results of these analyzes are interpreted by comparison with reference values. Studies on the biological norms of Africans are rare if not quasi-nonexistent. The aim of this study was to establish population-specific reference values for biochemical indices serving as renal function biomarkers in adults living in Ngaoundere, Cameroon. 205 presumed healthy subjects (118 women and 87 men) residing in the city of Ngaoundere aged 18 to 50 years from various socio-cultural backgrounds, were included in this study. Blood urea and creatinine were tested under standard conditions. Reference intervals varied between 10-44 mg/dl and 0.6-1.4 mg/dl for urea and creatinine, respectively. Urea mean values (27.93± 8.15 mg/dl) were higher in males in comparison with females (23.56± 7.14 mg/dl) (P= 0.02). Similarly, creatinine mean values (1.11 ± 0.13 mg/dl) were higher in males in comparison with females (0.82± 0.11 mg/dl) (P= 0.04). Also, an increase in uraemia was observed with age. The gender differences for creatinemia and uraemia may be related to anthropometric features differences such as the muscle mass. The increase of uraemia with age could be explained by the increase of poor hygiene, notably the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and meat, which is mostly a male habit. The results of this study may help to a better interpretation of the biochemical indices of African subjects, and avoid errors of appreciation by excess or by default.