Distribution of Prothrombin Time (PT) Results and Their Relationship to Sex Among Individuals in Maysan Governorate: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Prothrombin time (PT) is a fundamental laboratory test used to assess the efficiency of the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways. It has clinical importance in detecting coagulation disorders and monitoring certain medical conditions and anticoagulant treatments. Some coagulation parameters may vary among individuals depending on demographic and physiological factors. Objective: This study aimed to determine the distribution of PT results and investigate the differences between males and females among individuals in Maysan Governorate. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on PT test results available at the laboratory during the study period. The study included individuals for whom PT results were available and their sex was identified. Participants were divided into two groups according to sex: males and females. PT values were compared between the two groups using appropriate statistical tests. Results: 59 out of 316 results (18.7%) were classified as positive, compared to 257 negative results (81.3%). The percentage of positive results among males was 21.4% (18 out of 84), while it was 17.7% among females (41 out of 232). The comparison did not show a statistically significant relationship between sex and the classification of the test result (χ² = 0.573, P = 0.449). The percentage of positive results over the five months ranged from 10.5% to 29.8%. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the presence or absence of a difference in PT values between males and females within the studied population. These results provide preliminary data on the pattern of PT values in Maysan Governorate, with the need for future studies that include additional clinical and laboratory factors.