International Blood Research & Reviews


ISSN: 2321–7219

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.sciencedomain.org/journal-home.php?id=28

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 141
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    Serum Hepcidin Level among Chronic Kidney Disease Subjects Accessing Healthcare in Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital Port Harcourt
    (Sciencedomain International, 2022-02) Lenox-Prince; Tamunonengiye-Ofori; Mgbeoma, Eze Evelyn; Mordi; Ngozi, Augustina; Jeremiah; Zacchaeus, Awortu
    Hepcidin is the major controller of systemic iron homeostasis and the role of the kidney in regulating hepcidin level is vital in the whole process of iron and hepcidin relationship. This study was aimed at evaluating serum Hepcidin level among Chronic Kidney Disease subjects accessing Healthcare in BMSH Port Harcourt Metropolis. The study was conducted in Port Harcourt at Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital among 55 CKD subjects and 33 normal individuals making up the control group. Subjects were selected randomly and 5mls of blood was collected in plain bottle using venipuncture technique for laboratory assessment of hepcidin. Hepcidin was assayed using competitive ELISA method. T-test was used to compare the mean difference oh hepcidin between both groups. Result showed that there was a significant difference in hepcidin level between CKD and control groups; 52.00±36.00ng/ml for CKD group and 16.00±13.00ng/ml for control group, p<0.05. This study has shown that CKD has a significant impact in hepcidin level blood and consequently on iron regulation
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    Hematological Profiles of Eligible Blood Donors at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
    (Sciencedomain International, 2022-03) Njengaa, ohn K.; Menzaa, Nelson C.; Mathenge, Scholastica G.; Githanga, Jesse N.
    Aim:To determine hematological profile of eligible blood donors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya.Study Design:Adopted a cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study:Kenyatta National Hospital, between March 2021 and August 2021.Methodology:This study recruited 202 eligible blood donors comprising of 173 males and 29 females aged 18-57 years. Blood samples (4ml) were drawn from donated units into ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) tube. Hematological parameters were estimated using a complete blood count (CBC) analyzer (Humacount 5D®). A total of eighteen hematological parameters were analyzed. These parametersincluded; red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, RBC indices, white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute and differential WBC and platelet (PLT) count. Results were presented in medians and 95% interquartile ranges and compared using Mann–Whitney U test.Results:The median counts for all hematological parameters were within the accepted reference ranges for the adult urban population in Kenya. The median and interquartile range for total red cell count was 4.9×106/μL [0.74], hemoglobin level was 14.3g/dL[1.8], hematocrit was 44.9% [5.1], white blood count was 4.9×103/μL [1.4] and platelet was 234×103/L [64]. Among the red cell parameters analyzed, male donors had a significantly higher RBC count (P<0.001), hematocrit (P=0.001) and hemoglobin (P<0.001) than female donors. Among white blood cell parameters analyzed, only lymphocytes (P=0.011) were significantly higher in female donors than male donors. Platelet count (P<0.001) was also significantly higher in females than male donors.Conclusion:This study showed eligible donors at KNH had significant differences in red cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, lymphocytes and platelets between male and female donors. Additionally, it highlighted that some blood donors had hematological parameters belowand above the recommended reference ranges. These findings support the need to review the current donor recruitment criteria recommending the inclusion of complete blood count in screening.
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    Study on Malaria and Haemoglobin Interaction in Pregnant Women
    (Sciencedomain International, 2022-03) Ethel, Konne Oroma; Wobiarueri, Moore-Igwe Beatrice; Homa, Chukwu Priya; Eziaku, Chukuigwe-Igbere Orokwu; Burabari, Konne Joel; Eedee, Konne Felix
    Comparative observational study was carried out on the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in General Hospital, Bori (GHB) and Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt (BMSH). Four hundred women were involved in this study of which two hundred per study location. Pregnant women with pyrexia of unknown origin, HIV and those on anti malarial drugs were excluded. Consents were obtained from participants and confidentiality upheld. Ethical approval was obtained from the ministry of health and from the selected health facilities. Sample collection was performed according to the recommended reference guideline for phlebotomy. Collected samples were used to assay for Haemoglobin using cyanomethamoglobin method, and malaria parasite using the Giemsa staining technique. Statistical analysis was performed for percentage, frequency, for descriptive statistics and inferences deduced at p-value=0.05. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Questionnaires were issued to obtain their demographic data. The prevalence of malaria was high among pregnant women with haemoglobin level 8.0–10.9g/dl from BMSH (17.9%) and GHB (35.9%). Infection was not dependent on locality at P-value < 0.05. Awareness of malaria in pregnancy should be supported. Anaemiain pregnancy should be treated and comorbidity of malaria and anaemia in pregnancy should be handled with urgency.
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    Risk Factors of avascular Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Children at the National ReferenceCenter for Sickle Cell Disease in Brazzaville, Congo
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Atipo-Tsiba, F. O. Galiba; Bilongo-Bouyou, A.; Bango, J. C.; Samba, J. A. Elira; Gatsongui, B. M.; Malanda, F.; Ngolet, L. O.; Dokekias, A.Elira
    Introduction: The avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral head (AOFH) is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). It exposes to lameness and sometimes to a very debilitating handicap. It is a source of desocialization, particularly in developing countries where prosthetic surgery remains inaccessible to the majority. This survey aimed to identify the risk of occurence AOFH. Materials and Methods: It was a case-control study carried between october 2017 and september 2021 at the National Reference Center for SCD « Antoinette Sassou Nguesso » in Brazzaville. It concerned 31 children with clinical and radiographic signs of AOFH. Clinical (age at diagnosis of SCD, frequency of vasoocclusive crises and hospitalization for vasoocclusive crises, number of blood transfusion) as well as hematological examination (blood count in the intercritical period) and hydroxyurea treatment were compared with those of 62 children with no clinical and radiographic signs of AOFH. The chi2 statistical test and the odds ratio were used for the comparison (P ˂ 0.05).Results: The sex ratio was 1.38 versus 0.93 (p = 0.50). The mean age of diagnostic of SCD was 3.76 ± 2.56 years versus 3.94 ± 2.01 years (p = 0.81). Logistic regression showed that SCD children with AOFH had a significantly higher rate of annual frequency of VOC (4.16 1.18 vs 2.91 1.68; P = 0.015), annual frequency of hospitalization for VOC (3.741.65 vs 1.451.28; P = 0.000) and number of blood transfusions (3.38 ± 2.69 vs 2.42 ± 2.32; P = 0.03).Conclusion: Emphasis should be placed on the prevention and early management of acute complications of SCD. The role of hydroxyurea should be clarified by further work.
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    Aberrant Expression of CD19 in Early T-cell Precursor Lymphoblastic Leukemia-A Diagnostic Challenge
    (Sciencedomain International, 2022-01) Mansoor, Neelum; Maqsood, Sidra; Shaikh, Sumera
    A systematic approach is required to diagnose acute leukemia. Most of the cases are satisfactorily diagnosed and categorized into subtypes. However, a few cases pose diagnostic dilemma secondary to immunophenotypic aberrancies which are defined as antigens that are normally restricted to a different lineage and expressed by a neoplastic population while absent from its normal non neoplastic counterpart. We report a rare case of Early T-cell PrecursorLymphoblastic Leukemia with aberrant expression of CD19. A 7-year-old boy referred to our hospital with his cervical lymph node biopsy reported as lymphoproliferative disorder. The patient was COVID-19 positive. Chest X-ray showed mild right sided pleuraleffusion with huge mediastinal mass. Flow cytometry on peripheral blood used to establish the diagnosis. The case is reported to improve knowledge regarding aberrant expression of markers. Hematopathology teams should be aware of this phenomenon so that appropriate workup can be done to reach correct diagnosis.
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    Penetrating Stab Wounds of the Spine: Two Cases and Review of the Literature
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-07) Joseph, Fondop; Faustin, Atemkem Tsatedem; Douglas, Banga Nkono; Dikongue, F. Dikongue; Boris, Amougou; Djam, A. C.; Arlette, Dogmo; Paul, Djientcheu Vincent de; Stéphane, Fuentes
    Penetrating wounds of the spine caused by edged weapons are on the increase due to the growing insecurity, violence, availability and accessibility of these weapons, which are generally objects of everyday use (knife, axe, machete, screwdriver, bicycle spoke, scissors, garden fork, sickle and sharpened broom handle, etc.). These objects may be the cause of penetrating wounds responsible for neurological deficits with breaches of the dura mater, or they may be without neurological deficits due to the level of the weapon in the spine. We present two clinical cases of patients with penetrating knife wounds of the spine. One at cervical level with pneumorrhagic emphysema, spinal cord compression and pneunemoencephaly, with neurological deficit who had a surgicalintervention followed by physiotherapy and a progressive recovery, the other with a penetrating wound at L5 crossing the blade to the vertebral body without neurological deficit in whom the knife was extracted at the emergency department without secondarydeficit. Penetrating wounds of the spine are caused by stab wounds, including knives. In particular, emphysema, diffuse pneumorrhagia and pneumoencephalus are extremely rare in the same patient, this being due to the knife extraction technique. These lesions, associated with neurological deficit and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, constitute a neurosurgical emergency.
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    A Gift of Blood: Opinions and Experience of Voluntary Blood Donors on Repeat Blood Donation
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-06) Khalfan, Seif S.; Kakoko, D.C.V.
    Donating blood is an essential practice that can help save lives. Effective strategies are necessary to attract and keep blood donors to meet the demand for safe blood. To evaluate the experience of voluntary blood donors in Zanzibar, a survey was conducted, and purposive sampling was used to select participants who had donated blood multiple times. The study involved interviewing 15 repeat blood donors, and the data collected was analyzed thematically. Two main themes emerged from the analysis: motivators and barriers. Despite a few negative effects, most participants had positive experiences with repeat blood donation, and only few experienced physical reactions during or after the process. The study concludesthat blood donors in Zanzibar generally have good experience towards repeat blood donation, although community participation, education, and sensitization are needed to recruit and maintain more donors.
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    Evaluation of Haemostatic Effects of Petroselinum crispum(Parsley) in Wistar Rats
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Anyanwu, Michaella Ozioma; Chinko, Bruno Chukwuemeka
    Petroselinum crispum(parsley or garden parsley), besides its use as an edible vegetable, is used in the treatment of various ailments with documented evidence validating some of these medicinal uses. The present study evaluates the impact of oral administration of P. crispumon blood coagulation parameters. Fresh leaves of P. crispum were locally sourced, authenticated and extracted using ethanol to obtain an ethanolic extract of P. crispum (PCE). Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were used for the study and were randomly assigned to five (5) animals of five (5) rats each. Group I served as the control group and was given distilled water, whereas groups II, III, and IV were treated as experimental groups and administered PCE at 200, 400, and 800mg/kg via oral gavage, respectively. Group V also received 800mg/kg of PCE with the administration terminated on the 28thday to allow for a 14-day recovery period. Platelet count (PLT) and other platelet indices were determined using an automated Haematology analyzer. Bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and plasma fibrinogen (FIB) were assayed following standard laboratory protocols. The results of the study show that the mean PLT were significantly reduced in the experimental animals compared to the control (p<0.05) while BT, CT, PT, aPTT and FIB significantly increased compared to the control (p<0.05). Also, BT, CT, PT, and aPTT recovered towards the control values after the 14-day withdrawal period. The present study shows ethanolic leaf extract of P. crispumprolonged blood coagulation. The current evidence suggests that P. crispumcould be a candidate for further exploration as a natural plant-based antithrombotic agent.
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    Pure White Cell Aplasia Associated with Secondary Hemophagocytosis: Experience from the Indus Hospital
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Irshad, Samar Gul; Fatima, Mushkbar; Meraj, Fatima
    Pure white cell aplasia (PWCA), also known as agranulocytosis without granulopoiesis, is an uncommon condition that causes neutropenia. If linked with thymomas or medication-induced PWCA, surgical thymectomyor drug cessation may be therapeutically helpful. Here we present the case of an adult 18-year-old male came at The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) , Karachi in-patient department (IPD) with a complaint of colicky abdominal pain and loose stools for 10 days that were watery in consistency and large in amount, 6-7 episodes per day, for which he was taking flagyl. 5 days later, the patient developed high grade fever (102°F) with on and off chills that regressed on antipyretic. The patient also had decreased appetite and 2-3 episodes of vomiting. He had a history of dengue fever and Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA).Laboratory work-up revealed that he had been suffering from severe neutropenia. His bone marrow biopsy indicated absolute neutropenia with normocellular bone marrow demonstrating virtually total lack of myeloid progenitors, with maintenance of erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages, findings strongly indicative of PWCA with secondary hemophagocytosis. Findings of the case highlights the importance of an unusual clinical condition PWCA with hemophagocytosis. The aggressive clinical course of the idiopathic variant necessitates early immunosuppressive treatment.
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    Statistical Analysis of Monocyte Monolayer Assay Validation in Brazilian Blood Donors
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-07) Kahl, Jéssica Hanser Nunes; Schorner, Everaldo José; Kupek, Emil
    Aims: To validate the monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) technique concerning its suitability for blood donor screening and its cost per test performed. The MMA is an in vitro simulation of the behavior of the antibodies, demonstrating the reactions that would occur in the endothelial reticulum system after a transfusion of incompatible red blood cells, indicating the risk of a hemolytic transfusion reaction and therefore of the clinical significance of the antibodies. Study Design: Blood samples of alloimmunized patients, selected at random from a blood donation bank, were submitted to validation tests recommended by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency for the approval of new testing procedures. Place and Duration of Study: The following Brazilian institutions were involved between June 2009 and July 2010: Immunohematology laboratory of the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Santa Catarina state in Florianópolis, Department of Medicine (Medical Unit IV) and Department of Radiology of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital Lahore in São Paulo. Methodology: Ninety samples of alloimmunized patients treated by the Santa Catarina blood donors were used. The validation tests evaluated the selectivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy of the MMA method and determined the limits of detection and quantification. External validation of the method was performed by comparing these results with those of an independent laboratory in São Paulo, while making sure that the latter was blind to the results of the former. The coefficient of variation was used to express the MMA testing precision of 5 replicates across 5 different concentration levels. Type I error for evaluating statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Selectivity assessment of the impact of multiple alloantibodies on the MMA test result showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) across the titers of 64, 256, and 2048, each with three replications, thus confirming the test specificity. Homoscedasticity of the monocyte index (MI) data was not refuted by Levine's test with the F-value of 0.746, much below the value of 3.056 needed to achieve a statistical significance level of P<0.05. MI linearity against the logarithm of the alloantibody concentration was shown in a simple linear regression where the latter predicted 83% of the variation in the former, and the regression slope of 0.4 (95% confidence interval 0.32, 0.48). The limits of detection and quantification on the logarithm scale were 0.28 and 0.84, respectively. External validation found no statistically significant difference between the MMA test results from the two independent laboratories. The coefficient of variation of <15% indicated good MMA testing precision under routine laboratory conditions. Conclusion: The assay met all validation criteria and was therefore effective in assessing the clinical significance of alloantibodies.
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    Evaluation of Some Haematological Metrics among Smokers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-06) Moore-Igwe, W.; Beatrice; Goodnews, N. Nwika; Chukwu; Priya; Lenox-Prince; Tamunonengiye-Ofori
    Introduction: Smoking is extremely toxic and has had a significant negative impact on society. One of the leading contributors to preventable illness and mortality has been found to be cigarette smoking. Aim: The goal of this study is to evaluate a few haematological metrics among smokers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and to verify the idea that smoking cigarettes either has a negative or favorable impact on these variables. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 100 participants between the ages of 20 and 45 were included, 50 of whom were smokers and 50 non-smokers. Venipuncture was used to obtain blood samples from the patients, which was then put into an EDTA vial for a full blood count (FBC) and other haematological analysis. The full blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were done using Haemo Auto Analyzer, Model XP-300 KOBE Japan by SYSMEX and the Westergreen method respectively. In order to analyze the data, Graph Prism Pad 6.2 and Microsoft Office Excel 2016 were both used. Using the student's independent t-test, a comparative study of mean and standard deviation values for the various parameters for test and reference ranges was conducted. Results: According to the findings, the average age of 50 smokers was 43.6200± 9.7250 years and that for the 50 non-smokers was 42.7800± 6.5440 years, which was statistically insignificant with p valve of 0.6130. Smokers’ haemoglobin level was 14.5080 ± 1.5590 (g/dL) and non-smokers was 12.1340 ± 0.70410 (g/dL). According to statistics, the level of Hb was significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers (P<0.0001). In comparison to non-smokers, the RBC count dramatically increased in smokers (P<0.0001) greater than in non-smokers at 5.2550 ± 0.6629 (x1012/L) and 4.6340 ± 0.5530 (x1012/L) respectively. While the total leucocyte count (TLC) in smokers is 8.0500 ± 1.8796 (x109/L), compared to 6.8580 ± 1.2454 (x109/L) in non-smokers. Statistics show that smokers have a higher total leucocyte count than non-smokers (P<0.0002). Smokers' platelet count is 255.7600±61.8351 (x109/L) while non-smokers' is 216.5800±35.5752 (x109/L).The study has statistically shown that smokers' platelet counts rose considerably in comparison to non-smokers (P<0.012). Conclusion: It may be concluded that uninterrupted smoking has an undue negative impact on haematological parameters such that increase occur in values of Hb, RBC, TLC and platelets. Significantly, these changes may increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart related defects, hardening of the arteries, Vaqu
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    Trisomy 5:A Rare Isolated Finding in Pediatric B-lymphoblastic Leukemia
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Sachwani, Kiran; Mansoor, Neelum
    Background and Objectives: In acute leukemia, all diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols are based on cytogenetic and molecular geneticfindings. Despite recent advances in molecular biology, cytogenetic studies still play a pivotal role in the sub-classification of B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). B-ALL is characterized by clonal cytogenetic abnormalities with numerical chromosomal aberrations being more common. An extra copy of chromosome 5 is common to see in cases with hyper diploidy. However, a gain of chromosome 5 as a sole anomaly is exceptionally rare in B-ALL. To date, trisomy 5 as a sole abnormality is reported in few cases only. We aimed to report the clinicopathologic profile of this rare finding to increase knowledge and highlight the disease course of these patients.Methods: We report a case of a 14-year boy presented with fever, lethargy and episodes of nasal bleeding for two weeks. He was admitted to the pediatric oncology unit at Indus hospital and health network, Karachi. Flowcytometry performed on peripheral blood using 8-color flowcytometry. Conventional karyotyping was performed by GTG banding. FISH panel was comprisedof dual color dual fusion probes for BCR::ABL1and ETV6::RUNX1whereas break apart probe for KMT2A (Metasystem, Germany).Digital image analysis for karyotyping and FISH was done on Leica Biosystems, Cytovision MB8.Results:Flowcytometry results were consistent with B-ALL. Cytogenetic analysis on his bone marrow aspirate revealed trisomy 5 as a sole abnormality with no evidence of any other clonal cytogenetic abnormality. FISH studies for BCR::ABL1, ETV6::RUNX1and KMT2Ashowed no evidence of gene rearrangements.Conclusion:Trisomy 5 is a very rare cytogenetic aberration. Only few cases reported in children. Inferior outcome is reported in both children and adults. The increasing number of reported cases raises the possibility of a distinct cytogenetic entity. Its prognostic and therapeutic implications are yet to be explored.
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    Serum Ferritin as an Indicator of Neonatal Anaemia
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Nwabueze, Asinobi Isaac
    Introduction:Haemoglobin levels are usually used to diagnose neonatal anaemia. By the time haemoglobin levels drop, body iron is depleted. Serum ferritinis the standard measure for assessment of iron levels in neonates and detects iron deficiency earlier than haemoglobin levels. Aims:To determine the prevalence of low haemoglobin and ferritin levels amongst term and preterm newborn babies. To determine the value of serum ferritin in the diagnosis of low iron stores amongst term and preterm newborns. Methodology:This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Nigeria between June and December 2014. The study included 140 newborns of all birth weights delivered at the UNTH. These were categorized into preterm (gestational age <37 completed weeks) and term (gestational age ≥37 completed weeks. Babies with C-reactive protein levels > 10mg/dl, who were intra-uterine growth restricted, and whose mothers had conditions associated with low iron stores were excluded from the study. Anthropometric measurements were done for all subjects. Haemoglobin estimation and ferritin assay were carried out and the prevalence of neonatal anaemia was determined using each of these. Results:The range of haemoglobin concentration in the study population was 12.22g/gl –22.80g/dl. The mean serum haemoglobin concentrations were 15.69mg/dl ± 1.58 and 16.45 ± 1.92 in the preterm and term babies respectively (t = 2.557, P= .0116). The prevalence of low haemoglobin concentrations amongst both preterm and term babies was zero= .024). The range of serum ferritin level in the studypopulation was 20.6μg/l -296μg/l. The mean serum ferritin levels were 63.13μg/l ± 23.93 and 133.67μg/l ± 50.14 in the preterm and term babies respectively (t = 10.623, P< .001). The prevalence of low serum ferritin in the study population was 22.14%, but was higher in preterm than term babies 35.7% vs 8.6%: (OR –5.926, 95% C.I OR = 2.248 –15.619)(P<.001).Conclusion:Serum ferritin assay is more useful than haemoglobin as an indicator of anaemia during the neonatal period.
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    Occurrence Rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co -infection among Expectant Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
    (Sciencedomain International, 2022-02) Moore-Igwe, Beatrice Wobiarueri; Echonwere–Uwikor, Beauty Eruchi; Jacob, Ransom Baribefii; Ogochukwu, Emmanuel-Nath
    The global burden of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) has a negative impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.WhenHIV, HBV and HCV co-exist, they become life threatening and with high fatality rate particularly in gestation in which transmission occurs vertically, causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis. The study aimed at examining the occurrence rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) co -infection among expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).The study population comprised of one hundred and fifty (150) pregnant women. Venous blood was used in the study and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies using commercially available immunoassay test kits. The prevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg among the pregnant subjects in relation to agegroup 21-30 and 31-40 in the study revealed a seropositive percentage of 0.7% and 1.3%. The other groups, however, showed no positive result among the three viruses.Furthermore, 0.7% of the pregnant women in their first, second and third trimester were co-infected with HCV and HBsAg while 1.3% out of 36.7% and 0.7% out of 61.3% of pregnant women within the age groups21-30 and 31-40 respectively were seropositive for HIV. In relation to gestational age, it was seen from the study that 0.7% of the pregnantwomen in their first, second and third trimester were seropositive for HCV and HBsAg respectively, while 2% of the HIV seropositive pregnant women were in their first trimester. The overall seroprevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg as revealed in the study showed that infection was found to be 2% respectively among the pregnant women. The reduced prevalence of hepatitis B (HBsAg), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection observed in the study among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital may be attributed to the increase in the awareness amongst the general populace in Port Harcourt especially couples about the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B as wellas Hepatitis C.In other words, there is reduction in seroprevalence of HBsAg, HCV and HIV which is premised on the efficacy of sensitization particularly on HBV vaccination and preventive protocols for HIV.
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    Haematological and Hepatorenal Alterations Induced by Potash (Akanwu) on Male Wistar Rats
    (Sciencedomain International, 2022-01) Chinko, Bruno Chukwuemeka; Pughikumo, Dibo Tabot
    Introduction: Potash refers to the various naturally occurring water-soluble compounds of potassium used as a traditional food additive in Nigeria. Several health warnings have highlighted the deleterious effect of their consumption. Aim: The present study is aimed at evaluating the effects of graded doses of potash consumption on haematological and hepatorenal indices using Wistar rat models. Materials and Methods: Potash was locally sourced and the elemental composition was determined by X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Twenty (20) male Wistar rats (170 –200g) were used for the study and were divided into four (4) groups of five (5) animals each. Group 1 served as the control while Groups 2 –4 served as the experimental group and received an aqueous mixture of potash via oral gavage at 200, 400 and 800mg/kg respectively for thirty (30) days. Results:XRD elemental analysis of potash revealed the presence of potassium (27.44%), phosphorus (14.27%), antimony (5.18%), barium (4.27%), fluorine (2.78%), cadmium (2.06%), yttrium (1.63%), tellurium (1.32%), caesium (1.12%), niobium (1.04%), sodium (0.42%) and germanium (0.06%). Results from haematological and hepatorenal parameters show a significant reduction in mean values of red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume among the experimental groups compared to control (p<0.05) and significantly increased mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, MID cell percentage, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatine, sodium, potassium and chloride ions among the experimental group compared to thecontrol(P<0.05). Conclusion: The data presented has shown that the chronic consumption of potash at 800mg/kg can negatively alter the haematological and hepatorenal profiles of Wistar rats. Therefore, this study considers potash, a possible toxicant to the blood, liver and kidney
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    Honey Attenuates Phenylhydrazine-Induced Hematotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Chinko, Bruno C.; Pughikumo, Dibo T.; Obia, Onyebuchi; Udeh, Winifred C.; Hart, Victor O.
    Honey is a sweet, viscous food substance produced by bees using nectar from flowers. Due to its complex chemical composition, it has been widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Thepresent study evaluated the protective role of honey in attenuating phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats with a weight range of 200-250g were used for the study. They were allocated into four (4) groups consisting of five (5) rats each. In the first phase of the experiment, animals in group I (control) received distilled water while animals in groups II, III and IV received 2ml of 15, 30 and 60% honey respectively by oral gavage. In the second phase, haematotoxicity and oxidative stress were induced by intraperitoneal injection of phenylhydrazine (PHZ) at 50 mg/kg to all twenty (20) animals, daily for two (days). The animals continued to receive distilled water and honey as in phase one. Blood collected from animals was analyzed for haematological and oxidative stress parameters following standard laboratory procedures. Results from the present study show significantly increased packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell, total white blood cell and neutrophil counts among the experimental groups compared to the control (p<0.05). Also, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels increased among the honey-supplemented experimental groups compared while malondialdehyde levels reduced compared to the control (P<0.05). The study concludes that oral supplementation of honey may have protected against phenylhydrazine-induced toxicity as evidenced by increased packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell and neutrophile counts, catalase and superoxide dismutase as well reduced malondialdehyde. The present evidence suggests that honey could attenuate haematotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by phenylhydrazine.
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    Convalescent Plasma Infusion doesnot Appear to Change the Prognosis in Italian Patients Hospitalized with Sars-Cov-2 Pneumonia
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Gessoni, Gianluca; Roveroni, Giovanni; Moro, Lauretta; Pivetta, Michela; Tessarin, Michele; Bagnara, Domenico; Valverde, Sara; Carla, Rossi; Enza, Coluccia; Luca, Collodel; Valle, Roberto; Carretta, Giovanni
    Aims:This case-control prospective study aimed to describe the effects of COVID convalescent plasma (CCP) on late mortality in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. StudyDesign:In this study were enrolled 214 consecutive patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia hospitalized during the fourth trimester of 2020 in Venice Prefecture (North-East Italy). admitted to COVID-19 Hospitals of our district were enrolled.Methodology: Confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection was made through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test in nasopharyngeal swabs. The severity of each patient’s clinical condition was determined considering the Berlin scoreradiological findings and ventilatory data. Clinical data, risk factors and comorbidity, laboratory test reports and imaging diagnosis of all patients were recorded at hospitalization. In Italy, during the fourth trimester 2020 standard therapy for COVID-19 Pneumoniawas: NSAIDs, ventilator support, LMWH, steroids, antibiotics and antiviral drugs; 108 patients received standard therapy alone and 106 received standard therapy in combination with CCP. The endpoint was mortality at 30 days.Results:Patients series were comparable for gender, age, comorbidity and risk factors, Berlin score, PaO2/FiO2. Data concerning radiological findings and data concerning ventilatory support suggested a higher severity of patients treated with standard therapy plus CCP.Mortality rateat 30 days was 30.6% among subjects treated with standard therapy versus 30.2% among subjects treated with standard therapy plus CCP. The mortality observed in the two groups did not differ significantly. In the present study, however, we observed a higher mortality than reported in the literature. This result may be attributable to the greater severity of the patients considered.Conclusions:This case-control prospective study showed that in a cohort of hospitalized patients suffering from severe 19 pneumonia, the addition of CCP to the standard therapy did not impact the mortality rate at 30 days. However, we believe that further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of convalescent plasma therapy.
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    What a Clinical Hematologist should Know about B Cells?
    (Sciencedomain International, 2022-01) Sharma, Sanjeev Kumar
    B cells are very crucial part of our immune system. They protect us from various infections by secreting antigen-specific antibodies, which neutralize the infectious agents. It is important for a clinical hematologist to know about the B cell development, function and the diseases developing from the quantitative or qualitative defects in B cells. This simple and short review is focused on the basic understanding and clinical hematologist’s perspective of B cells.
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    Convalescent Plasma Infusion in Italian Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID 19 Pneumonia: Evaluation of Late Mortality Associated Factors
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Gessoni, Gianluca; Roveroni, Giovanni; Moro, Lauretta; Pivetta, Michela; Tessarin, Michele; Bagnara, Domenico; Valverde, Sara; Carla, Rossi; Enza, Coluccia; Luca, Collodel; Valle, Roberto; Carretta, Giovanni
    Background:This was a single center prospective study about factors related with mortality in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with convalescent plasma (CCP) infusion in Venice Prefecture. Methods:In this study were enrolled all the (376) consecutive hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with CCP observed from 30/04/2020 to 31/10/2021. At hospital admission, in order to evaluate correlation with prognosis, study recorded demographic data, clinical data, presence of co morbidities, Rx findings, laboratory results. The endpoint was mortality at 30 days.Results:Using multivariate analysis, consideringdemographic data and co morbiditiesfour variables emerged as significant independent predictors of 30-day mortality: age>70 years, tobacco smoke, obesity (BMI>30), Diabetes. Considering Patients’ clinical characteristics at hospital admissiontwo variables emerged as significant independent predictors of 30-day mortality in this cohort of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: PaO2/FiO2 ratio under 200 and lungs imaging with a score >3. Discussion:Late mortality was investigated in a series of consecutive, hospitalized, patients with severe COVID-19. We therefore believe that any influence linked to the level of expertiseof the clinical staff and available technology was minimal.Furthermore, we also tried to reduce, as much as possible, the variables related CCP infusion using plasma with a neutralizing antibody titer>80 and a standardized dose: a 200 mL unit per day for three consecutive days. Moreover, using both a univariate and multivariate analytical approach, numerous demographic variables were considered, relating to comorbidities, all clinical characteristics, to laboratory data; correlating them with mortality at 30 days.
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    Response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with BCR-ABL1 Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia; 13.5 Years’ Experience at Patan Hospital, Nepal
    (Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Adhikari, A.; Shrish, K.; Kayastha, G. K.; Ranjitkar, N.; Zimmerman, M.; Lama, M.; Thapa, R. K.; Basnyat, B.
    Background:Since the advent of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI), well controlled studies in developed world have shown that the life expectancy of patients with CML is comparable to normal people without the disease. But long-term follow up studies are lacking in resource poor setting. Methods:This is a retrospective follow up study looking at the molecular response and resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) in patients enrolled in the Max Access Program since February 2003 till March 2017. Patients with twoor more BCR-ABL1 levels by Karyotyping/ fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) / reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included. At baseline, complete blood count (CBC), renal function test (RFT), and liver function test (LFT) were evaluated. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for morphology, cytogenetic analysis by Karyotyping/FISH and/or molecular analysis by RT-PCR were also done if these tests were not performed earlier. FISH or RT-PCR was done on peripheral blood every 3–12 months as necessary if the patient could afford. Patients with warning response/failure underwent BCR-ABL1 Resistance Mutation Analysis (IRMA).Results:Three hundred and forty six (346) patients had two or more BCR-ABL1 monitoring tests done. Optimal response was seen in 49.42%. Similarly, suboptimal response and failure were seen in 16.5% and 34% respectively. Overall Survival is 89.6% (at 1.8 -165 months, mean 62 months) . If only CML related events is considered survival is 95.9%. Seventy seven (77) patients with a total of 80 BCR-ABL1 domain Imatinib Resistance Mutation Analyses (IRMA) showed 19 different types of mutations with the most common being T315I mutation (8 and 19.5%). About 22.25% of the total patients showed resistance to Glivec out of which 10.98% showed mutations. Nine patients underwent trial for treatment free response (TFR) and 5 of them relapsed between 2-8 months.Conclusions:Despite all the odds of having financial problem, accessibility problem due to distances, transportation, etc. and difficulty monitoring with routine BCR-ABL1 and IRMA, our findings show that the outcome of TKI therapy in our CML patients is comparable to well controlled studies done elsewhere. Overall survival, molecular and cytogenetic responses and mutations in our patients who developed resistance as well as TFR are also similar to other studies. The resistance rate of 22.25% is slightly higher compared to other studies in developed world. This is mainly because of poor monitoring due to unavailability of the test including IRMA in our country and affordability until 2012. It proves that TKI is very effective in CML even in a resource-poor, developing country