association between human leukocyte antigens and hypertensive end-stage renal failure among Yemeni patients

Many studies have attempted to locate a connection between various genetic factors and the pathogenesis of certain diseases. A number of these have found human leukocyte antigens [HLAs] to be the most significant genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of an individual to a certain disease. The present case control study aimed to determine the connection between class I and class II HLAs and cases of hypertensive end-stage renal failure [HESRF], as contrasted with healthy controls, in Yemen. The study was carried out between March 2013 and March 2014 and included 50 HESRF patients attending the Urology and Nephrology Center at Al-Thawra University Hospital in Sana'a, Yemen, and 50 healthy controls visiting the same centre for kidney donation. Among both patients and controls, HLA class I [A, B and C] and class II [DRB1] genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reactions. There was an association [odds ratio: 4.0] with HLA-A9 [24] and HESRF, although this was not statistically significant. A significant protective function was found for the HLACW3 and DRB1-8 genes against the development of HESRF. Although HLA-B14 was present in some patients [0.06] and not in the controls, this difference was not statistically significant enough to conclude that HLA-B14 plays a role in the genetic predisposition for end-stage renal disease development. There was a high frequency of HLA-A2, B5, CW6, DRB1-3, DRB1-4 and DRB1-13 in both patients and controls. Although no HLAs were found to play a highly significant role in genetic predisposition to HESRF, certain HLA genes could be considered as protective genes against HESRF development

[B and T lymphocyte and subsets in the peripheral blood in vitiligo patients]

Background: vitiligo is a dermatological disorder characterized by destruction of melanocytes and loss of pigmentation. The cause of vitiligo is not known. It has been suggested that immune mechanisms may be involved. In the present study, we evaluate B and T lymphocyte and subsets in the peripheral blood in vitiligo

Materials and methods: 36 patients suffering from vitiligo disease [23 of patients with active vitiligo and 13 of patients with stable vitiligo] and 22 persons as control were studied respectively for different immunological parameters such as: T Cell [CD[2]], Bcell [CD[19]], T [CD[4]], T [CD[8]], CD[4] / CD[8] ratio in the peripheral blood. The flow cytometry were used for determination of lymphocyte and subsets

Results: we have shown a decrease of B cell and T[CD[8]] cell with an increase of CD[4] / CD[8] ratio in the active vitiligo patients as compared to control. In the stable vitiligo patients, only T[CD[8]] cell is decreased, [p<0.05]

Conclusions: thus, our data show aberrations for lymphocyte and subsets in active vitiligo than stable vitiligo.we suggest that immune response, especially cell mediated immunity may play a important role in the pathogenesis of the disease

Evaluation of red cell transfusion triggers

To conduct a retrospective audit of red cell transfusion triggers in medical patients. Total number of medical patients admitted from August to November 2003 in the Military Hospital Rawalpindi. The historical record of the patients was evaluated for different parameters. Only those patients who had received red blood cell transfusions were selected. The cases were further sub-divided into different age and disease groups. The transfusion triggers and their justifications by the clinicians were recorded. They were compared with standard guidelines for red cell transfusions. Percentages of rational and unnecessary transfusions were calculated. Haemoglobin was the sole parameter used in ordering all red cell transfusions. A total number of 1244 transfusions were given to a 1000 patients. Maximum number of transfusions was given to an age group of 21-31 years. A total of 690 transfusions were given to patients who presented with pregnancy-induced anaemia. House officers ordered 92% of transfusions as per patients historical record.568 single unit transfusions were given to female patients who presented with pregnancy related problems. The male to female ratio for the number of transfusions was almost similar. 14.2% [n=185] red cell transfusions were against standard guidelines

Serum IgE and beta 2 microglobulin levels after myocardial infarction

Serum IgE and beta 2 microglobulin levels were determined in 31 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction and 30 patients with other forms of ischemic heart disease. The levels of these parameters were studied on the first, third and seventh day after the onset of disease. The immunological method used for the determinations was ELISA Patients with myocardial infarction showed an elevated level of both parameters. The peak value of IgE was observed on the seventh day [P<0.05] but that of beta 2 microglobulin on the third day [P<0.05] after the onset of myocardial infarction

Experience with ultrasonography in Riyad maternity hospital a preliminary report

Ultrasonics is now occupying a very important place in modern obstetrics. The instrumentology is now highly developed. The technique, simple, rapid, free from inconvnience and safe. The present communication deals with the experience in ultrasonography in Riyad Maternity Hospital