Endocrine disruption and infertility: Circulatory hormone and bisphenol A concentrations in infertile Saudi women

Aim: Human infertility is a public problem and a cause of social and psychological complications affecting more than 50 million couples globally. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental endocrine disrupting chemical and has been associated with infertility problems in women.The aim of the present study was to analyze concentrations of bisphenol A and circulating hormones in infertile Saudi women for evaluating the association of BPA with infertility.Methodology: The present study was done on 43 infertile women for evaluating possible association of systemic BPA concentrations with infertility in Saudi Arabia. The clinical indications were irregular menses, hyper-androgenism, multiple small ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome and unexplained infertility. Blood samples from infertile women and a control group of 18 healthy fertile women were analyzed and compared for concentrations of BPA and circulatory hormones. Results: The results showed that BPA concentrations were not significantly different between infertile women and controls. BPA concentrations were also not correlated with systemic hormone concentrations in infertile women. Interpretation: Serum BPA levels had no association with hormone imbalance in this cohort of infertile Saudi women. However, considering the previous studies that have shown a relationship of BPA with female infertility, an argument can be made that there might be lower exposure of Saudi population to BPA in comparison to BPA analogues such as BPS (according to recent reports). Therefore, it is suggested to conduct more infertility studies that include detection of BPA and its analogues in infertile Saudi women

Identification And Quantification Of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors As Adulterants In Dietary Supplements Marked For Sexual Enhancement In The Lebanese Market

Objective: Ultraviolet Visible spectrophotometric was adopted to identify and quantify any adulteration with PDE-5 inhibitors (Sildenafil and Tadalafil) in selected dietary supplements used for sexual enhancement in the Lebanese market Methods: Nine dietary supplements, randomly collected from Lebanese pharmacies, were screened for Sildenafil and Tadalafil using UV-spectrophotometry for both qualitative and quantitative detection. Results: Tadalafil was detected in one sample at a dose of 59 mg/dosage unit, with the maximal recommended dose being 20 mg. Sildenafil was detected in five samples at doses ranging from 11.7 to 188.2 mg/dosage unit, with the maximal recommended dose being 100 mg. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that regular analysis of supposed dietary supplements is needed for more effective quality control and health promotion. The method described for the extraction, identification and quantification of Tadalafil and Sildenafil would be useful for regulatory detection of adulterations.

Validated Kinetic Spectrophotometric Determination Of Pitavastatin Calcium Using Acidic Permanganate Oxidation

Objective: Development and validation of a sensitive, indirect spectrophotometric kinetic method, based on oxidation-reduction reaction, using potassium permanganate, for the quantitative assay of pitavastatin calcium, a cardiovascular drug used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Methods: The developed spectrophotometric kinetic method is based on the ability of potassium permanganate to oxidize Pitavastatin, where, the drug solution is treated with a fixed concentration of permanganate in acidic medium, and after a specified time, the unreacted permanganate is measured at 525 nm. All variables affecting the color development have been investigated and the conditions were optimized. Different kinetic methods, including initial rate, rate constant, fixed time and fixed concentration, were applied for the determination Pitavastatin. Results: During the course of the reaction, the absorbance values, at 525 nm, related to KMnO4, decreased linearly with increasing the concentration of the drug. The reaction rate obeyed was found to be pseudo-first-order and the kinetic method used was the fixed-time method. The assay of PITA in the concentration range of 16-80 μg/ml, using the fixed time method was successfully determined with a correlation coefficient value of 0.9999. The applicability of the developed method was also demonstrated by the determination of pitavastatin in its pure form and in its pharmaceutical formulation, where, the effect of excipients has also been studied and found to have no effect. Conclusion: The developed indirect spectrophotometric kinetic method, using the fixed time method, was used for the determination of Pitavastatin in pharmaceutical tablets. This method was simple, accurate and easy to apply for routine assay and in quality control laboratories.

Rp-Hplc And Chemometric Methods For The Determination Of Two Anti-Diabetic Mixtures; Metformin Hydrochloride-Canagliflozin And Metformin Hydrochloride-Gliclazide In Their Pharmaceutical Formulation

Objective: To develop and validate novel more sensitive analytical methods for the concurrent quantification of metformin-canagliflozin and metformin-gliclazide in their bulk forms and in their pharmaceutical preparations. Methods: Two methods were developed based on several chemometric assisted spectrophotometric methods and a Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). The first method applies different spectrophotometric chemometric assisted methods, including ratio difference, derivative ratio and extended ratio subtraction method, while the second method describes a RP-HPLC separation of metformin hydrochloride-canagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride-gliclazide binary mixtures using a C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: potassium dihydrogen phosphate (adjusted to pH 3) with sodium lauryl sulphate as additive in the ratio of 30:70 (%v/v) in isocratic elution mode at 1 ml/min. Results: The proposed methods were able to quantify each of the studied drugs in their binary mixtures with high percentage recoveries in both methods. The spectrophotometric methods were able to quantify each of metformin, canagliflozin and gliclazide in the ranges of 2.0-20.0 μg/ml, 1.5-40.0 μg/ml and 2.0-30.0 μg/ml, respectively. The RP-HPLC method produced well-resolved peaks at a retention time of 3.92, 6.92 and 9.10 min in the concentration ranges of 50.0-300.0 μg/ml, 5.0-50.0 μg/ml and 10.0-100.0 μg/ml for metformin, canagliflozin and gliclazide, respectively. The proposed methods were optimized and validated in accordance to the International Conference of Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines in terms of linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision and accuracy. Conclusion: The developed methods were found to be sensitive and reproducible methods for the simultaneous determination of anti-diabetic binary mixtures; metformin hydrochloride-canagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride-gliclazide. And thus were successfully employed for the quality control analysis of the pharmaceutical formulations of the studied binary mixtures.

Novel Selective Spectrophotometric Methods For The Determination Of Methimazole In Pure Form And In Pharmaceutical Formulation

Objective: To develop and validate new, selective spectrophotometric colorimetric analytical methods for the quantification of methimazole in its pure form and in its pharmaceutical preparations. Methods: Method A is based on the oxidation of methimazole with potassium permanganate in alkaline medium, the manganate ion produced was measured at λmax= 610 nm. Method B is a kinetic determination of methimazole using fixed-time method based on the oxidation of methimazole using known excess of cerium (IV) nitrate in acidic medium and assessing the unreacted Ce (IV) by adding a fixed amount of methyl orange and measuring the absorbance of the resultant solution at λmax=507 nm which is equivalent to the unreacted methyl orange. The reaction conditions and analytical parameters are investigated and optimized. Method validation was carried out according to ICH guidelines in terms of linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, and accuracy. Results: Beer’s law is obeyed in the range of 1.50–15.00 μg/ml for method A and 0.25–3.00 μg/ml for method B. The developed methods were subjected to the detailed validation procedure. The proposed spectrophotometric methods were applied for the determination of the methimazole in its pure form and in its pharmaceutical formulation. The percentage recoveries were found to be 100.82 % and 99.85 % in the pharmaceutical formulation for the two proposed methods, respectively. Conclusion: Both developed spectrophotometric methods, considered as green analytical chemistry, were found to be novel, highly selective and can be applied for the quality control of methimazole in its pure form and in its pharmaceutical formulation based on the simplicity, applicability of the parameters, accessibility of the reagents employed and reasonably low time of analysis.

Development And Validation Of Analytical Spectrophotometric And Rp-Hplc Methods For The Simultaneous Estimation Of Hydroquinone, Hydrocortisone And Tretinoin Ternary Mixture In Topical Formulation

Objective: Development and validation of spectrophotometric and RP-HPLC methods for the simultaneous determination of Hydroquinone (HQ), Hydrocortisone (HC) and Tretinoin (TRT) ternary combination in pharmaceutical preparation. Methods: The proposed spectrophotometric method was able to determine TRT directly from its absorption spectrum at 362 nm, however, HQ and HC from their first derivative spectra at 284 nm and 252 nm, respectively, without any separation step. The RP-HPLC method was developed using a C18 Sunfire© waters column with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile: phosphate buffer (adjusted to pH 6.1 using ortho-phosphoric acid) in the ratio of 30:70 %, v/v, respectively at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. Quantification was based on measuring peak areas at 260 nm. Results: The spectrophotometric method was able to selectively quantify each of HQ, HC and TRT in the ranges of 10-50 µg/ml, 2-10 µg/ml and 0.5-5 µg/ml, respectively. The RP-HPLC method was able to produce well-resolved peaks after 3.0, 8.2 and 20.2 min, in the ranges of 2-10 µg/ml, 0.1-1 µg/ml and 0.05-2 µg/ml, for HQ, HC and TRT, respectively. The obtained A, D1 or peak areas values plotted against the concentration of each of the three components showed linear response in the stated ranges. Both methods were validated in terms of linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy and selectivity. Conclusion: Both developed proposed methods were applied for the determination of the active ingredients in the pharmaceutical formulation and the common excipients did not interfere in the analysis. The RP-HPLC method proved to be more sensitive when compared to the applied spectrophotometric method. However, the applied spectrophotometric methods, considered as green analytical chemistry, is a simple, time-saving method that requires minimal use of a hazardous solvent.

Assessment of antinociceptive, antipyretic and antimicrobial activity of Piper cubeba L. essential oil in animal models

This study was designed to investigate the possible antiniciceptive, antipyretic and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of Piper Cubeba [L.]. To assess the antinociceptive and antipyretic activities, three doses [150, 300 and 600 mg/kg, i.p.] were tested in acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, tail flick reaction and hot-plate and Brewer's yeast-induced hyperpyrexia test models in animals. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity was examined using agar diffusion method and broth micro-dilution assay for minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC]. The Piper Cubeba essential oil [PCEO] showed a marked antinociception [17, 30 and 54%] and an increase in reaction time in mice in the flick tailed and hot-plate tests. The brewer's yeast induced hyperpyrexia was decreased in a dose dependent manner. PCEO also exhibited a strong antimicrobial potential. These findings confirm the traditional analgesic indications of P. cubeba oil and provide persuasive evidence and support its use in Arab traditional medicine

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage: an analysis of incidence and risk factors in Kuwait

Introduction: Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage [PTH] remains one of the commonest complications associated with tonsillectomies. Its incidence and risk factors vary widely in literature

Objective: To examine our local experience and assess the incidence of PTH in comparison to that in the literature and to identify factors that contribute in increasing the risk of PTH in our setup. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Al-Sabah and Zain Hospital, MoH, Kuwait

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 2,038 patients who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy during a 12-month period [January to December 2010] in Zain and Al Sabah hospitals. Details regarding the patients' age, gender, surgical technique, and level of the operating surgeon were recorded in order to assess any correlation. Intervention: Tonsillectomy. Main Outcome Measure: Incidence of PTH

Results: Out of the 2,038 patients included in this study, a total of 98 patients [4.8%] developed PTH. Thirty-one patients [31.6%] who developed PTH were above the age of 26 years. Out of the 98 patients [4.8%] who developed PTH, 63 patients [64.3%] were male. 'Hot' dissection technique was associated with higher incidence of PTH [71 patients; 72.4%] in comparison to the 'cold' dissection [27 patients; 27.5%]

Conclusion: The incidence of PTH in our institution is 4.8%, which is comparable with that reported in the literature, ranging between 1.5% and 6.68%. Male patients, increasing age and 'Hot' dissection technique were all identified as risk factors for PTH in our setup

Surface free energy data to predict the surface modificationability of force control agents

In this study, the efficiency of using force control agents [FCAs] namely Polyethylenglycol 6000 [PEG] andpolyvinylpyrrolidone [povidone k-30][PVP] and Sodium lauryl sulfate [SLS] in modifying the surface of lactosewere invisitigated. Lactose surface was modified by sinking within aqueous solution containing one of eachmentioned FCAs. The surface free energies of FCAs unprocessed lactose and processed lactose powders weremeasured using contact angle measurements. Results showed high negative spreading cofficient[lamda[12]] of SLSover lactose which expalins the disability of SLS to adhere to the surfaces of lactose. On other hand, a positive[lamda[12]] value of PVP enabled its adherence to lactose surfaces and so to modify the surface energy to a significantextent. These changes were furthermore observed in case of PEG which had the highest [lamda[12]] compared to others.It is concluded that the more positive the spreading coefficient of a FCA over lactose, the higher the ability of theFCA to modify the surface of lactose is. Also the cohesion works of the powders were directly correlated to theCarr's index and Hausner ratio which are used as indictors of the flow ability. It was also found that all themodified surface lactose powders had surface free energy and cohesion work less than the original lactose.Therefore, surface free energy data can be used as a predict tool to screen for the suitable FCA for each carrier.DSC and FT-IR confirmed the absence of any significant interaction between FCAs and lactose

A forensic case of sacralization of the sixth lumbar vertebra in skeletal remains.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTVs) are a common congenital anomaly of the spine. In the present case, we observed LSTVs in the excessive (sixth lumbar) vertebra. In forensic practice, this anomaly may be useful for personal identification of skeletal remains.

Oral colonization by yeasts in HIV-positive patients in Brazil / Colonização oral por leveduras em pacientes HIV-positivos no Brasil

INTRODUCTION: In HIV-infected patients, colonization of the oral cavity by potential pathogenic yeast may lead to development of systemic fungemia. We evaluated the prevalence of yeast in the oral cavity of Brazilian HIV-positive patients and verified whether or not the species characterized were enzymatically active. Furthermore, the species identified were tested for their susceptibility to antifungal treatment. METHODS: Patient saliva and oropharyngeal candidiasis samples were collected from 60 seropositive HIV patients and identified by the API20C system. Enzymatic activity was evaluated by the production of proteinase and phospholipase. Susceptibility to antifungal treatments were determined using the broth microdilution method. RESULTS: the most commonly isolated species were C. albicans (51.56 percent) followed by non-albicans Candida species (43.73 percent), Trichosporon mucoides (3.12 percent) and Kodamaea ohmeri (1.56 percent). Oral colonization by association of different species was observed in 42 percent of the patients. Enzymatic activity was verified in most of species isolated, except for C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae and C. guilliermondii. Resistance to Fluconazole and Amphotericin B was observed in isolates of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and K. ohmeri. CONCLUSION: HIV-positive patients are orally colonized by single or multiple species of yeast that are occasionally resistant to Fluconazole or Amphotericin B.

INTRODUÇÃO: Em pacientes infectados pelo HIV, a colonização da cavidade bucal por leveduras patogênicas pode levar ao desenvolvimento de fungemias. No presente estudo, avaliamos a prevalência de leveduras na cavidade bucal de pacientes HIV-positivos e verificamos se as espécies isoladas foram enzimaticamente ativas. Além disso, as espécies identificadas foram testadas quanto à suscetibilidade a antifúngicos. MÉTODOS: Amostras de saliva e de candidose orofaríngea foram coletadas de 60 pacientes soropositivos para HIV e identificados pelo sistema API20C. A atividade enzimática foi avaliada pela produção de proteinase e fosfolipase. A suscetibilidade a antifúngicos foi determinada utilizando o método de microdiluição em caldo. RESULTADOS: As espécies mais comumente isoladas foram C. albicans (51,56 por cento), seguido por espécies de Candida não-albicans (43,73 por cento), Trichosporon mucoides (3,12 por cento) e Kodamaea ohmeri (1,56 por cento). A colonização bucal por associação de diferentes espécies foi observada em 42 por cento dos pacientes. A atividade enzimática foi verificada na maioria das espécies isoladas, com exceção de C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae e C. guilliermondii. Resistência ao fluconazol e anfotericina B foi observada em isolados de C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, e K. ohmeri. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes HIV-positivos são colonizados por espécies únicas ou múltiplas de levedura que ocasionalmente são resistentes ao fluconazol ou anfotericina B.

Fetus-in-fetu. Imaging and pathology

Fetus-in-fetu [FIF], also known as endoparasitic twin, is a form of asymmetric fetal duplication in which the abnormal developing embryo parasitizes the normal co-twin by attaching internally. Here, we report a case of FIF presented as an intra-abdominal cystic mass, which was first detected during an antenatal ultrasound examination of a 32-year-old Saudi mother. At 34 weeks and 4 days of gestation, she had spontaneous labor and delivered a baby boy. The x-ray and CT examination of the baby boy clearly suggested the presence of limbs, vertebral column, and anomalous blood supply to the mass. After laparotomy and surgical removal, the intra-abdominal mass was subjected to detailed pathological examination. Microscopic studies further showed the presence of brain tissue, gut-like structures, fingers, and limbs. The mass was finally confirmed as FIF

Incidence trends of childhood type 1 diabetes in eastern Saudi Arabia

To assess the epidemiology and incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children <15 years of age in a subpopulation in the eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia[KSA]. This is a subpopulation-based observational incidence study. Admission dates, diagnosis, age, and gender were collected for all Saudi children <15 years of age with new onset type 1 diabetes that received medical care at the Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization, Dhahran Health Center, Dhahran, KSA during the period 1990-2007. The case ascertainment rate was estimated to be 100%. There were 438 patients diagnosed during the study period. The average incidence rate was 27.52/100, 000/year [95% CI: 26.72-28.32], increasing from 18.05/100,000/year in the first 9 years of the study period to 36.99/100,000/year in the last 9 years. Twenty-one percent of patients were <5 years of age, with no significant difference in the rate of increase in the incidence rate of this age group compared to the older age groups. Of the total patients, 55% were females, and 40% presented with diabetic ketoacidosis. The incidence rate of childhood type 1 diabetes increased alarmingly over the past 18 years in our study population. A Kingdom-wide diabetes registry is essential to study the epidemiology of this disease in the whole country

Prior surgical intervention of the bone; useful finding for the examination of the skeletal remains.

In general, personal identification is an important part of forensic practice. Evidence of prior surgery in a skeletonized remains is a useful findings for personal identification. Here we describe two cases where bone scarring shows evidence of prior surgery, and how these findings become useful information for identification of the victims.

[Evaluation of the PHC system in Iraq]

Description of the availability and operation of infrastructure, workforce, equipment, and supplies at the primary health care level of the health system in Iraq, and suggesting a renovative plan for Iraqi health system reform. A cross-sectional national survey conducted during the period from February 2004 to September 2005 that evaluates 30 primary health centers from 8 governorates. Thirty primary health care centers were selected from 8 provinces by an adjusted sampling Eleven objective convenience criteria were selected for evaluating buildings structure and infrastructure; signs and label guides, state, look, and healthiness of the health care building, presence of a garden, waiting place convenience, adequate furniture, presence of AC generator, air-conditioners, examining rooms' suitability, and overall convenience of the building. Health centers' buildings are unsuitable; a prediction model of six variables is built for buildings' suitability, using logistic regression. The average catchments population is high [60977]. There is one doctor for each 10.429 citizens. Professional workforce means are: 7.6 doctors, 6.6 dentists, and 0.8 pharmacists in each primary health care center. Health centers' paramedics are deficient with poor skill-mix, especially for medical assistants, nurses, sanitarians, and dental hygienists. The infrastructure of the health centers in terms of buildings and furniture is poor, so as the manpower skill-mix especially for nurses and medical assistants. The mean catchments population is high while there is an under-doctoring and maldistribution of medical personnel. Health information records system is primitive

Diagnostic yield of stereotactic brain biopsy

To evaluate the diagnostic yield, accuracy, and safety of frame-based stereotactic brain biopsy procedures. A retrospective study of all pathologically diagnosed intracranial lesions, using frame-based stereotactic guided brain biopsy procedures performed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre [KFSH and RC], Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 1993 and 2005 was conducted. Medical charts, radiological studies, and pathological slides were reviewed. A total of 120 consecutive patients who had frame-based stereotactic diagnostic biopsy procedures were identified. Data regarding procedural techniques, lesion locations, pathological diagnosis, and postoperative complications were collected. Patients' ages ranged from 3-72 years [mean +/- standard deviation: 39.4 +/- 20.3], 67 males and 53 females. Sites of biopsied lesions included: 49 thalamic, 29 deep frontal, 23 parietal, 9 temporal, and 10 others. Targeting accuracy was 99.2%. General anesthesia was used in 103 patients [85.8%]. The rest was carried out under local anesthesia. Diagnostic yield was estimated at 96%. Most frequently encountered pathological diagnosis includes gliomas [63%], infections [16%], and lymphomas [7%]. One mortality [0.8%], and 5 [4%] morbidities were encountered. Stereotactic brain biopsy is a relatively safe technique to obtain a tissue biopsy that represents the pathology of the lesion. Recent advances in stereotactic neurosurgical techniques have helped to improve the safety and diagnostic yield of such procedures

Serum uric acid in smokers

To demonstrate the possible effect of smoking on serum uric acid. Subjects enrolled in study were divided into two groups; nonsmokers and smokers, each with 60 male volunteers of the same social class and dietary habit without history of alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia and gout, renal, joint, lung or heart diseases. Fasting blood and random urine samples were obtained from both groups for measurement of uric acid and creatinine. Calculation of both urine uric acid/urine creatinine ratio and fraction excretion of uric acid were done. The results were statistically evaluated by standard statistical methods. No significant differences in the age, serum creatinine, spot urine uric acid/urine creatinine ratio and fraction excretion of uric acid between the two groups, serum uric acid was significantly lower in smokers. In smokers there was significant negative correlation of smoking status [average number of cigarette smoked/day, duration of smoking and cumulative amount of smoking] with serum uric acid. After exclusion of other factors affecting uric acid level, the significant low serum uric acid level in smokers was attributed to reduce endogenous production as a result of chronic exposure to cigarette smoke that is a significant source of oxidative stress. As this reduction is proportionate with smoking status and predisposes to cardiovascular disease, it is, therefore, recommended for smokers to stop or reduce smoking and introduce serum uric acid estimation as routine test since its cheap and simple to reflect their antioxidant level

Advanced breast cancer: response and responsibility

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and only surpassed by lung cancer in the developed countries as a leading cause of death. In Jordan, breast cancer heads the list of all cancer types affecting women [33.9%]. [1] In the developing countries, between 40-60% have advanced disease at presentation.[3-5] In this report, we review the case of a 48-year old woman who presented to Jordan University Hospital with a huge fungating ulcerating malignant mass in the right breast area associated with distant metastasis. This case sheds light on two important points, namely, the delay in presentation of breast cancer's patients in the developing countries and the value of applying modern management concepts to improve outcomes in carefully selected patients. A delay in presentation of patients with breast cancer is a real obstacle facing curative management in the developing countries and sincere efforts are required to overcome this problem. Breast cancer should be treated by breast experts in specialized centers

Evaluation of apoptosis-induction by newly synthesized phthalazine derivatives in breast cancer cell lines.

Newly synthesized phthalazine derivatives including copper and platinum complexes were evaluated for cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cell lines. The cells were incubated with the compounds (100 microM) for 72 h and cytotoxicity, apoptosis and DNA content were measured by flow cytometery. Our results suggest that the parent (H1-2), copper (C1-2)- and platinum (P1-2)-derivatized compounds were relatively more active in inducing apoptosis and cell killing in both human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 cells being the more sensitive. Other compounds showed weak or no response towards these parameters except H-5 causing 40% apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Addition of copper or platinum in the structures generally reduced the apoptotic potential. Possible roles for structure activity relationships are discussed.

Sensitivity of splenic and bone marrow aspirate study for diagnosis of kala-azar.

Fifty adult patients of kala-azar were included in this prospective study from Medicine Unit-I of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Splenic and bone marrow aspiration were done simultaneously to compare the sensitivity and other related merits and demerits of each procedure. Splenic aspiration appeared to be more sensitive procedure than bone marrow aspiration. Leishman - Donovan (LD) bodies were found in 90 percent and 72 percent of the spleen and bone marrow aspirates respectively. Splenic aspiration was found more acceptable to patients (96%) as it was less painful. Both the procedures were hazardless. There was no major complication except mild pain after splenic aspiration; even a few patients had history of epistaxis. Splenic aspiration was also more acceptable by the physicians because of an easy and reliable diagnostic procedure.