ABSTRACT
Transfusion of blood and blood components could be responsible for saving millions of life each year throughout the world. However, on the other hand , an improperly screened donated blood can be a source of transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs). Some important prevalent infections are caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Treponema pallidum and malaria parasite. To study the sero-prevalence and trends of HIV viral markers amidst blood donors in Northern India.The study was carried out in the blood bank section of Department of Pathology, Era's Lucknow Medical College, Era University, Lucknow. The present study was conducted as a retrospective & prospective observational study. Retrospective data of past eight years before commencement of study (2008 to 2015) and prospective data of one and a half years (2016 and 2017) was used in the study. Data of 22192 blood donors was explored for the present study. Only 10 donors were found to be positive for HIV viral markers. Prevalence of HIV positivity was relatively much lower than that reported in contemporary studies. Nevertheless, the present study underscored the need to carry out screening of viral markers and their periodic audit in order to understand the changing trends of sero-positivity among blood donors.
ABSTRACT
Up to four weeks of birth a newborn is considered a neonate. Most often, these neonates are in need of blood or one of its components. The naturally occurring ABO antibodies are not fully developed in neonates and the presence of Wharton’s jelly poses problems in routine grouping and cross matching procedures. Indications and the guidelines for transfusion are different in cases of neonates. Extra precautions are recommended. The proper choice of component is of utmost importance. Hemolytic Disease of Newborn (HDN) is a frequently encountered disorder, occasionally requiring exchange transfusion. The indications, procedure and the complications of Exchange Transfusion have to be understood properly by the pediatricians before employing the procedure, especially in low birth weight babies. The transfusion in obstetric cases and in post partum hemorrhage (PPH) too requires guidelines, which have to be followed. Most of the deaths in obstetrics take place due to PPH which is preventable if the obstetricians take precautions and start the transfusion timely. Beside PPH, perioperative hemorrhage is often an indication for transfusion. All pregnant women must be monitored regularly for iron deficiency anaemia , hemoglobinopathies and alloantibodies during their antenatal period. Neonates quite often require blood transfusion and their requirements are different and unique. A normal neonate has approximately 85 ml/kg of blood volume. Frequent blood collection for laboratory investigations leads to iatrogenic blood loss and need for transfusion.
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and trends in hepatitis B infection among blood donors Shia Muslims attending the blood bank in Era's Lucknow Medical College lucknow. A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing the results of HBsAg among blood donors for the years 2002 to 2012. During this period,11962 blood donors were studied. Conclusion: There is a constant need to improve public awareness programs to lower the incidence of hepatitis B infection in the general population and in Shia Muslims and consequently first time blood donors. Future studies are also required to determine the trends and outcomes of these programs.
ABSTRACT
A 65 years man presented with fever, drenching sweats, progressive dyspnoea, backache and weight loss. On examination, he had wide pulse pressure, clubbing, retinal hemorrhages, aortic and mitral regurgitation, hepatosplenomegaly, lower spinal tenderness and bilateral basal crepitations. Transthoracic 2D-echocardiography showed a large vegetation on the aortic valve. Antibody titers for brucella were positive. X-ray spine was suggestive of brucella spondylitis. Early surgical intervention was planned and the patient was given combination antibiotic therapy. The course was complicated by renal failure and the patient succumbed while being taken up for surgery.