Molecular genetics of beta-thalassaemia syndrome in Pakistan

This molecular genetics study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan from 2004 to 2006 to provide guidelines for prenatal diagnosis programmes in the country. Blood samples of patients with beta-thalassaemia minor [n = 200] and beta-thalassaemia major [n = 150] were collected from hospitals, transfusion centres and diagnostic laboratories from different districts of Karachi, representing 5 major ethnic groups. Molecular analysis revealed 11 genetic mutations of the beta-thalassaemia gene, among which 5 mutations accounted for 88% of the total beta-thalassaemia genes identified [IVS-1-5 [G-C], Fr 8/9 [+G], Fr 41/42 [-TTCT], IVS-1-1 [G-T] and Del 619]. Other mutations identified were: CAP+1, IVS-II-1 [G-A], Cd 5 [-CT], Cd 15 [G-A], Cd 16 and Cd 30

Haloperidol induced variations in hematological indices

It is essential for the effective management of drug action to understand the underlying pathogenesis of hematological dyscrasias. Hematological side effects of neuroleptic drugs occur infrequently but remain a potential cause of serious toxicity. The risk of butyrophenone induced blood dyscrasias seems to be underestimated in the literature, therefore we decided to report this as an animal model evaluation. The present work was undertaken to investigate the effect of typical antipsychotic drug [Haloperidol- 0.2mg/Kg], both as purified and commercially available form administered to rats [n=15], on hematological indices. Data of the present study suggests that the chronic administration of haloperidol may cause iron deficiency anemia. Although the morphological changes were more obvious in case of purified haloperidol treated rats as compared to the commercially available injections