ABSTRACT
Background: Analysis of cement dust by various investigators has revealed that its contents include mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). Few studies done among cement factory workers in Nigeria showed conflicting results in haematological parameters which could not be related to any particular heavy metals. This necessitated the need for this study. Objective: This study aims to relate lead level with iron indices and complete blood count among bricklayers. Methods: Comparative cross sectional study among 45 bricklayers and 45 age and sex matched tailors. Questionnaire was administered to find out occupational practice. Plasma was analyzed for lead by Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) while serum was analyzed for ferittin and iron by ELISA and photometric method respectively. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and percentage Transferin saturation (%TFS) were derived by calculation while complete Blood Count (CBC) was determined using a Sysmex Kx21 auto-analyser. Results: Eighty seven percent of the bricklayers practice their profession without protective coverings. There was a significant increase in the plasma level of lead (p=.00) but decrease in ferrittin among bricklayers compared with controls (p=.00). Bricklayers with blood lead level above acceptable level (5 µg/dl) had significantly reduced ferittin (p=0.04). Conclusion: In this study showed a relatively lower serum ferritin level among bricklayers which was more pronounced with increasing lead level. This may suggest depletion of iron store with increasing lead level. The use of protective measures such as gloves, facemasks and protective garments when in contact with cement and regular medical checkups to prevent depletion of iron store and its consequences are hereby suggested.
ABSTRACT
Background: Sickle cell disease which is considered to be a hypercoagulable state has a worldwide distribution. Protein C is a naturally occurring anticoagulant with anti inflammatory and fibrinolytic properties. Objective: To evaluate the level of Protein C in Nigerian Patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in steady state. Methods: This is a comparative cross sectional study carried out in Ibadan on 40 HbSS patients in steady state attending Haematology clinic at University College Hospital, Ibadan and 40 age and sex matched healthy normal HbAA control. Protein C was assayed with Amax Destiny Coagulometer using clot based method. Liver function test (LFT) was done with Hitachi 912. Results: A significant decrease in Protein C was found in HbSS patients in steady state (median value 62.8%) compared with HbAA control Subjects (74.6%) (p = 0.00). There was no significant difference in the LFT of the HbSS patients and the control HbAA subjects, P > 0.05 in all the parameters measured. (Alanine Transaminase (ALT), P = 0.82; Albumin, P = 0.12; Total Protein, P =0.37). Conclusion: The low Protein C level observed in HbSS patients in steady state may not be due to hepatic dysfunction as LFT in the subjects were found to be normal.
ABSTRACT
The Haematology Day Care Unit (HDCU) of the University College Hospital; Ibadan; Nigeria was established in 1975 with the main goal of providing immediate and specialized care to haematological emergencies; particularly sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Since inception; a systematic analysis of its effectiveness has not been done; hence this study. A retrospective study of all registered patients attending the Haematology Day Care Unit of the University College Hospital; Ibadan; over a one-year period was conducted and analyzed. Demographic data; diagnosis; treatment received; outcome of such treatment as well as laboratory parameters were extracted from HDCU register and the data were then analysed using descriptive statistics. A total of 890 patients were seen during the period; January and December 2001; out of which 520 were sickle cell disease patients (HbSS accounted for 508 (92.7) cases and HbSC; 40 (7.3) cases). The mean age of the SCD patients was 25.8years; the median; 23years and the mode; 18years. The mean PCV was 21.2; median; 21.0 and mode; 20. Majority (246 or 47.3) of the patients were between 20 and 30 years; the lowest frequency being in the 50years group (14 or 2.7). One patient died during the period under review (31year old female with HbSC disease); giving a mortality rate of 2 per 1000 patients