Evaluating the correlation between serum NT-proBNP level and diastolic dysfunction severity in beta-thalassemia major patients

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] is a sensitive biomarker for the detection of asymptomatic left ventricular [LV] dysfunction. Since beta-thalassemia major patients suffer from early diastolic dysfunction due to iron deposition of chronic blood transfusion, we tried to evaluate the correlation between the serum NT-proBNP level and the severity of LV diastolic dysfunction determined by echocardiography in these patients

Methods: Fifty beta-thalassemia major patients with normal LV systolic function were studied by tissue Doppler echocardiography, and blood samples were taken at the same time to measure the serum NT-proBNP level. Using flow velocity through the mitral valve on the tissue velocity of the mitral annulus in early ventricular filling [E/E'] as an LV diastolic function indicator, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1] no diastolic dysfunction [E/E' < 8], group 2] suspected diastolic dysfunction [E/E' = 8-15], and group 3] documented diastolic dysfunction [E/E' >15]. Other variables assessed included sex, age, method of chelator therapy, and mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels for the past 2 years

Results: According to the echocardiographic findings of all the 50 patients [29 male and 21 female] with an age range of 11-35 years [mean = 17.98 y], 46% were classified in group 1, 54% in group 2, and none in group 3. The NT-proBNP level was 1070 +/- 566 ng/mL in group 1 and 974 +/- 515 ng/mL in group 2. The t-test showed no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in the NT-proBNP level [p value = 0.536]

Conclusions: Due to specific conditions in thalassemia major patients, the correlation between the serum NT-proBNP level and the severity of diastolic dysfunction seems to be not meaningful

Comparison of dexamethasone and Anti-D Immune globulin for immune thrombocytopenia purpura in children

Different therapeutic options in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura include observation alone, periodic treatment with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG] or anti-D, chronic administration of immunosuppressive agents, and splenectomy. Preference of the type of therapy depends on the degree of thrombocytopenia and clinical bleeding manifestations. Dexamethasone is safe but its side effects are the main disadvantages for its usage. Anti-D is more expensive than dexamethason but the side effect is rare and not dangerous and response to treatment is assessed in approximately 3 days after infusion

Role of the Lewis and ABO Blood Group Antigens in Helicobacter pylori Infection

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor for chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. Some findings show increased frequencies of these diseases in individuals with type O blood and in secretors (expressing Leb antigen), but other studies have not found any relationship between blood groups and this infection. Given that H. pylori infection and gastric cancer are common in Iran, the assessment of the pathogenesis of this infection in relation to these blood groups could be valuable. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we determined the ABO and Lewis blood groups of participants using the tube method and evaluated the level of anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This study included 171 Iranian blood donors from Mashhad, Iran, during 2010. The significance of the differences in the frequencies of the Lewis and ABO phenotypes between individuals infected with and without H. Pylori infection were tested using the chi-square test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: H. pylori infection was found in 76.6% of the study subjects (n = 131). The most common ABO blood group was O (33.9%), and the most common Lewis blood group was Le(a-b+) (54.7%). The frequencies of the ABO, Lewis, and secretion phenotypes were not significantly different between the infected and uninfected subjects. Conclusion: We did not find any significant relationship between the Lewis, ABO, and secretion phenotypes and H. pylori infection.

Pleuropulmonary blastoma: case report

Pleuropulmonary blastoma [PPB] is a rare and aggressive tumor that is emerging as a distinct entity of childhood disease .It is characterized by mesenchymal elements [including undifferentiated blastoma and often cartilaginous, rhabdomyoblastic, or fibroblastic differentiation] and epithelium-lined spaces. PPB may be exclusively cystic [type I], solid [type III] or both solid and cystic [type II]. A 5-month-old boy presented with a history of fever and respiratory distress. Chest radiograph and subsequent CT scan showed a large soft-tissue density occupying the left chest cavity. Radical resection of the mass was achieved by lobectomy. Histologic examination revealed PPB [type II]