Evaluation of Some Haematological Metrics among Smokers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Introduction: Smoking is extremely toxic and has had a significant negative impact on society. One of the leading contributors to preventable illness and mortality has been found to be cigarette smoking. Aim: The goal of this study is to evaluate a few haematological metrics among smokers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and to verify the idea that smoking cigarettes either has a negative or favorable impact on these variables. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 100 participants between the ages of 20 and 45 were included, 50 of whom were smokers and 50 non-smokers. Venipuncture was used to obtain blood samples from the patients, which was then put into an EDTA vial for a full blood count (FBC) and other haematological analysis. The full blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were done using Haemo Auto Analyzer, Model XP-300 KOBE Japan by SYSMEX and the Westergreen method respectively. In order to analyze the data, Graph Prism Pad 6.2 and Microsoft Office Excel 2016 were both used. Using the student's independent t-test, a comparative study of mean and standard deviation values for the various parameters for test and reference ranges was conducted. Results: According to the findings, the average age of 50 smokers was 43.6200± 9.7250 years and that for the 50 non-smokers was 42.7800± 6.5440 years, which was statistically insignificant with p valve of 0.6130. Smokers’ haemoglobin level was 14.5080 ± 1.5590 (g/dL) and non-smokers was 12.1340 ± 0.70410 (g/dL). According to statistics, the level of Hb was significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers (P<0.0001). In comparison to non-smokers, the RBC count dramatically increased in smokers (P<0.0001) greater than in non-smokers at 5.2550 ± 0.6629 (x1012/L) and 4.6340 ± 0.5530 (x1012/L) respectively. While the total leucocyte count (TLC) in smokers is 8.0500 ± 1.8796 (x109/L), compared to 6.8580 ± 1.2454 (x109/L) in non-smokers. Statistics show that smokers have a higher total leucocyte count than non-smokers (P<0.0002). Smokers' platelet count is 255.7600±61.8351 (x109/L) while non-smokers' is 216.5800±35.5752 (x109/L).The study has statistically shown that smokers' platelet counts rose considerably in comparison to non-smokers (P<0.012). Conclusion: It may be concluded that uninterrupted smoking has an undue negative impact on haematological parameters such that increase occur in values of Hb, RBC, TLC and platelets. Significantly, these changes may increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart related defects, hardening of the arteries, Vaqu

Efficacy of apheresis platelet transfusion in 310 patients with haematological diseases / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To observe the effect of platelet transfusion in inpatients with haematological diseases, analyze the possible causes of platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR), in order to further improve the efficacy of platelet transfusion. 【Methods】 A total of 310 patients with blood disease in our hospital from August 2020 to November 2021 who received platelet transfusion were retrospectively analyzed. Possible influencing factors of platelet transfusion, including gender, age, platelet preservation time, number of platelet transfusions, complication and red blood cell product transfusion were analyzed. 【Results】 Patients were divided into effective group and refractory group according to percentage platelet recovery (PPR) and corrected count increment (CCI). PTR was defined as PPR <20% or CCI <5 000 after two consecutive transfusions in 24 h or clinical bleeding symptoms or tendency not significantly controlled. Statistical differences were noticed between the two groups in terms of gender, pretransfusion white blood cell count, anemia, and whether antibiotics were used (P<0.05). The type of disease, gender, anemia and number of comorbidities were associated with PTR. The incidence of PTR was the highest in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, and the incidence of PTR was higher in men than in women. Transfusion units of suspended red blood cells and the number of comorbidities were negatively correlated with the transfusion efficacy (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Possible influencing factors of platelet transfusion included the level of white blood cells before transfusion, use of antibiotics, anemia and transfusion of red blood cells, number of comorbidities, and type of disease, while no significant differences were found in age, hemolysis, hypersplenism, platelet preservation time, and number of platelet transfusions on transfusion efficacy.

The introduction to and inspiration from haematological management of major haemorrhage: a British Society for Haematology guideline / 中国输血杂志

Evidenced based and practical guidelines have important role in the decrease of mobility and mortality of the patients with major haemorrhage. Recently, British Society for Haematology updated a guideline on haematological management of major haemorrhage, which provides the recommendations in general and on alternatives to transfusion, obstetric haemorrhage, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, trauma and surgery, and the good practice statements for laboratory/organisational support. The comprehensive and instructive recommendations presented in the guideline will be good references for and assist in the education and development of the guidelines or protocols for the management of the patient with major haemorrhage in China.

Haematological indices and coagulation profile as predictors of disease severity and associations with clinical outcome among COVID­19 patients in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: This study aims to evaluate the use of haematological indices and coagulation profiles as possible low cost predictors of disease severity and their associations with clinical outcomes in COVID 19 hospitalized patients in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We carried out a hospital based descriptive 3 month observational longitudinal study of 58 COVID 19 positive adult patients admitted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. We used a structured questionnaire to obtain the participants' relevant sociodemographic and clinical data, including disease severity. Basic haematologic indices, their derivatives, and coagulation profile were obtained from patients' blood samples. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare these laboratory based values with disease severity. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.4 ± 14.8 years. More than half of the participants were males (55.2%, n = 32) and most had at least one comorbidity (79.3%, n = 46). Significantly higher absolute neutrophil count (ANC), neutrophil­lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and lymphocyte­monocyte ratio (LMR) were associated with severe disease (P< 0.05). Patients' hemoglobin concentration (P= 0.04), packed cell volume (P< 0.001), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (P= 0.03) were also significantly associated with outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of disease severity was significant for the ANC, ALC, NLR, LMR, and SII. The coagulation profile did not show any significant associations with disease severity and outcomes in this study. Conclusion: Our findings identified haematological indices as possible low cost predictors of disease severity in COVID 19 in Nigeria

Outcome of Haematological and Haemostatic Indices in Hospitalized Yellow Fever Patients at the Centre for Communicable Disease Control and Research (CCDCR) Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

Study Design:Retrospective observational study.Place and Duration of Study:Centre for Communicable Disease Control and Research (CCDCR), Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Nigeria, between August and December 2020.Methodology:Descriptive data was collected from the records of fifty-six (56) patients aged 16 –65 years who were hospitalized and treated at the CCDCR FMC Asaba, within the months of August to December, 2020 and 56 non-Yellow Fever subjects as control subjects. The patients’ samples were previously collected and analyzed for haematological parameters (neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelet count, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), using an automated haematology analyzer. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and P values less than .05were considered statistically significant. Results:There were higher levels of total white blood cell count, eosinophil and MCH in hospitalized yellow fever patients when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there was a lower level in platelet count of hospitalized yellow fever patients when compared with non-yellow fever control subjects (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in other haematological indices assayed which appeared normal (P > 0.05).Conclusion:In conclusion, it can be inferred that yellow fever can be associated with several haematological derangements which this study has succeeded to lay bare. Understanding these characteristics aids in planning therapy, management of patients as well as monitoring outcome.

COVID-19 infection in patients with haematological disease - A tertiary centre experience from north India

This retrospective study was aimed to understand the clinical, laboratory, radiological parameters and the outcome of COVID-19 patients with underlying haematological disease. All patients with known haematological disease admitted with COVID-19-positive status from April to August 2020 in the COVID-19 facility of a tertiary care centre in north India, were included. Their medical records were analyzed for outcome and mortality risk factors. Fifty four patients, 37 males, were included in the study. Of these, 36 patients had haematological malignancy and 18 had benign disorder. Fever (95.5%), cough (59.2%) and dyspnoea (31.4%) were the most common symptoms. Nine patients had severe disease at diagnosis, mostly malignant disorders. Overall mortality rate was 37.0 per cent, with high mortality seen in patients with aplastic anaemia (50.0%), acute myeloid (46.7%) and lymphoblastic leukaemia (40.0%). On univariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >2 [odd ratio (OR) 11.6], COVID-19 severity (OR 8.2), dyspnoea (OR 5.7) and blood product transfusion (OR 6.4) were the predictors of mortality. However, the presence of moderate or severe COVID-19 (OR 16.6, confidence interval 3.8-72.8) was found significant on multivariate analysis. The results showed that patients with haematological malignancies and aplastic anaemia might be at increased risk of getting severe COVID-19 infection and mortality as compared to the general population

Haematological and Anthropometric Profile in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus with Non-diabetic Pregnant Women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: Haematological and anthropometric profile of pregnant women who had gestational diabetes and non-diabetic pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria were evaluated, Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 70 pregnant women comprising of 40 diabetic and 30 non-diabetics for the purpose of comparing haematological and anthropometrical parameters in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women. Using standard venipuncture technique,5ml blood sample was aseptically drawn from the subjects and 2.5ml dropped into each of two different anticoagulant sample bottles -Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic Acid(EDTA) and fluoride-oxalate bottles respectively. The methods of choice for estimation of parameters were Enzymatic Colorimetric method for glucose and Automation using Sysmex KX-21N Haematology Analyzer for full blood count. Results were statistically analyzed using Graph Pad prism version 5.0 and statistical significance set at P<0.05.Results: Mean± SD results for diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women respectively showed Haemoglobin concentration (10.99±0.69g/dl versus 10.69±1.01g/dl), Packed cell volume (31.7±1.96% versus 32.89±3.89%), Red blood cell(3.99±0.29106/µl versus 3.85±0.39×106/µl), Mean cell haemoglobin (27.51±1.22pg versus 27.54±2.22pg), Platelets count (223.3±52.67103/µl versus 205.5±45.09×103/µl), Mean cell haemoglobin concentrations(34.49±1.19g/dl versus 32.54±3.17g/dl)these results were not statistically significantly different(P>0.05). The mean± SD of white blood cell (9.73±0.49103/µl versus 7.27±1.66×103/µl) and mean cell volume (79.3±4.16 fl and 85.24±0.39fl) were statistically significantly different (P<0.05).Mean± SD of subject’s blood pressure showed, Systolic (116±11.52 mm/Hg and 105±5.72 mm/Hg),Diastolic (77±17.86 and 68±1.11 mm/Hg), results were statistically significantly different (P<0.001).Age did not show statistical significant difference (P>0.05).Body mass index (BMI) 28.33±3.81 kg/m2, 32.86±5 kg/m2, 37.96±.3.44 kg/m2 showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) at the Gestational ages of(1-3), (4-6) and (7-9) months respectively while that of the non-diabetic were obviously not statistically significantly different (P>0.05).Conclusion: Gestational diabetes is capable of causing changes in haematological parameters; but it could improve or disappear after child birth. Factors such as lifestyle activities and diet can predispose pregnant women to gestational diabetes mellitus and this can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby.

The Role of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters for Diagnosis and Management of COVID-19 Patients

Introduction : COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the Healthcare System adversely. It should be diagnosed early to prevent mortality and morbidity. Thus various Haematological and Biochemical markers can be used specially in developing countries where clinicians have limited access to Molecular Diagnostic Technique. Aim and objectives : The study aims to observe the role of haematological and biochemical parameters in diagnosing as well as predicting the prognosis along the course of the disease. Material and methods : Retrospective study performed in Department of Pathology from April, 2021 to May, 2021 on 200 COVID-19 positive patients. The tests were conducted using the Haematological and Biochemistry Auto analysers. Results : Out of 200 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients analysis of Haematological Parameters showed Leucocytosis, Neutrophilia, Lymphopenia and Eosinopenia. Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Inflammatory Index were also found to be elevated in comparison to the control cases. Statistically significant difference was observed in Total Leucocyte Count, Absolute Neutrophil Count, Absolute Lymphocyte Count, Kidney Function Tests (KFT) and Liver Function Tests (LFT) between severe and non severe cases. Biochemical parameters were found to be more elevated in severe cases. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels >50 mg/dl and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels >1000U/L were found only in severe cases. Conclusion : Haematological and Biochemical Markers being easily available and reliable can be utilised as useful prognosticator for early prediction of disease. Elevated Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Inflammatory Index can be useful in diagnosing COVID-19 especially when clinical suspicion is present despite negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) reports

Evaluation of simple cost-effective immuno-haematological markers to predict outcome in hospitalized COVID-19 patients during second wave

Background:COVID-19 pandemic has strained the health infrastructure globally, hence the importance of cost-effective biomarkers. We aimed to identify simple haematological prognostic markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients to differentiate between milder and severe cases, thus predicting outcome.Methods:A retrospective study of COVID-19 patients admitted at MallaReddy institute of medical sciences was conducted from April to June 2021. Total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR ratio (dNLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated and correlated with outcome. These parameters were compared with other inflammatory markers using ROC(receiver operator curve)analysis.Results:303 patients of 397 fulfilled the inclusion criteria (male-198, female-105). There was a significant higher mean of NLR in patients with death (14.46�84) compared to patients recovered (8.43�33), similarly the dNLR was higher in death (8.06�34) compared to recovered (4.97�49). A significant positive strength of association between the NLR and dNLR with the ESR, CRP, CORADS score and CT severity score in the patients. The ROC analysis showed the NLR (AUC=0.777) and dNLR (0.799) a better marker to predict the outcome.Conclusions:In COVID-19, immuno-haematological markers like NLR, dNLR, PLR found to be a simple and cost-effective tool to prognosticate the clinical outcome among hospitalized patients and were in concordance with the other inflammatory markers. Hence, these markers serve as better indicators in risk stratification and better management.

Durational Effect of Cement Dust Exposure on Haematological Profile of Albino Rat

Background:This research work studied the durational effects of cement dust inhalation on the haematological parameters of exposed Albino rats. In this study, a glass house animal exposure chamber was fabricated using a plexi-glass and two blowing fans of adjustable revolution. Methodology:Twenty five Albino rats were divided into five groups. Group A served as the control, while group B, C, D and E served as the test, and were exposed for 15, 30, 45 and 60 days interval respectively, for one hour daily to cement dust (200g), at a revolution of 3000rpm of the fans. At the end of the exposure, the animals were sacrificed, blood collected in EDTA bottle and was analysed for some haematological variables. Results:The result showed that there were significant durational increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Lymphocyte, Monocytes and Eosinophils of the test group compared to control group but there was no significant difference in the Wbc, Basophils, Platelets and Neutrophils levels among the groups (p >0.05). Conclusion:There is a durational exposure haematotoxic effect of cement dust inhalation on rat exposed to cement dust.

Assessment of Coagulation and Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Port Harcourt

Background:Pregnancy is the fertilization and development of an embryo or fetus in a woman's uterus. Itis a critical stage of development during which maternal nutrition can strongly influence obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy on some coagulation and haematological parameters of pregnant women residing in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Method: This case-control study investigated 80 pregnant subjects and 20 non-pregnant controls. Haematological parameters were determined using a fully automated The SysmexXP-300, while the coagulation parameters (PT and INR) were determined with the automated method. Results:The mean PT (s), HB (g/dl), PCV (%), PLT (x109/L), RBC (mcL), LYMPH (%), BASO (%) and EOSIN (%) counts were significantly lower among the pregnant subjects (5.02±5.82, 11.00±1.13 g/dl and 33.81±3.89%, 189.6±52.93 × 109/L, 3.95±0.50, 43.93±10.10 %, 0.9385±1.08 %and 1.12±1.32 %) compared to the non-pregnant controls (1.68±2.37, 12.01±1.29 g/dl, 37.31±3.39 %, 235.6±72.37 × 109/L, 4.45±0.35, 43.24±9.06, 2.11±0.94 and 2.15±1.47) respectively. There were no significant differences in the INR, MONO (%), MPV (fl), MCV (L/C), and MCH (g/c) between the pregnant subjects (0.92±0.11, 5.41±2.59 %, 11.67±4.848, 84.26±3.77 and 28.06±3.54) and non-pregnant controls (0.88±0.11, 5.58±2.65, 11.14±5.45, 82.52±10.45 and 26.96±1.85). The NEUT (%), PDW (%) and WBC (x109/L) were significantly higher among the pregnant subjects (44.90±11.24 %, 13.26±2.56 % and 8.35±2.982 x109/L) compared to the non-pregnant controls (46.63±9.96 %, 10.78±1.80 % and 4.71±0.81 x109/L). Conclusion:This study has shown that pregnancy has a significant effect on some haematological and coagulation parameters of pregnant women in Port Harcourt. The result of this research work indicates the need to routinely monitor the complete blood count, thrombocytopenia and hyper-coagulative activity among pregnant women of African descendant.

Haematological manifestations in primary hyperparathyroidism

Background & objectives: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder caused by the elevated secretion of the parathormone (PTH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the haematological manifestations of PHPT in patients with normal renal functions who were treated surgically for parathyroid adenomas. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 134 patients with normal renal functions who underwent parathyroidectomies for PHPT were included. The haematological manifestations were evaluated in the total study cohort and in the two groups of different calcium (Ca) levels (Group 1 ?11.2 mg/dl and Group 2 ?11.2 mg/dl). Results: The overall prevalence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia was 20.1, 6.7 and 6.0 per cent, respectively. Normocytic anaemia was present in 19 (14.2%) patients. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia between the two groups. There were no correlations between the PTH levels and the leukocyte, haemoglobin or platelet values. Six to 12 months after the parathyroidectomy (PTX), 35.7 per cent of the patients with anaemia, 85.7 per cent of the patients with leucopenia and 100 per cent of the patients with thrombocytopenia had recovered. Interpretation & conclusions: In the present study, anaemia was seen with a variable frequency in PHPT, but there was no relationship between anaemia and high PTH or Ca levels. The development of anaemia can be seen regardless of the PTH levels in PHPT patients with normal renal functions. High-resolution rates after PTX indicate a possible association between PHPT and thrombocytopenia or leucopenia, although their prevalence is low in PHPT.

Wound Healing Activity of Neocarya macropyhlla Seed Extracts in Wistar Rats

Neocarya macropuylla seed hexane extract (NMSHE) was examined for the presence of various phytoconstituents. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by testing the extract on selected drug resistant bacteria viz: S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and fungi viz: C. albicans, A. niger using agar technique of pour plate and surface plate dilution that were selected based on their peculiarity to humans. Wound healing activity of NMSHE was investigated by formulating a dosage of 5 % and 10 % concentration of the extract in paraffin. 21 wistar rats shared into three groups with each group housing 7 animals each over an experimental period of 21 days were properly fed and given free access to water throughout the experiment that was authenticated by the weight measurement taken every four days. Investigation of the wound healing activity of the extract was performed by measuring the wound area (mm2) and percentage of wound closure on the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th day of the study; the wound epitheliasation was determined from the 16th to 20th days. Histopathological analysis of the control and test groups’ skin tissues, liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen and haematological evaluation of the blood parameters were carried out at the end of the experiment. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids and glycosides in NMSHE. At 5 % and 10 % concentrations, NMSHE inhibited the growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. subtilis, C. albicans and A. niger. Group 2 rats treated with 5 % NMSHE gave a faster and better epitheliasation time than those in group 1 treated with control base ointment. The histopathology and haematology analyses result showed no disparity between the control and the test group; this is a point of reference showing that the extracts seemed to possess some essential constituents which actually hastened the wound healing process. macrophylla seed hexane extract healed the wound created on wistar rats at a faster time than the control ointment hence could probably serve as a replacement to conventional wound healing ointment.

Chinese Medicine Regulates DNA Methylation to Treat Haematological Malignancies: A New Paradigm of "State-Target Medicine" / 中国结合医学杂志

Aberrant regulation of DNA methylation plays a crucial causative role in haematological malignancies (HMs). Targeted therapy, aiming for DNA methylation, is an effective mainstay of modern medicine; however, many issues remain to be addressed. The progress of epigenetic studies and the proposed theory of "state-target medicine" have provided conditions to form a new treatment paradigm that combines the "body state adjustment" of CM with targeted therapy. We discussed the correlation between Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes/states and DNA methylation in this paper. Additionally, the latest research findings on the intervention and regulation of DNA methylation in HMs, including the core targets, therapy status, CM compounds and active components of the Chinese materia medica were concisely summarized to establish a theoretical foundation of "state-target synchronous conditioning" pattern of integrative medicine for HMs, simultaneously leading a new perspective in clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Aetiology of pancytopenia: Experience of a South African tertiary academic centre

Background: Pancytopenia is a manifestation of numerous disease entities. The causes of pancytopenia differ with geographic region, socio-economic factors and HIV prevalence. Awareness of the common causes of pancytopenia may aid timely diagnosis. Objective: This study aimed to determine the aetiology of pancytopenia in a South African population.Methods: A retrospective observational study of adult patients presenting with pancytopenia at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, South Africa, from January 2016 to December 2017 was performed. Data on pancytopenia cases were obtained from the laboratory information system and utilised to determine the causes of pancytopenia. Results: A total of 673 cases of pancytopenia were identified. The most common causes of pancytopenia were chemoradiation therapy (25%), sepsis (18%), haematological malignancy (9%), advanced HIV (7%), and megaloblastic anaemia (6%). The diagnostic yield of bone marrow examinations (BME) was 57% (n = 52/91). The aetiology of pancytopenia differed according to age, with malignancy being a more common cause of pancytopenia among the elderly. Conclusion: Several easily recognisable and treatable conditions can manifest as pancytopenia. Prompt management of such conditions, notably sepsis and megaloblastic anaemia, can result in the resolution of the cytopenias and negate the need for a BME. However, haematological malignancy and unexplained pancytopenia strongly rely on a BME to establish a diagnosis. Pancytopenia investigations, when guided by appropriate clinic-laboratory findings, can promptly identify the underlying aetiology, while also identifying cases where an expedited BME is required. This is valuable in resource-conscious medicine

Tualang Honey Potentially Delay Deterioration in Haematological and Immunological Parameters in Asymptomatic, Treatment-naïve HIV-infected Patients

@#Introduction: This report aimed to assess the effects of administration of Tualang honey for six months duration on the haematological and immunological parameters in treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients who were asymptomatic. Methods: This was a randomised, controlled, open-labelled study. A total of 95 asymptomatic HIV-positive subjects with low CD4 counts of 250-600 cells/mm3 and not on antiretroviral therapy were recruited. Tualang honey was administered at 20 g each, once daily (HLD; total of 20 g honey), twice daily (HID; total of 40 g honey) or thrice daily (HHD; total of 60 g honey) for six months period. Control (CT) group did not receive any honey supplementation. Haematological and immunological parameters were measured at baseline, three-month and six-month follow-up. The differences within the group (time effect) and between the groups (regardless of time) for all four groups were analysed using Repeated Measures ANOVA followed by a post-hoc test. Results: A significant reduction in total white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were observed at six-month follow-up in CT and HLD groups when compared to baseline. The immunological parameters showed similar trend of reduction in the CT and HLD groups. Meanwhile, the measured parameters were relatively maintained in HID and HHD groups at six-month period when compared to baseline. Conclusion: Tualang honey supplementation at intermediate and high doses for six months delay the deterioration of haematological and immunological parameters in asymptomatic, treatment-naïve HIV subjects.

Parámetros hematológicos en caballos peruanos de paso en la provincia de Lambayeque / Hematological parameters in peruvian paso horses in the Lambayeque provinceHematological parameters in peruvian paso horses in the Lambayeque province

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar los parámetros hematológicos según el estado reproductivo en caballos peruanos de Paso en la provincia de Lambayeque. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó la investigación con 60 caballos adultos (>4 años), clínicamente sanos y sin tratamiento farmacológico previo; según su estado reproductivo se formaron cuatro grupos de 15 ejemplares cada uno: macho castrado, macho entero, yegua vacía y yegua gestante. Primero se realizó el examen clínico general para confirmar su buen estado de salud, luego se extrajo sangre de la vena yugular a todos los caballos. Las muestras se procesaron por análisis hematológicos y se determinaron las variables de la serie roja (hemoglobina, hematocrito, glóbulos rojos, volumen corpuscular medio [VCM], hemoglobina corpuscular media [HCM] y concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media [CHCM]). Igualmente, la serie blanca (leucocitos, neutrófilos segmentados y abastonados, basófilos, monocitos, linfocitos, eosinófilos) y serie trombocítica fueron procesados y determinados. Se utilizaron métodos manuales, fórmulas matemáticas y método Drabkin en el laboratorio de patología clínica. Se aplicó la prueba estadística de Kruskal Wallis y se obtuvo la media, desviación estándar y rangos de las variables. Resultados. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la serie blanca, roja y trombocítica de acuerdo con el sexo o estado reproductivo, a excepción del número de los basófilos que fue mayor en machos enteros. Conclusiones. Los parámetros hematológicos según el estado reproductivo del caballo peruano de paso se encuentran dentro de los rangos establecidos por la literatura especializada. Sin embargo, el número los linfocitos que fue mucho menor.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the haematological parameters according to the reproductive status of Peruvian Paso horses in the Province of Lambayeque. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on 60 clinically healthy adult horses (> 4 years), without previous drug treatment. Four groups of 15 horses were formed: gelding, entire male, empty mare and pregnant mare. First, a general clinical examination was performed to confirm their good health. Blood was drawn from the jugular vein of all the horses. The samples were processed by haematological analysis and the parameters of the red series (haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular haemoglobin [MCH] and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration [MCHC] were determined. Likewise, the white series (leukocytes, neutrophils segmented and stacked, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils) and the thrombocytic series were processed and the unit range determined. Manual methods, mathematical formulas and the Drabkin method were used in the clinical pathology laboratory. The Kruskal Wallis Statistical test was applied and consequently the mean, standard deviation and ranges of variables were obtained. Results. No significant statistical differences were found in the white, red and thrombocytic series according to sex or reproductive status, except the number of basophils was higher in the entire males. Conclusions. The haematological parameters according to the reproductive status of the Peruvian Step horse are within the normal ranges (as per the literature pertaining to this area). However, the number of lymphocytes was much lower.

Evaluation of Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron, and Some Haematological Parameters of Patients Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Southeastern Part of Nigeria

A study to evaluate the levels of interferon-gamma, interleukins 6 and 10, hepcidin, iron status and some haematological parameters in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus was carried out. A total of 150 subjects aged 18-60 years were enlisted for this study. The subjects were grouped into: Group A (50 control subjects) and Group B (100 HIV subjects, 50 subjects were non ART HIV patients, 50 subjects were on Lamivudine, Tenofavir and Efavirenz). About 7ml of venous blood were collected from each subject;4.5ml of blood were placed into plain tubes for assay of interferon gamma, interleukins (6&10), hepcidin and iron and 2.5ml for FBC, CD4 count and HIV screening. The cytokines and hepcidinwere measured using Melsin ELISA Kits and Teco Diagnostics kits used for iron. Full blood count was determined by automation using Mindray BC-5300, China. The data was analysed with the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 using ANOVA and the level of significance set at P<0.05. The results showed difference that was statistically significant (P<0.05) in IFN-γ (16.25±0.87pg/ml, 29.31±1.44pg/ml,18.49±1.48pg/ml, P=0.000),IL-6(7.98±0.22pg/ml, 11.08±1.21pg/ml,8.79±0.76pg/ml,P=0.000), IL-10(8.52±0.62pg/ml, 16.62±1.53pg/ml,10.39±1.06Pg/ml P=0.000), CD4 (1045.54 ±247.24Cells/L, 195.60 ±35.94Cells/L,10.39±1.06cells/L P=0.000), hepcidin (6.03±1.38ng/ml, 39.59 ±4.50ng/ml, 20.86±3.43ng/ml, P=0.000), Iron (86.29±7.27 μg/dl, 73.43±5.45 μg/dl,85.44±8.45μg/dl, P=0.000), TIBC (345.56±28.40 μg/dl, 287.19 ±8.21μg/dl,305.46±18.82μg/dl, P=0.000),%TSA (25.16±3.18%, 25.61±2.22%,28.08 ±3.42%,P=0.000) WBC (5.87 ±0.88 X 109/L, 4.69±0.72X 109/L,4.80±0.45X 109/L, P=0.000), Neutrophils (60.57±2.83%, 75.16±3.68%,69.04±2.90%, P=0.000), Lymphocytes (30.69 ±2.84%, 17.24±2.50%, 24.46±2.60%,P=0.000), Monocytes (5.59 ±1.2%, 4.18±1.12%,3.97±0.92%, P=0.000), Eosinophils (2.30 ±1.05%, 2.16±0.82%,1.67±0.57%, P=0.000), Basophil 0.86 ±0.39%, 1.31±0.94%, 0.86±0.44%,P=0.018), RBC (4.92±0.30 X 1012/L, 3.34±0.21 X 1012/L,3.60 ±0.18X 1012/L, P=0.000), Haemoglobin (14.75±0.90,g/dl, 10.05±0.65g/dl,10.80±0.53g/dl, P=0.000), PCV (44.25±2.70%, 30.14±1.95,32.56±1.50%, P=0.000), MCV(89.92±2.3fl, 79.49±1.28fl,88.15±2.08fl, P=0.029), MCH (36.12±1.53pg, 26.60±0.48P, P=0.002), Platelets (261.75±22.71 X 109/L, 246.16±9.93 X 109/L,189.32±17.00X 109/L, P=0.000), ESR (7.03 ±1.38mm/hr, 59.52 ±6.46mm/hr,43.34±4.82mm/hr, P=0.000) when compared among Control, Non ART HIV and ART positive subjects.g,28.57±1.78pg, P=0.000), MCHC (368.46±12.28g/l, 318.92±7.33g/l,333.56±22.61g/l. The study shows that interferon gamma, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 and hepcidin are some of the biomarkers in thepathogenesis of HIV. The infection of HIV increases the levels of the cytokines. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as prognostic and diagnostic markers as their levels decreased with treatment of the patients

Evaluation of Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron Profile and Some Haematological Parameters of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Coinfected with HIV in Southeast of Nigeria

The study was done to determine the levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, iron status, hepcidin and haematologicalparameters of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Southeast, Nigeria. This study was carried out at the directly observed treatment-short course Tuberculosis (TB DOTS) centre of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, located in South-Eastern Nigeria. Therefore, sample size of 240 was used to give room for attrition. A total of two hundred and forty (240) subjects aged 18-60 years were enlisted for this study. Seven milliliters (7ml) of venous blood was collected from each subject and 2.5ml was dispensed into bottles containing di-potassium salt of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (K2-EDTA) and was used for full blood count, CD4 count and HIV screening. Also, 4.5ml was dispensed into plain tubes. Serum was obtained after clotting by spinning at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes and was used for interferon gamma, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10, iron and hepcidin determination. Data was analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20. Student t-test, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), Pearson Product Moment and Chi-Square were the tools employed. Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and are presented in table and significance level was set at P<0.05.The results showed difference that was statistically significant (P<0.05) in IFN-γ (P=0.000), IL-6 (P=0.000) IL-10 (P=0.000), CD4 (P=0.000), hepcidin (P=0.000), Iron (P=0.000), TIBC (P=0.000), %TSA (P=0.001) ,WBC (P=0.000), Neutrophils (P=0.000), Lymphocyes (P=0.000), Monocytes (P=0.000), Eosinophils (P=0.000), Basophils (P=0.018), RBC (P=0.000), haemoglobin (P=0.000), PCV (P=0.000), MCV (P=0.000), MCH (P=0.000), MCHC (P=0.000), Platelets (P=0.000), ESR (P=0.000) when compared among control, TB, HIV and TB-HIV subjects respectively. The co infection of HIV on pulmonary TB patients increases the levels of the cytokines. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as adjunct to prognostic and diagnostic markers as their levels decreased with increased duration of treatment of the patients. The study hasshown wide variations in the haemtological indices studied

An audit to study the diagnostic yield of lymph node biopsies under local anaesthesia

Background: Surgical referrals for lymph node biopsies are common, majority for diagnostic purposes. The indications and the diagnostic yield vary for different sites. We conducted an audit of the lymph node biopsies done over a period of seven months.Methods: The audit included 547 patients who underwent lymph node biopsies under local anesthesia in the department of general surgery over a seven-month period. Parameters such as overall diagnostic yield of lymph node biopsies, disease specific yield of lymph node biopsies with a primary focus on tuberculosis; site specific yield of lymph node biopsies and  referral pattern for the request for lymph node biopsies were analysed.Results: 324 samples (59.2%) yielded a definite diagnosis, which included haematological malignancy 102 (31.5%), infectious diseases 131 (40.5%), and 59 (18.5%) malignancy. The diagnostic yield of supraclavicular lymph nodes was found to be highest (72.45%) and the axillary group the lowest (39.8%). The referral pattern seen was 314 (57.4%) from General medicine, 149 (27.2%) from General Surgery, and 84 (15.4%) from Haematology. 130 (23.8%) samples were tested for tuberculosis; the highest yield, acquired from the cervical group (52.8%), lowest from the inguinal region (4%).Conclusions: Our audit revealed significant diagnostic yield of lymph node biopsies from the supraclavicular region. Majority of them were of infectious aetiology and referred from General Medicine. This study supports the introduction of co-ordinated problem-based referral and management pathways for the management of patients with enlarged superficial lymph nodes, supported by regular audits of practice.