Clay ingestion induced hypokalemic paralysis: a rare case report in an elderly female with severe iron deficiency anemia

Hypokalemic paralysis is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by painless muscle weakness resulting from low potassium levels, most commonly presenting during adolescence. In this case report, we detail the presentation and management of an 80-year-old female who experienced sudden onset bilateral limb weakness. Initial clinical assessment revealed the absence of reflexes and hypotonia in all four limbs without any gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation identified severe iron deficiency anemia and an unusual history of clay ingestion due to pica as the underlying causes of her hypokalemic paralysis. Treatment included intravenous and oral potassium supplementation, as well as packed cell volume transfusions, leading to a significant improvement in her symptoms and normalization of her potassium levels. This case highlights the need to consider atypical etiologies, such as pica-induced clay ingestion, in the differential diagnosis of hypokalemic paralysis, particularly in elderly patients with nutritional deficiencies. Early recognition and appropriate management are critical for favourable outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose in management of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant and peripartum women

Background: Anemia during pregnancy, often attributed to iron deficiency, poses substantial risks to both maternal and fetal health. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in managing anemia among pregnant women.Methods: The study encompasses women who received FCM treatment for anemia during pregnancy between October 2023 and March 2024 at SSG hospital, Vadodara. Key outcomes evaluated include maternal safety and pregnancy outcomes. Prospective observational study; Treatment effectiveness was assessed by repeat hemoglobin (Hb) measurements and patient report of well-being in the postpartum period. Safety was assessed by analysis of adverse drug reactions and fetal heart rate monitoring during the infusion.Results: A total of 50 patients were included. The intravenous administration of FCM notably raised hemoglobin levels in all pregnant female participants compared to initial levels. Monitoring of fetal heart rate showed no adverse effects attributable to the medication. No severe side effects were observed.Conclusions: This prospective observational study suggests that FCM represents a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing anemia during pregnancy. Despite study limitations, the findings underscore the potential of FCM in addressing this prevalent concern, advocating for its consideration in clinical practice.

Gender-based comparison of nutritional status in tribal and non-tribal populations: a study in the Udaipur region

Background: It is imperative to examine the nutritional quality of adult populations, both tribal and non-tribal, in the Udaipur region of Rajasthan in order to comprehend the health dynamics of these societies. Tribal communities frequently encounter particular difficulties with regard to healthcare access, socioeconomic standing, and cultural customs that may have an impact on their nutritional well-being that is distinct from that of non-tribal communities. Methods: Our study group consisted of 300 tribals and 300 non tribals. The blood was tested to determine various nutritional parameters like minerals iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins like vitamin, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Results: Comparable levels of parameters like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin D3 were found in both non-tribal and tribal people, suggesting that both groups' nutritional statuses were generally similar. Non-tribal males and females exhibited significantly higher iron levels compared to their tribal counterparts. Both non-tribal males and females had considerably higher levels of vitamin C and B12 compared to tribal peers. Conclusions: The study highlights the differences in iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 levels that occur in the Udaipur region between non-tribal and tribal individuals.

Etiología y evolución de la anemia en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular / Etiology and evolution of anemia in patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar en nuestro medio la prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio de la cirugía cardiovascular, su incidencia postoperatoria y su evolución durante el primer mes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular central intervenidos durante el periodo del 01/09/2021 al 01/09/2022 en un hospital universitario. Se realizó seguimiento clínico y de laboratorio previo a la cirugía, al quinto y al día treinta del postoperatorio. Se comparó a los grupos con y sin anemia preoperatoria. Resultados: La prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio fue del 32.1%. La incidencia de anemia en el postoperatorio fue del 96% en el grupo de pacientes sin anemia previa. Al mes de la cirugía un 73 y un 90% de los pacientes, con y sin anemia preoperatoria respectivamente, persistían anémicos. Los pacientes con anemia preoperatoria tuvieron una menor recuperación de sus valores de hemoglobina al mes. Se observó una tendencia a mayor mortalidad y una mayor necesidad de derivación a centros de rehabilitación postegreso hospitalario en aquellos con anemia preoperatoria. Conclusiones: En este trabajo se evidenció una alta prevalencia e incidencia de anemia en el perioperatorio de las cirugías cardiovasculares. Así como su subtratamiento y elevada persistencia durante el mes posterior a la cirugía.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period of cardiovascular surgery, its postoperative incidence and its evolution during the first month in our setting. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out in which all patients undergoing central cardiovascular surgery operated during the period 09/01/2021-09/01/2022 in a university hospital were included. Clinical and laboratory follow-up was carried out prior to surgery, on the fifth and on the 30th postoperative day. Groups with and without preoperative anemia were compared. Results: The prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period was 32.1%. The incidence of anemia in the postoperative period was 96% in the group of patients without previous anemia. One month after surgery, 73 and 90% of the patients, with and without preoperative anemia, respectively, remained anemic. Patients with preoperative anemia had less recovery of their hemoglobin values at one month. A trend towards higher mortality and a greater need for referral to post-hospital discharge rehabilitation centers was observed in those with preoperative anemia. Conclusions: In this work, a high prevalence and incidence of anemia in the perioperative period of cardiovascular surgeries was evidenced. As well as its subtreatment and high persistence during the month after surgery.

Construcción de plásmidos mediante clonación in vivo para la búsqueda y caracterización de oligopéptidos quelantes de hierro en Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Plasmid construction via in vivo cloning for the search and characterization of iron-binding oligopeptides in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Resumen La levadura Saccharomyces cerevisiae es un suplemento nutricional y aditivo alimentario que podría aportar hierro de alta biodisponibilidad. Asimismo, varios estudios han demostrado la viabilidad del uso de oligopéptidos quelantes de hierro para tratar la anemia y por tanto, su producción en células de levadura podría proporcionar ventajosamente un suplemento fácil de usar. En este estudio, se optimizó una estrategia de clonación in vivo para construir una biblioteca de plásmidos semialeatoria que permite la producción de oligopéptidos con seis repeticiones de secuencias Asp/Glu-Asp/Glu-Leu. En éstos, la primera y segunda posición podrían incluir residuos de aspartato o glutamato, mientras que la tercera es siempre leucina. Adicionalmente, varios plásmidos fueron construidos para permitir el estudio de variantes del oligopéptido Arg-Glu-Glu, previamente reportado como quelante de hierro. En cada caso, las construcciones de los plásmidos requeridos se realizaron mediante la estrategia de clonación in vivo en la levadura S. cerevisiae, que se basa en la reparación de brechas en el ADN por recombinación homóloga. El procedimiento implica la cotransformación de células de levadura con el plásmido linealizado y el fragmento a clonar, ambos con secuencias flanqueantes homólogas. Los transformantes resultantes albergan a los plásmidos correctamente ensamblados y comienzan a expresar los genes clonados, permitiendo así el análisis inmediato de los oligopéptidos sintetizados de secuencias conocidas o semialeatorias.

Abstract Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast serves as a nutritional supplement and food additive that may offer highly bioavailable iron. Several studies have demonstrated the viability of using iron-chelating oligopeptides to treat anaemia, suggesting that their production in yeast cells could advantageously provide an easy-to-use supplement. In this study, an in vivo cloning strategy was optimized to construct a semi-random plasmid library that enables the production of oligopeptides with six repetitions of Asp/Glu-Asp/Glu-Leu sequences. In these sequences, the first and second positions can include either aspartate or glutamate residues, while the third is always leucine. Additionally, several plasmids were constructed to allow the study of variants of the Arg-Glu-Glu oligopeptide, previously reported as an iron chelator. In each case, the required plasmid constructions were performed using an in vivo cloning strategy in S. cerevisiae, based on gap repair by homologous recombination. The procedure involves the co-transformation of yeast cells with the linearized plasmid and the fragment to be cloned, both with homologous flanking sequences. The resulting transformants harbor the correctly assembled plasmids and begin expressing the cloned genes, thereby enabling immediate analysis of the synthesized oligopeptides with known or semi-random sequences.

Hepcidin and inflammation associated with iron deficiency in childhood obesity - A systematic review

Abstract Objectives: This paper aims to review data on the association of obesity and iron deficiency in children and adolescents, exposing the possible involvement of hepcidin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), obesity's inflammation biomarkers. Data source: Articles from PUBMED and WEB OF SCIENCE database with no chronological limit were reviewed to write this systematic review. Keywords such as children, obesity, iron deficiency, and hepcidin were used. After deleting duplicated and review articles, 91 were screened, and 39 were selected as eligible. Sixteen articles were included because they involved serum hepcidin levels in obese children and adolescents as outcomes. Summary of findings: Finally, those 16 articles were organized in two tables: one includes therapeutic interventions, and the other does not. As hepcidin was discovered in 2000, the first articles that presented serum hepcidin's quantification in obese children and adolescents, homeostasis iron markers, and their possible association with obesity's inflammatory environment began to be published in 2008. Conclusions: Obesity's chronic inflammation state leads to the production of IL-6, which acts as a signaling molecule for hepcidin synthesis, resulting in iron deficiency, which is common in obese children and adolescents who respond inadequately to iron supplementation. On the other hand, that population responds adequately to therapeutic intervention programs that lead to weight loss, guaranteeing iron homeostasis improvement. Therefore, perhaps it is time to discuss serum hepcidin level quantification as part of evaluating children and adolescents with iron deficiency, which could guide clinical choices that might lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

Factores asociados a anemia ferropénica en lactantes y preescolares / Factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in infants and preschoolers

Introducción: La anemia se define como una afección en la cual el número de glóbulos rojos o la concentración de hemoglobina dentro de estos se encuentran por debajo del límite inferior, 11 gr/dl para menores entre 6 a 59 meses. La OMS calcula que a nivel mundial la anemia presenta una prevalencia del 42% en los niños menores de 5 años. Objetivos: Realizar una revisión panorámica de diversas publicaciones científicas acerca de los factores asociados a la anemia ferropénica en preescolares. Materiales y métodos: La revisión se realizó a través de la búsqueda electrónica de diversos artículos científicos relacionados con el tema. Se utilizó la pregunta PEO: ¿Cuáles son los factores asociados a anemia ferropénica en lactantes y preescolares? Se seleccionaron los artículos publicados desde el 2017 hasta el 2022. Resultados: De los 48 artículos encontrados en la revisión, 33 fueron descartados por no cumplir con nuestros criterios de selección, quedando 15 artículos para esta revisión. Basado en 12 artículos revisados, se halló que los factores que se asocian a anemia en menores de 5 años eran por problemas socioeconómicos, déficit de micronutrientes altos en hierro en dieta, madre con antecedente de anemia, la edad materna, falta de educación, entre otros. Conclusión: Los factores predisponentes para la presencia de anemia ferropénica en los menores de 5 años más importantes fueron los relacionados con la edad materna, el nivel socioeconómico y educativo de la madre que conllevan el déficit de hierro del menor.

Introduction: Anemia is defined as a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells is below the lower limit, 11 g/dL for children aged 6-59 months. The WHO estimates that worldwide anemia has a prevalence of 42% in children under 5 years of age. Objectives: To perform an overview review of various scientific publications on the factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in preschoolers. Materials and methods: The review was carried out through an electronic search of various scientific articles related to the subject. The PEO question was used: What are the factors associated with iron deficiency anemia in infants and preschoolers? Articles published from 2017 to 2022 were selected. Results: Of the 48 articles found in the review, 33 were discarded for not meeting our selection criteria, leaving 15 articles for this review. Based on 12 articles reviewed, it was found that the factors associated with anemia in children under 5 years of age were socioeconomic problems, deficiency of micronutrients high in iron in the diet, mothers with a history of anemia, maternal age, lack of education, among others. Conclusion: The most important predisposing factors for the presence of iron deficiency anemia in children under 5 years of age were those related to maternal age, socioeconomic and educational level of the mother that lead to iron deficiency in the child.

Expert opinion on the clinical use and benefits of liposomal iron in the treatment of anemia in Indian settings

Background: Several studies have reported the effectiveness and safety of liposomal iron in increasing hemoglobin levels and correcting anemia. However, there was a dearth of information regarding the prescription pattern of physicians regarding its use and advantages in the actual practice. The present survey-based study aims at gathering clinicians' perspectives regarding the clinical use and benefits of liposomal iron in the treatment of anemia in Indian settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a 19-item questionnaire to gather insights from specialists across different Indian settings regarding their perspectives on anemia and liposomal iron. Results: Out of 124 participants, 77% opined that liposomal iron was highly bioavailable, achieves much higher plasma iron concentration, and bypasses the extremely restrictive, normal intestinal barriers. Oral liposomal iron was preferred by 77% of clinicians for the rapid increase in hemoglobin level and 99% of clinicians reported improved patient compliance with liposomal iron therapy for anemia. According to 50% of clinicians, oral liposomal iron was effective in non-hemodialysis dependent chronic kidney diseases and 87% of clinicians reported that patients without CKD needed oral liposomal iron. Half of the respondents reported a significant increase in Hb with liposomal iron in both dialysis and non-dialysis patients. Conclusions: The survey participants reported that liposomal iron treatment for anemia was beneficial in treating both CKD and non-CKD patients. The survey findings have corroborated the advantages of liposomal iron for treating anemia such as increased bioavailability, rapid and effective increase in Hb level, better patient compliance and tolerability, decreased side effects, cost-effectiveness, and flexible dosing.

Riesgos y beneficios de la profilaxis con sulfato ferroso en lactantes nacidos a término con niveles de hemoglobina y ferremia desconocidos / Risks and benefits of iron supplementation in full-term infants with unknown hemoglobin and ferritin levels

La seguridad y eficacia de los programas de suplementación con hierro a lactantes, está actualmente en discusión. El objetivo de esta revisión fue identificar estudios sobre riesgos y beneficios de la suplementación con hierro profiláctico en lactantes menores de un año, nacidos a término, con niveles de hemoglobina (Hb) y ferremia desconocidos. Se realizó una búsqueda en Pubmed y Cochrane, identificando 3 revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis. Estos estudios arrojaron resultados que indican mejoras en los niveles séricos de hierro y hemoglobina como resultado de la suplementación con hierro. Sin embargo, no se observó un beneficio significativo en el desarrollo cognitivo de los lactantes. Los efectos adversos más reportados son los gastrointestinales, efectos en el crecimiento (menor ganancia de talla y peso) y menor absorción de zinc. En resumen, la evidencia en cuanto a la profilaxis con hierro en lactantes es limitada, lo que nos lleva a recomendar un seguimiento cercano de los lactantes que reciben suplementos de hierro, con el objetivo de detectar posibles eventos adversos. Es fundamental evaluar cuidadosamente los riesgos y beneficios de esta intervención antes de su implementación (AU)

The safety and efficacy of iron supplementation programs for infants are currently under discussion. The objective of this review was to identify studies on the risks and benefits of prophylactic iron supplementation in infants under one year of age, born at term, with unknown hemoglobin (Hb) and serum iron levels. The search was conducted on Pubmed and Cochrane, identifying three systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The results indicate improvements in serum iron and hemoglobin levels as a result of iron supplementation. However, a significant benefit in infant cognitive development was not observed. The most reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal, effects on growth (reduced height and weight gain), and reduced zinc absorption. In summary, the evidence regarding iron prophylaxis in infants is limited, leading us to recommend close monitoring of infants receiving iron supplements to detect potential adverse events. It is crucial to carefully assess the risks and benefits of this intervention before implementation (AU)

Atypical case of hypermanganesemia with dystonia type 1: a treatable primary dystonia caused by inborn error of manganese metabolism

Dystonia is one of the most common movement disorders in the pediatric age group. Dystonia with hypermanganesemia have polycythemia with deranged iron profile, chronic liver disease and basal ganglia hyperintensity on T1 weighted MRI brain image as characteristic finding. We are reporting one case of dystonia, lower limb weakness, polycythemia, and characteristic basal ganglia hyperintensity with a normal iron profile without liver involvement which diagnosed as inherited manganese (Mn) transporter defect due to homozygous mutations of SLC30A10 gene. Most of the reported cases of this mutation have reported decreased iron profile in their blood report and liver involvement contrary to our case. Intravenous disodium calcium edetate chelation and oral iron therapy led to a decrease in whole blood Mn level as well as clinical improvement in the patient. This is a rare disorder and is one of the potentially treatable inherited metal storage disorders and fatal if left untreated.

Impact of use of iron fortified iodised salt beyond 12 months on haemoglobin levels

Background: Use of iron fortified iodised salt (IS) for 12 months, resulted in improvement in haemoglobin (Hb) in women, children and men. There is no published data on impact of DFS use beyond 12 months on Hb levels. Methods: A community based open randomised study to assess impact of use of DFS on Hb was discontinued after 12 months due to COVID 19 related lockdown. These families used IS for six months during lockdown; they were willing to continue using the salt provided for further one year. These families were re-randomized into three groups and given the assigned salt for further 12 months and Hb, ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were estimated at 12 months. Results: Improvement in the mean Hb was 0.5 g/dl in women who had used IS earlier and DFS under second randomisation and 0.3 g/dl in those who had used DFS under first and second randomisation. Mean Hb at 30 months was higher in those who had used DFS for 24 months as compared to those who had used IS for 18 months and DFS for 12 months. The deterioration in mean Hb following discontinuation of DFS for 6 and 18 months was small. Conclusions: DFS use for the second year resulted in a further increase in Hb in those who had used DFS earlier. The relatively small deterioration in mean Hb following discontinuation of DFS might at least be in part due to the impact of nutrition and health education and access to health and nutrition services.

Iron pill associated duodenitis: a less recognised clinical entity

Iron supplementation is a widely prescribed treatment for anemia, but its association with gastrointestinal complications, specifically duodenitis, remains inadequately acknowledged in clinical practice. One of the common oral iron preparations to treat iron deficiency anemia is ferrous sulphate. Iron preparations have been known to cause gastric side effects, including gastritis and duodenitis. This case report explores the emerging concern of iron pill-associated duodenitis, shedding light on the potential adverse effects of oral iron supplementation on the duodenal mucosa. Existing literature and clinical cases are reviewed to highlight the connection between iron pill consumption and duodenal inflammation. From asymptomatic cases to severe symptoms like abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding, the clinical spectrum is diverse. Histopathological analysis of endoscopic biopsies reveals characteristic features of duodenitis linked with iron deposits, raising concerns about long-term consequences. In conclusion, this case underscores the significance of recognizing iron pill-associated duodenitis as a distinct clinical entity, necessitating further investigation for optimized patient care and the safe administration of iron supplements in managing anemia.

Amelioration of nephrotoxicity by targeting ferroptosis: role of NCOA4, IREB2, and SLC7a11 signaling

Nephrotoxicity is a common complication that limits the clinical utility of cisplatin. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent necrotic cell death program that is mediated by phospholipid peroxidation. The molecular mechanisms that disrupt iron homeostasis and lead to ferroptosis are yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), a selective cargo receptor that mediates ferroptosis and autophagic degradation of ferritin in nephrotoxicity. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly-assigned to four groups: control group, cisplatin (Cis)-treated group, deferiprone (DEF)-treated group, and Cis+DEF co-treated group. Serum, urine, and kidneys were isolated to perform biochemical, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis. Iron accumulation was found to predispose to ferroptotic damage of the renal tubular cells. Treatment with deferiprone highlights the role of ferroptosis in nephrotoxicity. Upregulation of NCOA4 in parallel with low ferritin level in renal tissue seems to participate in iron-induced ferroptosis. This study indicated that ferroptosis may participate in cisplatin-induced tubular cell death and nephrotoxicity through iron-mediated lipid peroxidation. Iron dyshomeostasis could be attributed to NCOA4-mediated ferritin degradation.

Características de los niños hospitalizados que recibieron transfusiones de sangre desplasmatizada durante el 2019: Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Characteristics of hospitalized children who received deplasmatized blood transfusions during 2019: Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Características das crianças hospitalizadas que receberam transfusões de sangue desplasmatizado durante 2019: Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell

Introducción: la terapia transfusional es un procedimiento terapéutico que ha contribuido a disminuir la mortalidad, y mejorar la calidad de vida de pacientes con diversas patologías. La utilización de guías en la práctica transfusional, contribuye a la utilización racional de las mismas. Objetivo: describir las características de los niños de 1 mes a 14 años 11 meses hospitalizados en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell durante el 2019 que recibieron transfusión de sangre desplasmatizada. Metodología: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron los niños entre 1 mes y 14 años 11 meses asistidos en emergencia, unidad de reanimación, cuidados moderados, intermedios e intensivos del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Variables: edad, sexo, área de asistencia, motivo de ingreso, indicación de transfusión, cifras de Hb pre y post-transfusión, clasificación de la anemia, dosis. Resultados: se incluyeron 160 transfusiones correspondientes a 97 pacientes, 56% eran de sexo masculino. Media de edad 3 años, 52% < 1 año. El motivo de ingreso más frecuente fue patología respiratoria infecciosa 37%. El 79% fueron transfundidos en unidad de cuidados intermedios e intensivos. Media Hb pre-transfusión 7,45 g/dL y post-transfusión de 10,1 g/dL. Predominó la anemia moderada, normocítica-normocrómica, pura. La dosis media de sangre desplasmatizada transfundida fue 12 cc/kg. Conclusiones: en esta serie predominaron los pacientes de sexo masculino y menores a un año que ingresaron principalmente por patología respiratoria infecciosa. La mayoría de los pacientes transfundidos estaban en cuidados intensivos. Futuros estudios, de diseño prospectivo, que incluyan pacientes de todos los escenarios asistenciales y de otros prestadores de salud, contribuirán a continuar el estudio de los pacientes transfundidos y a la elaboración de recomendaciones o protocolos locales.

Introduction: Transfusion therapy is a therapeutic procedure that has contributed to reducing mortality and improving the quality of life of patients with various pathologies. The use of guides in transfusion practice contributes to their rational use. Objective: To describe the characteristics of children from 1 month to 14 years 11 months who were hospitalized in the Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell during 2019 who received a red blood cell transfusion. Methodology: Retrospective descriptive study. Children aged 1 month to 14 years and 11 months assisted in the emergency, moderate, intermediate and intensive care of the Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell were included in the study. Variables: age, sex, area of care, reason for admission, indication for transfusion, Hb figures before and after transfusion, classification of anaemia, dose. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Results:160 transfusions corresponding to 97 patients were included, 56% were male. Mean age 3 years, 52% <1 year. The most frequent reason for admission was infectious respiratory disease 37%. 79% were transfused in the intermediate and intensive care unit. Mean Hb pre-transfusion 7.45 g/dL and post- transfusion of 10.1 g/dL. Moderate, normocytic-normochromic, pure anaemia predominated. The mean dose of deplasmatized blood transfused was 12 cc/kg. Conclusions: In this series, male patients less than one year of age predominated, admitted mainly for infectious respiratory disease. Most of the transfused patients were in intensive care. Future studies of prospective design that include patients from all healthcare settings and from other healthcare providers, will contribute to continuing the study of transfused patients and to the development of local recommendations or protocols.

Introdução: a terapia transfusional é um procedimento terapêutico que tem contribuído para reduzir a mortalidade e melhorar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com diversas patologias. A utilização de diretrizes na prática transfusional contribui para o seu uso racional. Objetivo: descrever as características das crianças de 1 mês a 14 anos e 11 meses internadas no Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell durante o ano de 2019 que receberam transfusão de sangue desplasmatizado. Metodologia: estudo descritivo retrospectivo. Foram incluídas crianças com idade entre 1 mês e 14 anos e 11 meses atendidas na emergência, unidade de reanimação, cuidados moderados, intermediários e intensivos do Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Variáveis: idade, sexo, área de atendimento, motivo da admissão, indicação de transfusão, valores de Hb pré e pós-transfusão, classificação da anemia, dose. Resultados: foram incluídas 160 transfusões correspondentes a 97 pacientes, 56% eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 3 anos, 52% < 1 ano. O motivo mais frequente de admissão foi pato- logia respiratória infecciosa (37%). 79% foram transfundidos na unidade de tratamento intermediário e intensivo. Hb média pré-transfusional de 7,45 g/dL e Hb pós-transfusional de 10,1 g/dL. Predominou a anemia moderada, normocítica-normocrômica e pura. A dose média de sangue desplasmatizado transfundida foi de 12 cc/kg. Conclusões: nesta série, houve uma predominância de pacientes do sexo masculino com menos de um ano de idade que foram admitidos principalmente por patologia respiratória infecciosa. A maioria dos pacientes transfundidos estava em tratamento intensivo. Estudos prospectivos futuros incluindo pacientes de todos os ambientes de atendimento e outros presta- dores de serviços de saúde, contribuirão para um estudo mais aprofundado dos pacientes transfundidos e para o desenvolvimento de recomendações ou protocolos locais.

Is Iron Overload Associated with Worse Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Undergoing Liver Transplantation?

ABSTRACT Background: Iron overload is frequent in patients with chronic liver disease, associated with shorter survival after liver transplantation in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis. Its effect on patients without hereditary hemochromatosis is unclear. The aim of the study was to study the clinical impact of iron overload in patients who underwent liver transplantation at an academic tertiary referral center. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including all patients without hereditary hemochromatosis who underwent liver transplantation from 2015 to 2017 at an academic tertiary referral center in Mexico City. Explant liver biopsies were reprocessed to obtain the histochemical hepatic iron index, considering a score ≥ 0.15 as iron overload. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with and without iron overload. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, compared with the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of 105 patients included, 45% had iron overload. Viral and metabolic etiologies, alcohol consumption, and obesity were more frequent in patients with iron overload than in those without iron overload (43% vs. 21%, 32% vs. 22%, p = 0.011; 34% vs. 9%, p = 0.001; and 32% vs. 12%, p = 0.013, respectively). Eight patients died within 90 days after liver transplantation (one with iron overload). Complication rate was higher in patients with iron overload versus those without iron overload (223 vs. 93 events/100 person-months; median time to any complication of 2 vs. 3 days, p = 0.043), without differences in complication type. Fatality rate was lower in patients with iron overload versus those without iron overload (0.7 vs. 4.5 deaths/100 person-months, p = 0.055). Conclusion: Detecting iron overload might identify patients at risk of early complications after liver transplantation. Further studies are required to understand the role of iron overload in survival.

Role of serum hepcidin as a marker of iron overload in beta thalassemia major

Background: Beta thalassemia major (BTM) is the most common hemolytic anemia. Regular blood transfusion is a basic treatment modality, recurrent blood transfusion which leads to iron overload and its complications. Hepcidin hormone is found to be a key regulator of iron homeostasis and is significantly increased in children of BTM with iron overload. The main objective of the study is to find out the role of serum hepcidin as a potential marker of iron overload in children with BTM, and to correlate the relationship between serum hepcidin and serum ferritin level in BTM children.Methods: This was a hospital based prospective observational study conducted at Indira Gandhi institute of child health for 12 months from January 2019 to December 2019. Included 100 children between age group of 2 months to 18 years diagnosed with BTM on blood transfusion and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls.Results: In the study group 70% children had >5 transfusions. The median serum hepcidin level (2.354 ng/ml) was significantly higher among those with higher number of total transfusions (>5 transfusions). In addition, hepcidin level showed good positive correlation with total number of transfusions (r=0.608, p<0.001). Also, serum hepcidin showed positive correlation with serum ferritin levels with 87% sensitivity and 88% specificity which was statistically significant (r=0.749, p<0.001).Conclusions: In the present study, BTM children who received >5 transfusions serum hepcidin level was significantly elevated and serum hepcidin showed positive correlation with serum ferritin levels. Thus, hepcidin can be considered as a potential marker of iron overload in patients with BTM.

Association of iron deficiency anemia with acute bronchiolitis in children below 2 years of age

Background: Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of respiratory distress in small children and one of the main causes of hospitalization in children <2 years of age. Anemia is also identified as a risk factor for lower respiratory tract infection. Iron deficiency is considered the most common cause of anemia in developing countries. As anemia is highly prevalent in children of our country, this study was undertaken to evaluate whether iron deficiency anemia is associated with acute bronchiolitis.Method: This Cross-Sectional Analytical study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital (SSMCMH), Dhaka, during the period of December 2021 to November 2022 after obtaining ethical approval to explore the association between iron deficiency anemia and bronchiolitis. Hemoglobin level, RBC indices, TWBC count, serum iron, TIBC level, Transferrin saturation, and PBF were investigated and compared in all children with bronchiolitis and control. For this purpose, a total number of 71 patients were enrolled in the study and among them, 35 children with bronchiolitis were considered as cases, and 36 healthy children without bronchiolitis were considered as control, who were matched with age. After taking written informed consent from parents/legal guardians, a detailed history and thorough clinical examination and laboratory investigations were carried out on each child. Data were recorded in separate case record form and analyzed by SPSS version 23.0.Results: The mean age was found 12.1�7 months in cases and 14.1�9 months in controls. Male participants (47, 66.2%) were the predominant group in the study and female participants were (24, 33.8%). Exclusive breastfeeding was found in 10 (28.6%) cases and 25 (71.4%) controls. There was a statistically significant difference in Hb (gm/dl), MCV (fl), S.Iron (礸/dl), Transferrin Saturation (%) and RDW-CV (%) between cases and controls (p<0.05). Among 35 cases, 25 (67.6%) had Iron Deficiency Anemia and statistical difference between the case and control was significant (p=0.001) with an odds ratio of 5.0.Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia has a significant association with bronchiolitis. A larger and more extensive study was recommended.

Role of Ferroptosis in Bone Homeostasis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Osteoporosis （OP） is a systemic metabolic bone disease characterized by bone microstructure degeneration and bone mass loss， which has a high prevalence and disability rate. Effective prevention and treatment of OP is a major difficulty in the medical community. The nature of OP is that multiple pathological factors lead to the imbalance of human bone homeostasis maintained by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic cell death pathway， and its fundamental cause is cell damage caused by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Studies have shown that ferroptosis is involved in and affects the occurrence and development of OP， which leads to OP by mediating the imbalance of bone homeostasis. Ferroptosis is an adjustable form of programmed cell death. The intervention of ferroptosis can regulate the damage degree and death process of osteoblasts and osteoclasts， which is beneficial to maintain bone homeostasis， slow down the development process of OP， improve the clinical symptoms of patients， reduce the risk of disability， and improve their quality of life. However， there are few studies on ferroptosis in OP. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） is a medical treasure with unique characteristics and great application value in China. It has been widely used in China and has a long history. It has the multi-target and multi-pathway advantages in the treatment of OP， with high safety， few toxic and side effects， and low treatment cost， and has a significant effect in clinical application. The intervention of TCM in ferroptosis to regulate bone homeostasis may be a new direction for the prevention and treatment of OP in the future. This article summarized the regulatory mechanisms related to ferroptosis， discussed the role of ferroptosis in bone homeostasis， and reviewed the current status and progress of active ingredients in TCM compounds and monomers in the regulation of OP through ferroptosis， so as to provide a theoretical basis for the participation of TCM in the prevention and treatment of OP in the future.

Changes of parameters associated with anemia of inflammation in patients with stage Ⅲ periodontitis before and after periodontal initial therapy / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To investigate the differences and similarities of parameters associated with ane-mia of inflammation between patients with stage Ⅲ periodontitis and periodontally healthy volunteers,and to explore the influence of periodontal initial therapy on those indicators.Methods:Patients with stageⅢ periodontitis and periodontally healthy volunteers seeking periodontal treatment or prophylaxis at De-partment of Periodontology,Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from February 2020 to February 2023 were enrolled.Their demographic characteristics,periodontal parameters(including pro-bing depth,clinical attachment loss,bleeding index),and fasting blood were gathered before periodontal initial therapy.Three months after periodontal initial therapy,the periodontal parameters of the patients with stage Ⅲ periodontitis were re-evaluated and their fasting blood was collected again.Blood routine examinations(including white blood cells,red blood cells,hemoglobin,packed cell volume,mean cor-puscular volume of erythrocytes,and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)were performed.And ferritin,hepcidin,erythropoietin(EPO)were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).All data analysis was done with SPSS 21.0,independent sample t test,paired t test,and analysis of co-variance were used for comparison between the groups.Results:A total of 25 patients with stage Ⅲperiodontitis and 25 periodontally healthy volunteers were included in this study.The patients with stageⅢ periodontitis were significantly older than those in periodontally healthy status[(36.72±7.64)years vs.(31.44±7.52)years,P=0.017].The patients with stage Ⅲ periodontitis showed lower serum he-moglobin[(134.92±12.71)g/L vs.(146.52±12.51)g/L,P=0.002]and higher serum ferritin[(225.08±103.36)μg/L vs.(155.19±115.38)μg/L,P=0.029],EPO[(41.28±12.58)IU/L vs.(28.38±10.52)IU/L,P＜0.001],and hepcidin[(48.03±34.44)μg/L vs.(27.42±15.00)μg/L,P=0.009]compared with periodontally healthy volunteers.After adjusting the age with the co-variance analysis,these parameters(hemoglobin,ferritin,EPO,and hepcidin)showed the same trends as independent-sample t test with statistical significance.Three months after periodontal initial therapy,all the periodontal parameters showed statistically significant improvement.The serum hemoglobin raised[(146.05±15.48)g/L vs.(133.77±13.15)g/L,P＜0.001],while the serum ferritin[(128.52± 90.95)μg/Lvs.(221.22±102.15)μg/L,P＜0.001],EPO[(27.66±19.67)IU/L vs.(39.63± 12.48)IU/L,P=0.004],and hepcidin[(32.54±18.67)μg/L vs.(48.18±36.74)μg/L,P=0.033]decreased compared with baseline.Conclusion:Tendency of iron metabolism disorder and ane-mia of inflammation was observed in patients with stage Ⅲ periodontitis,which can be attenuated by periodontal initial therapy.

Research progress of Hp infection and blood system related diseases / 重庆医学

Helicobacter Pylori(Hp)is a spiral bacterium that colonized on the surface of gastric muco-sal epithelium.It is the main cause of gastrointestinal diseases because human is the only natural host and can survive in gastric acid.In recent years,relevant clinical studies have shown that Hp infection is closely related to hematological diseases such as allergic purpura(HSP),immune thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP),iron de-ficiency anemia(IDA),megaloblastic anemia(MA),lymphoma,leukemia and so on.Therefore,for Hp infec-tion,early diagnosis and treatment are of great significance for improving the efficacy of hematological diseases.