Iron deficiency anemia: the utility of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and histopathohgy

Occult blood loss must be considered as a possible cause in every case of iron deficiency anemia. To evaluate upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in finding a potential cause for iron deficiency anemia among children in Al-Anbar governorate. Twenty five children aged 2-14 years, referred to the gastroenterology unit in Al-Ramadi General Hospital for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy had iron deficiency anemia. Fiberoptic endoscopy was used under general anesthesia and endoscopic tissue biopsies were taken from 22 patients for histopathological examination. The main presenting signs and symptoms were pallor, abdominal pain, and stunting. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed thinning of duodenal folds and serrated mucosa in 8 [32%], duodenal ulcer in 3 [12%], esophageal varices in 1 [4%], nodular gastritis in 1 [4%], and reflux esophagitis in 1 [4%], with a yield rate of 56%. While tissue biopsies revealed histopathological findings suggestive of celiac disease in 12 [48%], Giardia lamblia in 2 [8%], Helicobacter pylori gastritis in 1 [4%], and esophagitis in 1 [4%]. There was a significant association between the endoscopic finding of thinning of duodenal folds and serrated mucosa and the histopathological finding suggestive of celiac disease, P<0.05. Iron deficiency anemia in children 2-14 years of age warrants upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to find potentially treatable causes for the iron deficiency anemia

Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among blood donors in Al Anbar governorate

In Iraq many reports described the prevalence of HbsAg and anti-HCV among blood donors. No previous study was reported in Al-Anbar governorate. Therefore, this work was carried out to study the prevalence of HbsAg and anti-HCV among blood donors in Al-Anbar governorate. A total of 1978 healthy male blood donors attending blood bank at Al-Ramadi city were included in this study. They were screened by Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay for detection of HbsAg and anti-HCV. A questionnaire form was filled for each donor by direct interyiew. The information included, demographic data, history of previous jaundice, history of hepatitis and drug addiction. From the total donors there were 49 [2.48%] and nine [0.45%] positive for HbsAg and anti-HCV, respectively. Peak prevalence for HbsAg was noticed in the 20-29 years age group. A positive association between prevalence of anti-HCV with age was observed. Kurd donors had a higher prevalence of both viral markers than Arab donors. Blood donors still represent a high risk group for HBV and anti-HCV in Al-Anbar governorate. Therefore, vaccination should be vigorously applied and dynamic application of screening tests for HBV and anti-HCV