Role of HFE gene mutations on developing iron overload in beta thalassaemia carriers in Egypt

A case-control study aimed to determine the prevalence of C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations of the HFE gene in beta thalassaemia carriers and investigate their influence on iron absorption. A total of 41 beta-thalassaemia carriers and 40 control subjects without haemoglobinopathies were screened for the C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism. The iron status in these subjects was studied and correlated with the HFE gene mutations. H63D, S65C and C282Y allele frequencies were 30.5%, 13.4% and 7.3% respectively in [3-thalassaemia carriers and 10.0%, 2.5% and 0.0% respectively in the control group. Compound heterozygosis was found in 10 carriers [24.4%]. The transferrin saturation level was high in compound heterozygote cases. Our study has shown that the HFE gene mutations are common in Egypt among beta-thalassaemia carriers compared with normal controls

Body temperature and acid-base changes during pediatric anaesthesia in different environmental temperatures

68 cases undergoing pediatric surgery in non-conditioned operating theaters were studied under three different groups according to environmental temperature and relative humidity. These groups were classified as hot, moderate or cold with environmental temperatures of 27.6, 23.07, and 18.46°C respectively. In each group some patients received halothane while others received ether. The effect of environmental temperature and humidity was studied on the body temperature [skin and rectal] as well as acid-base parameters [pH, PCO[2], standard bicarbonate and base excess]. Samples were taken before premedication, after induction, half hourly during anaesthesia and in the post-operative period 24 hours after surgery. Results were also analyzed in relation to the anaesthetic agents used