Study of ABO Blood Groups and Subgroups A1, A2, A1B and A2B in Blood Donors and Recipients

Blood transfusion in modern era is possible only due to the knowledge of exact blood groups and sub blood groups. Over 700 erythrocyte antigens have been reported and are organized into 35 blood group systems by International Society of Blood Transfusion. These antigens may be proteins, glycoproteins or glycolipids and are controlled by single or more gene locus. Some antigens are specific to red cells; whereas, others are found on other cells throughout the body. The ABO blood group was the first human blood group to be discovered by Landsteiner in 1900 and it served the beginning of Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine. Numerous mutations are found in A, B and O genes, but the most common mutation is A2. The A2 gene has two nucleotides different from the A1 gene which results in diminished enzymatic activity and consequently, weakened antigen expression. Distinction between A1 & A2 made by testing red cells with the lectin from Dolichos biflorus. Prospective study on 2000 cases to find the frequency of ABO and sub blood groups to reduce the blood transfusion related reactions. Methods: The present study included 2000 blood sample collected in the Department of Blood Banking, Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Amritsar and in voluntary blood donation camps organized by the department. 4 ml of venous blood sample collected. 2ml of blood put into ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) vial and remaining 2ml transferred to test tube and allowed to clot. The EDTA sample used for forward grouping and serum used for reverse grouping. Results: In our study the frequency of blood group B was the highest 37.8%, blood group O was 31.8%, blood group A was 21.2% and group AB was the least common with 9.2%age. In case of sub groups, A1 was 20.10% (highest in sub groups) and A2B was 0.85% (Lowest). The Rh +ve blood group was 94.1% and Rh –ve was 5.9%. Conclusion: The study is concluded with the suggestion that, as already being carried out, ABO, Rh blood grouping and sub grouping should be done in each and every case to reduce the blood transfusion related complications. More work should be carried out in different parts of state to know the distribution pattern of ABO, Rh blood groups and sub groups. This will also help the Blood Banks to estimate the requirement of different blood groups and sub groups.

Radiotherapy Induced Changes in the Cervical Pap Smears- A Study of 50 Cases

Pap smear is an important tool to assess, follow up and monitor the diagnosed cases of carcinoma cervix. In the present study we have taken cases which were already diagnosed of cervical carcinoma, took radiotherapy and chemotherapy and surgical intervention as whole or one entity. These cases were assessed for cytological features of therapy induced changes, recurrence of carcinoma or no intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM). Aim: The aim of the present study is to study the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on squamous epithelial cells and to study the rate of recurrence of Squamous cell carcinoma after completion of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Methods: Total No. of 50 cases were taken ranging from 27 yrs. to 70 yrs. age group who presented at tertiary care hospitals in northern part of India for about 1.5 year duration where facilities of radio and chemotherapy and surgical oncology was present. Results: In the present study, nucleomegaly was found to be most common finding in 46 (92%) of cases, next came vacuolisation both cytoplasmic and nuclear however nuclear vacuolisation outnumbered cytoplasmic. Conclusion: The total no. of cases having malignant or dysplastic cells varied with age and found to be higher in advancing age groups although in younger age group (20-29) having only one case was found to be positive for malignant/dysplastic cells.

Aggressive Angiomyxoma of Vagina: A Rare Case Report

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare, locally invasive mesenchymal tumor predominantly presenting in women of reproductive age and also having a moderate-to-high risk for local relapse. Hence, it needs to be differentiated from other mesenchymal tumors occurring in this region. We present here a case of a 47 Year old female, with chief complaints of prolapsed uterus since 6 months. During clinical examination, posterior vaginal wall swelling was also identified. Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingoophrectomy was done along with removal of posterior vaginal wall swelling. On histopathology, diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma was made. We report this case because of its rarity.