risk of venus thromboembolism among sudanese women using contraceptives

Contraceptives are known family planning tool and their side effects are well understood except on the coagulation system reactions. The study intended to identify the effect of the use of contraceptives on coagulation reactions in order to find out the risk of Venus Thromboembolism [VTE] among those who use these tools. A descriptive cross-sectional study designed and conducted between April 2008 and January 2009 in Al Taif, Abo-Hamama and Al maygoma family planning centers. Sixty venous blood samples from healthy non-pregnant women using contraceptives and 30 venous blood samples were collected from healthy women without contraception as control group. Citrated blood samples were then subjected for measurement of PT, APTT, TT and Fibrinogen concentration, using the conventional manual methods. The results of the study showed a shortening of PT [T:12.9/C:15.4] and TT [T:14.4/C:16.3] accompanied by an increase of Fibrinogen concentration [T:3.8/C:3.1] in females using contraceptives compared to control group. Also, age of tested women was significantly associated with the lowered TT as well as elevated Fibrinogen. Body weight was significantly correlated to the increased Fibrinogen; while, the injection method significantly shortened PT [Tab:15.2/Inj:13] and TT [Tab:13.7/Inj:12.2] more than tablet method. It was concluded that the use of contraceptives is significantly affect the coagulation system specially the Extrinsic pathway, increases the risk of VTE; thus, could lead to serious complications. The study recommended the use of tablets method and for separated short intervals as well as females using contraceptives should be subjected for regular and continuous coagulation screen

Evaluation of laboratory procedures applied for counting platelets

Accurate platelets count has an important role in the diagnosis of many haematological disorders such as thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis as well as for prophylactic platelets transfusion. Therefore, it is necessary to select the most reliable method for such use. These methods include haemocytometry [Manual 1% ammonium oxalate technique], assessment of platelets from well prepared and stained thin blood film and automated analyzer system using KX-21 counter [Sysmex]. Out of 100 blood samples recruited for the study, 31 showed low platelets count, 61 showed normal platelets level and only 8 blood sample showed high platelets concentration. Result showed that the numbers of platelets counted by automated machine were significantly lower than that obtained by both manual methods in samples with less than 150000 platelets/micro L and more than 450000 platelets/micro L. Among normal blood samples, platelets count between 150000 and 450000 platelets/micro L no significant statistical difference detected between the counts obtained by the three techniques. It was concluded that automated blood analyzer systems, which have worldwide distribution, may have problems distinguishing large platelets, or aggregates from other blood cells. The assessment of platelets number using automated counters can reveal the accurate status in samples with normal platelet levels whereas it could not replace the manual ammonium oxalate method particularly in persons with high or low platelets count