Significance of D-dimers in newborns to pre-eclamptic mothers

The objective of the study was to compare the concentration of D-dimer in cord blood of neonates born to pre-eclamptic mothers with the cord blood of full term neonates born to healthy mothers. The concentration of D-dimer was assayed by using latex agglutination and semi-quantitative determination of D-dimer in plasma by kit of Stago Diagnostics France. Lady Wallingdon Hospital Lahore. Duration of study: January 2003 to September 2003. The concentration of D-dimer was significantly raised in both pre-term and full term index group as compaxed to the control group However, the concentration of D-dimer was higher in gestational age group 28[th] to 31[st] weeks due to the prematurity. The increased concentration of D-dimer indicates the activation of fibrinolytic system and make it mandatory to observe the neonates up to forty-eight hours so that the hemorrhagic disease of the neonate can be predicted and managed accordingly

Measurement of plasma D-Dimer for diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis

This study was conducted on 20 patients with deep venous thrombosis [DVT], between December 1990 and December 1991 at Ain Shams University Hospitals, in order to assess the diagnostic value of measuring the plasma D-Dimer in this condition DVT was confirmed by Duplex in 18 patients and venography in 2 patients. The Dimer test Enzyme Immunoassay [EIA] can reliably distinguish patients who have DVT from those who do not. Two cut-off limits were suggested [250 ng/ml and 450 ng/ ml], the former being highest level encountered in normal healthy individuals, the latter is the lowest level encountered in DVT positive patients. The Dimer test EIA proved to be 100 percent sensitive at both cut-off limits, while specificity was 100 percent at a cut-off limit 450 ng/ml and 71.4 percent at a cut-off limit of 250 ng/m. DVT can be ruled out if D-Dimer level was below the cut-off limits suggested in this study. However there are practical limitations for the use of Dimer test EIA as a screening test such as the time factor and expenses

Serum alpha2 macroglobulin and plasma fibrin monomer in diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy

Impairment of neural function is one of the most frequent disabling complications of diabetes mellitus. No part of the peripheral nervous system seems spared. Progressive neural impairment may occur in sensory and motor peripheral nerves producing pain, parasthesia or distal muscle weakness [Ward, 1972]. This also occurs in autonomic nervous system producing orthostatic hypotension, sexual impotence and urinary and bowel incontinence [Clarke, et al. 1979]. Although these complications are prominent, the exact cause is still unknown. However, Anderson [1976] suggested that slowing of peripheral nerve activity may be related to metabolic derangements. A relationship between hyperglycemia and peripheral nerve function as measured by nerve conduction velocity has been demonstrated to human subjects. Diabetic retinopathy is considered to be a multifactorial disorder. A relationship between duration of diabetes and development of retinopathy has long been recognised [Caird et al., 1969], mean blood glucose concentration have been reported to be higher, particularly in severe retinopathy. Data related to other factors as cigarette smoking, obesity, blood pressure and. genetic susceptibility are conflicting. William et al., [1983] stated the risk factors in diabetic retinopathy include increasing duration of the disease, presence of other microvascular complications of diabetes and probably hyperglycemia itself. Plasma fibrin-monomer and raised serum gamma 2 macroglobulin have recently been implicated [Wardle et a1., 1973]. The aim of the study is to define and evaluate the various risk factors in diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy in Assiut with particular reference to fibrin monomer and gamma 2 macroglobuin