ABSTRACT
Anti-M antibody, which is not reactive at 37°C, is not clinically significant. Reports of clinically significant anti-M antibodies causing hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn (HDFN) and delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) are available. We report 13 cases of anti-M antibodies reactive at room temperature (RT) and at 37°C. These were found in patients of varied age groups (11 months to 85 years) with varied clinical diagnosis. All the female patients were multigravida. In all cases, antibody screening was positive at RT as well as at the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) phase. Providing "M"-antigen negative transfusions is the best therapy in this situation. Provision of red blood cell (RBC) antigen phenotyped donor registry shall ensure quick provision of antigen-negative blood for transfusion in emergency situations.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is newly identified virus, transmitted by infected blood and blood products. Effect of HGV infection on liver diseases is not well known. AIMS: Co-infection of HGV with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported however; very limited data is available from India. Therefore, we have performed a pilot study for the presence of co-infection of HGV in chronic liver disease patients. SETTING AND DESIGN: The study was performed in research laboratory at P.D. Hinduja National hospital and Medical research center, Mahim, Mumbai. Prospective study was designed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty HBV, HCV related chronic liver disease patients were studied. Forty randomly selected voluntary healthy blood donors visiting our blood bank were included as controls. Serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated. HGV infection was detected by using reverse transcriptase molony murine leukemia virus (M-MLV) with the help of HGV 340/625IC kit (Sacace, Italy). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: One HCV positive patient had infection with HGV among 40 HBV/HCV chronic liver disease patients.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disease in children with significant mortality in cases who do not receive appropriate treatment. CASE: The author describe a 3-year-old child who presented with skin bleeds, microangiopathic anemia, thrombocytopenia and right sided hemi paresis with aphasia and altered sensorium following platelet transfusion. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was made and the child recovered dramatically after giving fresh frozen plasma and steroids.
