Preparation of platelet-rich plasma from small volume of whole blood - a simplified approach.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is frequently used to enhance wound healing in numerous surgical applications. There are many methods of preparation of PRP. The present report describes a laboratory technique which is rapid, simple and inexpensive for preparing PRP from small volume of whole blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole blood was drawn from 30 patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. PRP was prepared by the modified open system. Platelet counts for whole blood and PRP were determined using a cell counter. RESULTS: The data from 30 patients aged 20 to 33 years, with a mean of 24.4 (± 3.3) and male : female ratio of 1:1.1, were analysed. The platelet count in PRP was 3,157,667 ± 984,380 while that in whole blood was 268,667 (± 64,678) platelets /cubic ml, reflecting an 11-fold increase in platelet concentration. No effect of gender or ageing on platelet count was observed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a simple, rapid and inexpensive technique that is useful in obtaining platelets concentrated approximately 11-fold.

Sexual transmission of the hepatitis B virus among blood donors in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B can be spread by several routes, including sexually. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual transmission of the virus among the Nigerian population. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study involving 234 blood donors in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Each prospective donor was screened for hepatitis B surface antigen using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding the possible routes of hepatitis B acquisition and the number of lifetime heterosexual partners. Respondents were divided into three risk groups. The data obtained was analysed, and the frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were obtained. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, and a p-value equal or less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 234 respondents aged 18 to 56 years (mean 27.3 years) participated in the study. 223 were male and 11 were female. The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis B was 17.1 percent. The seroprevalence was higher among participants without sexual partners (20.6 percent) and those with multiple sexual partners (20.0 percent), but lower among those with single sexual partners (15.0 percent). A history of needle injuries, jaundice and injections from quacks were statistically significant when these risks were combined with a sexual risk for hepatitis B virus infection (p-value is less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sexual transmission of hepatitis B was not found to be an important factor. Preventive strategies should include universal hepatitis B vaccination and discouraging the indiscriminate use of sharp objects and unauthorised medical practices.

Aspirin-induced duodenal perforation in a Nigerian with sickle cell disease: a case report.

A case of duodenal perforation associated with aspirin ingestion in a 21-year old male Nigerian with sickle cell anaemia is reported. He presented with a sudden onset of epigastric pain which later spread to involve other parts of the abdomen. He had previously used aspirin at a dose of 1800 mg daily for two weeks to treat bone pain. Abdominal ultrasonography and X-ray showed fluid collection in the pelvis and elevation of the diaphragm. At exploratory laparotomy, the perforation found in the first part of the duodenum anteriorly was repaired. He was discharged 11 days post-surgery. In view of the frequent usage of salicylates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat painful crises in sickle cell disease, we suggest careful monitoring of patients on such drugs and those with dyspeptic symptoms must be fully investigated including the use of endoscopy, to prevent fatal outcome.