ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hematological parameters are critical in disease diagnosis, management, and monitoring; however, complete blood count (CBC) reference intervals vary across populations. The aim of the current study was to provide the reference ranges of hematological parameters/indices in the healthy adult Saudi population. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of employees who were screened pre-employment from January 2015 to December 2019, at tertiary care hospitals in three regions. Demographic and CBC data were extracted from the electronic health system. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were used to determine the reference intervals. Results: Of a total of 1,388 participants, 53.82% were male. The majority 96% was less than 40 years old, and 85% were from the Central region. Gender-related differences were observed for the RBC count, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and the platelet count. Age-related differences were observed for the RBC, Hb, HCT, and eosinophils. The WBC parameters did not differ by gender or age categories. Region-related differences were observed for the RBC, hemoglobin, HCT, MCV, WBC, and basophils. The platelet count was higher in the female group, the age group 40 years and above, and in the Western region. The prevalence of anemia was high in the female group and the Eastern region. The overall neutropenia rate was 12.8%. Conclusion: The data from this study provide hematological parameter reference ranges for the adult Saudi population by gender, age, and region. Gender and age-related differences were observed for the hematological parameters. Anemia was more frequent in the female group and the Eastern region. Caution must be taken when comparing or interpreting results from different age groups, gender, region of origin, and ethnicity.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is associated with a high fatality rate (34%), which is higher in the presence of co-morbidities. The aim of the current study was to assess the clinical course and the outcome in hematological or oncological malignancy cases, diagnosed with MERS-CoV. METHODS: This is a case series of hematological /oncological cases, diagnosed with MERS-CoV, in a tertiary care setting in 2015. The cases were identified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) MERS-CoV case definition. The demographic, clinical, and outcome data were retrieved from the patients' medical charts and electronic health records. RESULTS: In total, nine hematological or oncological cases were identified, diagnosed with MERS-CoV. The baseline malignant condition was hematological malignancy in seven patients, as well as colon cancer and osteosarcoma in one patient each. Six (67%) patients were male. The median age was 65 years (range 16-80 years). Co-morbidities included chronic kidney disease (n = 3.33%), diabetes mellitus (n = 3.33%), and hypertension (n = 2.22%). The presenting symptoms were shortness of breath (n = 6.66%), fever (n = 5.55%), cough (n = 2.22%), and diarrhea (n = 2.22%). Chest x-rays indicated bilateral infiltrates in 6 patients (66%). The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test was repeated in six patients to confirm the diagnosis. The mortality rate was 100%, and the median time to death was 26 days (range 15-77 days). CONCLUSION: MERS-CoV infection in this small cohort of hematology or oncology patients has a 100% mortality rate, regardless of the status of the underlying disease. The confirmation of the diagnosis may require repeated testing. Additional studies are required to verify the findings and to elucidate the disease pathogenesis in cancer patients.
