Dengue virus specific Immunoglobulin G antibodies among patients with febrile conditions in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria.

Dengue fever is becoming one of the major public health problems in the world and its distribution has been premised on the migration of people from infected regions. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of dengue virus IgG antibody among the patients with febrile conditions attending health facilities in Osogbo metropolis, Southwestern Nigeria. The blood samples collected between July and September, 2014 were tested for Plasmodium falciparum and the sera were subsequently subjected to Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect the dengue virus IgG antibody. Of the hundred consented participants screened, 77% were sero-positive for dengue virus IgG antibody while 41% were positive for P. falciparum. Thirty-three (33%) of the participants were positive for both dengue virus IgG antibody and P. falciparum. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of dengue virus IgG antibody and malaria among the participants (P>0.05). The high prevalence of dengue virus IgG and malaria signifies the need by the government of Osun State to sensitize residents and institute urgent measures to mitigate the resultant effects of morbidity and mortality due to dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever which has hitherto appeared to be alien to the area.

The influence of storage period on the antioxidants level of red blood cells and the plasma before transfusion.

Stored blood is used for transfusion in humans but peroxidative processes occur in stored blood before transfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the length of storage on plasma antioxidant levels and RBCs antioxidant enzyme activity. Blood collected from 15 donors and preserved with anticoagulant (citerate phosphate, dextrose adenine (CPDA-1) were examined. The concentration of total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and potassium (K+) in the plasma as well as glutathione peroxidise (GSH- Px), glutathione superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in erythrocytes were determined on days 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 of storage. Day 1 of the study is the day of donation. A 24.8% increase in plasma concentration of MDA and 15.8% increase in the concentration K+ on day 15 were recorded (p < 0.05). A 27% decrease in the plasma concentration of TAS was observed on day 20 compared with day 1 (p < 0.05). Similarly GSH-Px activity is stored RBC decreased by 17.1%, on day 15 (p < 0.05). SOD activities reduced by 17.1% on day 20, CAT activities reduced by 12.6% on day 15 (in each case p < 0.05). In this study blood stored in CPDA-1 shows that those glutathione-dependent antioxidant enzymes systems in erythrocytes and antioxidant defence in plasma were depleting gradually depending on the day of storage. We concluded based on our finding that 10 days period can be considered a safe storage limits for transfusion in relation to oxidative stress the RBCs were subjected in the storage medium.

The influence of storage period on the antioxidants level of red blood cells and the plasma before transfusion

Stored blood is used for transfusion in humans but peroxidative processes occur in stored blood before transfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the length of storage on plasma antioxidant levels and RBCs antioxidant enzyme activity. Blood collected from 15 donors and preserved with anticoagulant (citerate phosphate; dextrose adenine (CPDA-1) were examined. The concentration of total antioxidant status (TAS); malondialdehyde (MDA) and potassium (K+) in the plasma as well as glutathione peroxidise (GSH - Px); glutathione superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in erythrocytes were determined on days 1;5;10;15;20;25;30;35 and 40 of storage. Day 1 of the study is the day of donation.A 24.8increase in plasma concentration of MDA and 15.8increase in the concentration K+ on day 15 were recorded (p0.05). A 27decrease in the plasma concentration of TAS was observed on day 20 compared with day 1 (p0.05). Similarly GSH-Px activity is stored RBC decreased by 17.1; on day 15 (p0.05). SOD activities reduced by 17.1on day 20; CAT activities reduced by 12.6on day 15 (in each case p0.05). In this study blood stored in CPDA-1 shows that those glutathione-dependent antioxidant enzymes systems in erythrocytes and antioxidant defence in plasma were depleting gradually depending on the day of storage. We concluded based on our finding that 10 days period can be considered a safe storage limits for transfusion in relation to oxidative stress the RBCs were subjected in the storage medium

Feto - maternal haemorrhage in parturients: Incidence and its determinants.

This prospective study of parturients at a tertiary health institution in south-western Nigeria aims to identify the incidence, severity and obstetric factors predisposing to feto - maternal haemorrhage (FMH) in our population. The exclusion criteria were haemoglobinopathy and patient's refusal of consent to participate in the study. The prepared slide was processed as in the acid elution test described by Kleihauer - Betke. The FMH was calculated using Mollison formula (Mollison 1972). Baseline data included maternal biodata, blood group, RhD and haemoglobin electrophoresis, route/mode of delivery, duration of labour, obstetric interventions, fetal blood group and birth weight. Data generated were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 11 software. Frequency tables, cross-tabulations and correlations were performed. Pearson's correlation was applied to continuous variables, while Spearman's correlation was utilised for discrete variables. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 163 parturients were studied, of which eight were multifetal gestations. There were no significant differences in maternal age, parity, estimated gestational age at delivery and birth weight, in both groups of parturients with and without FMH. A total of 17 parturients (10.43%), four of which were multifetal gestations (2.45%), had demonstrable FMH. Large FMH (>15 ml fetal cells) were noted in 10 (6.14%) parturients, of which, four were RhD-negative mothers. A total of 9.8% and 11.5% parturients in the vaginal and caesarean delivery groups, respectively, had significant FMH (p = 0.736). Incidence of large FMH was similar with each of the routes of delivery. Antepartum complications of pregnancy, delivery manoeuvres and episiotomy were not significant determinants of FMH. Multiple gestations, fetal birth weight and complications in labour were significantly associated with risk of FMH. Risk-based approach to management, in RhD negative pregnant women, might lead to under-treatment, with attendant increased incidence of isoimmunisation. At least in all RhD-negative women, the cord blood should be tested to determine the baby's blood group and if RhD-positive, Kleihauer - Betke test should be done to determine the degree of FMH and anti-D immunoglobulin dose administered appropriately. Further studies are necessary to establish the determinants/risk factors for FMH.