African Journal of Laboratory Haematology and Transfusion Science

Assessment of Serum Ferritin and Haemoglobin Concentration in Multi-Transfused Patients in Owo, South Western Nigeria

2024-07-08T19:26:28+00:00

Introduction: Blood transfusion is a therapeutic, life-saving intervention. It has been widely used and overused in medical practice since the early 20th century to treat anaemia and haemorrhage. Blood transfusion may cause some adverse effects in serum ferritin levels and haemoglobin concentrations, as may be occasioned by overload. This study was carried out to determine the effects of multiple transfusions on patients' iron storage and haemoglobin concentration in Owo, southwest Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Ethical approval was obtained as required. A total of 87 participants were recruited for this study, comprising 67 recipients of multiple transfusions and 20 subjects who had never received a blood transfusion. Haemoglobin was estimated using a standard ELISA technique, and serum ferritin was estimated using a colourimetric method. Data were analysed with SPSS version 25.0. Values were considered significantly different at P < 0.05.

Results: The mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) of haemoglobin concentration revealed a significant decrease when multiple transfused subjects with 5 pints and above (12.57± 1.17) were compared to recipients of 2-4 pints (12.16± 1.25) with p=0.001. The mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) of serum ferritin level was significantly elevated in multiple transfused subjects with 5 units and above (308.38±114.09); as compared with recipients of 2-4 units (279.95± 95.36) and those never transfused (100.92±20.29) with a p-value of 0.001. Gender has no significant effect on serum ferritin levels (p=0.227). The mean standard error of the mean of haemoglobin concentration revealed a significant difference in males (13.19±1.25) as compared to females (12.19±1.55) with p =0.001.

Conclusion: The significantly elevated serum ferritin in multi-transfused patients suggests iron overload, which is reflected in the haemoglobin concentration, which also increased with the increase in the number of units transfused. Thus, assessment of serum ferritin and haemoglobin concentration should be considered as post-transfusion monitors in anaemic patients.

Some Haematological Parameters in Women on Different Types of Contraceptives Attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

2024-07-08T20:10:36+00:00

Background: Haematological parameters are measurable indices of blood that can be used to identify and monitor some pathological and physiological abnormalities. Contraceptive use is one of the factors that affect these parameters.

Objective: This study was aimed to assess some haematological parameters (total white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (Lymph), mixed cell count (MID), Neutrophils (Neut), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hgb), haematocrit (HCT), platelets count (PLT), mean platelets volume (MPV), platelets distribution weight (PDW), plateletcrits (PCT), and platelets large cell ratio (P-LCR)) of women using different types of contraceptives attending family planning Clinic of Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study. Which involved a total of 76 subjects; 51 were women on different types of contraceptives, and 25 were women not on any contraceptives. Those using implants were 24, injectable were 14, IUCD were 6 and oral pills were 7. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using a Sysmex haematology analyzer. Data were analyzed using statistical software package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0, expressed as Mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analyzed using student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Results: There were significant decreases in values of WBC, NEUT and PCT of the test subject when compared with control (p=0.02), (p=0.04) and (p=0.02) respectively. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the values of Lymph, mid, RBC, Hgb, HCT, PCT, MPV, PDW and P-LCR in test subjects when compared with control (p≥0.05). The study showed a significant decrease in PCT of those using pills, injectables, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) and implants (p=0.04). Also, Significant differences in WBC, Lymph and MID were observed among the Yoruba, Nupe and Igbo tribes that participated in the study (P=0.02) (P=0.00) and (P=0.01), respectively.

Conclusion: The study has shown that WBC, NEUT and PCT are reduced in those using contraceptives. This can lead to a reduced immune system, exposure to infections and haemostatic disorders. Therefore, there is a need to monitor the haematological parameters of those on contraceptives to avoid adverse haematological effects.

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on some complete blood count and some oxidative stress markers of stress-induced Albino Wistar rats

2024-07-08T20:29:03+00:00

Introduction: Moringa oleifera is a nutritive plant that is used to treat malnutrition in underdeveloped nations due to its nutritional benefits. It contributes significantly to humans' diet and is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The leaves of Moringa oleifera contain phytochemicals that may impact one's health. This study aimed to determine the effect of administering feed formulated from Moringa oleifera leaves on some hematological Parameters and oxidative stress markers of Gasoline vapour stress-induced Albino Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: Fifty-eight (58) age-matched, apparently healthy male Albino Wistar rats were obtained from the animal holding unit of the Anatomy Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The rats were housed in stainless steel cages measuring 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft, partitioned into four compartments at the same facility. Automated ERMA haematology autoanalyzer PCE-210 was used to analyze the haematological parameters while Enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) for oxidative stress.

Results: Findings from the study revealed that exposure of animals to Gasoline vapour alone significantly (p< 0.05) increased malonaldehyde (MDA) levels and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and catalase (CAT) levels. There was a significant decrease in the haemoglobin and haematocrit values (p= 0.027 and 0.008 respectively) in the stressed groups when compared to the corresponding values in the control group. Monocyte concentration also increased in the group stressed and administered Moringa oleifera when compared to the group that was stressed only.

Conclusion: This study's results show that an extract from the leaf of Moringa oleifera fed to Albino Wistar rats might affect some haematological parameters, such as monocyte, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelet count. The gasoline vapour might be connected with the decrease observed in some groups.

Co-occurrence of atypical chronic myeloid leukemia and prostate cancer in a 75-years old male

2024-07-08T20:38:10+00:00

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) is a rare form of myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm. This report presents a case of aCML in a 75-year-old man, diagnosed based on cytologic evidence of neutrophilia, presence of neutrophil precursors, thrombocytopenia on complete blood count and microscopy, and granular hyperplasia and dysgranulopoiesis on myelogram. The patient was in good clinical condition with isolated splenomegaly. With hydroxyurea, the hyperleukocytosis was controlled, and the splenomegaly disappeared. The lymphadenopathy identified on a CT scan led to the diagnosis of prostate cancer, while the general health condition of the patient was impairing.

Relationship between platelet count and ferritin in blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria.

2024-07-08T20:54:43+00:00

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is a major reason donors are deferred from donation. Iron deficiency is an important donor health concern with adverse consequences even without anaemia. However, iron-deficient donors are usually undetected using the current screening of haemoglobin methods in most Nigerian blood centres. Thrombocytosis has been associated with iron deficiency, and thrombocytopenia has also been reported in severe anaemia. This study assessed the relationship between platelet and ferritin in blood donors.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of blood donors attending the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) between March 1st, 2019, and July 31^st, 2019. A proforma was used to obtain the sociodemographic information. A donation sample was collected for a complete blood count and ferritin assay. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17.0.

Results:Data from 313 blood donors with an age range between 18 years to 58 years and a mean age of 32.1 ± 9.3 years were analysed. The mean platelet count was 207.6 ± 73.8 X 10⁹/L while the median (Inter Quartile Range) for ferritin was 102.7 ng/mL(62.4 ng/Ml -182.0 ng/mL) respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship between platelet count and ferritin among all categories of blood donors. (where is the correlation coefficient?). Regular blood donors had significantly lower serum ferritin levels than first-time donors (p = 0.0356). There was, however, no statistically significant difference between regular donors and first-time donors with respect to platelet levels (P= 0.1107)

Conclusion

Platelet count had no statistically significant relationship with ferritin in this study. Multiple blood donors, however, had statistically significant lower ferritin levels compared to first-time donors. There is a need to include a ferritin assay in pre-donation testing, especially in regular donors.

Modulation of thrombocytes, thrombopoietin, thrombopoietin receptors and ribonucleic acid expression with Jatropha tanjorensis using albino Wistar rats.

2024-07-08T21:10:30+00:00

Background: Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract possesses some bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties. Its role in thrombopoiesis and the associated molecular pathways could offer useful insights into its therapeutic potential in conditions related to platelet disorders. This study is aimed at investigating the modulatory effects of this leave extract on platelet functions, thrombopoietin (TPO), cyclic myeloproliferative leukaemia virus oncogene(c-MPL) and messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the modulation of thrombopoiesis using male albino Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: A total of twenty (20) male adult albino Wistar rats weighing between 150g-250g were selected into four (4) groups of five rats each. The groups were control groups(A), treated group B(1000mg/kg leave extract, treated group C(2000mg/kg leave extract, and treated group D(4000mg/kg leave extract. Platelet counts and platelet indices were done using a three-part Sysmes Haematology autoanalyzer. RNA extraction and semi-qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to isolate from rat bone marrow; complementary DNA was synthesized and subsequently amplified. Gel electrophoresis was used to determine the bands of the genes.

Results: Platelet counts were significantly higher in the treated groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). RNA expression of TPO was significantly lower in the control group compared to the test group (p<0.001). Treated groups B, C and D showed significantly higher expression of TPO when compared to control(p<0.001). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of c-MPL showed no significant effect when compared to all the groups, even with varying concentrations of the plant extracts.

Conclusion: Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extracts significantly increase platelet counts and TPO expression but have no significant effect on c-MPL gene expression. These results suggest that the leaf extract could influence thrombopoiesis by modulating the expression of the key regulating factor.

Expression of Serum Secretory Phospholipase A2 and Its Association with Clinical Characteristics in Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient: A Case-Control Study in Ghana

2024-07-08T21:21:25+00:00

Background: Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications of SCA. However, its pathophysiology is not fully understood. This study determined the levels of sPLA2 in SCA patients and its association with different clinical characteristics.

Materials and Methods: This case-control study recruited a total of 90 participants, 45 SCA patients, and 45 control subjects. Venous blood samples and serum were used to estimate full blood count (FBC) and sPLA2. The collected data was organized in Microsoft Excel and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 26). Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: The mean values of haematological indices showed significant differences between the control and sickle cell anaemia groups: RBC [p<0.001], Hb [p<0.001], HCT [p<0.001], WBC [p<0.001], MCV [p<0.001], RDW-SD [p<0.005], and PLT [p<0.001]. The mean sPLA2 concentration was significantly higher in SCA cases than in the control group [(60.67±19.43) µg/L vs. (23.18±4.32) µg/L; p < 0.001]. The sPLA2 concentrations between SCA patients concerning the use of Hydroxyurea treatment showed no significant differences [p=0.581].

Conclusion: Secretory phospholipase A2 was elevated in SCA patients. Those who presented with vaso-occlusive recorded the highest concentrations of sPLA2. White blood cell count, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, Red Cell Distribution width-standard deviation, and platelets were significantly elevated in SCA, whereas RBC, Hb, and HCT were low. RDW-SD showed significant variations in the different clinical presentations of SCA. RDW-SD and sPLA2 levels revealed a negative correlation in SCA.

Effect of a Bi-Herbal Formula of Picralima Nitida and Cymbopogon Citratus aqueous leaf extracts on Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase and Krüppel-Like Factor- 1 Genes In Phenyl-Hydrazine induced Anaemia in Albino Wistar Rats

2024-07-08T21:46:28+00:00

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is crucial in protecting red blood cells from oxidative stress, while Krüppel-like factor-1 (KLF-1) regulates erythropoiesis and haemoglobin. Understanding how the bi-herbal formulation modulates these genes could provide valuable insights into its potential as a therapeutic intervention for anaemia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the bi-herbal formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus aqueous leaf extracts on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and Krüppel like factor-1 (KLF-1) gene expressions in phenyl-hydrazine induced anaemia in albino Wistar rats.

Methods: A total of thirty (30) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, a phenyl hydrazine group, ferrous sulphate group, phenyl hydrazine + 100mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus, phenyl hydrazine + 200mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus and phenyl hydrazine + 400mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus respectively. mRNA of G6PD and KLF-1 were determined using a polymerase chain reaction. Data obtained was analysed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Software.

Results: There was a significant increase in group B's mRNA expression of G6PD compared to group A (p<0.05). Groups C, D, E and F had a higher mRNA expression when compared to groups A and B (p<0.05). There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of KLF1 in groups C, D and E compared to groups A and B (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study concludes that administering a bi-herbal formulation altered the gene expression of G6PD and KLF-1.

Association of Lewis blood group with Helicobacter pylori Infection amongst Undergraduates of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

2024-07-08T22:00:09+00:00

Aim: The study aims to determine the association of the Lewis blood group with Helicobacter pylori infection among undergraduates of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Method: This cross-sectional study was aimed to elucidate the association between the Lewis blood group and Helicobacter pylori and was carried out among hundred (100) male and female undergraduates of Rivers State University recruited randomly from different ethnic groups in Nigeria. All samples were analysed at the haematology laboratory of Nimi Briggs Hospital, Rivers State University, between 25th and 28th October 2023. Using the Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit, the tube method was used for Lewis blood grouping and serology for the Helicobacter pylori infection. Blood samples were collected randomly based on convenient sampling from a total of 100 volunteers (aged 16 to 30 years).

Results: Statistical analysis was done using simple percentage calculation and Graph Pad Prism version 8 Statistical Package to determine odds ratios, relative risk, and likelihood ratios. Results are presented in Tables. The prevalence rate of Le^aantigen in the total population is 81% (with a frequency of 29 (35.8%) in males and a frequency of 52 (64.2%) in females, while that of Le^b antigen is 65% and with a frequency of 25 (38.5) in males and frequency of 40(61.5) in females. The Lewis antigen is more prevalent in females than males. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the total population is 10%. Odd ratios show no association of Lewis antigens a and b with the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Conclusion: From odd ratios, no risk of being infected with Helicobacter pylori can be associated with the presence of Lewis antigens a and b, as seen in the study. Helicobacter pylori infection has a percentage distribution of 10% in the total population, with a percentage distribution of 20% males and 80% females.

Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Antenatal Attendees in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Awareness and Prevalence

2024-07-08T22:12:19+00:00

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an enteric viral infection and a global problem of increasing threats among pregnant women with an estimated annual burden of 20 million cases, 70,000 deaths, and 3,000 stillbirths. This study aims to determine the level of awareness of HEV infection, its prevalence, pregnancy risks, and transmission mode among antenatal attendees in Ekiti State.

Methods: This is a dual-center study performed at the antenatal clinics of the study sites over a period of fifteen months following ethical approval. Socio-demographic, pregnancy-related, and HEV awareness data of 300 antenatal attendees were collected during counseling sessions at the clinics. A Biopanda rapid test device was used to test for HEV antibodies. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics of the SPSS version 21 software, and the association between hospital and HEV awareness and HEV mode of transmission variables was tested with Chi-square analysis.

Results: The 300 enrollees had a mean age of 31.2 ± 0.3 years and consisted of 161 (53.7%) and 139 (46.3%) from study sites 1 and 2, respectively. Nearly 90% (89.3%) were in their second to third trimesters, and 89% had a hematocrit of 31-39%. The prevalence of HEV antibodies reported in this study was 2.0% and consisted of anti-HEV IgM (0.3%), anti-HEV IgG (1.0%), and anti-HEV antibody total (0.7%). Irrespective of HEV awareness variables or associated health facility, HEV level of awareness was poor, with only awareness of mode of transmission showing a statistically significant difference between hospitals (P =0.025, γ2 = 5.027, OR = 2.371; 95 CI=1.096-5.131). Acute liver disease (50.0%), feto-maternal death (15.8%), and death of a live baby soon after birth (15.8%) were the three most reported HEV infection risks in pregnancy.

Conclusion: Low level of awareness of HEV infection despite counselling at clinics reflected the gaps in current national policy on hepatitis and the need for urgent review and update of the same to include result-oriented and all-inclusive antenatal patients’ education on HEV infection, its risk to pregnancy and routine testing for HEV to prevent inherent dangers of risks of acute liver failure, feto-maternal death and still birth

Effect of Storage Temperature on D-Dimer Stability in Different ABO Blood Groups

2024-07-08T23:19:41+00:00

Introduction: D-dimer is the end product of fibrin degradation formed during the disintegration of blood clots and fibrin networks. It is an invaluable analyte in evaluating thrombin and plasmin activity and is specific for fibrin derivatives. This study evaluated the effects of storage temperatures on D-dimer stability in different ABO blood types stored over a defined period of time.

Materials and Methods: The study was performed with 40 samples collected randomly from apparently healthy male and female undergraduate students of Rivers State University, Port-Harcourt, aged between 17 and 45 years. Two milliliters (2ml) of whole blood were collected from each participant with the specified ABO blood type into ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant bottle, and plasma was separated and stored at two different temperatures of +6^oc and +25^oC for a period of 24 hours and 48 hours respectively. Following the manufacturer's instructions, the plasma blood sample was analyzed using the Standard F-D-dimer FIA reagent and SD-Biosensor analyzer. Data obtained were analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23, and results were considered significant at p< 0.05.

Results: Results obtained showed that D-dimer baseline values vary significantly across the various blood groups O (2120.50±0.71), followed by A (411.00±1.41), AB (167.00±1.41) and B (149.50± 0.71) respectively. D-dimer values decreased after storage at +6^oc for 24 hours in group A (324.50 ± 0.71), AB (149.50±0.07), and O (1499.00±1.41) but increased in B (151.00 ± 1.41) when compared with baseline values (p<0.05). At +25^oC, D-dimer values increased in blood group A (443.00 ± 1.41), and B (155.001±1.21) and decreased in AB (154.50 ± 0.71) and O (1649.00 ± 1.41) after 24 hours storage but increased in B and AB while decreasing in A and O after 48 hours storage (p<0.05) respectively.

Conclusion: This study revealed that D-dimer levels vary based on different blood groups, prolonged blood storage affects D-dimer stability, and different storage temperatures have discernable impacts on D-dimer stability. Thus, blood samples for the D-dimer test should be assayed immediately after sample collection and separation and not stored to avoid erroneous results.