African Journal of Laboratory Haematology and Transfusion Science

Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Pregnant Women Attending Traditional Birth Homes and Hospitals in Southern Nigeria

EC Akwiwu — 2024-11-07

Introduction: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission is an important strategy for the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. While the structure for this intervention programme exists within conventional antenatal care, infected pregnant women who prefer the services of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) could be at risk of being undetected. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women accessing antenatal care across conventional health facilities and traditional birth homes (TBHs) in Uyo, southern Nigeria.

Methods: The enrolled subjects were tested for HIV infection following the national algorithm. Three trained interviewers administered a structured questionnaire to obtain biodata, ascertain prior knowledge of status, and assess access to antiretroviral therapy. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results: The socio-demographic characteristics of the enrolled pregnant women revealed a general late commencement of antenatal care (59% in TBHs and 47% in Hospitals commenced in the third trimester). Additionally, there were more of first-time pregnancy at TBHs (36.4%). The study observed a significantly higher prevalence of HIV infection (4.5%) among those attending traditional birth homes compared to those attending hospitals (2%) (p=0.002)

Conclusion: Undetected HIV infection among pregnant women attending traditional birth is significantly higher than the prevalence seen in conventional health facilities.

Distribution of ABO/Rh blood groups and haemoglobin phenotypes among university students in south-west, Nigeria.

LO Okunbor — 2024-11-07

Background: Assessing university students' blood group and hemoglobin phenotypes is vital for health policies, and premarital counseling. This study aimed at determining the distribution of Blood group and hemoglobin phenotype among university students in Southwest Nigeria

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Lead City University in South-West Nigeria from January 2018 to December 2022. Medical records of 5110 enrolled students were analyzed to assess the Blood group distribution and hemoglobin phenotype within the university population. Data encompassing demographic information and health metrics were examined for this study.

Results: In a study of 5110 participants, the mean age (was 23.57+14.89). Notably, 43.9% fall within the age bracket of 18 to 29 years, while 37.7% are below 18. A slight majority (54.1%) were female. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) was 12.9 (±1.399). Hemoglobin levels reveal most of the population (87.6%) with levels surpassing 12 g/dl. However, notable proportions exhibit anemia (12.4%). Blood group O was the most prevalent (53.6%), followed by types B (21.7%), A (20.7%), and AB (3.9%). Genotype distribution indicates a predominance of the AA genotype (73.6%), followed by AS (21.9%), AC (3.3%), and SS (0.7%), with SC (0.4%) and CC (0.1%) being relatively rare. Rhesus factor analysis shows 4.8% Rhesus negative and 95.2% positive individuals.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of sickle cell traits underscores the need for genetic counseling to address Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

Effect of Hydroxyurea Therapy on Markers of Inflammation and Clinical Variability Of Sickle Cell Anaemia; A Prospective Study at a Missionary Hospital

SK Appiah — 2024-11-07

Background: Immune mediators of inflammation are implicated in the pathophysiological processes and clinical variability of sickle cell anaemia (SCA). This study determined the effect of hydroxyurea therapy on markers of inflammation and clinical variability of sickle cell anaemia in Ghana.

Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted at Methodist Hospital, Wenchi. Ninety participants (60 SCA patients and 30 apparently healthy controls (HbA)) aged 2-40 were recruited from March to July 2023. About 4 mL of blood was collected for complete blood count analysis using a Sysmex XN-550 haematology analyzer and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL-6), and hepcidin using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results: Serum levels of IL-6 [4.7 (3.9-5.1) vs 3.0 (2.2-4.0), p<0.001], CRP [452.4±154.6 vs 267.5±84.2, p<0.001], NLR [1.4 (1.1-2.2) vs 0.9 (0.5-1.3), p<0.001], platelets [357.0 (248.5-445.5) vs 240.5 (180.5-264.5), p<0.001] and TWBC [10.3 (8.3- 12.6) vs 5.2 (4.3-5.9), p<0.001] were significantly elevated with reduction in levels of hepcidin [145.3 (109.2-185.2) vs 208.6 (150.6-246.4), p<0.001], HB [8.4±1.8 vs 12.8±1.3, p<0.001], RBC [2.6 (2.3-3.4) vs 4.5 (4.1-4.9), p<0.001] and HCT [25.6±5.4 vs 39.9±4.5, p<0.001] among SCA participants compared to the control group. However, the levels of the inflammatory markers showed significant reduction with improved haemogram in SCA participants treated with HU compared to the naïve group; [IL-6 (p=0.014), CRP (p<0.001), NLR (p=0.009), PLR (p=0.003), HB (p<0001), RBC (p=0.001), HCT (p=0.031), platelets (p<0.001), TWBC (p<0.001)]. Levels of IL-6 (rho=0.503, p<0.001), CRP (rho=0.449, p<0.001) platelets (rho=0.554, p<0.001) and TWBC (rho=0.300, p=0.020) positively correlated with disease severity. NLR, PLR and hepcidin levels showed no significant correlation with disease severity score (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In summary, hydroxyurea therapy significantly improves red cell indices and reduces inflammatory biomarkers, which minimizes the severity of sickle cell anaemia complications.

Correlation of Haemoglobin and Haematocrit with Hepatitis C Infection Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in a Tertiary Hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria

OO Adesina — 2024-11-07

Background: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major cause of morbidity among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. This study investigates the correlation between hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and HCV infection in these patients, aiming to provide insights into the hematological implications of HCV in hemodialysis patients.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Hemodialysis Center of Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ogun State, Nigeria, between April and May 2019. A total of 40 participants were recruited using the Cochran formula for sample size determination, with an expected HCV prevalence of 4.8%. Patients with chronic kidney disease, who had undergone blood transfusion, and those undergoing hemodialysis were included. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for complete blood count (CBC) and HCV status using ELISA and real-time PCR methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to assess the correlation between Hb, HCT, and HCV infection.

Results: The mean hemoglobin concentration was 10.13 ± 1.99 g/dL, and the mean packed cell volume was 30.81 ± 5.90%. There was no significant correlation between HCV status and either Hb (r = -0.028, p = 0.865) or HCT (r = -0.014, p = 0.932). Additionally, patients with positive HCV status did not show significant differences in Hb and HCT compared to HCV-negative patients. However, there was a significant association between HCV status and family history of hepatitis infection (p < 0.000), and previous HCV diagnosis (p = 0.043).

Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between hemoglobin and hematocrit levels with HCV status in hemodialysis patients. However, family history and previous HCV infection are significant factors associated with HCV status. Further studies are needed to explore the hematological impact of HCV in hemodialysis patients.

GRAY HAIR AND HAEMATOLOGY: A UNION OF DEFICIENCY

T Lenox-Prince — 2024-11-07

Graying of hair is one inevitable condition of life; gray hair can start appearing on one's head or other parts of the body at one time or another, but if one lives till he or she is old, it must appear. Hair gets gray when the production of melanin, the chemical that gives hair its colour, is reduced or stopped for any of the follicles; the new hair that will grow out will no longer have color. Usually, graying comes with old age, but sometimes it starts early in some individuals based on their genes or other conditions. These conditions include vitamin B₁₂, B₉, B₆, and iron deficiencies. These elements are also essential elements required for the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells are critical cellular components of the blood and are studied in hematology. Therefore, the union of gray hair and haematology is deficiency, primarily vitamins B12, B9, B6, and iron. If not treated promptly, these deficiencies will result in anaemia, the most common blood disorder. With these elements, management and treatment of gray hair, especially premature graying, have shown a reversal of graying. Conclusively, there is a relationship between gray hair and haematology.