Author: ajlhtsonline

African Journal of Laboratory Haematology and Transfusion Science

Volume 3, Number 1, March, 2024
ISSN: 2814-0591 (Print)
ISSN: 2814-0605 (Online)
www.ajlhtsonline.org

Volume 3 Number 1 Preliminary

Volume 3 Number 1 Preliminary - 30 Downloads

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Download PDF - 31 Downloads

2328

High pre-and post-treatment Platelet-Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio is linked to high mortality risk in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer patients in Southeastern Nigeria

 

Jude Ogechukwu Okoye,^1* Tochukwu Juliet Ado-Okoye,¹ Chiemeka Michael Emeka,² George Uchenna Eleje,³ Immaculata Ogochukwu Uduchi,¹ Uchechukwu Lilian Okoye⁴

 

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria.

²Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.

³Department of Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.

 

*Corresponding Author: jog.okoye@unizik.edu.ng

 

JOO: jog.okoye@unizik.edu.ng

TJA: tochukwuujulieth@gmail.com

CME: me.onwukamuche@unizik.edu.ng

GUE: georgel21@yahoo.com

IOU: io.uduchi@unizik.edu.ng

ULO: ul.okoye@unizik.edu.ng

 

 

Abstract

Introduction: To identify risk factors and prognostic tools for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), an aggressive ovarian cancer, this study assessed the frequency of BRCA2 mutation in early-onset (£ 50 years old) and late-onset (> 50 years old) EOC and variation of systemic immune-inflammatory indices, especially among herbal medicine- and chemotherapy-experienced patients.

Methods: This study included 100 patients diagnosed with EOC from Jan. 2016 to Dec. 2021. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelets-neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (PNLR), and neutrophils-to-lymphocytes platelets ratio (NLPR) were assessed and analyzed accordingly. Significance was set at p< 0.05.

Result: The frequency of early menarche, serous adenocarcinoma, in-hospital death, and late-stage disease was 3.3, 1.6, 1.7, and 1.4 times higher among patients with early-onset EOC compared with their late-onset counterparts (p= 0.001, 0.025, 0.063, and 0.397, respectively). The frequency of BRCA2 mutation, hypertension, and diabetes was 2.5, 2.5, and 5.7 times higher among the latter than among the former (p= 0.001, 0.006, and 0.064, respectively). The pre-/post-treatment PNLR were 1.7/2.3 times significantly higher in cases of in-hospital death (1016.0 ± 169.4/ 750.5 ± 193.2) than in patients who were stable on discharge (591.60 ± 25.3/325.3 ± 35.3 at p= 0.044 and 0.013, respectively. There was a significant decline of pre-to-post-chemotherapy PNLR in the Stages I/II cases and an insignificant decline in Stages III/IV cases (p= 0.003 and 0.433, respectively). The post-treatment PNLR, PLR, and TWBC of herbal medicine-experienced patients were 5.6, 1.6, and 1.5, higher than the post-treatment values of naïve counterparts, respectively (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed a high frequency of aggressive early-onset EOC and a higher frequency of BRCA2 mutation in late-onset EOC. It also revealed better treatment outcomes among patients who received at least four courses of chemotherapy and poor treatment outcomes among patients with a history of herbal medicine uptake. It suggests that NLR, PNLR, and PLR could be used to monitor disease progression.

 

Keywords: Immune cells, Inflammation, prognosis, disease stage

2401

Knowledge of Healthcare Professionals on Full Blood Count Histogram Interpretation: a cross-sectional study from Ghana

 

Ruth Duku-Takyi^1*, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman², Samira Daud³, and Felix Osei-Boakye^4,5

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana.

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.

³Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.

⁴Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana.

⁵Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana.

*Corresponding author: Ruth Duku-Takyi (rduku-takyi@atu.edu.gh)

Abstract

Introduction: The full blood count (FBC) is a routine assay that provides information on all the blood cells, such as erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets. The FBC results are usually accompanied by histograms which are applicable for making a preliminary prediction of many disease states. In this study, we assessed the utility of FBC histograms among health workers and their knowledge of its interpretation.

Methods: An online quantitative cross-sectional survey designed using Google forms were conducted from April to May 2022. The convenience sampling method was used to invite health workers to the survey that demanded that they answer questions that assessed their levels of utility and knowledge on the interpretation of FBC histograms. Data collected was analysed using the IBM SPSS version 26 using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The final analysis involved responses from 206 health workers who were made up of 133 (64.4%) males and 73 (35.4%) females. The results indicated that a greater portion of respondents makes use of FBC results (94.7%), 73.8% use FBC analyzers that produce histograms. However, only a small number (30.6%) use FBC histograms in diagnosing patients. A large majority of respondents (80.6%) demonstrated poor knowledge of the FBC histogram with the remaining demonstrating average (14.6%) and good (4.9%) knowledge.

Conclusion: The level of knowledge on FBC histograms is highly inadequate among Ghanaian healthcare professionals and requires urgent attention. We recommend that relevant healthcare professionals should be given continual refresher training on the interpretation of FBC and its histograms to aid in patient management.

Keywords: Full blood count; histograms, health workers; interpretation

2402

The Trajectory of Haptoglobin in Haemolysis, Inflammation and Transfusion Reaction

Nnenna Ihua*¹, B. W. Moore-Igwe² and Beauty Eruchi Echonwere-Uwikor³

¹²³Rivers State University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Science

*Corresponding Author: Nnenna IHUA¹ Email: nneomaihua@yahoo.com; Phone: +2348035474697

Abstract

Introduction: Haptoglobin is an acute-phase α₂-glycoprotein produced in the liver with the major biological function of binding free haemoglobin with very high affinity to prevent the loss of iron following hemolysis. Haptoglobin has an anti-inflammatory property and is raised during inflammation whereas, low level is associated with haemolysis. Transfusion is linked with haemolysis thereby increasing the level of free haemoglobin due to anti-haptoglobin and storage effect. Studies have revealed interplay of haptoglobin in haemolysis, inflammation and transfusion reaction although, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Besides, its utilization as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic advantage have not been well explored hence, this study.

Method: In this review 20 primary studies from various electronic databases such as Google scholar, Semantic scholar and PubMed were obtained on the basis that they were focused on haptoglobin, haptoglobin in haemolysis, inflammation and transfusion. This was made possible by the use of Boolean function.

Results: Haptoglobin, is measured in blood due to its complex formation with hemoglobin, forming a protective non-covalent complex with CD63 as receptor. The finding from this review shows that, haptoglobin plays a crucial role in scavenging surplus hemoglobin, iron and heme in haemolysis with antioxidant function and immunomodulatory effect in transfusion reactions. The concept of the trajectory of haptoglobin explored the multi-dimensional course of this acute phase scavenger protein in the course of clinical conditions of haemolysis, inflammation and transfusion reaction. The review confirmed specific roles of haptoglobin such as physiologic-antioxidant, prognostic, diagnostic biomarker, immunologic and therapeutic. Additionally, an inverse relationship exists between haptoglobin and haemolysis as well as transfusion reaction consequent to hypohaptogloinaemia whereas, direct relationship exists with inflammation resulting to hyperhaptoglobinaemia observed in those clinical conditions respectively. Haptoglobin synthesis is elevated by the liver in response to inflammation, countering oxidative damage and inflammation by neutralizing free hemoglobin. When there is an immunological mismatch, haemolytic transfusion reactions can occur and transfusion of prolonged stored blood potentiate same effect.

Conclusion: The role of haptoglobin cannot be overemphasized. Based on the widespread roles and clinical relevance of haptoglobin, it is vital that haptoglobin be utilized.

Keywords:  Haemolysis, Haptoglobin, Inflammation, Transfusion, Antioxidant

 

 

 

 

 

 

2404

Neonatal Blood Transfusion in Africa; Towards Optimizing Scarce Resource

 

Musa Abidemi MUHIBI¹*, Yetunde Olamide ABORISADE², Mathew Folaranmi OLANIYAN¹, Abdulwaheed Adewale ADEMOSUN³, Tesleemah Oluwakemi DAVIES-FOLORUNSO¹, Olufemi David OLANIYI¹, Nuryn ABDULGANIY¹, Fatimat Adewumi ADEDAPO-ISMAIL¹, Yekeen Adebisi KOSAMAT⁴, Wakeel Adekunle ALADE⁵, Sikiru Adetona LAWAL⁶

 

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State

²Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Osun State University   Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State.

³Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

⁴Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State.

⁵Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State.

⁶Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State

 

 

* Email;muhibimm@gmail.com/muhibudeen@yahoo.com

 

 

Abstract

Neonatal transfusion is a common practice in Africa, where many infants are born with low birth weight and require blood transfusions. The use of paediatric packs for neonatal blood transfusions has been recommended. However, the optimal use of these packs in Africa is not clearly understood by some healthcare practitioners. This review aims to provide insights into the optimal use of paediatric packs in neonatal transfusion in Africa.The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends restrictive transfusion practices for paediatric patients, including neonates, based on expert opinion. Transfusion triggers in neonates are controversial and mainly based on expert clinical opinion, although recent randomized controlled trials of ‘liberal’ versus ‘restrictive’ red cell transfusion policies in very low birth weight preterm babies are starting to influence clinical guidelines. Many neonatal red cell transfusions are given to replace losses from frequent blood sampling. This can be reduced by avoiding non-essential tests, using low-volume sample tubes, validated near patient testing, micro-techniques in the laboratory, and non-invasive monitoring where possible.The use of CMV-seronegative blood products for transfusion in low birth weight neonates is not deemed necessary. The primary rationale is that the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections should be reduced by stringent screening of donors, restrictive transfusion practice and certain interventions like irradiation of blood units before transfusion. A recent international survey of transfusion practices for extremely premature infants showed that factors considered “very important” regarding the need to administer blood transfusions included degree of oxygen requirement and need for respiratory support. Donor exposure can also be reduced by allocating single donor units, split into paedipacks, to babies predicted to need more than one transfusion episode within the expiry date of the donation. Implementing a program to improve compliance with neonatal intensive care unit transfusion guidelines was accompanied by a reduction in transfusion rate. The implementation of guidelines to improve compliance with neonatal intensive care unit transfusion guidelines can also reduce the transfusion rate.

 

Key words: Paedipacks, neonatal transfusion, TTIs, safety.

 

 

2405

Selected Indicators of Immunothrombosis in Apparently Healthy Nigerian Women of Different Reproductive Status

 

Running title: Immunothrombosis and reproductive health

 

 

Euphoria C. Akwiwu¹, Comfort E. Esedeke¹, Grace U. Ndukwe¹, Stella B. Egbe², Dennis A. Abunimye¹, Josephine O. Akpotuzor¹

 

¹Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar.

²Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

 

 

 

Corresponding Author

Dr. Euphoria C. Akwiwu

Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science,

University of Calabar,

Calabar

Cross River State

Nigeria

Email: ecakwiwu@gmail.com

 

Abstract

Introduction: Women are considered to be vulnerable with regards to immunothrombotic conditions. Exploring this bidirectional susceptibility across the different female reproductive phases is important for effective maternal healthcare delivery. This study assessed selected indicators of immunothrombosis between premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods: Equal numbers of premenopausal and postmenopausal women totaling one hundred were recruited for this comparative study. Blood sample was collected from each participant into appropriate sample bottles. Blood cell counts were carried out by haemocytometry and microscopic blood film reading. Standard manual methods were also employed for prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and relative plasma viscosity tests, while blood cell ratios were calculated. Results are expressed as Mean ±SD following student t-test analysis of data on SPSS version 22.0. Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05.

Results: The eosinophils count (0.42±0.31×10⁹/l), monocyte count (0.05±0.05×10⁹/l) and platelets count (150.04±46.88×10⁹/l) were significantly higher in premenopausal women than postmenopausal women (0.29±0.27×10⁹/l, 0.03±0.03×10⁹/l and 132.62±38.37×10⁹/l respectively), while a significantly higher value was observed in the relative plasma viscosity of postmenopausal women (1.74±0.17mPa/s) than the premenopausal women (1.59±0.10mPa/s). The two derived indicators of inflammation (NLR) and thrombosis (PLR) correlated positively in both premenopausal (r=0.397, p=0.004) and postmenopausal (r=0.293, p=0.039) women.

Conclusion: Immune and thrombotic parameters are largely comparable in apparently healthy adult females irrespective of their reproductive phase. However, eosinophil, monocyte and platelet counts were observed to be significantly higher in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women.

Key words: Immunity, thrombosis, immunothrombosis, menopause

 

2409

Prevalence of Anaemia and Iron Requirement in Women Across Reproductive Phases in Calabar, Nigeria

Running title: Anaemia and menopause

*Euphoria C. Akwiwu¹, Uchechi E. Nwabia¹, Effiong E. Okon¹, Stella B. Egbe², Josephine O. Akpotuzor¹

 

¹Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar.

²Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

 

 

 

*Corresponding Author

Dr. Euphoria C. Akwiwu

Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science,

University of Calabar,

Calabar

Cross River State

Nigeria

Email: ecakwiwu@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal healthcare takes into consideration the immediate state of an individual woman with regards to health status and subsequent management. Anaemia is a common maternal health challenge that is affected by hormonal shifts in women. Thus, this study focused on prevalence of anaemia and iron requirement across women of premenopausal and postmenopausal phases.

Methods: This study enrolled apparently healthy 100 females with equal numbers of premenopausal and postmenopausal subjects. Blood sample was appropriately obtained from each subject for assessment of red cell and iron parameters. Microhaematocrit and cyanmethaemoglobin methods were employed for the measurement of packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration respectively, while the iron parameters were assayed by colorimetric methods. Transferrin saturation was mathematically derived. Results are expressed as Frequencies and Mean ±SD, while student t-test was used for analysis of data on SPSS version 22.0. Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05.

Results: Postmenopausal women had significantly higher values of packed cell volume (0.38 ± 0.03 l/l), haemoglobin concentration (125.50 ± 9.30 g/l), serum iron (23.17 ± 0.93 µmol/l) and transferrin saturation (36.88 ± 2.00 %) than the premenopausal women (0.37 ± 0.02 l/l, 121.44 ± 7.83 g/l, 15.53 ± 2.60 µmol/l and 20.70 ± 3.60 % respectively) while the premenopausal women had significantly higher values in total iron binding capacity (75.24 ± 3.32 µmol/l) than the postmenopausal women (62.97 ± 1.88 µmol/l. Whereas 30% of the premenopausal women were anaemic and 10% had low transferrin saturation, anaemia in postmenopausal women occurred at a prevalence of 18% and the indicators of iron need were adequate.

Conclusion: This study has shown that among apparently healthy individuals, prevalence of anaemia and iron requirement are lower in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women.

Key words: Anaemia, iron, premenopausal, postmenopausal 

 

 

 

2410

Study of Hemoglobins C and S in Pregnant Women in the Eastern Health District of Abobo

Yayo-Ayé Mireille^1,3, Kamagaté Taïratou^1,2*, Adjé Missa Louis³, N’guessan-Blao Rebecca¹, Kassi-Kablan Hermance¹, Diallo Issiaga⁴, Meledje Marie-France³, Malick Simone⁵, Sawadogo Duni^1,3

 

¹Department of Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Félix Houphouët Boigny, BP V34 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

 

²Center for Diagnosis and Research on AIDS and other infectious diseases (CeDReS), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. BP V3 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

 

³Hematology Unit, Central Laboratory, University Hospital of Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. BP 632 Abidjan 21

 

⁴Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University Conakry, Guinea

 

⁵Institut National de Santé Publique, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. BP V34 Abidjan

 

 

 

 

 

*Corresponding author:

Yayo-Ayé Mireille, BP V3 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

E-mail : yayoaye@yahoo.fr

Téléphone contact : (225) 0708065401

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Introduction : Hemoglobinosis C and S are the most common structural abnormalities in West Africa. They worsen the overall health of carriers, particularly in pregnant women, leading to high-risk pregnancies and contributing to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate hemoglobinopathies C and S in pregnant women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2022. It focused on pregnant women attending consultations at five health care facilities in the Abobo-East health district. Hemogram analysis was performed using the Sysmex XT 2000i, and hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH was conducted on the Helena system. Data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel® 2016.

Results: Among the 500 selected patients, the mean age was 28 ± 6 years. 32.8% of women were anemic. 78.2% had normal hemoglobin, while 21.8% had hemoglobinopathies. Qualitative hemoglobinosis accounted for 21.2%, and suspected thalassemias were 0.6%. The prevalence of hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C was 15.2% and 6%, respectively. Healthy AS and AC carriers represented 20% of the study population.

Conclusion: The results of this study show a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies C and S in community settings. A mandatory national strategy for the screening and management of hemoglobinosis in maternity wards throughout the country would be desirable.

 

Key words: Hemoglobin C, Hemoglobin S, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Abidjan.

 

2412

Pre-transfusion compatibility tests in Malagasy sickle cell patients

 

Batavisoaniatsy EE¹, Razafinarivo AH², Tsatoromila FAM³, Randriamanantany ZA⁴.

 

¹Laboratoire de la Direction Centrale du Service de Santé Militaire, Ampahibe

elodie.kwely@gmail.com

²Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, CHU Andohatapenaka, Antananarivo.

hasinanjarako@yahoo.fr

³Centre Régional de Transfusion Sanguine de la Région d’Analamanga.

tsatotomila.anita@gmail.com

⁴Direction de la Transfusion Sanguine, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Antananarivo

zrandriamanantany@yahoo.fr

 

Corresponding author : Batavisoaniatsy Elodie Emile, Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale de la Direction Centrale du Service de Santé Militaire, Ampahibe Antananarivo

E-mail: elodie.kwely@gmail.com

 

 

Abstract

 

Introduction: Blood transfusion is a key component of sickle cell disease management. However, iterative transfusions of labile blood products for sickle cell patients increase the risk of anti-erythrocyte alloimmunization. It is usual to perform pre-transfusion compatibility tests in order to check ABO compatibility and to detect the possible existence of irregular antibodies in patients against the donor’s antigens.

Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive study dealing with pre-transfusion compatibility tests over a 3-month period, from September 2018 to November 2018, at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (CRTS) of Analamanga Region, the capital of Madagascar.

Results: We included 33 out of 113 patients during the study period. Compatibility test was positive in 21.21%, of all tested samples. Major and minor compatibility tests were positive alone respectively in 6.25% and 12.50%. And both were positive in 3.12%. The self-test was positive in 3.03% with a positive direct antiglobulin test. Positive compatibility tests were more frequent in patients who received more than two transfusions. Compatible blood bag for the patient was found after testing 2 donor pockets in 27.27% of cases, and after testing 3 pockets in 3.03%.

Conclusion: Pre-transfusion compatibility tests are essential and have to be performed systematically on each blood bag before any transfusion. They are used to identify the presence of alloantibodies and provide compatible blood products to patients.

Keywords: compatibility test – CRTS Analamanga – sickle cell disease- transfusion.

 

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2328

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Abstract
Introduction: To identify risk factors and prognostic tools for
epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), an aggressive ovarian cancer, this
study assessed the frequency of BRCA2 mutation in early-onset (≤
50 years old) and late-onset (> 50 years old) EOC and variation of
systemic immune-inflammatory indices, especially among herbal
medicine- and chemotherapy-experienced patients.
Methods: This study included 100 patients diagnosed with EOC
from Jan. 2016 to Dec. 2021. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio
(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelets-neutrophilsto-lymphocytes ratio (PNLR), and neutrophils-to-lymphocytes
platelets ratio (NLPR) were assessed and analyzed accordingly.
Significance was set at p< 0.05.

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2401

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Download PDF - 28 Downloads

Abstract
Introduction: The full blood count (FBC) is a routine assay that provides
information on all the blood cells, such as erythrocytes, leucocytes, and
platelets. The FBC results are usually accompanied by histograms which are
applicable for making a preliminary prediction of many disease states. In
this study, we assessed the utility of FBC histograms among health workers
and their knowledge of its interpretation.
Methods: An online quantitative cross-sectional survey designed using
Google forms were conducted from April to May 2022. The convenience
sampling method was used to invite health workers to the survey that
demanded that they answer questions that assessed their levels of utility
and knowledge on the interpretation of FBC histograms. Data collected was
analysed using the IBM SPSS version 26 using descriptive and inferential
statistics.

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2402

Download PDF

Download PDF - 26 Downloads

Abstract
Background: Haptoglobin is an acute-phase α2-glycoprotein
produced in the liver with the major biological function of binding
free haemoglobin with very high affinity to prevent the loss of
iron following hemolysis. Haptoglobin has an anti-inflammatory
property and is raised during inflammation whereas, low level is
associated with haemolysis. Transfusion is linked with haemolysis
thereby increasing the level of free haemoglobin due to antihaptoglobin and storage effect. Studies have revealed interplay of
haptoglobin in haemolysis, inflammation and transfusion reaction
although, the underlying mechanism is not well understood.
Besides, its utilization as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic
advantage have not been well explored hence, this study.
Method: In this review 20 primary studies from various electronic databases such as Google scholar, Semantic scholar and PubMed were obtained on
the basis that they were focused on haptoglobin, haptoglobin in haemolysis,
inflammation and transfusion. This was made possible by the use of Boolean function

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2404

Download PDF

Download PDF - 18 Downloads

Summary
Neonatal transfusion is a common practice in Africa, where many
infants are born with low birth weight and require blood transfusions.
The use of paediatric packs for neonatal blood transfusions has
been recommended. However, the optimal use of these packs in
Africa is not clearly understood by some healthcare practitioners.
This review aims to provide insights into the optimal use of
paediatric packs in neonatal transfusion in Africa.The World Health
Organization (WHO) recommends restrictive transfusion practices
for paediatric patients, including neonates, based on expert opinion.
Transfusion triggers in neonates are controversial and mainly based
on expert clinical opinion, although recent randomized controlled
trials of ‘liberal’ versus ‘restrictive’ red cell transfusion policies
in very low birth weight preterm babies are starting to influence
clinical guidelines. Many neonatal red cell transfusions are given to
replace losses from frequent blood sampling. This can be reduced
by avoiding non-essential tests, using low-volume sample tubes,
validated near patient testing, micro-techniques in the laboratory,
and non-invasive monitoring where possible.The use of CMV seronegative blood products for transfusion in low birth weight
neonates is not deemed necessary. The primary rationale is that
the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections should be reduced
by stringent screening of donors, restrictive transfusion practice
and certain interventions like irradiation of blood units before
transfusion. A recent international survey of transfusion practices for
extremely premature infants showed that factors considered “very
important” regarding the need to administer blood transfusions
included degree of oxygen requirement and need for respiratory
support. Donor exposure can also be reduced by allocating single
donor units, split into paedipacks, to babies predicted to need more
than one transfusion episode within the expiry date of the donation.
Implementing a program to improve compliance with neonatal
intensive care unit transfusion guidelines was accompanied by a
reduction in transfusion rate. The implementation of guidelines to
improve compliance with neonatal intensive care unit transfusion

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2405

Download PDF

Download PDF - 20 Downloads

 

Abstract
Women are considered to be vulnerable with regards to immunothrombotic conditions. Exploring this bidirectional susceptibility
across the different female reproductive phases is important for
effective maternal healthcare delivery. This study assessed selected indicators of immunothrombosis between premenopausal and
postmenopausal women.

Methods: Equal numbers of premenopausal and postmenopausal
women totaling one hundred were recruited for this comparative
study. Blood sample was collected from each participant into appropriate sample bottles. Blood cell counts were carried out by haemocytometry and microscopic blood film reading. Standard manual
methods were also employed for prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and relative plasma viscosity tests, while
blood cell ratios were calculated. Results are expressed as Mean
±SD following student t-test analysis of data on SPSS version 22.0.
Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05.

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2409

Download PDF

Download PDF - 31 Downloads

Abstract
Introduction: Maternal healthcare takes into consideration the
immediate state of an individual woman with regards to health status
and subsequent management. Anaemia is a common maternal health
challenge that is affected by hormonal shifts in women. Thus, this study
focused on prevalence of anaemia and iron requirement across women of
premenopausal and postmenopausal phases.
Methods: This study enrolled apparently healthy 100 females with equal
numbers of premenopausal and postmenopausal subjects. Blood sample
was appropriately obtained from each subject for assessment of red
cell and iron parameters. Microhaematocrit and cyanmethaemoglobin
methods were employed for the measurement of packed cell volume
and haemoglobin concentration respectively, while the iron parameters
were assayed by colorimetric methods. Transferrin saturation was
mathematically derived. Results are expressed as Frequencies and Mean
±SD, while student t-test was used for analysis of data on SPSS version
22.0. Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05.

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2410

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Download PDF - 25 Downloads

 

Abstract
Introduction: Hemoglobinosis C and S are the most common
structural abnormalities in West Africa. They worsen the overall
health of carriers, particularly in pregnant women, leading to high risk pregnancies and contributing to maternal and fetal morbidity
and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate
hemoglobinopathies C and S in pregnant women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February
to December 2022. It focused on pregnant women attending
consultations at five health care facilities in the Abobo-East health
district. Hemogram analysis was performed using the Sysmex
XT 2000i, and hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH was
conducted on the Helena system. Data were collected and analyzed
using Microsoft Excel® 2016.

doi-org-10-59708-ajlhts-v3i1-2412

Download PDF

Download PDF - 30 Downloads

Abstract
Introduction: Blood transfusion is a key component of sickle cell disease
management. However, iterative transfusions of labile blood products for
sickle cell patients increase the risk of anti-erythrocyte alloimmunization.
It is usual to perform pre-transfusion compatibility tests in order to check
ABO compatibility and to detect the possible existence of irregular antibodies in patients against the donor’s antigens.
Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive study dealing with pre-transfusion compatibility tests over a 3-month period, from September 2018
to November 2018, at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (CRTS) of
Analamanga Region, the capital of Madagascar.