Karolyn Sassi Ogliari, Monica Luiza Immig, Maria Laura Halon, Fabrízio Loth, Luiza Boni, Patrícia Grudzinski, Liziane Beckenkamp, Martina Fritsch,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (7-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Semen cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproduction techniques, and reliable semen analysis is essential to define the clinical practice. However, many parameters used for semen evaluation have high variability among technicians. Here, we describe a method of validating semen analysis prior to cryopreservation, comparing each operator’s results with an expert, and also analyzing inter-operator variability. As a second endpoint, we compare this method by analyzing semen parameters before and after cryopreservation.
Methods: Four professional trainees studied and practiced semen analysis according to the World Health Organization guidelines for one month, under supervision of an expert in the field. Next, microscopic results (sperm concentration, motility, vitality, and morphology) obtained by each team member were compared with the findings obtained by the expert.. Finally, analyzes of inter-operators were evaluated for the same parameters.
Results: The findings obtained by the operators and the expert did not differ significantly. Furthermore, in the inter-operator analysis, the morphology parameter differed significantly in the fresh semen sample, which was not observed in the post-thaw sample.
Conclusion: Our results indicated that the laboratory staff training for semen analysis was effective, ensuring the assessment of individual performance and uniformity among operators in sperm count parameters, producing consistent results.
Negin Valizadeh Keshmeshtapeh, Dr Somayeh Namroodi, Dr Shohreh Taziki,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (9-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Considering the increasing use of nanochitin for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions, examining the biological effects of this substance on the level of essential metals for humans and animals is crucial. Therefore, this study investigated impact of oral administration of nanochitin on serum levels of iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) in Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups and one control group. Two groups were fed with nanochitin at doses of 1.6 and 2.6 μg/g for 6 weeks, and the other two groups received the mentioned doses for 10 weeks. Serum concentrations of Fe and Ca were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Results: Oral administration of 2.6 μg/g nanochitin for 10 weeks caused a significant decrease in serum Ca and Fe concentrations (p<0.05). Oral administration of 1.6 and 2.6 μg/g nanochitin for 6 weeks caused a non-significant reduction in serum Fe and Ca concentrations (p>0.05). However, nanochitin consumption for 10 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in serum Fe concentration but not Ca.
Conclusion: The limited reduction of serum Fe and Ca concentrations after oral consumption of nanochitin at a low dose and for a limited duration indicates that the controlled use of nanochitin could be safe for animals. However, complementary studies are needed to determine the exact effects of nanochitin on the animals’ bodies. On the other hand, it is recommended to use Fe and Ca supplements after consuming high doses of nanochitin for longer periods.
Maryam Yaseri, Seyyedeh Sahereh Mortazavi Khatibani, Arvin Naeimi, Haniyeh Sadat Fayazi,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (11-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, are commonly observed. We aimed to investigate the associations between CRP test results and clinical characteristics in patients with COVID-19.
Method: In this cross-sectional study, data from 399 patients with COVID-19 were collected through a census method. The patients were divided into a CRP-positive group (n=335) and a CRP-negative group (n=64). Demographical data, laboratory findings, clinical characteristics, and history of some underlying diseases were compared between the two groups. All analyses were carried out in SPSS (version 21).
Results: The frequency of hypertension was 40.1% among the study population, 42.4 % among CRP-positive patients, and 28.1% among CRP-negative patients. Diabetes and heart disease were the most common comorbidities among the patients. Dyspnea (60.4%), fever (52.7%), fatigue (45.4%), and dry cough (40.1%) were the most commonly observed symptoms. The mean duration of hospitalization was 8.14±6.18 days, and the mean duration of intensive care unit stay was 9.09±9.41 days. Moreover, CRP positivity was significantly associated with hypertension, immunosuppressive therapy, and higher duration of hospitalization (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease with the coincidence of some clinical symptoms are associated with higher levels of CRP in COVID-19 patients, which results in longer hospitalization.
Jonas Bikorimana, Joselyne Ingabire, Aprinal Arinaitwe, Parfait Cyuzuzo,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: All three phases of laboratory testing are equally important for improving total quality management, but the pre-analytical phase is the most error-prone. This study aimed to determine the rate and reasons for blood sample rejection in the pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing in a referral hospital in Ruhengeri, Rwanda.
Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and retrospective study in which 222 samples with nonconformities were discovered from 19,775 clinical samples. Various data related to the rejected samples were recorded along with nonconformities.
Results: The rate of blood sample rejection was 1.045% and 1.165% for the cross-sectional and retrospective approaches, respectively. The overall blood sample rejection rate was 1.105%. The most frequent error in the cross-sectional aspect was mislabeling (38.3%), while clotting (46.4%) was the most common cause of sample rejection in the retrospective aspect.
Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, the rate of blood sample rejection is high in the study area. Thus, there should be a laboratory policy for error record keeping as well as a settlement in “laboratory sentinel events” covering the total testing process.
Gauri Metkar, Shalaka Saraf,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
Abstract
Gauri Metkar 
,
Shalaka Saraf
Background: Snakebite is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can be treated effectively. Snake envenomation can cause hematologic and coagulation abnormalities. In this respect, tests such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are commonly used. The present study aimed to determine the value of coagulation parameters in the prognostication of snakebite patients.
Methods: This prospective descriptive observational study examined the coagulation parameters, including PT, INR, and aPTT, in consecutive cases of snake envenomation admitted to a tertiary health care hospital from October 2019 to August 2021. The correlation of coagulation parameters with each other and with prognostic indicators (ie, the number of days spent in the intensive care unit [ICU], the requirement of anti-snake venom [ASV], fresh frozen plasma [FFP], and the total number of blood products) was studied.
Results: A total of 58 patients with snakebite were studied. The majority were males (69%). The highest proportion of patients belonged to the age group of 16-40 years (60%). The correlation of coagulation parameters with each other was statistically significant. The correlation of coagulation parameters with prognostic indicators (ie, the total number of ASV vials administered, the total number of days in the ICU, the total number of FFP units administered, and the total number of blood components administered) was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Coagulation parameters (PT, INR, and aPTT) are essential laboratory investigations for treatment monitoring and can be used effectively for the prognostication of snakebite patients. In cases where the coagulation profile of snakebite patients shows abnormalities, conducting repeated coagulation studies at intervals of 12 hours can contribute to improved prognostication.
Ehsan Ameri, Ali Farhadi Mahali, Mojtaba Tabari,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
Abstract
Ehsan Ameri 1,
Ali Farhadi Mahali2 ,
Mojtaba Tabari3
Background: Improving the quality of visit services in laboratories of medical-teaching centers of universities of medical sciences plays a major role in providing better services to patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the policy of improving the quality of visit services of the reform plan in laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province.
Methods: The present research was cross-sectional and had a descriptive-analytical type. A total of 384 staff in the diagnostic laboratories were selected for the study using a simple random sampling method. The data collection tool included a 35-item researcher-made questionnaire.
Results: There was a gap between the current and desired status of the fourth axis of the health system reform plan. The gap was about -0.01, indicating that there was a gap between the current and desired status and it was related to the supervision department according to the respondents in the target statistical population.
Conclusion: The implementation of this plan was effective in improving the quality of visit services in laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province but this effectiveness did not meet the goals of the fourth axis of the reform plan. Therefore, the factors, which caused a lack of supervision among the executive departments of laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province, should be removed for increasing the effectiveness of this plan.
Merlin Matena, Gédéon N. Bongo, Honoré Ngbanda, Eddy B. Bakemo, Yves M. Mukaba, Jossard K. Munzumba, Justin M. Vuvu, Christel K. Kande, Jacques N. Ngayuna, Jonathan I. Kukila, Ngbolua Koto-Te-Nyiwa,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, which enters the body via the ACE2 receptor. This study aims to evaluate the coagulation disorders of COVID-19 patients admitted to Centre Hospitalier Mère-Enfant Monkole, Kinshasa.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study of patient files was conducted between July 2020 and June 2021 at CHME-Monkole in Kinshasa. The sample size was 130 patients using a random sampling technique after interviewing the respondents. For each respondent, biological and socio-demographic data were collected on a questionnaire. The primary analyses included the determination of PT, APTT, Plasma determination of D-dimers, and platelet count. A descriptive analysis was performed for socio-demographic characteristics, while Pearson correlation was used to determine the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and different biological parameters using SPSS 25.0. For ethical reasons, informed consent from patients was sought, and confidentiality was assured. The authorization was provided by the Ethical Committee of CHME-Monkole (Ethical code: KIN/CHME/04/2020).
Results: The findings showed D-dimer levels higher than 500 µg/L in 87.7% of respondents, prolonged APTT (>40 seconds) in 43.1% of respondents, PT (<70%) in 36.9% of respondents, and thrombocytopenia (platelets <150,000) in 26.2% of respondents. A positive correlation was observed between socio-demographic characteristics and D-dimer levels.
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection has a significant impact on coagulation. Thus, determining these biomarkers could predict the risk of disease severity or death in patients with COVID-19.
Temidayo Adeniyi, Akinpelu Moronkeji, Victor Ekundina,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background: Human activities continually impact the environment negatively. Some activities are particularly linked to river pollution, and this constitutes a major problem in certain regions of Nigeria. This is a result of economic development, anthropogenic human activities, and agricultural practice that have the potential for adverse health effects. This study evaluated the effect of heavy metals acquired from the waterways on the vital organs of experimental rats.
Methods: Seventy (70) adult male Wistar rats, average weighing between 150-180g, were divided into seven groups of ten animals, each selected by simple randomization. Pooled sampled water and water containing the highest average concentration of singly and combined heavy metals noted in the waterways from three geological zones in Kwara state, Nigeria, were respectively given to the Wistar rats within the treatment groups ad libitum for 65 days. The kidney, liver, and testes were harvested and processed for paraffin embedding, and the effect of the heavy metals was histologically assessed.
Results: Histological staining revealed variable histopathological alterations in the kidney, liver, and testes of rats in the treatment groups in comparison to the control group.
Conclusion: Increased levels of heavy metals in waterways can adversely affect the organs when used for household purposes. Activities in these water bodies must be checked by regulatory agencies, and laws to discriminate against the dumping of waste in water bodies should be enforced.
Shuchismita ., Iffat Jamal , Vijayanand Choudhary ,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare form of plasma cell dyscrasia with 2 variants: the primary form, which occurs de novo in patients with no previous history of multiple myeloma (MM), and the secondary form, which represents a leukemic transformation in patients with a previously recognized MM. Unlike myeloma, PCL typically follows an aggressive course, and the median age at presentation is usually above 50 years. In this report, we present a case of primary PCL that manifested at 19, an exceptionally rare occurrence.
Aliehsan Karshenas, Ramak Yahya Raiat, Taghi Zahraiee Salehi, Babak Asghari, Maryam Adabi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Escherichia coli consists of a wide range of strains with huge diversity in their genome, distributed in nature and the alimentary tracts of animals and humans. This study analyzed the phylogenetic group determination and genetic diversity of E. coli strains isolated from domestic animals and human clinical samples.
Methods: Twenty E. coli isolates from domestic animals were analyzed for phylogenetic grouping. Also, 100 clinical samples and 20 animal samples were evaluated by the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus–polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) technique. The results and the similarity between the strains were determined based on the Dice similarity coefficient in the SAHN program of the NTSYS-pc software.
Results: The frequency of phylogroups among animal samples were A = 5%, B1 = 65%, B2 = 20%, and D = 10%. Based on the ERIC-PCR results, the clinical strains were allocated into 19 clusters. Most strains were in the E7 cluster. Fifty percent of the E. coli isolated from animal specimens belonged to the E4 group, and the lowest number of strains was in the E3 and E5 (1 strain) groups.
Conclusion: The results confirmed the efficiency and usefulness of the ERIC-PCR tool for the identification and classification of bacteria. Also, we demonstrated the most phylogroup among animal samples.
Toukam Michel, Voundi-Voundi Esther, Bole Bernard, Mviena Nyimbe Louise, Sahmo Simon Stevensen, Nogue Raissa, Kasia Jean Marie,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Syphilis has serious consequences for human health and poses challenges for biological diagnosis. Techniques such as chemiluminescence are still poorly known in our context. Our objective was to compare chemiluminescence and hemagglutination assays with immunoblot as a reference test for detecting anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies.
Methods: Anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies were detected in serum samples. Comparison of chemiluminescence and hemagglutination assays was carried out with immunoblot as the reference test, based on sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa statistic, using IBM-SPSS version 24 software. The significance level was set at 5%.
Results: A total of 600 participants were recruited, with a prevalence of syphilis infection of 3%. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 96.2% for chemiluminescence, and 93.8% and 100% for hemagglutination, respectively. Cohen's kappa statistic between the two tests showed satisfactory agreement (0.768). Cohen's kappa agreements between chemiluminescence/immunoblot and plate hemagglutination assay/immunoblot were greater than 0.8, indicating excellent agreement with the reference test (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: Chemiluminescence is more sensitive but less specific than hemagglutination. The use of chemiluminescence as a first-line test for the diagnosis of syphilis should be considered.
Mohammadreza Sheikh Sajjadieh , Ali Ajami , Leila Haghshenas ,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background: Immunofluorescence and serology analysis are the most common laboratory methods for diagnosing antinuclear antibodies in autoimmune diseases and are paramount for screening and therapeutic purposes. This study aims to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of antinuclear antibodies measured by automated indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunoassay in patients at risk for autoimmune diseases.
Methods: Serum antinuclear antibodies in 3020 patients suspected of autoimmune diseases at Nobel Medical Laboratory, Esfahan, IRAN, were measured from 2017 until 2020 with automated indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immune assay methods. The sensitivity, specificity, prevalence, positive and negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio were calculated for each technique. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was analysed as a statistical method for assessing the diagnostic accuracy of these tests.
Results: The immunofluorescence method demonstrated low sensitivity and high specificity compared with the enzyme-linked immunoassay. For the automated indirect immunofluorescence method, sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 62%, respectively, whereas this number for the ELISA method was determined as 89.6% and 28.5 %, respectively.
Conclusion: It is crucial to choose a suitable method for detecting autoantibodies for diagnostic purposes. ANA analysis by a sensitive test, such as an enzyme-linked immunoassay, should be used for screening. In contrast, a highly specific test, such as an indirect immunofluorescence assay, should be used to confirm the result and monitor dynamic treatment.
Sudhanshu Subrat , Manohar Lal Prasad , Kavya Varshney , Kanika Bansal , Mayank Mahajan, Anindya Chowdhury ,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background: Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Various studies have examined the neuroprotective effects of magnesium and potassium ions through their effects on the glutamate receptor and the endothelium, achieved by lowering blood pressure and through their anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The objective of our study was to determine the prognostic significance of serum magnesium and serum potassium levels in acute stroke.
Methods: An observational study was conducted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, for 18 months on 150 adults in patients with acute stroke, enrolled within 72 hours after applying appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Correlations between the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission with serum levels of magnesium and potassium were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 27.0.
Results: Two groups were formed based on serum magnesium levels: <1.5 mg/dL and >1.5 mg/dL. Similarly, two groups were created based on serum potassium levels: <3.5 mEq/L and >3.5 mEq/L. A significant correlation was found, using Spearman’s coefficient test, between serum potassium and magnesium levels and the GCS score at admission, as well as the mRS score at discharge (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Lower concentrations of magnesium and potassium are associated with increased cerebral arterial contraction and greater neurological damage.
Israa Elgaily, Abdelkarim A. Abdrabo,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background: Various analytes are used to assess glycemic control in laboratory medicine. Glucose measurements show current glucose levels, but sample stability can be influenced by diet and stress. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is the best marker for long-term control but can be affected by elevated urea levels. This study compared glycated albumin (GA) and HbA1c in diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 280 volunteers. Among these, there were 115 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), 95 diabetic patients without ESRD, and 75 non-diabetic patients with ESRD. Laboratory measurements included HbA1c, GA, urea, and creatinine, assessed using standard laboratory techniques. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical software.
Results: Levels of HbA1c were lower in diabetic patients with ESRD compared to diabetic patients without ESRD. In contrast, GA levels were higher in diabetics with ESRD. A significant negative association was observed between HbA1c levels and urea levels. However, creatinine levels were not associated with either HbA1c or GA.
Conclusion: The estimation of glycated hemoglobin levels can be affected by high blood urea. Therefore, GA may be a better glycemic indicator for diabetic patients with ESRD.
Qudsiya Ansari , Anisha Jain, Kailas Randad, Vinaya Singh, Akash Sarkate,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG) is a rare disorder characterized by severe osteoporosis and vision impairment, due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) gene. This autosomal recessive disorder is characterized by fractures, bone fragility, and pseudoglioma with blindness in infancy. Herein, we present a rare case of OPPG syndrome in an infant who, at 80 days of life (DOL), exhibited multiple fractures without any ophthalmic findings at the time of presentation. This is relatively earlier presentation of the symptoms as fractures are more commonly seen after two years of life.
Bizav Rasheed , Beri Tawfeq,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. The disease may also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, nerves, and blood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of methotrexate on blood, liver, and renal parameters in patients with RA.
Methods: A six-month cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 consecutive patients aged 19-70 years diagnosed with RA on methotrexate treatment (10 mg) orally per week. A questionnaire was taken from participants, and laboratory tests were done on renal and liver function and complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT or AST), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT or ALT), Creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) as a follow-up to drug intake.
Results: At the end of sample collection, participants ranged in age from 19 to 70 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1. Significant differences in platelet (PLT) levels were observed only between days 1 and 14 of the treatment (p <0.05). Similarly, SGPT levels showed significant variation between days 1 and 30 of the treatment (p <0.05). Additionally, RF levels exhibited significant differences between days 1 and 14 (p <0.01) and between days 1 and 30 of the treatment (p <0.04).
Conclusion: The recommended medication for all kinds of patients with RA is methotrexate, which has had a notable impact on blood, liver, and kidney parameters. These characteristics can serve as indicators for monitoring the medication’s effectiveness, safety, and patient follow-up.
Dr. Parineeta Shelke, Dr. Preeti Doshi, Dr. Amit Nisal, Dr. Abdulrahaman Momin, Dr. Ravindra Nimbargi,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Hemoglobinopathies is group of genetic disorders affecting structure or production of hemoglobin. Two main categories are thalassemia syndromes and structural hemoglobin variants. Preventing inherited hemoglobinopathies has been recognized as an international health priority. These disorders can now be accurately diagnosed using HPLC. The present study was aimed at studying various hemoglobinopathies using HPLC from Western Maharashtra, India.
Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted in Bharati Vidyapeeth (DTU) Medical College, Pune. During the study period of 3 years, total 1455 specimens of either gender were analyzed for variant analysis, using VARIANTTM II β-thalassemia Short Programme. The HPLC with ion exchange chromatography principle was used. The hematological parameters were estimated in every subject. The incidence of hemoglobinopathies, with its types is presented.
Results: The age of the 1455 subjects included was 26.91 ± 7.06 years, of which majority were females. The overall incidence of hemoglobinopathies found to be 8.78%. The most prevalent condition was β-thalassemia minor, followed by β-thalassemia major, Hb S trait and Hb S disease. There were 2 cases with heterozygous for Hb D Punjab and 1 was heterozygous for Hb E. Mentzer index was positively associated with Hb F and MCH, and negatively associated with hemoglobin, Hb A and RDWC levels.
Conclusion: The incidence of hemoglobinopathies in this region was reported to be 8.78%. The commonest hemoglobinopathies reported was β thalassemia, of which most were heterozygous for β thalassemia trait. The presence of Hb E increased the severity of anemia when present with β-thalassemia
Dr Hamid Malekshahiniya, Dr Roohollah Mohammadi Mirzaei, Dr Halimeh Vahdatpoor,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of intermittent exercise on the serum level of nitric oxide, insulin resistance and some lipid profiles in male diabetic rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 60 anesthetized rats (200±20) were randomly divided into 6 groups of 10:1-control-healthy, 2-sham, 3-periodic, 4-periodic+saline, 5-diabetic and 6- Diabetes + interval training were divided. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide-streptozotocin. The subjects trained on the treadmill for 6 weeks, 5 sessions a week. 48 hours after the last training session, slaughter was performed and then glucose, insulin, nitric oxide, LDL, HDL, TG and cholesterol levels were measured. One-way variance test and Tukey's post hoc test were used for data analysis(p<0.05). Results: Induction of diabetes increased glucose and insulin resistance and decreased insulin and nitric oxide in the diabetic group compared to the control group. After 6 weeks of intermittent training in the diabetes group + intermittent training, the amount of glucose and insulin resistance decreased compared to the diabetes group, but the nitric oxide level increased compared to the diabetes group. But it had no effect on insulin levels. Also, 6 weeks of intermittent training had no significant effect on the amount of lipid factors in different groups(p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it seems that interval training can create a protective effect against vascular diseases in diabetic patients by reducing insulin resistance and increasing nitric oxide, and as a result, improving vascular function.
Shuchismita ., Iffat Jamal , Vijayanand Choudhary,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is characterized by pancytopenia and usually associated with massive splenomegaly, however the same may not be true in the clinical settings. Here we report a case of HCL without the classical clinical feature of splenomegaly. Absence of splenomegaly doesn’t exclude he diagnosis of HCL. A careful study of morphological findings on bone marrow aspirate and biopsy followed by appropriate ancillary tests aids in correct diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is essential for diagnosing and appropriately
managing such cases. A strong suspicion on morphology in such cases is a prerequisite for reaching onto a correct diagnosis , even in absence of usual clinical presentation.
Saif Karim, Mahdi Zahedi, Nahid Poursharifi, Mehdi Khorami, Mohsen Tatar,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on blood homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: We collected 90 participants with cardiovascular complications who were divided into two groups: Smokers (n=46) and non-smokers (n=44) groups. The serum levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were determined by the ELISA. Additionally, the systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and BMI were taken from patients. Results: Our results illustrated that the serum level of folic acid was significantly decreased in smoker patients (22.41±5.95) compared with the non-smokers group (28.05±4.13, p=0.000). In contrast, the serum level of homocysteine (p=0.958) and vitamin B12 (p=0.578) was not altered significantly between both groups. Our data also showed a negative correlation between folic acid and systolic blood pressure. No relationship was observed between folic acid and vitamin B12 and homocysteine in the smoking group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the levels of folic acid significantly decreased in CVD patients with smokers compared with non-smokers. A significant negative relationship was observed between folic acid and systolic blood pressure.
