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We report a case of a 60-year-old man who struggled with frequent migraines for 12.5 years, which were refractory to all conventional therapies. Six months before initial consultation, these migraines become chronic. The patient was then advised to follow the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet, a nutrient-dense, dark green leafy vegetable-rich, whole food plant-based diet. Within 2 months, his headache frequency declined from 18 to 24 headache days per month to 1, and he discontinued his preventive and abortive migraine medications. After 3 months, the patient had no headaches. These results far exceed the goal of migraine treatment with medication, which is to reduce migraine frequency by >50% per month. In addition, the results were durable; this patient has been migraine-free for 7.5 years. Serum beta-carotene more than tripled after the patient started the LIFE diet, consistent with its high content of dark green leafy vegetables. Weight, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), complete blood count (CBC), hydration status, sodium and other electrolytes remained constant throughout the study.

Introduction During pregnancy, women are at an increased risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) in the early detection of iron-deficiency anemia in a group of pregnant women and to establish a reference range for this parameter in a group of control individuals. Method: A total of 60 patients and 130 control subjects were included in the study. Blood samples collected from the subjects were submitted to a complete blood count and a serum ferritin test and the data were analyzed by comparing the groups and ROC curves. Results The reference range found for the RET-He was between 29.75pg and 38.24pg, with a median of 35pg. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the ferritin parameter showed an area under the curve of 0.732 for the RET-He, 0.586 for hemoglobin, 0.551 for the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and 0.482 for the mean corpuscular volume. Conclusion Early diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is essential to prevent damage to both maternal and fetal health. The RET-He presents an excellent potential as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in pregnant women.

Introduction The demand for apheresis platelets has increased in the recent past and the shrinking donor pool has shifted the trend to collection of double-dose or higher yield of platelets. Objective The present study aimed to determine the effect of double-dose plateletpheresis on the target yield and donor platelet recovery. Methods The study was conducted on 100 healthy plateletpheresis donors, 50 of whom were in the study group, which underwent double-dose plateletpheresis (DDP), and 50 of whom were in the control group for single-donor plateletpheresis. Pre- and post-procedure samples of donors were subjected to a complete blood count. The DDP product was sampled for platelet yield and then split into two parts. Platelet yield, collection efficiency, collection rate, recruitment factor and donor platelet loss were calculated. Results The mean platelet yield in the SDP was 4.09 ± 1.15 × 1011 and in the DDP, 5.93 ± 1.04 × 1011. There was a significant correlation between the pre-donation platelet count and platelet yield. The total of platelets processed for the SDP were 5.42 ± 1.08 × 1011 and for the DDP, 7.94 ± 0.77 × 1011. The collection efficiency was 71.93 ± 25.14% in the SDP and 72.94 ± 16.28% in the DDP, while the collection rates were 0.78 × 1011 and 0.94 × 1011 per minute, respectively. The average recruitment factor observed was 0.98 in the SDP, while it was 0.99 in the DDP. The mean platelet loss observed in the SDP was 35.55 ± 8.53% and in the DDP, 37.76 ± 8.65%. Conclusion The double-dose plateletpheresis supplements the platelet inventory in developing countries where the apheresis donor pool is limited. It is prudent to ensure stringent donor selection criteria for donors donating high-yield platelet products, thus enhancing donor safety and retention.

Introduction: Stroke is known as a common cause of disability all over the world. Stroke prognosis estimation has always been a topic of interest. In this study, it was tried to investigate the prognostic value of laboratory findings of complete blood count in a systematic review. Methods: In this systematic review, literature from Medline via (PubMed, Ovid) Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest between 1988 and 2020 were included. A combination of Mesh and free terms were included in the search strategy: “Stroke”, “Red Cell Distribution Width”, “Blood Cell Count”, “Mean corpuscular hemoglobin”, and “Mean Corpuscular Volume” and with the abbreviation, in all fields. Data synthesis was achieved using content analysis. Results: Elevated red blood cell distribution width was associated with stroke, cardiovascular events, and all-cause deaths among patients with prior stroke. Mean platelet volume has not any prognostic significance in ischemic stroke. There was a poor association between mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and stroke prognosis. Globulin and hemoglobin level predicted short-term mortality following acute ischemic stroke. Conclusion: Complete blood count as a routine and efficient test performed in health care centers can be used to estimate the prognosis of stroke.

We report a case of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) with rapid onset after re-exposure to vancomycin. A 58-year-old man with cellulitis was initiated on vancomycin. Approximately 1 hour into the vancomycin infusion, the patient developed an infusion-related reaction. Vancomycin infusion was stopped. A complete blood count obtained 4 hours after discontinuation of the vancomycin infusion revealed a platelet count of 31 ×10­9/L. Investigations ruled out likely causes of thrombocytopenia. VIT was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and confirmed with drug-dependent platelet antibody testing. Without complications, platelet counts recovered within 7 days after discontinuation of vancomycin. No correlation between vancomycin level and VIT was observed.

Objective: In coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), SARS-CoV-2 may use dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) as an entry-point in different tissues expressing these receptors. DPP4 inhibitors (DPP4Is), also named gliptins, like sitagliptin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, thereby lessen inflammatory and oxidative stress in diabetic Covid-19 patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to illustrate the potential beneficial effect of sitagliptin in managing Covid-19 in non-diabetic patients. Methods: A total number of 89 patients with Covid-19 were recruited from a single center at the time of diagnosis. The recruited patients were assigned according to the standard therapy for Covid-19 and our interventional therapy into two groups; Group A: Covid-19 patients on the standard therapy (n=40) and Group B: Covid-19 patients on the standard therapy plus sitagliptin (n=49). The duration of this interventional study was 28 days according to the guideline in managing patients with Covid-19. Routine laboratory investigations, serological tests, Complete Blood Count (CBC), C-reactive Protein (CRP), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and serum ferritin were measured to observed Covid-19 severity and complications. Lung Computed Tomography (CT) and clinical scores were evaluated. Results: The present study illustrated that sitagliptin as an add-on to standard therapy improved clinical outcomes, radiological scores, and inflammatory biomarkers than standard therapy alone in non-diabetic patients with Covid-19 (P Conclusions: Sitagliptin as an add-on to standard therapy in managing non-diabetic Covid-19 patients may have a robust beneficial effect by modulating inflammatory cytokines with subsequent good clinical outcomes.

Hematologic abnormalities are common in HIV and involve all blood cell lineages. A study on cytopenias, as correlated with disease progression, can be valuable in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the hematologic profile of HIV patients and its association with CD4 count and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.This is a retrospective cohort study involving adult Filipino HIV patients with complete blood count (CBC) and CD4 count determinations prior to the initiation of ARV treatment and after ≥6 months of ARV treatment. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between cytopenias and a CD4 count200 cells/µL.The study included 302 patients. Anemia was the most common cytopenia. Anemia and leukopenia were associated with an increased likelihood of having a CD4 count200 cells/µL in ARV-naïve patients. In ARV-treated patients, leukopenia was associated with an increased probability of having a CD4 count200 cells/µL. An increase in hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts was observed after ≥6 months of ARV treatment.Anemia and leukopenia can be used as markers of immune status in HIV-infected individuals and improvement in the CBC parameters can be used to assess response to ARV treatment. Routine monitoring of hematologic parameters is recommended.

Malaria is a major cause of suffering, disease, and death worldwide and is considered the most important of all human parasitic diseases. Malaria is still endemic in most tropical and sub-tropical areas and globalization has contributed to an increase of imported cases around the world. We report a Plasmodium ovale infection in a traveler with recent return from a long land trip across West Africa. He declared adherence to mefloquine chemoprophylaxis only at the start of the trip. Initially, he was seen at two different hospitals and in both he was screened for malaria by microscopy and rapid diagnostic test, but his diagnosis was not confirmed. The traveler was then diagnosed at our hospital with a malaria infection by Plasmodium ovale. Complete blood count showed mild anemia, but leukocytes and platelets were already normal. Symptoms resolved in 24 hours after treatment started. Microscopy of stained blood films remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, which is critically dependent on trained eyes. In non-endemic regions with few cases during the year, training programs in malaria microscopy are crucial. The aim is to prevent the reintroduction of malaria in Europe, reduce individual morbidity and suffering, and thus contribute towards reduction in deaths caused by this disease.A malária é uma das principais causas de sofrimento, doença e morte no mundo e é considerada a mais importante doença parasitária em humanos. A malária ainda é endémica na maioria das áreas tropicais e sub-tropicais e a globalização tem contribuído para o aumento de casos em todo o mundo. Relatamos um caso de infeção por Plasmodium ovale num viajante com regresso recente de uma viagem por terra por vários países de África Ocidental. O viajante aderiu à profilaxia com mefloquina apenas no início da viagem. Já em Portugal, sentindo-se doente, febril, dirigiu-se a dois hospitais, onde realizou despiste para malária por microscopia e teste rápido, que foram descritos como negativos. Posteriormente, o viajante dirigiu-se ao nosso serviço onde foi diagnosticada uma infeção de malária por Plasmodium ovale. Os achados analíticos revelaram uma contagem de leucócitos normal, anemia moderada e, uma contagem de plaquetas já normal. Os sintomas terminaram com apenas 24 horas de tratamento. O método de referência do diagnóstico de malária continua a ser a microscopia, que é altamente dependente da experiência do pessoal do laboratório. Em regiões não endémicas com poucos casos durante o ano, é essencial promover e manter programas de capacitação em microscopia para prevenir a reintrodução da malária na Europa, diminuir a morbilidade e o sofrimento, e contribuir assim, para a redução do número de mortes pela doença.

Background: Metabolic or non-metabolic many bone diseases can be distinguished in sickle cell anemia. Patients with sickle cell anemia have a high risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The aim of this study is to reveal bone mineral density abnormalities and related factors in patients with sickle cell anemia. Methods: A total of 70 patients with sickle cell anemia were retrospectively included in our study. Complete blood count (CBC) parameters, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, alkaline phosphatase, 25 (OH) vitamin D, ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP) and calculated bone mineral densitometry measurements by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) were assessed and recorded to the statistics program. We diagnosed osteopenia and osteoporosis according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. To determine the status of avascular necrosis and bone fracture, we examined x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging reports and epicrisis reports of patients from the records. Results: The average age was 30.01 ± 8.64 years. Eighteen (26.5%) of the 68 patients whose Z-score was evaluated by DEXA had bone mass below the expected age-related range according to the Z score, while 50 (73.5%) had bone mass within the expected age-related range. Of the patients whose T score was evaluated by DEXA, 46.8% were normal (n=29), 45.1% were osteopenic (n=28) and 8.1% were osteoporotic (n=5). Conclusion: Patients with sickle cell anemia are at increased risk for osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteomalacia. Bone health should be emphasized in these patients.

BACKGROUND Blood donors with high Hb are often deferred for the presumed risk of polycythemia vera (PV). However, adequate data to substantiate or refute this hypothesis is lacking. METHODOLOGY We conducted an observational study on blood donors found to have high hemoglobin (Hb ≥18 g/dl) during the pre-donation screening process using a portable hemoglobinometer at our blood center for four months. We adopted a cost effective methodology wherein a questionnaire was used to elicit the secondary causative factors of high hemoglobin and a complete blood count test to observe the blood cell parameters and JAK2V617F mutation test was performed in a subset of donors lacking secondary erythrocytosis (SE) history. RESULTS Of the total 7076 donors enrolled 112 male donors (1.58%) had high hemoglobin. The majority (70.4%) were repeat donors with mean age of 31.4 years. About 61% of the donors had attributable factors for SE like smoking, occupational exposure to carbon-monoxide. The mean hemoglobin value of capillary and venous hemoglobin demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p

The objective of this study was to quantify intraoperative bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and correlate it with clinical characteristics and laboratory coagulation tests.A case-control study was carried out with 74 patients with cirrhosis who were submitted to preoperative coagulation tests (complete blood count, platelet count, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, thrombin time, activated partial thrombin time, platelet aggregation, fibrinogen, protein C, protein S, antithrombin, and von Willebrand factor level and activity). The levels of nitrogen compounds that can affect the platelet function were determined in saliva and blood by using automated enzymatic-colorimetric assays.Patients with cirrhosis had changes in almost all coagulation tests. The average volumes of intraoperative bleeding and blood lost per minute in the study group (5.36 mL/min and 0.19 mL/min, respectively) were greater than those in the control group (3.05 mL/min and 0.11 mL/min, respectively; P.05). In the control group, ascites (P = .012) and presence of periapical lesion (0.034) were positively correlated with bleeding (mL/min). With regard to coagulation tests and nitrogen compounds, only a positively moderate correlation with the platelet aggregation test was observed.No patients had hemorrhagic events and it was not possible to correlate a greater amount of bleeding with coagulation tests or nitrogen compounds in the study group.

Актуальність. У літературі обговорюється застосування метаболічної терапії в пацієнтів із кардіологічною патологією, у тому числі вплив такої терапії на функцію ендотелію. Одним із найбільш популярних метаболічних препаратів є мельдоній. Метою нашого дослідження було вивчити вплив мельдонію в пацієнтів з артеріальною гіпертензією (АГ) та ішемічною хворобою серця (ІХС) на рівень артеріального тиску (АТ) та цитруліну крові через 1 місяць терапії. Первинною кінцевою точкою були зміни рівня цитруліну крові в пацієнтів групи комбінованої терапії із застосуванням мельдонію (препарат Тризипін для ін’єкцій та таблетки Тризипін лонг). Вторинною кінцевою точкою було зниження та досягнення цільового рівня АТ (< 140/90 мм рт.ст.), покращення якості життя за опитувальником EQ-5D, зміни еректильної функції в чоловіків, покращення прихильності до лікування. Матеріали та методи. Ми проводили спостереження за 38 хворими з АГ та ІХС (24 чоловіки, 14 жінок). Усіх пацієнтів було розподілено на 2 групи терапії. Хворим першої групи (n = 20) призначалася базова терапія АГ та ІХС із додаванням Тризипіну внутрішньовенно протягом 10 днів, далі призначався Тризипін лонг у дозі 1000 мг один раз на добу протягом 1 місяця (виробництва компанії «Мікрохім», Україна). Хворим другої групи (n = 18) призначалася базова терапія АГ та ІХС без додавання Тризипіну. Контрольну групу становили 7 практично здорових осіб. Перед початком лікування та через 1 місяць терапії пацієнти проходили обстеження, що включало електрокардіографію, офісне вимірювання АТ, добове моніторування АТ, ехокардіографію, лабораторне дослідження крові (загальний аналіз крові, К, Na, білірубін, креатинін, кліренс креатиніну, глюкоза, аланінамінотрансфераза, аспартатамінотрансфераза, холестерин, тригліцериди, холестерин ліпопротеїдів високої щільності, холестерин ліпопротеїдів низької щільності, холестерин ліпопротеїдів дуже низької щільності, визначення вмісту L-цитруліну в плазмі крові), заповнення опитувальників: якості життя EQ-5D, прихильності до лікування, еректильної функції в чоловіків («Міжнародний індекс еректильної функції»). Результати. Середній вік хворих становив 60,43 ± 1,80 року. Середній індекс маси тіла — 28,60 ± 0,90 кг/м2. Середні цифри офісного систолічного (САТ) та діастолічного АТ (ДАТ) на початку дослідження становили 147,03 ± 2,79 мм рт.ст. та 85,34 ± 1,54 мм рт.ст. відповідно. Середня офісна частота серцевих скорочень (ЧСС) — 71,31 ± 1,71 уд/хв. Середні рівні АТ при амбулаторному моніторуванні становили для САТ 128,36 ± 2,45 мм рт.ст., для ДАТ — 78,95 ± 1,72 мм рт.ст. Середня добова ЧСС — 72,41 ± 1,57 уд/хв. У групі базового лікування рівень цитруліну крові достовірно підвищився з 34,36 ± 1,29 мкмоль/л до 41,31 ± 1,51 мкмоль/л (р < 0,05), а в групі пацієнтів, які лікувалися Тризипіном, рівень цитруліну достовірно зменшився з 33,43 ± 1,71 мкмоль/л до 29,33 ± 1,42 мкмоль/л (р < 0,05). Ми порівняли початковий рівень цитруліну в групах лікування та групі практично здорових осіб. Рівні цитруліну в пацієнтів з АГ та ІХС були достовірно вищими порівняно з групою практично здорових осіб — 33,89 ± 1,69 мкмоль/л проти 25,73 ± 1,70 мкмоль/л відповідно (р < 0,05). При порівнянні кінцевих рівнів цитруліну після лікування ми відмітили, що в групі пацієнтів, які лікувалися Тризипіном, рівень цитруліну в кінці лікування наблизився до рівня цитруліну практично здорових осіб, у той час як у групі базової терапії рівень цитруліну значно виріс та достовірно відрізнявся від показника контрольної групи. Прихильність до лікування покращилася лише в групі Тризипіну (р = 0,03). Змін еректильної функції в обох групах не було. Покращувалася якість життя за EQ-5D за рахунок зниження тривоги та депресії в групі Тризипіну. Висновки. Комбінована терапія, що включала Тризипін для ін’єкцій та таблетки Тризипін лонг, сприяла зниженню офісного АТ у пацієнтів з АГ та ІХС, зменшенню рівня цитруліну крові; а також забезпечила покращення якості життя за рахунок зниження тривоги та депресії. Додавання Тризипіну до базової терапії покращувало прихильність до лікування в пацієнтів з АГ та ІХС порівняно з групою базової терапії.

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence and causes of occult bacteremia and whether clinical profiles and complete blood count could reliably identify high-risk-for-bacteremia children aged 3 to 36 months who had fever without source (FWS).Material and Methods: The medical data of children aged 3 to 36 months who presented with FWS for 1 to 7 days but with no clinical signs of sepsis and were subsequently hospitalized between January 2007 and December 2017 with one or more of the following high risk features, body temperature >39 degrees Celsius, inactive behavior, white blood cell (WBC) count >15,000 cells per cubic millimeter (cells/mm3 ), absolute neutrophil count >10,000 cells/mm3 , or absolute band count >1,500 cells/mm3 , were recorded.Results: Bacteremia was found in 12 of 160 (7.5%) children with one or more of the high-risk features. The pathogens were non-typhoidal Salmonella (5 patients), Streptococcus pneumoniae (4 patients), and Salmonella Typhi (3 patients). None of the high-risk features could differentiate between children with and without bacteremia. Five of the 8 patients with Salmonella septicemia had normal WBC counts leading to delays in prescribing empirical antibiotics and none of them had complications. None of the 117 patients in the non-bacteremia group who did not receive antibiotics or discontinued them after negative hemoculture had complications during hospitalization.Conclusion: High-risk features could not help to identify occult bacteremia in children aged 3-36 months who had FWS.

Central vestibular disease is one of the most common problems in pet rabbits. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection appears to be the most frequent etiology, but other causes have been described. It is known that infective endocarditis can cause thromboembolic disease affecting multiple organ systems in dogs. Secondary embolism from bacterial endocarditis commonly occurs, mainly in the spleen and kidneys; but cerebral thromboembolism disease secondary to infective endocarditis has rarely been reported in dogs. In this case, an 8-year-old, neutered male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with mild hyperthermia, left head tilt and rolling. Radiographic examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry and abdominal ultrasound were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging did not show any abnormalities in the central nervous system. An Encephalitozoon cuniculi serology was performed with elevated IgM and IgG titers (1:320; 1:1280 respectively), the patient was hospitalized and treated for encephalitozoonis but the rabbit died 8 days after presentation and the body was submitted for necropsy. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal necrotizing and suppurative myocarditis, with multiple emboli in kidneys, lungs and central nervous system. Polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of samples from the central nervous system and kidneys yielded negative results for Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Due to the positive predictive value of 92% of indirect fluorescent antibody technique Encephalitozoon cuniculi serology, in this case a false positive was suspected. Based on the results, final diagnosis of cerebral thromboembolism secondary to infective endocarditis was emitted. This is the first report of this process naturally occurring in rabbits, and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of central vestibular syndrome in this species.

Accurate and timely diagnosis of anemia in pregnancy is necessary for safe management of abortion care. Screening for anemia in abortion care is often accomplished using commercially-available point-of-care tests from capillary blood, but the validity of this test has not been investigated in the context of abortion care. We sought to determine the accuracy of a capillary hemoglobin (Hb) among pregnant patients seeking induced abortion.We conducted a retrospective study of patients seeking abortion care at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We identified 108 subjects with paired capillary Hb and venous complete blood count (CBC) hemoglobin measurements within 7 days of each other and within 14 days before abortion. Agreement analysis was performed using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots.More patients were deemed anemic by capillary than by venous Hb measurement (32% vs 19%, p = 0.030). Capillary Hb correlated with venous Hb (r = 0.85, p0.001). The average bias for capillary Hb was -1.1 ± 1.0 g/dL. Step-wise, multivariable linear regression identified venous Hb as the only determinant of capillary Hb, and failed to identify any other predictors of bias. The agreement analysis between capillary and venous Hb by Passing-Bablok regression demonstrated systematic and proportional differences.Results from capillary Hb may be biased toward diagnosing anemia and should be interpreted with caution.Misdiagnosing anemia in abortion care can have several consequences and may prevent timely medical abortion or cause delayed procedural abortion. Clinical correlation, and possibly confirmation by venous complete blood count measurement, should be considered before clinical decision-making based solely upon the capillary point-of-care assay.

Background Improved understanding of Bartonella spp. serology in dogs may aid clinical decision making. Objective Describe demographic and geographic patterns of Bartonella spp. seroreactivity in dogs, and describe hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities in Bartonella spp. seroreactive and nonseroreactive dogs. Animals Serum samples from 5957 dogs in the United States, previously submitted to IDEXX Reference Laboratories. Methods Serum was tested using 3 indirect ELISAs for B. henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, and B. koehlerae. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel results were reviewed retrospectively. Results Overall, 6.1% of dogs were Bartonella spp. seroreactive. Toy breeds were less likely to be seroreactive (3.9%) than mixed breeds (7.5%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32‐0.72), and dogs

OBJECTIVE To examine patient laboratory testing compliance by tracking time to submission of laboratory requisitions in Southern Alberta, Canada as part of a quality improvement initiative. METHODS Data was collected retrospectively from patients from the Chinook Primary Care Network in Alberta, Canada, who received a laboratory requisition consisting of a complete blood count (CBC) test order between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2017. To allow for all laboratory requisitions created to be submitted within one year, the study collection period was from September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2018. Patient age, sex, and dates of laboratory requisition creation and submission were collected. The days-to-test-submission served as a marker of compliance. Association of age, sex, and clinic location with time to laboratory requisition completion was determined using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS During the study period, 70.4% (n = 1607) of laboratory requisitions created were completed within one year, and over half (50.5%) of the laboratory requisitions ordered were completed within two weeks. There were no significant associations between time to laboratory requisition submission and sex or clinic locations (P > 0.05), but there were significant associations between patients who were 20-49 or 70-79 and increased laboratory requisition compliance (P

Background: In Covid-19 infection, leukopenia, inflammation, and elevated liver enzymes are found in most patients. Also, vitamin D deficiency attenuates the immune system and predisposes a person to being more susceptible to infection. In this context, we aimed to evaluate vitamin D, electrolytes, complete blood count, liver enzymes, urea, creatinine, albumin, CRP and ESR levels in patients with Covid-19. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 118 patients with Covid-19 who were hospitalized from 2020/2/19 to 2020/4/3 in ICU. Serum levels of electrolytes, liver enzymes, blood factors, urea, creatinine, CRP and ESR, as well as anthropometric parameters and serum vitamin D concentration, were measured. Results: A total of 118 patients (80 male and 38 female) were enrolled in the study (65.05±15.75 years). Only 5.08% of patients had no risk factors and 55.9% had ≥ 2 risk factors. Diabetes (44.1%) and obesity (23.7%) were more common among patients. Laboratory findings showed that 80.50% of patients had hyponatremia, but other electrolytes including K, Mg, Ca and P were normal in the majority of participants as well as CBC, Cr, Urea, Alb, ALT and ALKP. The AST concentration increased in most patients (66.94%). All patients had high levels of inflammatory factors such as CRP and ESR. The mean of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in participants (25.95 ± 14.56 ng/mL) was lower than its levels in the general population. However, it was not statistically significant (P= 0.88). A significant negative correlation was found between vitamin D and ALT (P= 0.02, -0.21) as well as vitamin D and CRP (P= 0.05, -0.17). Conclusion: Due to the regulatory role of vitamin D in the immune system and low levels of vitamin D in Covid-19 infected patients, the evaluation of vitamin D levels and prescribed supplements, if necessary, is suggested.

Background: We aimed to compare the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of confirmed COVID-19 and unconfirmed patients. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Results: Overall, 620 patients (338 confirmed COVID-19 and 282 unconfirmed) were included. Confirmed COVID‐19 patients had higher percentages of close contact with a confirmed or probable case. In univariate analysis, the presence of myalgia and dyspnea, decreased leukocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts were best predictors for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Multivariate analyses revealed that only platelet count was an independent predictor for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Conclusion: Routine complete blood count may be helpful for distinguishing COVID-19 from other respiratory illnesses at an early stage, while PCR testing is unique for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Background/purpose Our previous study found significantly lower serum hematinic levels and higher serum homocysteine level as well as higher frequencies of serum hematinic deficiencies and hyperhomocysteinemia in oral leukoplakia (OL) patients than in healthy control subjects. This study evaluated whether carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-positive or squamous cell carcinoma-antigen (SCC–Ag)-positive OL patients had significantly lower serum hematinic levels and higher serum homocysteine level as well as significantly higher frequencies of hematinic deficiencies and hyperhomocysteinemia than CEA-negative or SCC-Ag-negative OL patients or healthy control subjects. Methods The complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels in 184 OL patients including 85 CEA-positive, 99 CEA-negative, 25 SCC-Ag-positive, and 159 SCC-Ag-negative OL patients and in 184 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were measured and compared. Results We found that the 85 CEA-positive or 25 SCC-Ag-positive OL patients had a significantly lower mean serum folic acid level and a significantly higher mean serum homocysteine level as well as significantly higher frequencies of serum folic acid deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia than 184 healthy control subjects. Moreover, the 25 SCC-Ag-positive OL patients had a significantly higher mean serum homocysteine level than the 159 SCC-Ag-negative OL patients. The 85 CEA-positive OL patients had a higher mean serum homocysteine level and a higher frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia than 99 CEA-negative OL patients (marginally significant, P = 0.060). Conclusion CEA-positive or SCC-Ag-positive OL patients tend to have a higher mean serum homocysteine level and a higher frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia than CEA-negative or SCC-Ag-negative OL patients, respectively.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is an insidiously progressive condition and comparatively rare type of blood cell malignancy that begins in the bone marrow. Chronic myeloid leukemia typically affects adult population and is documented to be caused by chromosomal mutation that usually occurs spontaneously. Chronic myeloid leukemia is more common in males than in females (male: female ratio of 1.4:1) and appears more commonly in the elderly with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years [1] Exposure to ionising radiation is one of the risk factors, based on a 50 fold higher incidence of CML in Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombing survivors [1] The rate of CML in these individuals seems to reach at its peak about 10 years after the exposure [1]. Carcinoma breast on the other hand is one of the most common causes of death in middle aged women in western countries. There are numerous factors contributing as its etiological factors such as age, gender, diet, endocrinal factors, previous radiation exposure, genetic factors and geographical factors. We present a case report of a 44 old female who came to Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences and Research), with presenting complaint of lump in the left breast since 2 days and abdominal mass for 1 month. On investigations, patient was diagnosed with a rare case of chronic myeloid leukemia on the complete blood count and peripheral smear and the lump in the left breast also revealed invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast.

BACKGROUND: Determination of the complete blood count (CBC) and reticulocyte reference range helps diagnose a disease related to changes in erythrocyte indices, white blood count, platelets, and reticulocytes, especially in newborns. AIM: The aim study is to establish a reference range for CBC and reticulocyte in healthy term newborns 1 week after birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study method is prospective analyses of CBC and reticulocyte in term newborns within 1 week after birth. Inclusion criteria are term newborn (gestational age 37–42 weeks) with good tone, breathing, or crying immediately, do not have resuscitation, and the birth weight is ≥2500 g. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-seven term newborns met the inclusion criteria. There were 145 (52.35%) male infants and 132 (47.65%) female infants. The reference range of newborns for hemoglobin (Hb) at P2.5–P97.5, P3–P97, P5–P95, and mean ± 2 standard deviation (SD) was 11.70–19.60 g/dL, 11.90–19.57 g/dL, 12.20–19.20 g/dL, and 11.35–19.63 g/dL, respectively. In addition, reference range of male newborns for Hb at P2.5–P97.5, P3–P97, P5–P95, and mean ± 2SD was 12.20–20.14 g/dL, 12.28–19.91 g/dL, 12.63–19.38 g/dL, and 11.47–20.15 g/dL, respectively. The reference range of female newborns for Hb at P2.5–P97.5, P3–P97, P5–P95, and mean ± 2 SD was 11.37–19.20 g/dL, 11.50–19.20 g/dL, 11.80–19.20 g/dL, and 11.37–18.93 g/dL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The reference range of CBC and reticulocyte for healthy term newborns, male newborns, and female newborns in this study can be used as a benchmark.

To reveal the clinical significance of preoperative haematological inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias with strangulation. The data of 200 patients who underwent surgery for incarcerated hernia were retrospectively analysed. The patients were grouped into three groups; Group 1; only surgical reduction and hernia repair, Group 2; small bowel resection and Group 3; omentum resection. Age, gender, hernia type, the presence of radiological bowel obstruction and preoperative complete blood count data were obtained. Neutrophil-leukocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), haematological inflammatory index (HII) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values were calculated. The study was consisted of; Group 1: 119 patients (59.5%), Group 2: 46 patients (23%) and Group 3: 35 patients (17.5%). Advanced age (p = 0.001), female gender (p = 0.036), incisional hernias (p =

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The present study was planned to assess the clinical utility of reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr) and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) in the early detection of latent iron deficiency in blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted using the purposive sampling method. Written informed consent was obtained and donors were allocated into the first-time (FTD) and regular donor (RD) group. The enrolled blood donors (n = 205 in each group) were followed up for two subsequent whole blood donations. Haemoglobin (Hb), CHr, IRF and serum ferritin values were recorded at enrolment and two follow-ups. RESULTS The sensitivity of CHr in detecting iron-deficient erythropoiesis (serum ferritin values ≤ 26 μg/dl) was 45% and 56.7%, specificity 96.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) 85.6% and 90.8% and negative predictive value (NPV) 80.1% and 78.7%, respectively in FTD and RD cohorts. The sensitivity of IRF was 45.1% and 44.8%, specificity 93.4% and 97.1%, PPV 74.8% and 90.4% and NPV 79.6% and 74.5%, respectively in both the cohorts. The sensitivity of CHr in detecting absent iron stores (serum ferritin values ≤ 15 μg/dl) was 66.2% and 74.4%, specificity 92% and 90.6%, PPV 56.7% and 68.7% and NPV 94.5% and 92.8% among FTD and RD cohort, respectively. The sensitivity of IRF was 72.7% and 65.3%, specificity 90.3% and 94.3%, PPV 54.4% and 76% and NPV 95.4% and 90.8%, respectively in both the cohorts. CONCLUSION Reticulocyte hemoglobin content and IRF can be used along with complete blood count for early detection of iron deficiency in blood donors using the same blood sample at no extra cost.

Background : Platelet distribution width (PDW) and PDW-to-platelet ratio (PPR) have been proven to be good prognostic indicators for many diseases. However, their prognostic values in severe burns have not been reported. Objective : To investigate the early time course of PDW and PPR in severe burn patients and investigate their prognostic values. Methods : This is a 16-year, single-center retrospective study of 590 severe burn patients. The complete blood count parameters on day 1, day 3 and day 7 postburn, including PDW and PPR, were collected. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic values of PDW and PPR in severe burn patients. Results : According to 120-day follow-up records, 96 patients were non-survivors and 494 patients were survivors. ROC and area under the curve (AUC) analysis showed that, for predicting 120-day prognosis, the AUC of PDW (0.782) and PPR (0.816) on day 3 was the highest, followed by the AUC of PDW (0.764) and PPR (0.750) on day 7. The ROC-AUC of PPR (0.816) on day 3 was very close to that of the ABSI score (0.818). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the PDW (P = 0.033 and P = 0.009) and PPR (P = 0.052 and P = 0.046) on day 3 and day 7 were all significantly independently positively associated with 120-day mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high PDW and PPR were both significantly associated with a high 120-day mortality rate on day 3 and day 7. Conclusion : PDW and PPR on day 3 and day 7 were independent risk factors for 120-day mortality in severe burn patients. These objective and readily available prognostic indicators may be more clinically favored.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of systemic inflammatory biomarkers to the diagnosis and to examine the relationship between cardiac parameters and malignancy in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). Patients and methods: Between January 2011 and December 2020, a total of 256 patients (155 males, 101 females; median age: 50 years; range, 18 to 87 years) who were diagnosed with benign and malignant soft tissue tumors were retrospectively analyzed. The control group consisted of a total of 150 age-and sex-matched healthy individuals (83 males, 67 females; median age: 52 years; range 19 to 76 years) with complete blood count analysis and having no STS. Demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and echocardiographic data of the patients were obtained from the hospital database. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. Results: Of a total of 256 patients included, 99 were diagnosed with benign tumors and 157 with malignant tumors. Lipoma was observed with the highest frequency of 40.4% among benign tumors, while malignant mesenchymal tumor (35.0%) was the most common tumor in the malignant group. There was no significant difference between the control and benign groups (p=0.198 and p=0.553, respectively), while the NLR and PLR of the malignant group were higher than both the control and benign groups, indicating a statistical significance (p

Introduction: Thyroid function disorders are among the most common endocrine diseases. Thyroid disorders can cause certain forms of anemia, more commonly in hypothyroidism. Slightly decreased TLC, relative neutropenia, relative lymphocytosis or relative eosinophilia may be found in thyroid disorders. These observations confirmed the association between thyroid gland dysfunction and hemopoiesis. Aims: 1) To study the pattern of hematological changes in thyroid dysfunction 2) To correlate thyroid function tests with complete blood count & red cell indices findings 3) To correlate complete blood count investigations and peripheral blood smear findings with serum TSH levels. Materials and Methods: It was an Observational study conducted during 18 months of period from March 2018 to October 2019 with 100 subjects of hypothyroidism, 80 subjects of hyperthyroidism and 100 euthyroid subjects as control group. CBC was done on automated cell counter. PBS was stained with Leishman stain and observed under microscope. TFTwas done by immunoassay method. Statistical Analysis: It was done with SPSS Software. Results: Predominance of female was seen in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Significant decrease was seen in RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV and MCH in hypothyroid group, while in hyperthyroid group RBC, Hb and HCT were significantly decreased as compared with euthyroid control group. Both groups showed significant increase in RDW as compared with control group. Conclusion: It is important to carefully evaluate the thyroid hormones in cases of unexplained anemias. So, periodic evaluation for probable hematological changes should be done in all the patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Keywords: Adults, Hematological, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism.

Chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent leukemia in developed countries, caused by monoclonal proliferation of CD5+ B-cells and accumulation of mature-appearing-neoplastic lymphocytes in blood, bone marrow, and secondary lymphoid organs. Oral manifestations of CLL are infrequent and rarely reported in literature. We report a new case of a 67-year old man who presented with the complaints of tooth mobility and gingival swelling. Extra-oral examination was remarkable for cutaneous pallor and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy involving the submandibular, and deep cervical lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. Complete blood count revealed normal red blood cell count (4.25 × 106/μl), normal platelet count (136 × 103/μl) and increased white blood cell count (25.3 × 103/μl). Differential white blood cell count showed marked lymphocytosis (88%), and blood film revealed the presence of leukocytosis, with small mature-looking lymphocytes, and mild thrombocytopenia. A flow cytometry immune-phenotyping revealed that 55% of peripheral blood cells were monoclonal B-lymphocytes expressing CD19, CD20, CD23, CD200, CD22, CD5, CD38, CD11c, sIgD and Kappa light chain confirming the diagnosis of CLL. Oral healthcare professionals should consider systemic causes, such as CLL, in the differential diagnosis of generalized tooth mobility and gingival swelling, particularly in patients with associated symptoms such as lymphadenopathy, fever, weight loss, and general fatigue.

Introduction: Among the various clinical and biochemical parameters which are employed to monitor the disease activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Mean Platelet Volume, which is a platelet activation biomarker has been recently studied. We intended at evaluating the MPV in patients with active SLE and comparing it with the same patients who were in clinical remission, and to study the correlation between MPV and SLEDAI. We also studied the correlation between MPV and ESR, complements C3 and C4. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted for a period of 12 months, in which 50 consecutive patients who were recently diagnosed with SLE according to the SLICC classification criteria were included. Complete blood count with MPV levels along with ESR, were measured at the first visit to the hospital and were repeated at every visit till they attained clinical remission. Analysis of MPV was done at first visit and at remission. Complements C3 and C4 was done at the first visit and at remission. The results were then tabulated and statistically analysed using SPSS 25. A Pearson’s correlation test was done to assess the relation between MPV, ESR and SLEDAI. Results: Patients with active disease had a decreased MPV as compared to those in clinical remission (10.91fl, 13.11fl, p=0.011). We observed a weak positive correlation between MPV and SLEDAI (r=0.034, p=0.011). We observed no correlation between MPV and ESR, C3 and C4. Meanwhile, SLEDAI showed a positive correlation with C3 and C4; there was no correlation with ESR though. Conclusion: MPV is reduced in patients with active SLE and displayed an inverse correlation with SLEDAI.

Introduction The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the preoperative complete blood count (with differential), c-reactive protein (cRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and intraoperative pathology (frozen section) results of patients undergoing surgical treatment for shoulder PJI by C. acnes vs. non-C. acnes bacteria, and (2) to estimate sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of these parameters. Methods Between 2004 and 2016, 167 consecutive shoulder PJIs were treated surgically. Infected implants included hemiarthroplasty in 39, anatomic TSA in 92, and reverse TSA in 36 shoulders. Shoulders were categorized in one of 4 groups: irrigation and debridement (21), one stage reimplantation (14), two-stage reimplantation (124), and permanent resection (8). Medical records were reviewed to record microorganisms isolated, intraoperative pathology, and preoperative cell count, ESR, and c-RP. Shoulders were further grouped into those that were positive only for C. acnes (37 shoulders) and those that were positive for any other microorganism (130 shoulders). In order to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, the same data was collected for a separate group of 700 shoulder arthroplasties that underwent revision surgery for noninfectious reasons during the same time period. Results For the whole group of 167 infected shoulder arthroplasties, values were considered abnormal for leukocyte count in 15%, neutrophil count in 17%, ESR in 42%, cRP in 56% and pathology in 55%. Abnormal values were more common in the non-C. acnes group. The following positive predictive values were obtained: Leukocytes 47% (13% C. acnes, 43% other), ESR 65% (18% C. acnes, 62% other), cRP 70% (29% C. acnes, 66% other), and pathology 73% (30% C. acnes, 63% other). The following negative predictive values were obtained: Leukocytes 79% (94% C. acnes, 93% other), ESR 68% (86% C. acnes, 76% other), cRP 70% (88% C. acnes, 78% other), and pathology 87% (96% C. acnes, 91% other). Conclusion Bacteria other than C. acnes were responsible for 75% of the shoulder PJI treated consecutively with surgery at a single institution over a 12-year period. Negative predictive values for cell count, ESR, cRP, and pathology ranged between 70% and 81%, but there were much lower for C. acnes infection. Obtaining these tests in the evaluation of a painful shoulder arthroplasty should not be discontinued, since their positive predictive value for non-C. acnes infections seem reasonable and their negative predictive value is high. Level of evidence Level III; Retrospective Comparative Study

Background/Purpose: Lacto-vegetarians (LVs) tend to have vitamin B12 deficiency (B12D). This study assessed whether 140 female LVs, including 16 B12D/LVs and 124 non-B12D/LVs, had significantly higher frequencies of microcytosis, macrocytosis, and of blood hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), and serum vitamin B12 deficiencies than 140 healthy control subjects (HCSs). Methods: The complete blood count and serum vitamin B12 level in 140 female LVs and 140 female HCSs were measured and compared. Results: We found that 8.6%, 4.3%, 22.9%, 20.0%, and 11.4% of 140 LVs had microcytosis, macrocytosis, and blood Hb, RBC, and serum vitamin B12 deficiencies, respectively. The 140 LVs, 16 B12D/LVs, and 124 non-B12D/LVs had significantly higher frequencies of microcytosis as well as blood Hb and RBC deficiencies than 140 HCSs (all P-values

Considering the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and its relationship with immune response to viral infections, this study attempted to identify the predictive power of serum vitamin D for poor outcomes among the COVID‐19 patients. This retrospective cohort study included all patients with confirmed COVID‐19 hospitalized between February 20, 2020, and April 20, 2020, at a designated COVID‐19 hospital, located in Tehran province, Iran. General characteristics, medical history and clinical symptoms were recorded by trained physicians. Blood parameters including complete blood count, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein and vitamin D were tested. This study included 290 hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 (the mean age [SD]: 61.6 [16.9], 56.6% males), of whom 142 had vitamin D concentrations less than 20 ng/ml, defined as vitamin D deficiency. COVID‐19 patients with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to die (Crude OR [95% CI]: 2.30 [1.25–4.26]), require ICU (2.06 [1.22–3.46]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (2.03 [1.04–3.93]) based on univariate logistic regression results. Although, after adjusting for potentials confounders such as gender and age, the association between vitamin D and need to invasive mechanical ventilation lost its significance, adjusted values for the risk of death and ICU requirement were still statistically significant. Vitamin D deficiency can be considered as a predictor of poor outcomes and mortality in COVID‐19 patients. Therefore, checking serum 25 (OH) D on admission and taking vitamin D supplements according to the prophylactic or treatment protocols is recommended for all COVID‐19 patients., According to our study, COVID‐19 patients with vitamin D deficiency were about twice as much at risk for ICU hospitalization and death, even after adjusting the statistical model for age and gender.

Objective: To find out the frequency of anemia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia in hyperthyroid patients after the use of propylthiouracil. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Out Door Patients Department and Pathology Laboratory in Liaquat University Medical & Health Sciences, Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro, from May 2016 to Apr 2017. Methodology: Two hundred cases, comprising of adult patients were categorized into five groups, age group 15-30 years 79 (39.5%) patients presenting the highest out of total, age group 31-45 years 68 (34%) patients, age group 46-60 years 36 (18%), age group 61-75 years 14 (7%) patients, age group >75 years 3 (1.5) patients. Complete blood count was analyzed on Sysmex Kx21 and thyroid profiles were analyzed on Elecysis 2010 from the Pathology Department. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. Result: Out of total patients, 32 (16%) were males and 168 (84%) were females with mean age of 37.44 ± 14.82 years. Majority of patients 68 (34%) were anemic, while 4 (2%) had agranulocytosis and 11 (5.5%) had thrombocytopenia. Headache was reported in 111 (55.5%), exophthalmos in 106 (53%), sore throat in 172 (86%), fever in 136 (68%) and weight loss in 95 (47.5%) patients. Conclusion: Propylthiouracil causes defective hematopoiesis in hyperthyroid patients because propylthiouracil has adverse suppressive effects on bone marrow.

Abdominal wall hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents through an abnormal ring or hole in the abdominal cavity of the body. A mixed breed female cat, 3 years old, weighing 2.5 kg, complaining of a lump in the left lateral abdominal area accompanied by a ring with a mass that can be pushed in. Based on the history, the protrusion is approximately 3 weeks and is thought to be caused by trauma. The results of a complete blood count showed normal results. Accompanied by the results of the x-ray examination, the patient was diagnosed with a traumatic hernia of the abdominal wall with a faustal prognosis. Case management involves repositioning the content into the abdominal cavity and suturing the hernia ring. Postoperative therapy was given injection cefotaxime antibiotics followed by amoxicilline (20 mg / kg BW; q 12h; for 5 days), anti-pain mefenamic acid (for 5 days), and Vitamin B, C (until patient healed).

Purpose:To investigate the effect of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) to improve immune system and decrease pro-metastasis markers in early post-treatment breast cancer survivors. Methods:130 post-treatment breast cancer survivors were recruited and randomized 1:1 into TCC group and wait-list (control) group. The TCC group practiced for a 60-minutes session once per week, for a total of 52 weeks. 115 forms of Yang-style TCC were taught by a Tai Chi master. Blood samples were taken from each subject and complete blood count was performed. The expressions of NKG2D protein, P-selectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in plasma were measured. Lymphocyte activity was measured by cell proliferation reagent and ATP assay. Images of lymphocyte colony formation were taken with an inverted microscope. Results:At 52 weeks, TCC group demonstrated a significantly higher WBC (p=0.001) , a significantly higher NKG2D value (p=0.001) and a significantly lower VEGF value (p=0.005) when compared to the wait-list group. However, there was a small, non-significant change for P-selectin values between the breast cancer survivor groups. After 72h incubation, TCC group had a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation (p=0.001) and greater area of lymphocyte clusters or colonies (p=0.001). Conclusion:The practice of TCC could stimulate tumor immunosurveillance via NKG2D and activate the immune response. VEGF, a marker playing an important role in breast cancer and its metastases, was also reduced in those who practiced TCC. As an alternative for conventional exercise, post-treatment breast cancer survivors may select TCC in their rehabilitation program.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a new therapy for various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. In this study we perform the first double-blinded, placebo-controlled evaluation of the efficacy of adipose-derived allogenic canine MSCs for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Enrolled canine patients were randomly divided into placebo (PBS saline), low-dose (5 × 105 cells/kg), and high-dose (5 × 106 cells/kg) treatment groups. Each patient received three subcutaneous MSCs treatments or PBS saline at four-week intervals with injections at five sites. Patients were monitored by physical exams, pruritus visual analog scales (PVAS) signed by the primary caretaker, canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index-4 (CADESI-4) scores by two veterinarians, and complete blood count and serum chemistry analysis along with laboratory analysis for potential biomarkers. Patients were kept off any immune-modulating drugs during the study period, and oral antibiotics and topicals were used for managing pruritus and secondary infections. The PVAS scores and the serum miR-483 levels were significantly lower in the high dose group compared to the placebo group at day90 post first-treatment. The CADESI-4 scores of the high dose group also showed downward trends. No severe adverse effects were observed in any patient in this study. The high dose MSC treatment is efficacious in alleviating the clinical signs of cAD until 30 days after the last subcutaneous administration of MSCs, and miRNA-483 may be a reliable prognostic biomarker for cAD. The MSCs efficacy and potential biomarkers should be further explored by a larger scale clinical trial.

ntroduction: Breast cancer requires high nutrition, oxygen and metabolism where VEGF-triggered angiogenesis is needed. VEGF is triggered via the HIF-1 pathway and also via the NF-Kappa B pathway. VEGF is associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Some plant extracts have anti-angiogenesis effects such as Curcuma longa, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale. Objective: To determine serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ureum, creatinine, albumin and VEGF before and after administration of Curcuma longa, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale extracts Method: An open label clinical trial study with a one group pretest posttest design involving 21 patients from breast cancer community in Medan collected by consecutive sampling from June – July 2021 in USU hospital where these patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients were tested for complete blood count, urea, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, albumin, serum VEGF before and after being given a combination extract of Curcuma longa 150 mg, Allium sativum 200 mg and Zingiber officinale 150 mg twice daily for 28 days. Statistical analysis was performed by paired analytical T test or Wilcoxon. Results: The study involved 20 subjects. From the examination of kidney function obtained results before and after the administration of a combination extract VEGF results before and after the administration of the combination (1110(760-7893) μg / ml vs. 864 (532-5650 μg / ml, p = 0.001). Conclusion: VEGF serum breast cancer patients had a significant reduction after being given a combination of extracts of Allium sativum, Curcuma longa and Zingber officinale. Keywords: VEGF, Allium sativum, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale.

Objective To indicate the ability to disaggregate platelet clumps by vortex mixing and kanamycin supplementation in EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (EDTA-PTCP) specimens. Materials and Methods For patients with EDTA-PTCP, citrate-anticoagulated, primary EDTA-anticoagulated, vortex-mixed, and kanamycin-treated specimens were tested for complete blood count and platelet-related parameters. Results Forty-eight specimens were included. Nineteen (39.6%) of the vortex-mixed specimens and 42 (87.5%) of the kanamycin-treated specimens revealed platelet counts more than those of the primary EDTA specimens, with levels exceeding 100 × 109/L. The platelet count and platelet recovery of the kanamycin-treated specimens were higher than those of the vortex-mixed specimens. Conclusion Kanamycin supplementation to EDTA-PTCP blood may be considered as an alternative approach when the recollection of specimens is impractical. Only platelet-related parameters from kanamycin treatment were suitable for guiding patient management. Further studies about the impact of these methods in patients with various conditions, such as in patients with advanced kidney disease, should be conducted.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) anemia remains a common cause of anemia in young children. However, the more significant than anemia itself is the ID without anemia that also adversely affect neurocognitive development and unfortunately some of these effects may be irreversible. AIM: This study is a cross-sectional study aimed to asses iron status in preschool children with normal hemoglobin (Hgb) level attending Assiut University Children Hospital. METHODS: The cross-sectional study including 68 apparently healthy children aged 1–6 years old during the period from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015, They were subjected to detailed history, physical examination, and the following laboratory investigations: Complete blood count, Serum iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, Serum ferritin, and Transferrin saturation. RESULTS: Low serum ferritin and low transferrin saturation were detected in 41.2% and 47% respectively of our studied children who have normal Hgb levels. CONCLUSION: Normal Hgb doesn’t exclude ID that should be screened in healthy children to prevent the possible long-term effects of ID on their cognation and mental development.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has affected over two hundred countries and led to the increasing challenge of identifying, diagnosing, and treating patients. An effective early diagnostic marker is necessary for the identification of affected individuals, which would further aid in helping the prognosis. Objective: The aim was to study the diagnostic role of the eosinophil count in COVID-19 infection. Methodology: Thirty-five COVID-19 cases, confirmed either by RT-PCR or HRCT (high-resolution CT scan) were included in this cross-sectional study. Results: Out of the 35 patients, 26 (74.3%) had an eosinophil count of 0, six (17.1%) had a count of 1–2 eosinophils, and one had a count of 4. Conclusion: The absence of eosinophils in the routine complete blood count examination may certainly help in the early identification of a COVID-19 infection. Early identification may help in early therapeutic management and hence prevent further deterioration of the patient’s health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Our Dermatology Online / Nasza Dermatologia Online is the property of Our Dermatology Online and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Neonatal pneumonia is a serious respiratory infectious disease with a high rate of case fatality in developing countries. Salivary cytokines could serve as interesting noninvasive markers in the diagnosis of neonatal pneumonia. The aim was to assess the diagnostic role of salivary and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein/mean platelet volume (CRP/MPV) ratio, and the combination of these markers in the diagnosis of late-onset neonatal pneumonia in full-term neonates. Seventy full-term neonates, 35 with late-onset neonatal pneumonia and 35 controls, were enrolled in this prospective case-control study. Complete blood count (CBC), salivary and serum IL-6, and CRP concentrations were measured for all the study subjects. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of salivary IL-6, serum IL-6, and CRP/MPV ratio for the diagnosis of late-onset neonatal pneumonia were determined. At the cutoff point of >34 pg/ml, salivary IL-6 showed 82.86% sensitivity and 91.43% specificity. CRP/MPV ratio showed a sensitivity of 97.14% and specificity of 85.71% at a cutoff value > 0.88 . The combination of salivary IL-6 and CRP/MPV ratio improved the sensitivity and specificity to 100%. The current study shows for the first time that both salivary IL-6 and CRP/MPV ratio are suitable markers for the diagnosis of late-onset neonatal pneumonia in full-term neonates.

Aim. To assess the presence or absence of indications for taking acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), as well as the safety of therapy among centenarians according to clinical guidelines.Materials and methods. The study included 81 patients (71 women and 10 men). Inclusion criteria: patients 95 years and older (mean age 98.3 ± 1.89) receiving combination therapy, including ASA. In the study, the patients' history data on concomitant diseases and pharmacotherapy were assessed, a comprehensive examination (complete blood count (CBC), echocardiography) was performed. In our work, the results of these studies were analyzed, and statistical calculations were performed.Results. From the total number of patients included in the study, 41.9% regularly take ASA (n=34). In 41.7% (n=14) were taken as secondary prevention of cardiovascular events (the presence of a documented history of cardiovascular disease). According to current recommendations, 58.3% (n=20) of patients had no indications for a prescription. During the analysis among patients for whom according to clinical guidelines ASA therapy was not recommended, groups were identified in which the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) was increased: 30% (n=6) patients had a history of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, 20% (n=4) took drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 25% (n=3) of patients had thrombocytopenia. In 4 (15.6%) patients from these subgroups, several factors simultaneously increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk.Conclusions. From the total number of patients included in the study and prescribed with ASA, more than half had no indications for therapy; the vast majority of this group had additional risk factors for GIB development. At the same time, a quarter of all participants had indications, but therapy was not prescribed. Summarizing all of the mentioned above, before prescribing and continuing treatment with ASA, clinicians should analyze the therapy's feasibility and safety.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent respiratory infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with serious complications, severe acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS), cytokine storm, and coagulopathies. Complete blood count (CBC) is a routine inexpensive and easy test that provides information regarding formed blood content such as white blood cells (WBC), platelet, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) to detect degree of inflammation. This study attempts to assess, at an early phase of the disease, the prognosis of COVID-19 patients and predict high risk patients who will most probably develop ARDS and cytokine storm by analyzing blood cells count. This study is a single-center case series on COVID‐19 patients who were prospectively analyzed at Al-Furat General Hospital in Baghdad from March to August 2020. Up to 123 Covid-19 patients in two groups, 100 who survived versus 23 who did not survive were included. Patients with abnormal renal and hepatic tests were excluded. Results revealed that the median age of patients was 40 years, ranging from 2-84 years of age. Males (61.8%) were more affected by COVID-19 than females (38.2%). Survived patients exhibited far lowered WBC count (6.06±3.17) than non-survived patients (11.4±6.08; p5, LMR ≤1.8, and PLR >176 with area under curve (AUC) 0.9, 0.8, and 0.6, respectively. These cut off values represent landmarks above or below which poor prognosis and non-survival is highly predicted. NLR was found to be the most prognostic index to detect bad prognosis and non-survival of the disease at 90% sensitivity, followed by LMR and then PLR. The percentage of non-survived patients who had abnormally high NLR (82.6%), LMR (65.2%) and PLR (56.5%) were far higher than survived patients (NLR: 9%; LMR: 8%; PLR: 22%).

BACKGROUND To assess patients with indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) for evidence of hypercoagulable state (HS) by combination of comprehensive medical questionnaire and laboratory testing. METHODS Patients with confirmed diagnosis of CCF treated between 2003 and 2019 were included and administered a questionnaire screening for HS risk factors and undergone laboratory investigations which included complete blood count (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen, antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody titres), Factor V Leiden, prothrombin, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, homocysteine, prothrombin G20210, CALR and JAK2 mutation screening. Participants with abnormal laboratory testing and/or past history of ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, cancer or hypercoagulability-associated hereditary disorders were deemed to have HS. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were enrolled. Seventeen were women and the mean age at diagnosis was 60. Fourteen (64%) had evidence of HS: six on medical history, three with laboratory evidence and five with both. Eight (36%) had current abnormal hypercoagulability markers. One had a diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome, but no others had evidence of hereditary thrombophilia. Nine were on anti-coagulation initiated after diagnosis of stroke or atrial fibrillation discovered on average 5.5 years after the diagnosis of CCF. CONCLUSION A total of 64% percent of patients with previous indirect CCF had evidence of underlying HS indicating that hypercoagulability might play a role in the pathogenesis of CCF. The results support need for comprehensive testing for underlying HS in patients with indirect CCFs to better identify, manage, and prevent further thromboembolic events.

Liver fibrosis is a pathological disease in which extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen, build up in the liver, causing tissue remodeling and the creation of persistent scar tissue. It has been associated to HCV infection, As a result, the objective of this study is to evaluate the levels of sCD163, MMP9, and CK18 as noninvasive biomarkers . A total of 100 subjects were divided into 4 groups for investigation. Group 1 consisted of healthy control subjects (Control group). Patients with HCV infection were divided into 3 groups based on their fibrosis grade: Group 2 (F0), Group 3 (F1-F2), and Group 4 (F3-F4). The ELISA technique was used to assess the levels of direct serum indicators sCD163, MMP9, CK18, and AFP. A complete blood count, serum ALT, AST, albumin, total bilirubin, and INR were measured. In addition, as indirect biomarkers, the FIB-4 score and the AST/ALT Ratio (AAR) were reported. Results indicated that the levels of sCD163, CK18, and AFP were increased significantly in all HCV infected groups, compared to controls, with the highest levels in the advanced groups. MMP9 was decreased in low grade fibrotic HCV groups, but significantly increased in advanced liver fibrosis group. FIB-4 and AAR showed a significant increase in all HCV patients, compared to control group. From the obtained data, the performance of MMP9 was the most accurate direct blood biomarker for evaluating the advanced fibrosis (Group 4). In addition, CK18 and sCD136 showed promising results.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador was declared in March 2020. Since that date, there has been an exponential increase in the disease. But cases in pediatric age worldwide are reported as less frequent, without being Ecuador the exception. Until March 2021, 5,4% of cases correspond to children. Methods: A transversal analysis was applied in this research. Data was collected from the clinical records of the GEMA system. The study variables were: demographics, clinics, diagnosis tests, hospitalization length, and treatment. The descriptive analysis used percentage and median. To identify significant differences, the Chi-square test was applied. It was considered a significative result p

BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and disability associated with increased risk of secondary infections. Identifying a readily available biomarker may help direct TBI patient care. Herein, we evaluated whether admission lymphopenia could predict outcomes of TBI patients. METHODS This is a 10-year retrospective review of TBI patients with a head Abbreviated Injury Score 2 to 6 and absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) collected within 24 h of admission. Exclusion criteria were death within 24 h of admission and presence of bowel perforation on admission. Demographics, admission data, injury severity score, mechanism of injury, and outcomes were collected. Association between baseline variables and outcomes was analyzed. RESULTS We included 2,570 patients; 946 (36.8%) presented an ALC ≤1000 on admission (lymphopenic group). Lymphopenic patients were significantly older, less likely to smoke, and more likely to have heart failure, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease. Lymphopenia was associated with increased risks of mortality (OR = 1.903 [1.389-2.608]; p

Introduction: Burkitt lymphoma is highly metastatic active malignant B- cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma characterized by translocation and deregulation of the d- MYC gene on chromosome no.8 on DNA strand. Background: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) accounts for 30–50% of all peadiatric lymphomas, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the fourth most common malignant tumor in children. In the sex distribution, there was a male predominance, especially among children Case Presentation: A 12 year old female child was brought to Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India on date 12/01/2020 with complaints of breathlessness since 5 days, high grade fever since 10 days and retrosternal chest pain since 10- 15 days along with anorexia. The patient had a complete blood count, which revealed that his hemoglobin percent, total red blood count, hematocrit and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin were all low. Pleural Fluid cytology analysis, Virology investigation, CECT Chest and Cytopathological Examination (USG guided FNAC) done from left axillary lymph node were all performed for diagnostic purposes. The patient was diagnosed as Burkitt Lymphoma after comprehensive examinations. He was treated Tab. Tablet Augmentin, Tab. Pantoprazole, Tab. Prednisolone, Tab. Brufen, and Tab. Emset, Syrup Gelusil, Injection Cyclophosphamide and Injection Vincristine as well as nursing care was provided based on his needs. Conclusion: Patient showed spontaneous recovery.

Background: Pediatric rheumatic diseases can cause considerable disease burden to children and their families. They are associated with the potential for physical disability, diminished quality of life and significant direct and indirect costs. Objective: We aimed to describe the clinical spectrum and the frequencies and different patterns of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children in Zagazig University Hospitals. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study included 68 cases with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis < 16 years. The study was conducted over two years from December 2017 to December 2019. Investigations as complete blood count, C reactive protein, antinuclear antibody (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), complement C3 & C4, creatine phosphokinase, and EMG. Management and treatment plans were achieved and data about the results were collected. Results: Most of patients diagnosed with rheumatological diseases were females. Oligoarticular JIA was the commonestsubtype of JIA in our study followed by polyarticular then systemic onset type. NSAIDs was the commonest drug used by JIA patients followed by methotrexate then corticosteroids. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and effective management of these children is essential so that they can lead a normal or near normal life especially in patients with rheumatological diseases with chronic morbidity as JIA.

Rectal prolapse is rarely reported in rabbits and it has been historically described in association with infectious conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Two adult pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were independently presented for rectal prolapse. The rabbits appeared healthy, with no medical history of consequence, and were still able to feed and defecate. Clinical examination revealed a firm and apparently non-painful rectal mass in both rabbits. Abdominal ultrasound and whole-body radiographs revealed no abnormality. Complete blood count and serum chemistry panels were within the normal range. Surgery was performed in both cases which involved resection of the mass for the first rabbit, and mass excision with partial rectal resection for the second. Postoperatively, the rabbits defecated normally and showed no complications. The histopathological conclusions were an inflammatory rectal polyp for the first rabbit and a rectal leiomyosarcoma for the second. Two and three years after initial presentation, both rabbits are alive, in good health with no signs of tumor recurrence. Neoplasia of the digestive tract should be considered as a differential for rabbits presenting with rectal prolapse.