A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN URINE LEUKOCYTES AND THE TYPES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Objective: This study aimed to determine the functional role of the urine leukocyte count on type of UTI. Material & Methods: This is a systematic review study with searches for articles from 2010-2020 through the PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCO databases. The exclusion criteria in this study are patients using catheters (CAUTI), UTI patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and pediatric or infant patients. There were 1158 studies found and 3 studies synthesized. Results: There are 1130 patients studied. Age range from 18 to 89.1 years. Three studies showed that there was an association between the number of urinary leukocytes and the type of UTI (Tommaso Cai et al., p < 0.0001; and Alexander R. Levine et al., p < 0.001) and one study had no relationship. Conclusion: There is a relationship between the number of urinary leukocytes with the type of UTI. An increase in the number of urinary leukocytes above the normal limit is the sign of body’s immune response to eliminate uropathogens. The innate immune characteristic factors and the body’s immune response have an important role in causing symptoms in UTI patients.

Comparison of hematological parameters between single and twin pregnancies in Dorper ewes during gestation, lambing, and postpartum

ABSTRACT: The hematopoietic system changes during the pregnancy to carry fetal development and maternal needs. This study compared the hematological parameters between ewes with single and twin pregnancies during gestation, delivery, and postpartum. The experiment was conducted on 60 healthy pregnant Dorper ewes that were divided into two experimental groups: Group 1 (G1), with single pregnancies (n=30), and Group 2 (G2), with twin pregnancies (n=30). Blood samples were collected from all ewes at different times: immediately before fixed-time artificial insemination (AI); on day 30, 90, 120, 130, and 140 of pregnancy; immediately after delivery; and at 24h and 48h postpartum. Statistical analysis compared the two groups at different times (P<0.05). Mild, normocytic, and hypochromic anemia was detected in all ewes from AI time and throughout pregnancy from both groups, but did not prove to be of clinical relevance. In the peripartum stage (from the 140th day of pregnancy to 48h postpartum), the ewes with twin pregnancies (G2) exhibited higher erythrogram values and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio than did ewes with single pregnancies (G1). This indicated a greater hematopoietic adaptation in the body during the development of two fetuses. Except for the eosinophil numbers, all leukogram parameters were influenced by pregnancy in a similar way in both groups, and was characterized mainly by leukocytosis with neutrophilia during peripartum due to the high presence of endogenous cortisol at delivery. Thus, these findings showed that pregnancy was a stressful physiological event that increased the leukocyte count with a slight alteration in the erythrogram of Dorper ewes.

Comparison of hematological parameters in mild and severe COVID-19 infected patients: A retrospective observational study

Introduction and Aim: With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raging on, there is a need to identify clinical and laboratory predictors which predict progression towards severe and fatal forms of this illness. Our study aims to evaluate the ability of hematologic and biochemical biomarkers to discriminate between patients with and without severe or fatal forms of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 200 Covid positive patients;100 with mild disease and 100 with severe disease. Medical records were reviewed to collect demographic data and results of the following blood investigations were noted at admission: Hb, Platelet count, Total and Differential leukocyte count, CRP, AST, ALT, LDH, Ferritin and D-Dimer. Comparative analysis was performed between the 2 groups. Results: A significant difference in the basophil count (mean 2.35 and 5.92) among those with mild and severe disease respectively was noted as also with the eosinophil count (mean 6.88 and 1.79). The levels of CRP were higher in those with severe disease as compared to the mild disease group (mean 276.29 and 65.23). Ferritin levels were markedly increased severe disease patients (mean 1275.66 and 533.94). D-dimer was markedly increased in COVID-19 patients with severe disease (mean 3813.91 ng/ml) compared to those with mild disease group (mean 521.78 ng/ml). Conclusion: Hematological and biochemical markers positively correlate to the severity of covid infection, thus highlighting their role in the early diagnosis of the disease and can act as independent markers in predicting severity and prognosis of disease.

Predictors of the development of hepatorenal syndrome

Objective. To identify the predictors of the development of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis.Materials and methods. We analyzed the medical records of 79 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. The laboratory research included general and biochemical blood tests. The general blood test measured erythrocyte and leukocyte counts. The biochemical blood test measured the content of ALT (U/L), AST (E/L), total bilirubin (μmol/L), direct bilirubin (μmol/L), indirect bilirubin (μmol/L), alkaline phosphatase (U/L), albumin (g/L), urea (mmol/L), creatinine (mmol/L), cholesterol (mmol/L).Viral hepatitis markers were determined for all the patients.Results. The predictors of the development of hepatorenal syndrome were identified: increased leukocyte count, increased total and indirect bilirubin levels, urea level and decreased erythrocyte count and albumin level. The most specific predictors were the amount of indirect bilirubin (98 %) and the content of albumin in the serum (89.8 %), and the most sensitive predictors were AST (96.7 %) and the content of red blood cells and creatinine (73.3 %).Conclusion. The most significant predictors of the development obtained will contribute to the diagnosis of the development of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Dynamics of laboratory indicators against the background of antibacterial therapy regimens that included fluoroquinolones in the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients depending on their age and doses of hormonal drugs

The article provides a review of the literature on the dynamics of blood counts in patients with the new coronavirus di­sease 19 and provides data from our own researches. It was found that patients of all age groups on the background of fluoroquinolone and dexamethasone treatment demonstrated an increase in leukocyte count, and in people over 60 years of age, its increase to the highest levels was observed. Individuals under 60 compared to patients over 60 years who received only antibiotics with the inclusion of fluoroquinolones, without the use of dexamethasone, had a slightly lower level of lymphocytes (р > 0.05) at the beginning of hospitalization, but already from day 4 their growth was observed. At the same time, in people over 60 years old, on the contrary, indicators decreased. In patients under 60 years of age who received antibiotics with the inclusion of fluoroquinolones and 16 mg of dexamethasone during treatment, their gra­dual increase with normalization was observed; this did not happen when 8 mg were used. In patients over 60 years of age who received antibiotics with the inclusion of fluoroquinolones, 8 and 16 mg dexamethasone and who recovered, fluctuations were observed at reduced numbers with a slight tendency towards normalization, as it was observed in younger people. In patients over 60 who received antibiotics without the use of dexamethasone and died, there was a decrease in lymphocyte level during treatment. In people over 60 who recovered, greater fluctuations in the level of lymphocytes to normal values were observed when using 8 mg of dexamethasone, while against the background of 16 mg of dexamethasone, the former showed a decrease in their level with a tendency to increase. At the same time, those who died, on the contrary, had a more significant decrease without a tendency towards normalization. Among patients under 60 and over 60 who have recovered, the former have a more rapid decrease in the le­vel of granulocytes with a tendency to normalize. In people under 60 years of age, when 16 mg of dexamethasone were prescribed, a slightly faster decrease in granulocyte level was observed. Also, a tendency to a more rapid decrease in the level of granulocytes was observed in patients older than 60 years against the background of the use of 16 mg of dexamethasone. In the age group over 60 years old against the background of 16 mg of dexamethasone, those who recovered demonstrated a decrease in granulocytes, and those who died, on the contrary, their increase. In people older than 60 years who recovered, when using 8 mg of dexamethasone and antibiotics with the inclusion of fluoroquinolones in the treatment regimen, the level of band neutrophils was slightly higher than in people younger than 60 years, and a period of its normalization was longer. Against the background of 16 mg of dexamethasone, people over 60 years of age who recovered, had lower indicators of band neutrophils in the first three days and a longer period of their normalization compared to those under 60 years of age. Patients over 60 years old who died, in comparison with those who reco­vered, already from the beginning of hospitalization demonstrated higher levels of band neutrophils and their gradual increase, while those who recovered, on the contrary, had a decrease. In patients under 60 years of age who, in addition to antibiotics, received 8 mg of dexamethasone, in the first three days after hospitalization the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was lower than in people over 60 years of age who recovered. In both groups of patients, a tendency towards a decrease in the level of CRP was observed. Recovered patients over 60 years of age who received fluoroquinolones and 16 mg of dexamethasone had hig­her CRP content in the first three days than younger patients, and almost the same rates as those who died at the age of 60 years and older. Patients over 60 years old and those who recovered against the background of the use of 16 mg dexamethasone, had a more rapid decrease in the level of CRP; at the same time, in those who died, its slower decrease was observed. Also, the dynamics of ala­nine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, glucose, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase was established depending on the doses of hormones, age and the consequences of the disease course.

Atypical Kawasaki disease in an early infant, a diagnostic challenge: Case report

A 4.5-month-old girl presented to us with continuous fever for 10 days and loose stools for 2 days. She received short courses of multiple oral antibiotics during this period however, was not relieved. Initial investigations were suggestive of urinary tract infection for which broad spectrum antibiotics were started. However, fever persisted even after 72 h of antibiotics. Blood counts showed persistently high total leukocyte count and increasing platelet count, along with high C-reactive protein. Consequently, a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) was suspected, which was supported by echocardiographic findings. After she received intravenous immunoglobulins, her fever subsided and lab parameters showed significant improvement. This case highlights an unusual presentation of KD in an uncommonly young age group without much clinical pointers except for persistent fever.

Prediction of hospital discharge outcome from changes in cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin quotient and cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase in patients with cryptococcal meningitis

Aim: This study aims to provide reliable prognostic factors for patients with cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Patients & methods: Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of CM patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Sixty-three patients with CM were enrolled and 38/63 were confirmed to be HIV serology positive. Among clinical characteristics, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, and fever were the most common symptoms. Among cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, changes in leukocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase and chloride were significantly associated with the outcome. An increased CSF/serum albumin quotient (QAlb) was indicative of an unfavorable outcome in HIV-negative patients. Conclusion: CSF lactate dehydrogenase and QAlb may improve the prediction of outcomes in patients with CM.

Chorioptes texanus causing mange in goats: comparison of two therapeutic protocols

Out of 34 caprine dermatological cases examined, 12 were detected positive for Chorioptes texanus. Pruritus, alopecia, crusts, thickening, wrinkling, cracks and fissures on legs, axillae, inguinal region and perineal region were the symptoms noticed in caprine chorioptic mange. In affected animals, reduction in haemoglobin concentration and per cent lymphocytes were noticed, along with elevation in the values of the total leukocyte count, per cent neutrophils and per cent monocytes. Values of serum glucose, zinc and copper were normal. All the 12 cases were treated with ivermectin at 10 days interval till two consecutive skin scrapings were negative for mites. In addition, all goats were treated with vitamin A supplements throughout the period. Six goats were treated topically with permethrin spray while other six animals were treated topically with lime sulphur spray. Both treatment protocols caused recovery of the animals from clinical symptoms, however, a skin scraping after 1 year revealed the presence of mites.

Clinical and Laboratory Markers in Determination of Treatment Modalities and Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma: Original Study

Objective In patients with traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASH), it has not been yet fully elucidated which patients can benefit from surgery or from clinical follow-up. This study was constructed to predict treatment modality and short-term prognosis in patients with ASH using their clinical, radiological, and biochemical laboratory findings during admission to hospital. Methods Findings of patients with ASH determined on their CT scan between 2015 and 2018 were evaluated. Patients were grouped in terms of ASH-FOL (patients followed-up without surgery, n = 13), ASH-OP (patients treated surgically, n = 10), and ASH-INOP (patients considered as inoperable, n = 5) groups. They also were divided into “survived (n = 14)” and “nonsurvived (n = 14)” groups. Results ASH developed as a result of fall from a height in 15 patients and traffic accidents in 13 patients. In deciding for surgery, it was determined that Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores < 8, midline shift (MLS) level > 5 mm, MLS-hematoma thickness ratio > 0.22, leukocyte count > 12730 uL, and presence of anisocoria could be used as predictive markers. It was determined that GCS scores < 8, hematoma thickness value > 8 mm, and the presence of anisocoria could be considered as biomarkers in prediction of mortality likelihood. Conclusion It could be suggested that GCS scores, MLS level, MLS-hematoma thickness ratio, presence of anisocoria, and leukocyte count value could help in determination of the treatment modality in patients with ASH. Additionally, GCS scores, hematoma thickness value, and presence of anisocoria could each be used as a marker in the prediction of early-stage prognosis and mortality likelihood of these patients.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Helix aspersa extracts in sephadex-induced model of lung inflammation: possible modulation of neutrophils

The focus of our study is to compare the anti-inflammatory effect of extracts prepared from Algerian mollusk called Helix ,on induced lung inflammation in rats: aqueous AE, HE and organic OE extracts. Animals were classified into six groups: control group T was instilled with NaCl (0.9%) in the trachea, negative control group was instilled with in trachea (5mg//Kg), positive control group was instilled with and treated with an anti-inflammatory drug, groups SAE, SHE and SOE were instilled with and treated with aqueous, and organic extracts respectively (4mg//Kg). 24h after instillation, we sacrificed animals, blood samples and fluid lavage (BALF) were collected. Lungs were for investigation. We measured activity (MPO) in BALF. Results showed induces a massive in lungs. HE and OE decreased leukocyte count in BALF and blood. AE increased leukocyte count in blood and decreased it in BALF. The three extracts decreased MPO activity in BALF, reduced number of inflammatory cells in the and protected lung from beads injuries. Both AE and HE reduced edema in lung. We conclude that treatment with Helix had an anti-inflammatory effect on inflammation.