full blood count
Recently Published Documents


TOTAL DOCUMENTS

480
(FIVE YEARS 268)

H-INDEX

17
(FIVE YEARS 4)

Author(s):  
Martin Haywood

The full blood count (FBC) is one of the most commonly requested blood tests in medical practice and can provide a wealth of useful information about a patient’s general state of health, as well as highlighting abnormalities which indicate systemic or sinister pathologies. This article seeks to explore the different parameters of the FBC, and how these relate to some more common clinical presentations, as well as their relation to morphological findings seen on the blood film. As with most investigations, differential diagnoses suggested by any individual laboratory tests are wide and are most valuable when combined with history and examination.


2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayani Shashikala Amarasinghe ◽  
Thilini Chanchala Agampodi ◽  
Vasana Mendis ◽  
Krishanthi Malawanage ◽  
Chamila Kappagoda ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Sustainable development goals, which focus strongly on equity, aim to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. However, a significant cause of intergenerational transfer of malnutrition, anaemia in pregnancy, is still a challenge. It is especially so in the low- and middle-income settings where possible context-specific aetiologies leading to anaemia have been poorly explored. This study explores the prevalence of etiological factors significantly contributing to anaemia in pregnancy in Sri Lanka, a lower-middle-income country with a high prevalence of malnutrition albeit robust public health infrastructure. Methods All first-trimester pregnant women registered in the public maternal care programme in the Anuradhapura district from July to September 2019 were invited to participate in Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo). After a full blood count analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography, peripheral blood film examination, serum B12 and folate levels were performed in anaemic participants, guided by an algorithm based on the red cell indices in the full blood count. In addition, serum ferritin was tested in a random subsample of 213 participants. Anaemic women in this subsample underwent B12 and folate testing. Results Among 3127 participants, 14.4% (95%CI 13.2–15.7, n = 451) were anaemic. Haemoglobin ranged between 7.4 to 19.6 g/dl. 331(10.6%) had mild anaemia. Haemoglobin ≥13 g/dl was observed in 39(12.7%). Microcytic, normochromic-normocytic, hypochromic-normocytic and macrocytic anaemia was observed in 243(54%), 114(25.3%), 80(17.8%) and two (0.4%) of full blood counts in anaemic women, respectively. Microcytic anaemia with a red cell count ≥5 * 106 /μl demonstrated a 100% positive predictive value for minor haemoglobinopathies. Minor hemoglobinopathies were present in at least 23.3%(n = 105) of anaemic pregnant women. Prevalence of iron deficiency, B12 deficiency and Southeast Asian ovalocytosis among the anaemic was 41.9% (95%CI 26.4–59.2), 23.8% (95%CI 10.6–45.1) and 0.9% (95%CI 0.3–2.3%), respectively. Folate deficiency was not observed. Conclusion Even though iron deficiency remains the primary cause, minor hemoglobinopathies, B 12 deficiency and other aetiologies substantially contribute to anaemia in pregnancy in this study population. Public health interventions, including screening for minor hemoglobinopathies and multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy, should be considered in the national programme for areas where these problems have been identified.


2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-113
Author(s):  
Linda Manaa ◽  
Yosra Soua ◽  
Marwa Thabouti ◽  
Laila Njim ◽  
Monia Youssef ◽  
...  

Sir, Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) represents 5% of cutaneous lymphomas. It is a rare variant of mycosis fungoides that differs not only by its clinical and histological presentation but also by its prognosis. It is characterized by an infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes in the perifollicular dermis and hair follicles, with or without mucinosis, while epidermotropism may be completely absent. Dermoscopic and trichoscopic features in FMF are variable and not well defined. Herein, we present a unique case of FMF in a female patient with scalp alopecia, which evolved well under topical treatment. We review its trichoscopic findings. A 64-year-old female presented to our dermatology department with a seven-month history of an alopecic plaque on the scalp. No complaints of itching or burning were made. There was a history of arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia, which has been treated by oral medication. A physical examination revealed an erythematous, non-infiltrated, circumscribed alopecia in the frontal region of the scalp 8 cm in size associated with alopecia of the eyebrows (Fig. 1a and 1b). No other cutaneous lesions were evident. There were no other alopecic or infiltrated plaques, no hyperkeratosis or follicular papules, no acneiform lesions. A histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed an epidermis covered with focally parakeratotic hyperkeratosis. The dermis contained a lymphocytic infiltrate in the follicles and the perifollicular areas. The hair follicles were dissociated by Alcian blue-positive edema. Folliculotropic infiltrate showed positive staining for CD3 and CD4. Some lymphocytes were CD20+ (Fig. 3a – 3c). The clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical appearance was consistent with the diagnosis of folliculotropic MF. Further examination showed no extracutaneous involvement. A full blood count and liver and kidney parameters were found to be in the normal range. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan was without abnormality. Referring to the WHO/EORTC classification, the patient’s disease was stage IA. We initiated treatment with a high-potency topical corticosteroid with close monitoring. After two months of treatment, improvement was observed (Fig. 1c). No other cutaneous lesions were evident. There were no other alopecic or infiltrated plaques, no hyperkeratosis or follicular papules, no acneiform lesions. A histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed an epidermis covered with focally parakeratotic hyperkeratosis. The dermis contained a lymphocytic infiltrate in the follicles and the perifollicular areas. The hair follicles were dissociated by Alcian blue-positive edema. Folliculotropic infiltrate showed positive staining for CD3 and CD4. Some lymphocytes were CD20+ (Fig. 3a – 3c). The clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical appearance was consistent with the diagnosis of folliculotropic MF. Further examination showed no extracutaneous involvement. A full blood count and liver and kidney parameters were found to be in the normal range. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan was without abnormality. Referring to the WHO/EORTC classification, the patient’s disease was stage IA. We initiated treatment with a high-potency topical corticosteroid with close monitoring. After two months of treatment, improvement was observed (Fig. 1c).


2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. e2022001
Author(s):  
FASOLA ATINUKE

Background: Sickle cell disease is a protean disease with limited data on the phenotypic and genetic variants in Nigeria. This study was conducted to provide baseline data on these variants by characterizing the existing forms of sickle cell disease and correlating these with basic hematological parameters. Methods: Adult and pediatric patients with SCD were recruited from a tertiary health centre in Nigeria. Patients were age and sex matched with healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained for Full Blood Count, phenotyping by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and genotyping for alpha thalassemia by multiplex gap polymerase chain reaction. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS statistics version 23. Results: A total of 130 patients with sickle cell disease and 117 controls were studied. Alpha thalassemia in the study population was due to a 3.7kb deletion in the alpha globin gene cluster at a prevalence of 45.4% in the patients and 47% in controls. The prevalence of the various existing forms of SCD genotype was: Homozygous S without alpha gene deletion (HbSS)- 39.2%; HbSC - 10.8%; HbSα+1- 35.4%; HbSα+2 - 6.9% and HbSF- 7.7%. HbA2 was significantly elevated in individuals with two alpha gene deletions (HbSα+2). HbF and HbA2 were negatively correlated with each other (r= -0.587, p < 0.001). Individuals with the HbSC genotype followed by HbSα+2 had the best hematological parameters. Conclusions: Hematological parameters varied with hemoglobin genotype. The C hemoglobin and homozygous alpha thalassemia deletion had better ameliorating effect on SCD hematological parameters than the F hemoglobin in this population.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-268
Author(s):  
Edward Kibikyo Mukooza

Anaemia, a common hematological disorder in HIV infection, compromises the quality of life and treatment outcomes. At The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), Entebbe, the records for the 2016-2018 period show a 10% prevalence of anaemia which is lower than that in literature where it is said to be up to 95%. This study determined the prevalence, type, severity, and determinants of anaemia among people living with HIV and AIDS who receive care from TASO Entebbe in Uganda. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 624 TASO clients. A checklist identified the clients’ Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) combination and viral load. The selected clients’ Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated to assess their nutritional status. A Fully Automated Humacount 60TS Three-Part Hematology Analyzer was used to measure hemoglobin and to do a full blood count. A blood film from each sample was manually examined for the type of anaemia. Data analysis was done with Stata MP 15. The prevalence of anaemia was 44.4%, and the anaemia was mostly mild (54.15%) to moderate (40.80%). Anaemia of inflammation was the commonest type (>58%). Gender, viral suppression, nutritional status, nutritional education, marital and economic status were significantly associated with the anaemia. Duration on ART had a protective effect, but this was not statistically significant. The prevalence of anaemia (44.4%) among the TASO-Entebbe Uganda clients was high, but the anaemia was mostly mild to moderate (>94%) and of inflammation type (>58%). Management of anaemia in HIV requires intentional screening since it compromises treatment outcomes.


Author(s):  
Mark S. Johnstone ◽  
Paul Burton ◽  
Georgios Kourounis ◽  
Jack Winter ◽  
Emilia Crighton ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) has proven utility for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) detection in symptomatic patients. Most studies have examined FIT in symptomatic patients subsequently referred from primary care. We investigated associations between CRC and FIT in both referred and non-referred symptomatic patients. Methods A retrospective, observational study of all patients with a FIT submitted Aug 2018 to Jan 2019 in NHS GG&C was performed. Referral to colorectal/gastroenterology and decision to perform colonoscopy were recorded. FIT results were grouped as f-Hb < 10/10–149/150–399/ ≥ 400 μg/g. The MCN cancer registry identified new cases of CRC. Covariables were compared using the χ2 test. Multivariate binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of CRC. Results A total of 4968 patients were included. Raised FIT correlated with decision to refer (p < 0.001) and scope (p < 0.001). With 23-month median follow-up, 61 patients were diagnosed with CRC. These patients were older (median 69 vs 59 years, cancer and no cancer respectively, p = 0.001), more likely to be male (55.7% vs 42.1%, p = 0.033), and to report rectal bleeding (51.7% vs 36.1%, p = 0.013). FIT (< 10 µg/g 8.2% vs 76.7% and ≥ 400 µg/g 55.7% vs 3.8%, p < 0.001) and anaemia (45.9% vs 19.7%, p < 0.001) were associated with CRC. On multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.023), male sex (p = 0.04), FIT (≥ 400 OR 54.256 (95% CI:20.683–142.325; p < 0.001)), and anaemia (OR 1.956 (1.071–3.574; p = 0.029)) independently predicted CRC. One patient (0.04%) with a negative FIT and normal haemoglobin had CRC. Conclusion GP referral and secondary care investigation patterns were influenced by FIT. The combination of normal Hb and f-Hb excluded CRC in 99.96% of cases, providing excellent reassurance to those prioritising access to endoscopy services.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-83
Author(s):  
O. Adeyinka ◽  
U.M. Badaru ◽  
J.M. Nuhu ◽  
R.Y. Ahmad ◽  
B. Bello ◽  
...  

The Exercise Capacity (ExC) of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) may be influenced negatively by both haematological and environmental factors.This study aimed to assessthe influence of haematological profile on the ExC of children with SCD in Kano and to ascertain the safety of conducting 6 minute walk test (6MWT) on those children. In the cross-sectional survey, 162 children were recruited from Murtala Mohammed SpecialistHospital, Kano. Each of them walked to-and-fro for 6 minutes on a 10 meter marked level floor at their own walking pace in order to determine their actual 6 minute walk distance (6MWD). The actual 6MWD was compared with a predicted one in order to determine their ExC.  Full blood count was used to evaluate haematological profiles. The data wereanalysed with Pearson product moment correlation and unpaired t test, at a level of significance of p<0.05 using SPSS version 20. Results showed that seventy (70) males (43.2%) and ninety two (92) females (56.8%) with mean age of 10.7±3.27 years took part in the study. The actual 6MWD was 366.20 m ± 59.88m (95%CI=356.91m - 375.49m) which was 59.17% of the predicted one. ExCcorrelated with each of White blood cell count (WBC)(r= - 0.22; p=0.005), Sex (r= - 0.27; p=0.001) and age (r=0.19; p=0.013). None of the participants experienced exercise-induced vaso-occlusive crisis during or immediately after the 6MWT.It was concluded that infection (signified by increased WBC count) and female gender have negative influence on  ExC. 6MWT is safe to be performed by children with SCD.


Author(s):  
A. O. Olayanju ◽  
N. I. Kyesmen ◽  
R. B. Jacob ◽  
T. D. Adeniyi ◽  
S. S. Enitan ◽  
...  

Some plants used in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) have been shown to increase gelling time of sickle cell blood and inhibits sickling in vitro, reversal of sickling, inhibiting osmotically induced haemolysis of erythrocytes, membrane stabilization. Plants such as Sorghum bicolar, Phyllanthus amarus, U. afzelii, Securidaca longipedunculata, Momordica charantia, Dalium guineense have been found to exhibit anti-sickling properties. The polyherbal combination of these drugs was used in this study for the investigation of the effects of anti-sickling polyherbal mixture on haematological indices in rabbits. Sixty (60) New Zealand rabbits weighing 1200g ±200g, conducted in duplicate and designated experiment X (normal rabbits) and Y (anaemia induced using Cadmium 2mg/kg +10 mg/Kg body weight phenylhydrazine for 15 days). Both groups were further subdivided into four groups (A-D) with 5 animals each, administered saline substitute, different grades of polyherbal mixtures for 8 weeks. Blood sample (2mls) was collected into Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) bottles for full blood count. The results in the experiment (X) showed significant increase in WBC (103/μl) count across the groups (B=8.15±0.33; C=9.3±0.74; D=9.8±0.59) compared to the control group (A=7.25±0.44) (p<0.05). RBC (106/μl) count showed insignificant increase in group B (5.1±0.20) and C (5.6±0.450), decrease level in D (4.4±0.26) compared to control A (4.8±0.29) (p<0.05). Hb(g/dl) and HCT (%) showed similar pattern with insignificant increased levels across all treatment groups (B=14.8±0.59, 43.4±1.74; C=15.5±0.78, 45.8±3.; D=14.2±0.85, 43.7±2.62) compared to control A (13.6±0.68; 41.5±2.49) respectively. Platelets showed significant increase in group B and C (286±17.16 and 286±17.16) compared to control A (244±9.76) with significant decrease in group D (226±18.08) (p<0.05). In experiment (Y), WBC count showed significant increase across all treatment groups (B= 6.4±0.26 C= 6.8±0.54 D =10.6±0.64) compared to control (A= 4±0.24) (p<0.05). RBC (106/μl) count in control A gave (2.5±0.15), insignificant increase in B (3.1±0.12) with significant increase in group C (3.5±0.28) and insignificant decrease in D (2.2±0.13) (p<0.05). Higher level of Hb (g/dL) was seen in group B and C (B= 8.4±0.34; C= 9.1±0.46), while D (7.7±0.46) had a slightly elevated value compared to the control A (7.1±0.36) (p<0.05). HCT (%) showed significant increase across the groups (B=26±1.04; C=28±2.24; D=24±1.44) (p<0.05) compared to control A (18±1.08). Red cell indices showed some degree of derangement across the study groups. Findings in this study suggest that polyherbal mixture have a positive effect on the haemoglobin, red blood cells, packed cell volume and white blood cell count of the rabbits in a dose dependent manner.


10.2196/33677 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e33677
Author(s):  
Hanna M J L Hazenberg ◽  
Jan Henk Dubbink ◽  
Issa Sesay ◽  
Tom Versteege ◽  
Hassan Bangura ◽  
...  

Background Deficits in global oral health care are paramount, and complications of odontogenic infections constitute a considerable global health problem, particularly in low-income countries. A high mortality rate has been observed for patients who have been admitted with complicated odontogenic infections to our facilities in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, although exact data have not been published yet. Data regarding who in this region is at risk and why are lacking. Objective The Dental Abscess Study (DELAY) aims to prospectively investigate morbidity and mortality from complicated dental abscesses and to analyze patients’ characteristics and microbial findings to examine predisposing factors for poor outcomes. In particular, the incidence and the clinical and microbial characteristics of complicated odontogenic infections, as well as the sociodemographic data and comorbidities of affected patients, will be studied to develop improved management algorithms based on circumstance-specific factors. Methods Patients who present with complicated dental infections requiring hospital admission in Masanga Hospital or Lion Heart Medical Centre will be consecutively selected for possible inclusion in the study (starting on September 4, 2021) over a study period of 1 year, and individual routine follow-ups will be conducted at least 3 months after discharge. The results of standardized questionnaires will be obtained, and clinical measurements as well as medical photos will be taken. Standard laboratory tests (eg, full blood count and HIV status tests) will be performed, and pus specimens will be examined. Local treatment guidelines will be adhered to, and data on medical and surgical treatment as well as data on outcomes will be collected. The study results will be reported according to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) criteria. Routine follow-ups will take place at 1 and 3 months postdischarge. Results The DELAY protocol was endorsed by the Masanga Medical Research Unit’s Scientific Review Committee on June 16, 2021, and ethical approval was granted on July 5, 2021, by the Sierra Leone National Ethics Committee. The funding of the budgeted study costs was approved by Dental Health International Netherlands in August 2021. The projected start date of data collection was September 4, 2021, and the study period will most likely last for 1 year. As such, data collection is expected to be complete in November 2022. Conclusions The aim of our prospective observational cohort study is to gain more knowledge about complicated odontogenic infections in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to further improve treatment strategies. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/33677


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Sophie G. Groene ◽  
Lisanne S.A. Tollenaar ◽  
Lotte E. van der Meeren ◽  
Femke Slaghekke ◽  
E. Joanne Verweij ◽  
...  

Abstract We report a case of a monochorionic diamniotic twin with an uncomplicated pregnancy, but with an unexpected large intertwin hemoglobin (Hb) difference at birth. Twin 1 was delivered vaginally and had an uneventful neonatal course. The umbilical cord of Twin 1 was clamped approximately 5 min after birth. After the birth of Twin 1, Twin 2 developed severe bradycardia and showed limited cardiac output on ultrasound, for which an emergency cesarean section was performed. A full blood count revealed an Hb of 20.1 g/dL for Twin 1 and 10.2 g/dL for Twin 2 (intertwin difference 9.9 g/dL). Reticulocyte counts were similar, 40‰ and 38‰, respectively. Placental examination revealed 10 vascular anastomoses, including one arterio-arterial anastomosis with a diameter of 1.4 mm. Additionally, a large chorangioma was present on the placental surface of Twin 2. There was no color difference on the maternal side of the placenta. Based on the reticulocyte count ratio and the placental characteristics, twin anemia polycythemia sequence was ruled out as the cause of the large intertwin Hb difference. In this report, we discuss the various potential causes that could explain the large intertwin Hb difference including the role of delayed cord clamping in Twin 1, and the role of a large chorangioma, which may have attracted blood from the fetal circulation of Twin 2.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document