Blood Count Values Research Articles

1988. Development of a Laboratory Stewardship Algorithm for Anaplasma phagocytophilum Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing

BackgroundAnaplasmosis often presents with fever and headache, and typical laboratory abnormalities include leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred diagnostic method. At our institution, Anaplasma PCR is overutilized, with a low positivity rate. To improve utilization, we performed a two-part study. Part 1 determined if complete blood count (CBC) values could exclude Anaplasma infection. A stewardship algorithm was implemented during part 2 of the study via a mock stewardship protocol.MethodsPart 1: Anaplasma PCR tests were included over a 3-year period. For each PCR result, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) results from a sample collected near the time of PCR were evaluated in R Studio and GraphPad Prism. The significance of differences between PCR-positive and -negative cases was determined using the Mann–Whitney test. Cut-off values were chosen to maximize sensitivity of a screening algorithm for the detection of Anaplasma infection. Part 2: Mock stewardship was performed for 6 months. Screening criteria generated in phase 1 were applied to determine whether Anaplasma PCR would have been approved or rejected if stewardship were implemented based on laboratory and clinical parameters.ResultsPart 1: 2166 PCR tests were included. Patients with a positive Anaplasma PCR had lower median WBC and PLT counts than those with a negative result (Figure 1). Combining criteria of a WBC ≥11 K/µL and PLT ≥300 K/µL provided rejection criteria with 100% sensitivity and 25% specificity after excluding immunocompromised or unstable patients (Figure 2). Part 2: 663 PCR tests were analyzed. Of those, 155 (23%) met CBC rejection criteria and were reviewed by committee. The committee mock refused 110 (71%) tests and mock accepted 49 (29%) based on clinical criteria. Of the patients with positive Anaplasma PCR, 1 met CBC rejection criteria and was mock refused by committee. On review, the patient was completing treatment for Anaplasmosis, indicating limited utility of testing. None of the 45 samples that were mock accepted by clinical criteria was positive by PCR, demonstrating no additional benefit of chart review. ConclusionImplementation of a CBC-based stewardship algorithm would reduce unnecessary Anaplasma PCR testing and decrease cost by 23%.Disclosures J. Baron, Roche Diagnostics: Possible Consulting Role—not finalized at this point, No compensation yet—compensation TBD

Retrospective Study on the Effects of Long-Term Use of Methylprednisolone Acetate on the Blood Work of 25 Cats.

Twenty-five cats at a private animal sanctuary received multiple nonimmunosuppressive doses of parenteral methylprednisolone acetate for at least 3 yr. Complete blood count, chemistry, and T4 results from these cats were examined to look for statistically significant changes. Results found significant changes in triglycerides, amylase, and monocytes. However, these changes remained within the reference interval. All other values showed no significant changes. These results suggest that after 3 yr of chronic parenteral administration of nonimmunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate, the complete blood count, chemistry, and T4 values in 25 cats were not significantly affected and did not result in abnormal laboratory values.

Mean platelet volume and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as parameters to indicate the severity of suicide attempt

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to compare the complete blood count (CBC) values of 38 violent suicidal attempt (VSA) and 38 nonviolent suicidal attempt (NVSA) patients and 38 healthy controls, particularly mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). MPV was found to be significantly higher (P = 0.000), and PLT was found to be significantly lower in the VSA group (P = 0.001). NLR was found to be significantly higher (P = 0.005) in the VSA group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MPV levels for VSA was 0.78 and 0.68 for NLR in the VSA group when compared with the NVSA group.

Pre- and intra-operative predictors of postoperative hospital length of stay in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer in China: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundHospital length of stay (LOS) has recently been receiving increasing attention as a marker of medical resource consumption. Identifying predictors of longer LOS can better equip doctors to counsel patients and facilitate more efficient patient flow and utilization of medical resources. The objective of this study was to identify pre- and intra-operative risk factors for postoperative hospital LOS in patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy in China.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data of 793 eligible patients with prostate cancer who had undergone radical prostatectomy in our institution between January 2011 and March 2016. Relevant preoperative variables, including patient characteristics, medical comorbidities, prostate cancer disease-specific variables, urinary tract symptoms, preoperative laboratory values, and intraoperative variables including operation type, operation duration, and blood loss, were analyzed. The outcome was postoperative length of stay which was calculated as the time from the date of operation to the date of discharge. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of this outcome.ResultsThe mean postoperative LOS was 11.7 days (±4.6 days) and the median 10 days (range, 5–46 days). According to univariate and multivariate analysis, operation type (open or laparoscopic), blood loss, Gleason score (≥8) and preoperative laboratory values of white blood count (WBC) were found to be the main explanatory predictors of postoperative LOS of patients with prostate cancer in our institution. Additionally, open surgery was the strongest significant predictor of longer LOS according to the standardized coefficients in this model.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that significant predictors of longer postoperative LOS in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy in China include both preoperative variables of Gleason score, WBC and intraoperative variables of operation type (open or laparoscopic), blood loss. To shorten hospital LOS in patients with prostate cancer and optimize utilization of Chinese medical resources, efforts should be made to improve the intraoperative process and reduce the prevalence of preoperative risk factors.

Complete blood count alterations due to the opioid use: what about the lymphocyte-related ratios, especially in monocyte to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio?

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to compare the complete blood count values of opioid users (N = 61) and healthy subjects (N = 61), particularly monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). PLR, MLR, and percentage of monocyte (MONO%) were significantly lower in opioid use disorder (OUD) group (P = 0.012, P = 0.005, P = 0.000). The area under the ROC curve of MLR and PLR levels for OUD was 0.349 and 0.368. MONO% correlated with substance use duration. Measurements like lymphocyte-related ratios and MONO% in opioid use can be important in substance monitoring, detection, and differentiation of acute and chronic conditions.

Full blood count values as a predictor of poor outcome of pneumonia among HIV-infected patients

BackgroundTo evaluate the predictive value of analytical markers of full blood count that can be assessed in the emergency department for HIV infected patients, with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).MethodsProspective 3-year study including all HIV-infected patients that went to our emergency department with respiratory clinical infection, more than 24-h earlier they were diagnosed with CAP and required admission. We assessed the different values of the first blood count performed on the patient as follows; total white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes (LYM), basophils, eosinophils (EOS), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), platelets (PLT), mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width (PDW). The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality and the secondary, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). The predictive power of the variables was determined by statistical calculation.ResultsOne hundred sixty HIV-infected patients with pneumonia were identified. The mean age was 42 (11) years, 99 (62%) were male, 79 (49%) had ART. The main route of HIV transmission was through parenteral administration of drugs. Streptococcus pneumonia was the most frequently identified etiologic agent of CAP The univariate analysis showed that the values of PLT (p < 0.009), EOS (p < 0.033), RDW (p < 0.033) and PDW (p < 0.09) were predictor of mortality, but after the logistic regression analysis, no variable was shown as an independent predictor of mortality. On the other hand, higher RDW (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p = 0.013) and a lower number of LYM (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-2.2; p = 0.035) were revealed as independent predictors of admission to ICU.ConclusionRed blood cell distribution and lymphocytes were the most useful predictors of disease severity identifying HIV infected patients with CAP who required ICU admission.

Baseline peripheral blood leukocytosis: Biological marker predicts outcome in oropharyngeal cancer, regardless of HPV-status

ObjectivesTo study the prognostic value of abnormalities in baseline complete blood count in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) treated with (chemo) radiation. Methods and materialsThe prognostic value of baseline complete blood count on outcome in 234 patients with OPC treated between 2010 and 2015 was examined in multivariate analysis together with other conventional prognostic variables including HPV-status, tumor stage, tumor and nodal size. ResultsThe 3-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional control (LRC), and distant control (DC) of the whole group were 74%, 64%, 79%, and 88%, respectively. Leukocytosis and HPV-status were the only significant prognosticators for OS and DFS at the multivariate analysis. Patients without leukocytosis had a significantly better DC compared to those with leukocytosis (92% and 70%, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients with HPV-negative OPC had significantly worse LRC compared to HPV-positive patients (67% and 90%, respectively, p < 0.001). The 3-year OS in HPV-positive group with leukocytosis compared to those without leukocytosis were 69% and 95%, respectively (p < 0.001). The figures for HPV-negative patients were 41% vs. 61%, respectively (p = 0.010). ConclusionsThis is the first study to date reporting the independent impact of leukocytosis and HPV-status on outcome of patients with OPC. The poor outcome of patients with leukocytosis is mainly caused by the worse DC. The significant impact of leukocytosis on outcome was even more pronounced in HPV-positive patients. These biomarkers could help identifying patients with poor prognosis at baseline requiring intensification of local and/or systemic treatment while treatment de-intensification might be offered to the low-risk group.

Predictive and prognostic value of preoperative complete blood count in prostate cancer

Predictive and prognostic value of preoperative complete blood count in prostate cancer

Predicting changes in hemoglobin S after simple transfusion using complete blood counts.

Hemoglobin S percentages are used in the management of patients who have sickle cell disease. However, hemoglobin S measurements often are not routinely or rapidly performed. Rapid and accurate methods to estimate hemoglobin S levels after simple transfusion may improve the care of patients with sickle cell disease. A comprehensive review of the electronic medical record identified 24 stable patients with sickle cell disease who received simple red blood cell transfusions and had hemoglobin S measurements before and after the transfusion that were less than 72 hours apart. Examination of these patients identified 62 separate transfusions that met our criteria. Three simple equations that utilized complete blood count values and readily available information from the medical record were used to predict the post-transfusion hemoglobin S level after transfusion (Equation 1: predicted post-transfusion hemoglobin = pre-transfusion hemoglobin S × [pre-transfusion hemoglobin/post-transfusion hemoglobin]; Equation 2: predicted post-transfusion hemoglobin S = pre-transfusion hemoglobin S × [pre-transfusion hematocrit/post-transfusion hematocrit]; and Equation 3: predicted post-transfusion hemoglobin S = pre-transfusion hemoglobin S × total pre-transfusion hemoglobin/[total pre-transfusion hemoglobin + (red blood cell volume × 20)]). The predicted hemoglobin S values for all three equations showed a highly significant correlation with the measured post-hemoglobin S value. The coefficient of determination (R2 ) for Equations 1, 2, and 3 was 0.95, 0.92, and 0.97, respectively. Predicting the post-transfusion hemoglobin S value using estimates of the patient's total hemoglobin and the transfused hemoglobin (Equation 3) was the most precise. Reductions in hemoglobin S values in patients with sickle cell disease who receive simple red blood cell transfusions can be reliably predicted using complete blood cell measurements and simple arithmetic equations.

Ischemic priapism: Can eosinophil count and platelet functions be positive predictive factors in etiopathogenesis.

We evaluated the relation between ischemic priapism (IP) and blood count parameters in IP patients. We especially wanted to examine the contribution of eosinophil count (EC), platelet count (PC), and mean platelet volume (MPV) values, which are suspected predictive parameters for vascular endothelium damage and venoocclusive pathogenesis and etiopathogenesis, particularly in IP. A total of 40 IP patients fulfilled the study criteria. Forty healthy volunteers in a similar age group were included as the control group. Complete blood count values were compared between the two groups. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between categorical variables in the patient groups. The area under the curve was calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) regression analyses. Epidemiological diagnosis percentages were calculated by finding cutoff values. The IP group's high MPV, PC, and EC values compared to those of the control group were detected to be statistically significant (p<0.001, p=0,03, p=0.001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups for other blood count parameters. Statistically significant values for IP were measured as MPV: positive predictive value: 84%; EC: positive predictive value: 71.4%; and PC: positive predictive value: 61.4%. High MPV, PC, and EC values are significant positive predictive factors in IP etiopathogenesis. No proof was detected for other blood count parameters playing an active role in IP etiopathogenesis.

The effect of bariatric procedures on selected laboratory parameters of patients from rural areas in Poland.

Rural areas in Poland are inhabited by over 15 million people, i.e. 39.5% of Polish population, including about 5 million rural residents in the Podlaskie province. The incidence of obesity is associated with increased prevalence of obesity-related conditions. Studies that have been conducted do not confirm the efficacy of conservative treatment of obesity, but show that bariatric procedures produce the best longterm results. The aim of the study was to present the effects of bariatric obesity treatments (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding [LAGB], sleeve gastrectomy [SG], Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) on body mass index (BMI), selected diabetes control parameters, dyslipidemia, hepatic and renal enzymes, blood count and hypertension control. The study group comprised a total of 100 consecutive patients from rural areas qualified for bariatric procedures. Most of the patients (69.07%) underwent SG; 11.34% underwent LAGB; and 19.59% underwent RYGB. Comorbidities included hypertension (35%), type 2 diabetes (52%) and hyperlipidemia (15%). Glucose, insulin, HbA1C, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, total and fraction cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid and CRP levels, as well as blood count and blood pressure values, were assessed prior to surgery and during follow-up visits 3 and 6 months after the procedures. BMI, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage of excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) were assessed. Consistent, significant decreases in BMI were observed 3 months (39.31 ± 4.70) and 6 months (35.74 ± 4.52) after surgery. The largest BMI reduction at the 6-month follow up was observed for SG (12.29%), and the smallest was observed for LAGB (9.02%). Improvements in the general health status of the patients were observed, as well as normalization of metabolic parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, hepatic enzymes).

Blood count values and ratios for predicting sleep apnea in obese children

ObjectivesTo detect whether the mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are contributing factors in the diagnosis and severity of sleep apnea in obese children. IntroductionObesity is a public health problem, and its prevalence increases daily. Although PSG is the gold standard test in the investigation of sleep apnea, the application of this test requires equipment, personnel, time, and cost. There is no simple laboratory test for diagnosing and determining the severity of sleep apnea. Recently, MPV, NLR, and PLR, known as the inflammatory markers in CBC test parameters, have been investigated in some studies. We aim to investigate whether these parameters could provide a method for diagnosing and determining the severity of OSAS in obese children. MethodsClinical records of 180 patients were evaluated. All subjects had venous blood samples collected from the antecubital vein in the morning, after an overnight fasting, one day before PSG. Hemoglobin, RDW, MPV, PLT, platelet distribution width (PDW), and WBC count were measured. After anthropometric and laboratory analysis, 127 obese children were assessed for sleep study. Eighty-three patients who met the required polysomnographic criteria were divided into three groups as follows: group A [non-OSAS, apnea-plus-hypopnea index (AHI) < 1], groupB (1 ≤ AHI < 5), and groupC (AHI ≥ 5). ResultsTotal recording time, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, REM, and NREM sleep stage latency values were not statistically significant among groups. However, the number of awakenings, AHI, oxygen desaturation events, mean oxygen saturation, lowest oxygen saturation, average desaturation, and snoring time values had significant difference among the groups. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of WBC, Hemoglobin, platelets, PDW, neutrophil, and lymphocyte values. However, RDW values showed a statistically significant difference between groups A and C. Although there was no statistically significant difference of MPV values among groups, NLR and PLR values were statistically significant between groups A and C. ConclusionAccording to our study, NLR, PLR, and RDW were found to be significantly higher in children whose AHI was ≥5 than in children from the other groups. However, no correlation was found between MPV levels and OSAS in children.

Correlations of maternal neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with birth weight

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible correlation of hemogram parameters including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with birth weight and gestational week. Materials and methods: This prospective study has been conducted with 783 patients. The maternal age, parity, gestational age, type of delivery, values of complete blood count (CBC) variables and the weight of newborn were recorded. We analyzed the statistical differences between the NLR, PLR, hemoglobin (HGB), platelet distribution width (PDW), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte and white blood cells (WBC) in terms of the birth weight. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the NLR in terms of the birth weight (p = 0.097), whereas there was a statistically significant difference in the PLR (p < 0.001). In correlation analyses, a linear, negative, weak and statistically significant correlation was detected between NLR and PLR with the birth weight of infant and gestational week (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This prospective study is the first in the literature which investigates the correlation of NLR and PLR with the week of birth and birth weight of the infant. Our study suggested that the maternal NLR and PLR are negatively correlated with the week of birth and birth weight of the infant.

Soil-transmitted helminths and plasmodium falciparum malaria among individuals living in different agroecosystems in two rural communities in the mount Cameroon area: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Plasmodium falciparum infections remain public health problems in Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Mount Cameroon area to determine the prevalence and intensity of STHs and P. falciparum infections in individuals living in different agroecosystems; to assess the influence of these infections on haematological parameters; and to identify the risk factors associated with STH infections.MethodsSTH and malaria parasites were detected using the Kato-Katz method and Giemsa staining of blood films, respectively. Complete blood count values were obtained using an automatic haematology analyser. Soil samples were analysed using the sucrose floatation sedimentation method. Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required and logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors for STH infections and anaemia.ResultsOf the 450 participants examined, STHs, P. falciparum and mixed co-infections were detected in 14.0, 33.3 and 5.6% of participants, respectively. Significantly higher prevalences of Ascaris (18.8%) and Trichuris (7.9%) infections were observed in participants from tea plantation areas compared to those from banana and palm plantation areas, with similar trends in egg density. P. falciparum prevalence and parasite density were comparable between the different agroecosystems. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 64.2%. The prevalence of haematological manifestations such as moderate (48.0%) and severe (8.0%) anaemia, leucopenia (26.9%) and microcytosis (30.8%) was significantly higher among Plasmodium-STH co-infected participants. Soil samples from plantations showed the highest prevalences of STH eggs compared to soil samples from areas around pit toilets and public water taps. Living in a tea plantation area (OR = 3.07), age (AOR = 1.49) and lack of access to potable water (OR = 2.25) were identified as risk factors for STH infections, while the age groups 15–25 years (OR = 2.928) and 26–35 years (OR = 2.832), and being female (OR = 2.671) were significant risk factors for anaemia.ConclusionsSTHs, malaria and anaemia are still of public health concern in plantation communities. Co-infections negatively influence haematological parameters. The tea farming agroecosystem, age and lack of access to potable water were identified as significant risk factors for STH infections.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Intrauterine Fetal Growth Restriction and Oligohydramnios of Undetermined Etiology.

A 32-year-old G3P2002 (3 pregnancies, 2 births at full term, 0 preterm, 0 abortions, 2 still living) pregnant woman of Filipino ancestry was referred to a tertiary institution for severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)4 at 20 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound showed fetal size uniformly less than expected, with measurements <1% for age, small chest, echogenic bowel, thickened nuchal fold, enlarged cisterna magna, and severe oligohydramnios. The obstetric history was relevant for 2 healthy children with a different partner. The healthy Filipino father of the current pregnancy also had 2 healthy children with a different partner. There was no relevant medication or drug history, and thyroid function tests were normal. The patient was Rh-positive, with negative antibody screen and negative cystic fibrosis carrier screen. Maternal serum quad screen (α-fetoprotein, estriol, human chorionic gonadotropin, and inhibin A) for fetal aneuploidy indicated low risk. Maternal complete blood count included a hematocrit of 33%, hemoglobin of 10.8 g/dL (reference range 11.5–15.5), and mean corpuscular volume of 60 fL (reference range 81–98). Prenatal records indicated that the father of this pregnancy had normal complete blood count values, although the original test results were not available. Diagnostic amniocentesis showed that amniotic fluid α-fetoprotein was normal for gestational age, and PCR for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and toxoplasmosis was negative. Interphase …

DETERMINACIÓN DE LOS VALORES DE REFERENCIA EN EL HEMOGRAMA DE CABALLOS NACIDOS O CRIADOS A MÁS DE 3000 M.S.N.M. EN LA SIERRA CENTRO NORTE ECUATORIANA

&lt;p&gt;En la sierra centro norte ecuatoriana se realizó un estudio de hemograma a 100 caballos mayores de dos años de edad, criados sobre los 3000 m.s.n.m., el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar valores hematológicos a esta altitud y compararlos con otros estudios realizados a nivel del mar. Las muestras sanguíneas fueron tomadas en reposo de los animales y enviadas al laboratorio para ser analizadas en el equipo de hematología automática Mindray R BC2800Vet, para el análisis de los datos y determinar los valores de referencia se utilizó el complemento de Microsoft Excel R Reference Value Advisor. Las muestras fueron tomadas de caballos criollos ecuatorianos para obtener datos hematológicos de este tipo de caballos antes no estudiado. Se encontraron 82 muestras idóneas para establecer valores de hemograma con distribución normal, glóbulos rojos 6,23 − 10,84 × 106/mL; hemoglobina 11,4−18,4 g/L; hematocrito 32,3−52,3%; volumen corpuscular medio 40,2−57 fL; hemoglobina corpuscular media 14−20,3 pg; concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media 32−37 g/L; glóbulos blancos 4,8−12×103/mL; linfocitos 1,4 − 7,5 × 103/mL; monocitos 0,2 − 0,7 × 103/mL; granulocitos 2,2 − 8,8 × 103/mL; linfocitos% 16,8 − 64,9%, monocitos% 2,9−7%, granulocitos% 30,5−78,7%; plaquetas 101−401×103/mL . Los resultados se compararon con referencias bibliográficas internacionales y se encontró diferencias significativas (P&amp;lt; 0,05) en glóbulos rojos, hemoglobina, hematocrito y monocitos en el estudio de Böhmwald et al., (1984); diferencia significativa en hematocrito, volumen corpuscular medio, linfocitos, monocitos y plaquetas con el estudio de Giordano et al., (2008); mientras que con el estudio de Díaz et al., (2011) hubo diferencia significativa con la hemoglobina, monocitos y plaquetas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: is there a relationship between routine haematological parameters and audiogram shapes?

Objective: To investigate the relationship between haematological routine parameters and audiogram shapes in patients affected by sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Design: A retrospective study. All patients were divided into four groups according to the audiometric curve and mean values of haematological parameters (haemoglobin, white blood cell, neutrophils and lymphocytes relative count, platelet count, haematocrit, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen and neutrophil-to-lymphocite ratio) of each group were statistically compared. The prognostic role of blood profile and coagulation test was also examined. Study sample: A cohort of 183 SSNHL patients without comorbidities. Results: With a 48.78% of complete hearing recovery, individuals affected by upsloping hearing loss presented a better prognosis instead of flat (18.36%), downsloping (19.23%) and anacusis (2.45%) groups (p = 0.0001). The multivariate analysis of complete blood count values revealed lower mean percentage of lymphocytes (p = 0.041) and higher platelet levels (p = 0.015) in case of downsloping hearing loss; with the exception of fibrinogen (p = 0.041), none of the main haematological parameters studied resulted associated with poorer prognosis. Conclusions: Our work suggested a lack of association between haematological parameters and a defined audiometric picture in SSNHL patients; furthermore, only fibrinogen seems to influence the prognosis of this disease.

The Potential Role of Training Sessions on the Temporal and Spatial Physiological Patterns in Young Friesian Horses

This study compares the circulating adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH), cortisol, lactate, glucose, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and blood count values in initially 2-year-old horses subjected to dressage training schedule during three consecutive days per 2 weeks. Sixteen healthy Friesian horses were used and were considered dressage group. Six healthy young horses not involved in training programs were used as control group. Blood sampling were collected from the jugular vein in baseline condition (dressage group and control group) and after exercise, within 5 minutes of the end of the training session (dressage group). Compared to baseline values, results showed higher ACTH concentrations after the first day of the first training week (P < .005) and after the third day of the second week (P < .005); higher lactate concentrations after the second and the third day of the second week (P < .01); lower glucose concentrations after the third day of the first week (P < .01); higher HR, RR, and RT values and lower PLT count after different time points during both training weeks. One-way ANOVA showed significant training effect for ACTH (F = 7.605; P < .0001) and glucose (F = 3.505; P < .001) concentrations over time points. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of dressage training sessions between the first and the second week for ACTH (F = 6.508; P < .001) and cortisol (F = 5.559; P < .0001) concentrations. From obtained data, it seems that the use of ACTH and cortisol changes for the assessment of effects of training in initially 2-year-old horses could be an ideal measure of quantitative and qualitative stress responses. The quantification at the same time of functional responses to stressful stimuli may offer a more objective measurement of dressage training effects.

Chronic High Doses of Nandrolone Decanoate on Blood Cell, Lipoprotein Profile, and Liver Enzymes in Male Rats

Background: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a doping agent and it is used by athletes. Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the chronic, high doses of ND administration on Blood cell, lipid profile, and Liver enzymes in male rats. Materials and Methods: This experiment was executed on 30 wistar- Albino male rats divided, after weighing, in control, placebo, and test groups (n = 10). Test group received 15 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) ND for duration of 8 weeks. Group placebo received the same volume of placebo although control group did not receive any agent during the trial period. At the end, animals were anes- thetized by diethyl ether, scarified, and then blood samples were collected from cervical vessels immediately. Blood cell, lipoprotein profile, and liver enzymes were measured by ordinary methods. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS V. 15, via ANOVA and Tukey test. Results were expressed as mean SD. Statistical dierence was significantly recognized by P 0.05. Results: Results showed that AST, ALT, cell blood count, hemoglobin, hematocrite, and cholesterol values in group test were in- creased significantly compared to those of other groups; however, HDL value in this group decreased noticeably compared to con- trol and Placebo groups. Conclusions: Present study revealed that chronic high doses of ND administration alter the liver enzymes, lipid profile, and blood parameter in male rats.

Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Objective: the mean platelet volume (MPV) is a good indicator of platelet activity; it is reported to increase in diseases associated with inflammatory processes and in vascular diseases. This study investigated the importance of mean platelet volume in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and whether the MPV was likely to be a predictor of the CVI. Methods: 117 patients who were diagnosed as CVI by colored Doppler Ultrasound (CDU) method and 49 healthy volunteers (forming the control group) were en­rolled to this study, which was planned retrospectively. The patients’ blood count values taken within one month before and after the CDU evaluation were recorded by the hospital information system. The complete blood count, routine biochemical tests and thyroid function tests of the patients diagnosed with CVI were compared to the control group. Results: Significant differences were not detected be­tween the patients and the control group in terms of the levels of creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycer­ides, erythrocyte, sedimentation speed, leukocyte, hae­moglobin and thrombocyte (p>0.05). The thyroid stimulat­ing hormone and the MPV levels were significantly lower in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: MPV levels as an easy, cheap and practi­cal data extracted from complete blood count, were found higher in patients diagnosed with CVI compared to the control group. This may be originated from endothelium changes as an answer to venous hypertension and dila­tation in CVI. MPV can be used as a follow-up marker in CVI patients.