Blood Picture Research Articles

Measuring of serum taurine and beta endorphin in women as a pre-early marker for diagnosis of cancer breast

Objective: Uses of serum level of taurine and beta endorphin as early marker for diagnostic of breast cancer. Method: We selected our patients from Bahia hospital and cancer institute of Cairo university mainly suffered from positive family history of cancer breast ,acute and chronic mastitis and all women presented with benign mass (fibroma/lipoma) and different stages of cancer breast. We measure serum beta endorphin and taurine, beside complete blood picture, liver function ,kidney function and glucose in blood in all of our patients. Result: The data showed highly significant change in liver &kidney function between frank control and stages of cancer(p>0.05) that are clearly at latest stages after doses of chemotherapy, but there are slightly change between inflammation and benign. After we finished all result, we found that there were slightly change of beta-endorphin and taurine at inflammation and benign but further change at stage 1,2 that are continuously change to latest stage Conclusion: Decreasing of serum taurine level &increasing of serum beta endorphin level considered as a highly sensitive per early marker for breast cancer.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Infants Consuming Cow's Milk

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in children is a public health issue affecting child morbidity, mortality, and cognitive development. Infants fed cow's milk are at a higher risk of severe IDA due to calcium and iron absorption competition. Objective: To determine the frequency of Iron deficiency anemia among Cow Milk Fed Infants. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Peadiatric wards of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad and Jamshoro from November 2020 to April 2021. All the full-term infants with age of up to 6 months either gender and having history of cow’s milk consumption and clinically diagnosed to have anemia were included. Infants had 3ml intravenous blood samples taken to get a complete blood picture and ferritin level. All the mothers were interviewed regarding duration of cow’s milk consumption. Data were collected via a predesigned proforma. Results: Total 323 infants were studied to assess the frequency of iron deficiency anemia among cow’s milk infants up to 6 months and the mean age of infants was 4.11 ± 1.31 months. Females were 56.3% and males were 43.7%. Overall average of hemoglobin was 8.92 ± 1.09 g/dl, and overall mean of ferritin level was 90.16 ± 17.71 ng/ml. Frequency of iron deficiency anemia was found to be 18.6%. Conclusions: As per study conclusion overall frequency of iron deficiency anemia was observed to be 18.6% and cow’s milk consumption has been observed as a risk factor of infant’s anemia.

Evaluation of serum taurine level as a biomarker for early diagnosis and follow up of chronic myeloid leukemia

Evaluation of serum taurine level as a biomarker for early diagnosis and follow up of chronic myeloid leukemia

The role of a universal microbiological ferment with probiotic action in changing the blood picture of calves in preweaning period

The use of probiotic feed additives is known in animal science and practice; they are an alternative way to replace antibiotics in animal husbandry. The use of probiotic drugs signifi cantly increases the natural resistance of the animal body, maintains a high level of immune status and reduces the risk of infectious diseases in cattle and farm animals in general. The purpose of the research was to study the eff ect of feeding a universal microbiological ferment with probiotic action Biolax-U in the diets of calves during the preweaning period in combination with a hygienic bedding desiccant Drytall Fresh. In order to conduct the research 2 groups (control and experimental) of clinically healthy calves of Black-and-White breed in the preweaning period per 15 heads in each were formed by the method of analogues, taking into account age, live weight and breed. Calves of the compared groups received milk and basic feed according to the calf feeding scheme used on the farm. At the same time, the calves of the experimental group additionally received the universal microbiological ferment with probiotic action Biolax-U per 10 ml each morning and evening feeding, i.e. in two steps. The use of Biolax-U ferment had the positive eff ect on improving the morphological composition and biochemical parameters of blood. A comparative blood test after 90 days of feeding calves in the experimental group with the probiotic ferment culture Biolax-U revealed the increase in the concentration of erythrocytes by 12,20 %, hemoglobin by 10,58 % compared to the beginning of the experiment, and by 7,26 and 11,02 %, respectively, compared to animals in the control group. It has been established that the use of the Biolax-U ferment in the diet of calves during the preweaning period in combination with the hygienic bedding desiccant Drytall Fresh enhanced redox processes in the body of calves, stimulated erythropoiesis, improved oxygen supply to tissues and organs, increased the intensity of protein metabolism and protective functions body.

Perioperative transfusion of red cell products in patients operated at general surgical units of National Hospital of Sri Lanka

Indications for red cell transfusion among general surgical patients have changed over time. Despite a scarcity in evidence, many international guidelines advocate a restrictive transfusion protocol.Objectives: To describe the red cell transfusion practices including transfusion thresholds in general surgical wards of a tertiary hospital in Sri Lanka.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in all general surgical units of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. All patients transfused with red cell products for a 3-month period from 1/5/2017-1/8/2017 were included in the study. Indications for transfusion, haemoglobin at transfusion and the number of units transfused was the primary data recorded.Results: A total of 196 patients were included in the study. Most transfusions 79.08% (n=155) were for elective reasons. Most elective transfusions were to facilitate chronic extremity wound healing (52.2%, n=81). Most emergency transfusions were for intraoperative bleeding (31.7%, n=13). The majority (73.5%, n=114) of elective transfusions occurred at a Hb of 7-10 g/dL. The mean number of RBC units transfused in elective circumstances for a Hb of 7-10 g/dL was 1.59. A pre-transfusion blood picture was not available in over 85% (n=132) of elective transfusions. Only a single febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction was reported.Conclusions: The study revealed substantial divergence of red cell transfusion thresholds in perioperative practice when compared with international guidelines, nonadherence to rational practice such as obtaining a blood picture prior to elective transfusion and therefore the need to formulate local guidelines. It also highlighted the transfusion burden of diabetic foot disease.

Dietary Supplementation of Microalgae and/or Nanominerals Mitigate the Negative Effects of Heat Stress in Growing Rabbits

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental factors that result in fluctuations and shrinkage in rabbit growth, health, and overall productivity. This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary mineral nanoparticles (selenium or zinc) and/or Spirulina platensis (SP) independently and in combination on stressed growing rabbits. A total of 180 weaned growing New Zealand White rabbits were included in this study and randomly divided into six dietary treatments. Rabbits received a basal diet (control group; CON group) or fortified with SP (1 g/kg diet), selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 50 mg/kg diet), zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs, 100 mg/kg diet), and a mixture of SP and SeNPs (SPSeNPs) or SP and ZnNPs (SPZnNPs) groups for 8 weeks during summer conditions. The obtained results demonstrated a significant increase in the final body weight and weight gain (p < 0.05). Additionally, the feed conversion ratio was improved during the periods from 6 to 14 weeks in the treated rabbits compared to those in the CON group. Dietary supplements considerably improved (p < 0.05) the blood hematology (WBCs, Hb, RBCs, and Hct) and some carcass traits (liver weights and edible giblets). All dietary supplements significantly decreased serum levels of total glycerides (p < 0.0001), AST (p = 0.0113), ALT (p = 0.0013), creatinine (p = 0.0009), and uric acid (p = 0.0035) compared to the CON group. All treated groups (except ZnNPs) had lower values of total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin in a dose-dependent way when compared to the CON group. The values of IgA, IgG, and superoxide dismutase were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all treated rabbits compared to the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the levels of T3 (p < 0.05) were significantly increased in all treated growing rabbits (except for the ZnNP group), while the serum cortisol, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl were significantly decreased in the treated groups (p < 0.05). Dietary supplements sustained the changes in hepatic, renal, and cardiac impairments induced by HS in growing rabbits. Adding SP (1 g/kg diet) or SeNPs (50 mg/kg diet) in the diet, either individually or in combination, improved growth performance, blood picture, and immunity-antioxidant responses in stressed rabbits. Overall, these feed additives (SP, SeNPs, or their mixture) can be applied as an effective nutritional tool to reduce negative impacts of summer stress conditions, thereby maintaining the health status and improving the heat tolerance in growing rabbits.

Bone Marrow and Blood Pictures of Broilers with BCO

The aim is to describe the hematology of broilers raised on sloped wire flooring in order to induce a high frequency of Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis (BCO). Blood and bone marrow samples were obtained on d49 or d50 from both a pure strain and a cross, all were symptomatic

Red Cell Distribution Width and Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio as A New Biomarker for Severity in Rheumatoid Arthritis and its Comparison with DAS 28 ESR Score

Objective: To determine the association of red cell distribution width (RDW)and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)with the severity of rheumatoid arthritis by using DAS28 ESR. Additionally, toxic granulations were assessed as an indicator of disease severity. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Rheumatology Outpatient Department, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, IslamabadPakistan, from Dec 2020 to Jun 2021. Methodology: Two hundred ninety rheumatoid arthritis patients were included. DAS 28 ESR was calculated using the DAS 28 ESR calculator, and RDW and NLR were extracted from the complete blood picture and peripheral smears. Results: There were 238(82.1%) female and 52 17.9%) male study participants. The mean age of patients was 45.2±12.8. The mean RDW, NLR and DAS 28 ESR in the study were 45.67±4.25, 2.93±1.35 and 4.29±1.25, respectively. Toxic granulations on peripheral smears were also found in 188(64.8%) patients. A significant positive association was found using the Spearman rho correlation between the DAS28 ESR score, RDW and NLR (p-value 0.024 and &lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Red cell distribution width and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, along with toxic granulations, can be used as reliable biomarkers of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Values higher than the reference range indicate higher disease severity.

Osteopetrosis presenting as Leukoerythroblastosis in 4 month old patient: A case report

Osteopetrosis, is also known as marble bone disease or the Albers Schonberg disease. It is an extremely rare inherited disease. The disease results due to defective resorption of bone by the osteoclasts. This causes bone mass to increase accompanied by decreased hematopoietic tissue, causing extramedullary hematopoiesis. The clinical and radiological assessment plays an important role in diagnosis of infantile osteopetrosis. Clinical symptoms range from asymptomatic adults to life threatening condition in infants. We report a 4-month-old female patient with infantile osteopetrosis presenting with leukoerythroblastic blood picture and hepatosplenomegaly. This case highlights the importance of hematological findings, radiographic and genetic analysis for diagnosis of osteopetrosis.

Determining the Effect of Fe3O4 Conjugated with Chitosan Nanoparticles on Labneh Product Characteristics and its Effect on Blood Picture Parameters in Anemic Rats Induced by Phenylhydrazine

The research aims to investigate the effect of Fe3O4-NPs and it's conjugated with chitosan nanoparticles on the immunological indicators, such as IgA, IgG, and interleukin-6, and the iron indicators, of Ferritin, Transferrin, TIBC, and Iron in the serum of male albino rats induced with anemia by phenyl-hydrazine. The rats were separated into six groups in five replicates, each of which included (T1) the control group, (T2) anemia induced group, T3 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of Fe3O4-NPs ml/day, T4 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of Ch-NPs ml/day, T5 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of each Fe3O4-NPs conjugated with Ch-NPs ml/day, T6 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of Hamvir ml/day, and were fed for 30 days. The results showed a change and increase in the values of free fatty acids, as they reached their highest value after 20 days of preservation, where the treatment (T1) recorded a noticeable increase, reaching (2.31). Likewise, in the treatment (T5), we notice a significant increase in it, as it reached (0.75), in contrast to the rest. All coefficients that were (T2), (T3) and (T4) recorded (0.53), (0.58) and (0.63), respectively. the values of RBCs and Hb, which gave a significant decrease and it was at 2.84 (1×106/ ml) and 6.4 (g/dl), respectively, compared to the control treatment (T1).

Differences peripheral of blood in HIV patients with and without cognitive disorders at “Prof. Dr. IGNG Ngoerah” Hospital

Background and objective. The prevalence of mild neurocognitive Disorder (MND) has increased after using antiretroviral therapy (ARV), which is around 51.5%. Inflammation plays an essential role in the neurodegenerative state of HIV patients. Peripheral blood images can assess increased macrophage activation by evaluating the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, total lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, platelets, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to determine the condition of systemic inflammation in HIV patients with cognitive impairment. This study to know differences in the appearance of peripheral blood in HIV patients with and without cognitive impairment. Method. Observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design on 44 HIV patients who were outpatients at the polyclinic Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) at Prof Dr. IGNG Ngoerah Denpasar Hospital. Subjects were divided into 2 groups based on cognitive status assessed using the MoCA-INA questionnaire. The peripheral blood images considered were the average levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes. Results. 31-40 years old, male, with &gt;9 years of education, has a CD4 count &gt;200, and has received ARV therapy &gt;1 year. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test performed on both groups showed that the data were normally distributed with p&gt;0.05. Bivariate analysis using an independent t-test with a 95% confidence level (α=0.05) found significant differences in mean leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (p&lt;0.05) between groups of HIV patients with cognitive impairment and no cognitive impairment. Conclusion. Inflammatory markers from the peripheral blood picture are increased in HIV-infected persons.

Orange peels andChlorella vulgaris supplementation ameliorate gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress by regulating TGF-β and NOX2/NOX4 signaling pathways.

Numerous studies revealed that Chlorella vulgaris and orange peels are potential sources for many valuable compounds such as flavonoids, which are natural polyphenols with antioxidant capacities that lessen oxidative stress via suppressing ROS levels. Thus, this study was designed to investigate their radioprotective efficiency either alone or in combination as natural food supplements. Sixty-four male Albino rats were divided into eight groups (n = 8) as follows: control, orange peel (10% in diet), C. vulgaris (1% in diet), orange peel + C. vulgaris, gamma irradiated (2Gy twice per week up to 8Gy), orange peel + gamma irradiation, C. vulgaris + gamma irradiation, and orange peel + C. vulgaris + gamma irradiation. After the experiment, blood serums were collected for biochemical analysis, whole bloods were collected for blood picture, bone marrows were collected for GSH, MDA, TGF-β, NOX2 and NOX4, and liver tissues were collected for histopathological evaluation. Current study revealed that exposure to gamma irradiation induced a significant disturbance in liver function markers (ALT and AST), kidney function markers (urea and creatinine), cholesterol and triglycerides levels in serum. In addition, a significant decrease in WBCs, RBCs, PLT, and Hb in blood of irradiated rats. Moreover, a significant elevation in TGF-β, NOX2, NOX4 activities, and MDA level, while showed a marked decrease in GSH concentration. Furthermore, hepatic inflammation appeared in the histopathological examination. Orange peels or C. vulgaris treatments showed acceptable amelioration in all measured parameters, combination between orange peels and C. vulgaris showed statistically significant additive amelioration in radiation induced disturbance.

Impact of calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers on hematological parameters in type 2 diabetic patients.

Antihypertensive medications have been associated with a reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) levels, leading to clinically significant anemia. We aimed to provide valuable insights into the impact of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) on hematological parameters by measuring the levels of erythropoietin (EPO), ferritin, and complete blood count (CBC) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly considering the duration of the antihypertensives use. In addition to comparing their effects on blood pressure, glycemic status, and renal function, a retrospective cohort study was conducted at the consultation unit of Alsalam Teaching Hospital, Mosul, Nineveh Province, between October 2022 and February 2023. A total of 160 participants were enrolled after being fully examined by the consultants to detect their eligibility for inclusion in the study and to rule out any abnormality. They consisted of 40 healthy controls, 30 T2DM patients (T2DM group), 30 T2DM patients with newly diagnosed hypertension (HT) (T2DM+HT group), 30 type 2 diabetic-hypertensives on ARBs (T2DM+HT+ARBs group), and 30 type 2 diabetic-hypertensives on CCBs (T2DM+HT+CCBs group). Five milliliters of blood was drawn from a vein and divided into two parts. Two milliliters was transferred into an anticoagulant tube for the measurement of HbA1c and complete blood picture. Serum was obtained from the remaining blood and used for assessment of ferritin, EPO, FSG, creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Significantly reduced FSG and HbA1c levels were observed in T2DM+HT+CCBs and T2DM+HT+ARBs groups vs T2DM+HT group (p < 0.05). The T2DM+HT+CCBs group had statistically higher urea levels than the T2DM group (p < 0.05). Both CCBs and ARBs use resulted in reduced creatinine clearance (CrCl). T2DM+HT+CCBs group exhibited slightly higher uric acid levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). Prolonged use of CCBs and ARBs led to disturbances in hematological parameters, with CCBs users showing the lowest levels of hemoglobin (Hb), RBCs, and hematocrit (Hct) among the groups. ARBs users displayed the lowest values of EPO and ferritin compared to other patient groups, along with reduced levels of Hb, RBCs, and Hct, albeit slightly higher than CCBs users. Our study highlights the importance of a balanced approach in prescribing ARBs and CCBs to patients with T2DM, given their potential to induce blood abnormalities, particularly with prolonged usage.

Utility of VCS Parameters as a Cost-effective and Early Marker of Sepsis: A Hospital-based Study.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition. Nowadays, hospitals rely on laboratory parameters like CRP and procalcitonin to detect sepsis. There is a need to evaluate and validate more accurate and early predictors of sepsis in critically ill patients. We analyzed volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS) parameters of leukocytes in sepsis patients and compared them with the control group with no illness. It was a prospective case-control study. A total of 80 patients were studied with 40 sepsis cases and 40 controls. Peripheral smear examination was done in all the cases. Other parameters, such as WBC count, neutrophil%, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), procalcitonin, and blood cultures were analyzed. We took the data of the patients from medical records and correlated it with other tests. Complete blood picture reports were generated by the Beckman Coulter LH series (LH 750 and 780). VCS parameters for neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes were compared between both groups. The results were analyzed using SPSS software (16.0 version). The age group was 20-85 years with male predominance. The mean neutrophil volume (MNV) and mean monocyte volume (MMV) were higher in the sepsis group when compared with the control group. The mean neutrophil conductivity and scatter was lower in the sepsis group and comparatively higher in the control group, but it was insignificant. The mean neutrophil volume values were higher in the sepsis group even with low total leukocyte count (TLC) when the patient had sepsis. There is no change in the mean lymphocyte VCS parameter and mean monocyte conductivity, scatter in both the groups. The mean neutrophil volume and MMV are found to be good sensitive markers in the prediction of sepsis. Even when TLC is on the lower side in patients with sepsis, these parameters predict sepsis accurately. This helps clinicians to assess sepsis in patients at an early stage and has an important practical implication. Goyal H, Singhal A, Joseph M. Utility of VCS Parameters as a Cost-effective and Early Marker of Sepsis: A Hospital-based Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(9):647-650.

Study on Efficacy and Safety of Terbinafine Vs. Itraconazole in the Treatment of Tinea Pedis

Background: Tinea pedis is a dermatophytosis of the feet usually occurs between the toes with the webspace between the fourth and fifth digits but, in many cases, may appear as an extensive pattern on the bottom and sides of the feet. Terbinafine and itraconazole were evaluated with the efficacy/effectiveness and toxicity in the systemic treatment of Tinea pedis and compared with each other. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of terbinafine vs. itraconazole in treating tinea pedis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients were selected, and they were divided into groups (group-A and group B), each of which included 25 patients. Group A was given oral Terbinafine 250 mg daily for two weeks. Group B was given oral Itraconazole 200mg daily for the same duration. Patients were observed for the efficacy and side effects of the trial medicines. A baseline complete blood picture, liver and renal function test, and urine analysis were done and repeated frequently during therapy.&#x0D; Results: Most patients were in the fourth decade in both groups, and the male-to-female ratio was almost 4:1. Two groups of people were studied: group-A with terbinafine 250 mg daily and group B with itraconazole 200 mg daily for 14 days. Evaluated weekly during treatment and 02 weeks after cessation of therapy, and finally on 08th week to see the clinical improvement and adverse effects. The clinical response was found in chronic hyperkeratotic type: 08/08, 08/08; chronic interdigital type: 07/07, 07/06; vesico-bullous type: 06/05, 06/05; Mixed type: 04/03, 03/02 in group-A and group-B respectively. On average, 92% clinical improvement was found in group-A and 84% in group B. Most patients had nausea (20.0%) followed by 08% diarrhea in group A. On the other hand, in group B, most patients had nausea (28.0%), followed by 4.0% fatigue and 4.0% diarrhea, and only 01 patient found elevated liver enzyme but did not exceed the upper limit. 80% of patients in the terbinafine group had transient, mild to moderate nausea.&#x0D; Conclusion: No significant differences in efficacy and toxicity were found between terbinafine and itraconazole groups. Terbinafine may represent a good alternative for treating Tinea Pedis in patients who cannot take itraconazole or other available drugs due to contraindications.&#x0D; TAJ 2022; 36: No-1: 75-82

The Relationship between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of ERCC1 Gene and the Response to Platinum Based Chemotherapy in Egyptian Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Abstract Background Lung cancer (LC) is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both males and females. There are two subtypes of LC. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major one. Treatment options for NSCLC depends mainly on the stage at diagnosis. The majority of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages at time of presentation. Therefore, chemotherapy and radiotherapy play the dominant role in treatment of advanced NSCLC. The most commonly used chemotherapy is platinum-based chemotherapy as cisplatin and carboplatin and third generation drugs as vinorelbine and gemcitabine. The efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy is limited by chemoresistance. The excision repair cross complementation group 1(ERCC1) gene is a member of nucleotide excision repair pathway that plays a critical role in the DNA repair by removing DNA covalent helix-distorting adducts. Aim of the Work In this study investigated the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism of ERCC1 rs11615 and the response to platinum-based chemotherapy in Egyptian NSCLC patients in order to prevent the non-necessary exposure to the toxic effect of chemotherapy. Patients and Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 50 NSCLC patients who were recruited from the Oncology Clinic in Ain Shams University Hospitals; twenty of them were responders to platinumbased chemotherapy and the other 30 were non-responders according to RECIST criteria. All subjects underwent full medical history focusing on tobacco smoking and family history of cancers, thorough clinical examination, histological diagnosis of NSCLC and TNM classification, radiological studies: computed tomography of chest and abdomen and laboratory investigations in the form of: complete blood picture (CBC), liver function tests and kidney function tests. Detection of the ERCC1 (T/C) polymorphism by realtime PCR was done for both the responders' and the non-responders' groups. Results There was no significant statistical difference observed between the responders’ and nonresponders’ groups regarding the genotype frequencies nor the allelic frequency (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusion The present study did not confirm the presence of significant association between the genotypic frequencies nor the allelic frequencies of the ERCC1 rs 11615 among the responders' and the non-responders' groups. Further studies with higher sample size are needed to clarify the association.

Validity of CBC Differential Count for Diagnosis of COVID-19

Abstract Background With rapid spreading of the outbreak of 2019-nCoV infection, the WHO announced a public health emergency of international concern. Among most common easily performed and inexpensive diagnostic procedures are Complete blood counts (CBC). Aim of the Work to evaluate efficacy of complete blood picture (CBC) in diagnosis and identifying cases of COVID-19. Patients and Methods A case control study was conducted on a total of 173 patients at Ain Shams University Hospitals during a period of three months since beginning of data collection. Patients were allocated into 2 groups according to COVID-19 PCR result: GROUP 1: Patients with COVID-19 Positive PCR; GROUP 2: Patients with COVID-19 Negative PCR. Results CBC differential count has significant value in diagnosing of covid-19 disease, many of COVID patients have lymphopenia and leucopenia in comparison to non COVID suspected patients. Conclusion The definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 was made by RT-PCR analysis, but this was a time-consuming and less accessible test. With this test, the time it takes to diagnose and treat patients can be delayed. In our study, low values of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils with a CBC test which is easily available, were found to be valuable in terms of the initial diagnosis of COVID-19.

Effect of Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy on Lipid Profile in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Background Chronic hepatitis viral infection is associated with wide metabolic disarrangements. HCV interacts with lipid metabolism leading to steatosis, hepatitis c virus infection is linked to the lower lipid profiles and progression of the chronic liver disease. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was to evaluate the Effect of Direct Acting Antivirals therapy on serum lipid profile in egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Patients and Methods This study was prospective Cohort clinical study and carried out on 60 patients have chronic infection with hepatitis C who was treated with direct acting antiviral therapy on patients admitted to Aswan Fever Hospital. Results The results of this study showed that the basic demographic and clinical data in the two studied groups including age, sex, smoking habitat, comorbidity, BMI, and pre treatment laboratory findings which include blood picture, FBS and liver function, show insignificant difference between the two studied groups, this results was important to eliminate the effect of demographic and clinical data on the net results and the only variable affected on the net results was the type of treatment. In our results, the lipid profile show the following result, regarding triglyceride and cholesterol, it was found that there was no significant difference between the two groups pre treatment and all over the period of follow up, on the other hand at end of follow up after three months it was found that there was a significant increase in triglyceride and cholesterol in the two groups, but the increasing in group I (Sof+Dacal) was more than the increase in group II (sof+dacal+ribavirin). Regarding LDL and HDL, the levels of two variables pre treatment was matched without significant difference, the increase in LDL and decrease in HDL in group II was significantly higher than the increase in group II after one and three months, on the other hand on comparing the level of LDL and HDL pre treatment with the final follow up after 3 months, it was found that there was a significant increase in LDL and decrease in HDL in the two groups. Conclusion In this study, we could conclude that there was a significant increase in lipid profile in patients with chronic HCV infection treated with Sofosbuvir &amp; Daclatasvir + Ribavirin and Sofosbuvir &amp; Daclatasvir.

Association of Glutathione S-Transferase P1 (GSTP1) Gene Polymorphism with the Response to Platinum Based Chemotherapy in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract Background Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and despite therapeutic advances, mortality remains high. Platinum based chemotherapy remains the mainstay of adjuvant or first line chemotherapy in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, pathophysiological features along with genetic background significantly influence therapeutic efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy. GSTP1 gene is a member of the cytosolic superfamily of glutathione-S-transferases, which is responsible for phase II detoxification enzymes that convert various reactive metabolites to more water-soluble and less harmful forms by conjugating them with glutathione. The genetic polymorphism GSTP1 rs1695 is associated with decreased substrate specific catalytic activity and the reduced enzyme activity which may reduces platinum detoxification, thus promoting better response rates to platinum-based chemotherapy. Aim of the Work In the present study was aimed to investigate the association of GSTP1 gene polymorphism with the response to platinum based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC in order to prevent the non necessary exposure to the toxic effect of chemotherapy. Patients and Methods The study was a retrospective cross sectional study conducted on 50 NSCLC patients who were recruited from the Oncology clinic in Ain Shams University Hospitals, twenty of them were responders to platinum based chemotherapy and the other 30 were not responders according to RECIST criteria. All subjects underwent full medical history focusing on tobacco smoking and family history of cancers, thorough clinical examination, histological diagnosis of NSCLC and TNM classification, radiological studies: computed tomography of chest and abdomen and laboratory investigations in the form of: complete blood picture (CBC), liver function tests and kidney function tests. Detection of the GSTP1 rs1695 (A/G) polymorphism by real-time PCR was done for both the responders and the non responders group. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the responders’ and non responders’ groups regarding the genotypic distribution (p &amp;gt; 0.05). However, the G allele was significantly higher in the responders’ group compared to the non responders’ group with p value &amp;lt; 0.05. Conclusion The present study did not confirm the presence of significant association between the genotypic frequencies of the GSTP1 rs 1695 among the responders and the non responders group, but despite that it showed that the A allele was significantly higher in the non responders’ group compared to the responders’ group. However, the G allele was significantly higher in the responders’ group compared to the non responders’ group. Further studies with higher sample size are needed to clarify the association.

The Impact of Dapagliflozin on Cardiac LV Systolic Function in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Who Developed Post MI LV Dysfunction

Abstract Aim and objectives To study the impact of dapagliflozin on LV systolic function in patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction undergoing primary percutaneous Coronary Intervention who developed post MI LV dysfunction. Patients and Methods The study included 80 patient who presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and underwent primary PCI at the catheterization lab unit, Cardiology department, Ain Shams University. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The standard treatment was given to all patients according to the ESC guidelines including: ACEI or ARNi, a beta-blocker, and an MRA[1] uptitrated according to the clinical state of the patient. The study medication was 10 mg of dapagliflozin[1] given once daily in the morning to the case group and a placebo medication to the control group. LVEF was assessed in both groups post primary PCI and at follow-up after 3 months by the same Echo machine GE VIVED S5 after the procedure since first of June 2021 till end of January 2022. Results There were no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding gender distribution, mean age, and the incidence of different risk factors of CAD (smoking, Diabetes and hypertension). Regarding pain to door (PTD) time, there was no statistically significant difference between case and control groups (P-value = 0.695), and anterior STEMI was the most common presentation in both groups (90% in the case group and 77.5% in the control group in the control group). Subsequently, there was no statistically significant difference between case and control groups regarding TIMI flow, and post-MI EF with mean range 34.88% ± 3.55% in the case group and 34.58% ± 3.65% in the control group (P = 0.711). On the other hand, there was statistically significant improvement in follow-up EF in the case group which showed a mean range of 45.36% ± 7.13% in comparison with the control group which showed a mean range of 41.80% ± 6.93% (P = 0.027). Conclusion Dapagliflozin administration in the early phase after STEMI results in significant improvement in LV systolic function in comparison with the placebo. Abbreviations ACE-I: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ACS: Acute coronary syndrome; ARNI: Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor; CBC: Complete blood picture; DM: Diabetes Mellitus; ECG: Electrocardiogram; FH: Family History; GLS: Global longitudinal strain; HF: Heart Failure; HFrEF: Heart Failure reduced Ejection Fraction; HTN: Hypertension IV: Intravenous; LV: Left ventricle; LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction; MI: Myocardial Infarction; MRA: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; PCI: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention; SD: Standard deviation; SGLT-2: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors; SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Science; STEMI: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; T2D: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus