Case Of Severe Anemia Research Articles

Severe anemia due to pharyngeal leech infestation; a\xa0case report from Ethiopia

BackgroundLeeches are rare blood-sucking endoparasites. Swimming in streams and ponds as well as drinking contaminated water are the major ways to acquire leeches.Case presentationA 6 year old boy who came with a history of hematemesis, frequent spitting of blood stained saliva, fatigue and anorexia to a rural hospital in Ethiopia. This was a rare case of severe anemia caused by a single leech infestation of laryngopharynx that required blood transfusion.ConclusionLeech infestation should be considered as a source of unexplained hematemesis, spitting of blood and severe anemia in rural areas.

A microfluidic approach for hemoglobin detection in whole blood

Diagnosis of anemia relies on the detection of hemoglobin levels in a blood sample. Conventional blood analyzers are not readily available in most low-resource regions where anemia is prevalent, so detection methods that are low-cost and point-of-care are needed. Here, we present a microfluidic approach to measure hemoglobin concentration in a sample of whole blood. Unlike conventional approaches, our microfluidic approach does not require hemolysis. We detect the level of hemoglobin in a blood sample optically by illuminating the blood in a microfluidic channel at a peak wavelength of 540 nm and measuring its absorbance using a CMOS sensor coupled with a lens to magnify the image onto the detector. We compare measurements in microchannels with channel heights of 50 and 115 μm and found the channel with the 50 μm height provided a better range of detection. Since we use whole blood and not lysed blood, we fit our data to an absorption model that includes optical scattering in order to obtain a calibration curve for our system. Based on this calibration curve and data collected, we can measure hemoglobin concentration within 1 g/dL for severe cases of anemia. In addition, we measured optical density for blood flowing at a shear rate of 500 s-1 and observed it did not affect the nonlinear model. With this method, we provide an approach that uses microfluidic detection of hemoglobin levels that can be integrated with other microfluidic approaches for blood analysis.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of dienogest in the treatment of painful symptoms in patients with adenomyosis: a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dienogest (DNG), a progestational 19-norsteroid, in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis. Phase III, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study. Clinical study sites in Japan. Sixty-seven patients with adenomyosis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive DNG (2mg/d, orally) or placebo for 16weeks. In cases of complicated anemia, patients were treated for anemia before randomization. The primary end point was the change from baseline to after treatment pain score, using zero- to three-point verbal rating scales that defined pain severity according to limited ability to work and need for analgesics. The visual analogue scale was used as another pain parameter. Decreases from baseline in the pain score and the visual analogue scale at the end of treatment were significantly more in the DNG group than in the placebo group (P<.001). During the treatment period, almost all of the patients treated with DNG experienced irregular uterine bleeding and one patient had mild anemia. No severe cases of anemia were observed. These results suggest that DNG is effective and well tolerated in the treatment for painful symptoms associated with adenomyosis not complicated by severe uterine enlargement or severe anemia. JapicCTI-142642(en).

Clinical profile, laboratory profile of malaria cases attending a tertiary care hospital in South India: two-year study

Background: Malaria a protozoal disease caused by Plasmodium species. As per WHO global report 2015, it is distributed in 100 countries throughout the world. The worldwide prevalence of malaria is around 200-300 million cases with an estimated economical loss of 0.5-1 billion per annum. India contributes to 70% of cases and 69% of deaths in south east Asian region. Malaria in India is caused mainly by two species P. vivax (Pv) and P. falciparum (Pf). The present study was done to evaluate the clinical profile of malarial cases with associated complications and hematological profile in these cases. This study will provide insight into the common species distribution and their clinical presentations with hematological profile.Methods: The present study was conducted at Narayana general hospital and medical college for two years from March 2014 to February 2016. Study was conducted on 400 confirmed cases of malaria with 200 males and 200 females. Clinical presentations with signs and symptoms were noted and laboratory parameters of cases were noted.Results: 127 cases of vivax, 243 cases of falciparum and 30 cases of mixed infections were identified. 41-50 years (33.3%) age group was predominantly affected. Fever was the most common symptom (100%) followed by chills (83%). Pallor was the most common sign (76%) followed by splenomegaly (71%). Cerebral malaria was seen in 42 cases, severe anemia in 82, ARDS in 4 and circulatory collapse in 1 case was identified. ESR, PT, BT and APTT were raised in both falciparum and vivax malaria. Severe thrombocytopenia was identified in 100 cases with petechia and minor bleeding manifestations.Conclusions: To conclude falciparum malaria was more common than vivax malaria in our study with more cases of severe anemia, splenomegaly, cerebral malaria, and severe thrombocytopenia. BT, PT, APTT were raised more in cases of falciparum than vivax malaria. In cases of mixed infections of vivax and falciparum, clinical profile and laboratory indices were more presenting as falciparum than vivax malaria.

Association of Ehrlichia canis, Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma platys and severe anemia in dogs in Thailand

Canine tick-borne bacteria; Ehrlichia canis, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma spp., are organisms transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. However, only a few clinical studies evaluating dogs infected with these organisms and anemia condition have been published. In this study, the potential tick-borne bacteria linked to anemia were investigated in eighty-one blood samples selected from anemic dogs using a broad range nested-PCR of the 16S rRNA gene. Positive results were shown in 12/81 blood specimens (14.81%). Nucleotide sequences from the PCR products were analyzed using BLAST and resulted in identification of Ehrlichia canis (8), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (1) and Anaplasma platys (3). Two other PCR assays were used to detect and identify the positive results of these pathogens including a specific PCR for Ehrlichia canis (gp36) and a specific nested-PCR for hemoplasma species (16S rRNA) and the phylogenetic analyses of E. canis and canine hemoplasmas were performed using these two loci. These specific PCRs revealed co-infection of E. canis and Mycoplasma haemocanis in two cases. These two male dogs had presented with jaundice, severe hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, mild azotemia and hepatitis. Ehrlichia canis was detected in a significantly greater number of severe anemia cases (PCV<15%) than moderate or mild anemia cases (PCV 16–29%) (P<0.05) and these severe anemia cases were 7-fold more at risk of having E. canis infections (odds ratio: 7.11, p=0.020). However, no statistical differences were detected between E. canis detection and degrees of thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. From the results of this study, we conclude that the severity of anemia is associated with E. canis infections rather than the severity of thrombocytopenia.

Prevalence of Anemia and Hemoglobin Disorders Among School Children in Myanmar

The prevalence of anemia is high in the population of Myanmar and hypochromic microcytic anemia (HMA) is predominant. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and causes of HMA among school children. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 239 children from Thanlyin and Insein Townships, Yangon Region, Myanmar. Complete blood count (CBC) and blood film morphology was examined on venous blood samples. Hypochromic microcytic anemia cases were subsequently analyzed for serum ferritin and cellulose acetate hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis. The prevalence of anemia was 46.4%; 27.6% had mild, while 18.8% had moderate anemia, and no case of severe anemia was detected. The mean Hb concentration was 11.7 ± 0.9 g/dL. The younger age group (8–11 years) had a significantly higher prevalence of anemia than the older age group (12–15 years) (p = 0.029). Blood film morphology revealed a 50.6% red blood cell (RBC) disorder; HMA was the most common type (70.2%). Out of 85 children with HMA, three children (3.5%) had iron deficiency and all had comorbidity with Hb AE (βA/βE) (Hb E trait). Hemoglobin electrophoresis illustrated that Hb AA (βA/βA) (31, 36.5%) and Hb AE (βA/βE) trait (31, 36.5%) were the most common types followed by β-thalassemia (β-thal) trait (19, 22.3%) and Hb EE (βE/βE) (homozygous Hb E; HBB: c.79G>A) (three, 3.5%). Hematocrit [or packed cell volume (PCV)], mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC), showed a significant difference between Hb AE, Hb EE and β-thal trait (p = 0.029, 0.023, 0.015 and 0.01, respectively). Our findings will provide valuable information for the management of anemia in the Myanmar school-age population.

A Case Report of Severe Anemia in a North Indian Surrogate Mother

Recently, our unit tackled a case of severe anemia in a surrogate mother during the third trimester of a twin pregnancy. Her hemoglobin was just 5 g/dl, whereas the normal range should ideally be within the range of 12 g/dl to 14 g/dl. Due to timely intervention, we managed to avoid complications. However, it is important to discuss this case, as it is found that in the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centers worldwide, multiple embryo transfers is preferred over single embryo transfers, which often result in higher morbidity and mortality in mothers and infants.

Alpha thalassemia deletions found in suspected cases of beta thalassemia major in Pakistani population.

Background & Objective:Alpha (α) thalassemia is a hereditary disorder and is caused by deletions or mutations in globin genes. It is present in two clinically significant forms: hemoglobin Bart hydrops fetalis (Hb Bart) syndrome and hemoglobin H (HbH) disease. It is highly prevalent in South-East Asia or Mediterranean countries. The most common deletion reported in alpha thalassemia in Pakistani population was –α3.7 with a frequency of 8.3%, and the rare forms were –α4.2 (0.2%) and αααanti3.7 (0.9%). In our study, diagnosis of severe anemia cases without any α and β mutations or deletions were made by using extended alpha thalassemia deletions panel. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and to study the spectra of alpha thalassemia gene deletions in beta thalassemia patients with the use of an extended panel including −−SEA, −−FIL, −−MED, −−20.5, −−THAI in addition to –α3.7, –α4.2 & -αααanti3.7.Methods:The samples were collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) vacutainers. A total of 156 samples were analyzed for alpha thalassemia mutations. This cohort included 121 samples of beta thalassemia major, nine samples of beta thalassemia minor and 26 without any evidence of beta thalassemia mutations. DNA was extracted with Qiagen extraction kit. The primers for determination of different subsets of alpha thalassemia deletions were included. PCR amplification was performed and result interpreted on agarose gel.Results:Co-inheritance of alpha thalassemia (–α3.7, –α4.2) with homozygous beta thalassemia was detected in 30% cases of studied cohort (37 out of 121). The most common found was –α3.7 deletion (35/37) as single/double deletions or in combination with -αααanti3.7. In undiagnosed cases screened for beta thalassemia major, we found Mediterranean (–αMED) deletion at specifically 875 bp on agarose gel. This is distinctive finding in case of detecting –αMED instead of any other deletion from Pakistan.Conclusion:Alpha thalassemia deletions (–α3.7, –α4.2) are the common co-inherited deletions found in beta thalassemia major patients. On the basis of results, we propose an extended alpha thalassemia genetic mutation panel should be used for screening of children presenting with anemia with suspicion of haemoglobinopathy.

Anaemia in HIV-infected pregnant women receiving triple antiretroviral combination therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission: a secondary analysis of the Kisumu breastfeeding study (KiBS).

The prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy is estimated to be 35-75% in sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality. We evaluated the frequency and factors associated with anaemia in HIV-infected women undergoing antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) enrolled in The Kisumu Breastfeeding Study 2003-2009. Maternal haematological parameters were monitored from 32 to 34 weeks of gestation to 2 years post-delivery among 522 enrolled women. Clinical and laboratory assessments for causes of anaemia were performed, and appropriate management was initiated. Anaemia was graded using the National Institutes of Health Division of AIDS 1994 Adult Toxicity Tables. Data were analysed using SAS software, v 9.2. The Wilcoxon two-sample rank test was used to compare groups. A logistic regression model was fitted to describe the trend in anaemia over time. At enrolment, the prevalence of any grade anaemia (Hb < 9.4 g/dl) was 61.8%, but fell during ARV therapy, reaching a nadir (7.4%) by 6 months post-partum. A total of 41 women (8%) developed severe anaemia (Hb < 7 g/dl) during follow-up; 2 (4.9%) were hospitalised for blood transfusion, whereas 3 (7.3%) were transfused while hospitalised (for delivery). The greatest proportion of severe anaemia events occurred around delivery (48.8%; n = 20). Anaemia (Hb ≥ 7 and < 9.4 g/dl) at enrolment was associated with severe anaemia at delivery (OR 5.87; 95% CI: 4.48, 7.68, P < 0.01). Few cases of severe anaemia coincided with clinical malaria (24.4%; n = 10) and helminth (7.3%; n = 3) infections. Resolution of anaemia among most participants during study follow-up was likely related to receipt of ARV therapy. Efforts should be geared towards addressing common causes of anaemia in HIV-infected pregnant women, prioritising initiation of ARV therapy and management of peripartum blood loss.

Prevalence of Anaemia among Postnatal Mothers in Coastal Karnataka.

Postpartum is the most neglected period in reproductive cycle of woman. Prevalence of anaemia in developing countries ranges from 50-95%. To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among postnatal mothers. A community based cross-sectional study among recently delivered mothers residing in field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India. The study sample included 401 respondents who were selected using stratified random sampling with proportionate allocation from all rural health centres. Data was collected by personal interviews followed by haemoglobin estimation by indirect cyanomethaemoglobin method. The prevalence of postnatal anaemia was 26.5% (Anaemia = Hb<12gm/dl). There were no cases of severe anaemia. Postnatal anaemia was predominantly seen in mothers of age < 20 years and half of the mothers with inter-pregnancy intervals less than two years were found to be anaemic. Illiteracy was identified as a significant variable (OR=11.23, 95% CI = 1.90-65.08) for postpartum anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia was significantly lower in the present study; however sustained efforts have to be made to further lower the prevalence of postnatal anaemia in order to promote the health and well-being of women.

Prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women in rural Mysore, Karnataka, India

Background: Under nutrition of pregnant women has been an important aspect of maternal health. Anemia is one of the important conditions which have to be screened among them. If not treated, it can lead to maternal and foetal complications sometimes ending in death. Anemia can also indicate the operational efficiency of Maternal and Child Health facilities in the community. Objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women in rural field practice area of a private Medical College. Methods: This cross sectional community based study was conducted in Hadinaru primary health centre (PHC), of Mysore district for a period of 6 months (June to November 2011). Pregnant women who delivered between Janauary to December 2010 and were permanent residents of the villages under Hadinaru PHC were included in the study. These mothers were visited at their home and information was collected using pre-structured questionnaire. Lab reports and antenatal check-up details were referred wherever available. Results: 314 mothers were covered in the study out of which 196 were anemic (62.4%). Mild anemia was seen in 52.0% women and 11.0% had moderate anemia. Weight gain during pregnancy and menstrual problems of mothers were significantly associated with anemia during pregnancy. Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women was found to be 62.4%. Even though there were no cases of severe anaemia, mild and moderate degree anemics were in significant number.

高度貧血で発見された悪性黒色腫の胃小腸転移の1例

高度貧血で発見された悪性黒色腫の胃小腸転移の1例

Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in a regional health facility in South Africa.

Anaemia is a major global health problem affecting an estimated 42% of pregnant women worldwide. There is a paucity of South African (SA) data on anaemia in pregnancy, despite the fact that parasitic infections are endemic and the nutritional status of sections of the population is poor. To determine the prevalence of anaemia among antenatal attendees in a regional hospital in Durban, SA. This was a cross-sectional prospective study in a regional health facility in an urban setting serving a population of low socioeconomic status. Venous blood samples to perform a full blood count were obtained from antenatal attendees at their first clinic visit. Two thousand pregnant women were studied; the mean (standard deviation) age and gestational age at booking was 27.6 (7.6) years and 21.7 (7.1) weeks, respectively. Eight hundred and fifty-four (42.7%) were anaemic (haemoglobin (Hb) levels<11 g/dL). The majority (81.4%) were mildly anaemic. There were five (0.6%) cases of severe anaemia (Hb<7 g/dL). The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher in HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative pregnant women (71.3% v. 28.7%; p<0.0001). The common morphology was normochromic normocytic (n=588, 68.9%). The prevalence of anaemia was 42.7%. In the majority (81.4%) the anaemia was mild and normocytic and normochromic (68.9%). Anaemia is a common problem among antenatal attendees in an SA urban population.

Prevalence of Anemia Among Women Receiving Antenatal Care at Boditii Health Center, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Anemia is regarded as a major risk factor for unfavorable outcome of pregnancy both for the mother and the fetus. Methodology: A heath center based cross-sectional study was conducted in Boditii Health Centers from April 12 to June 23, 2012. Data was collected using pretested questionnaire, which contains socioeconomic, demographic and clinical characteristics of pregnant women shown to have association with anemia. A total of 125 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. HGB was measured using the Sahli-Hellinge method of HGB determination. Data was entered and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16, software. Association between variables was done using chi square, and statistical significance was considered at P value < 0.05. Result: The prevalence of anemia obtained in this study was 77/125 (61.6%), based on the WHO criterion for the diagnosis of anemia in pregnancy, i.e. hemoglobin <11.0 g/dl (PCV <33%). In terms of severity, mild anemia was present in 41(53.2%) of women, moderate anemia was present in 36 (46.8%), and there were no cases of severe anemia. The prevalence of anemia in this study was 58.4% and 41.5% for primigravida and multigravida, respectively (P<0.05). Anemia was also found to increase as the gestational age increases, showing the highest prevalence in the third trimester (46.7%) than second (45.4%) and first trimester (7.8%), (P<0.001). Conclusion and Recommendation: From our results, we can conclude that anemia in pregnant women was highly prevalent in Boditti town. Our study revealed that the prevalence of anemia is higher in primigravidea than multigravidea. Anemia also increased as the gestational age increases. Intervention including health education about causes of anemia and its risk factors and antenatal care (ANC) follow up should be improved.

Mid Pregnancy Fetal Growth Restriction and Maternal Anaemia a Prospective Study

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) in anaemic women leads to high perinatal morbidity, mortality and long term sequelae too. Objective: Was to know relationship between mid gestation FGR, maternal anaemia and neonatal outcome. Materials and methods: Case control study was done in 500 study subjects with special criteria (primigravida with FGR at midgestation with or without anaemia, no other disorders), 500 controls were with similar criteria without FGR. Results: Of 500 study subjects with FGR at 20-24 weeks, 79.2% were anaemic, (53.3% had mild, 41.7% moderate, 5% severe anaemia), 20.8% nonanaemic. Amongst controls, 63.4% were anaemic, (66.2% mild, 30.5% moderate, 3.15% severe), 36.6% nonanaemic. Significantly more study subjects were anaemic, (moderately, severely) with 2.2 times more chances of anaemia in study compared to controls. 7.2% with mild, 14.5% with moderate, 43.9% with severe, 5.5% without anaemia had preterm birth, significant increase in preterm births with increasing severity of anaemia. There was significant (p<0.05) difference between mean birth weight. MBW decreasing with anemia severity. Risk for LBW, VLBW in mild, moderate, severe anaemia was 1.2 and 1.7, 3.8 and 1.5, and 1.9 and 4.2 respectively, MBW of study cases with mild anaemia was, (2085.72 ± 317.2 g), with moderate MBW, (1950.26 ± 410.3 g), with severe (1380.25 ± 480.1 g), without anaemia (2146.42 ± 279.1 g), significant difference in moderate and severe anaemia cases (p<0.01). None with anaemia at 20-24 weeks became nonanaemic with increasing gestation. Conclusion: FGR at midgestation is significantly associated with anaemia in mother, risk of FGR increases with severity of anaemia. With FGR and anaemia risk of preterm pains, preterm births increase with increase in severity of anaemia MBW decreases. In day to day practice women with anaemia at mid gestation do not become nonanaemic. In anaemic women, FGR can occur in later weeks of pregnancy also.

Anemia: An approach to evaluation, 2014

Anemia is very commonly encountered in general clinical practice among all age groups. The more commonly used way to classify anemia has been to categorize it as being microcytic (mean corpuscular volume [MCV] 100 fL), which in turn allows for a more practical way to attempt to come up with a cause for any decrease in hemoglobin. Microcytic anemias are usually due to iron deficiency (in turn, a result of a number of different etiologies ranging from decreased intake, malabsorption, or blood loss), hemoglobinopathies (thalassemic syndromes), and some cases of severe anemia resulting from chronic disease. Normocytic anemia is often a result of anemia of chronic disease, hemolysis, or secondary to bone marrow failure. Macrocytic anemias are frequently caused by deficiencies of folic acid and/or Vitamin B12, exposure to toxic agents like drugs that interfere with DNA metabolism and alcohol, as also bone marrow failure states, such as from myelodysplastic syndrome. A comprehensive history, physical examination, and directed laboratory evaluation will help to identify a specific cause for anemia.

Anemia and retinal function in a mouse model of acute colitis

Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have an elevated risk of ocular inflammation. Both the anterior and posterior eye can be affected by IBD, although posterior eye dysfunction is more likely to go undetected. Little investigative attention has been directed toward the mechanisms of ocular dysfunction with IBD; however, given the prevalence of anemia in IBD and the effects of anemia on the retina, we examined the association between retinal function (electroretinography, ERG) and the anemia induced by experimental IBD, and we tested for a potential retinal benefit of acutely attenuating anemia (via red blood cell (RBC) infusion). Colitis was induced in mice in a model involving drinking water ingestion of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), with untreated drinking water administered to controls. A subset of the DSS mice was infused with RBCs to attenuate the severity of the anemia induced by DSS. ERG signals (a-waves, b-waves, and oscillatory potential amplitudes and implicit times) were compared between the three groups of mice to evaluate retinal function. ERG amplitudes were significantly decreased in DSS mice compared to controls, with the amplitudes demonstrating a positive correlation with hematocrit, that is, the lowest ERG amplitudes were found with the most severe cases of anemia. An acute infusion of RBCs into DSS mice provided an improvement in the oscillatory potential implicit times, but no significant improvements in other ERG parameters. Despite the association between anemia and ERG signals in DSS-induced colitis, acute RBC infusion may only partially attenuate the associated retinal dysfunction.

A Study of Blood Cell Indices and Reticulocyte Count in cases of Anaemia in Females in Reproductive Age Group

Introduction: ANAEMIA, a global health problem mostly affects the women of reproductive age group; especially in developing countries1,2. Whereas severe anaemia is closely related to risk of mortality even mild anaemia carries health risks and causes morbidity. So much information can be obtained from examination of the stained blood film and haematological parameters obtained from cell counter; that it is possible to reach to a tentative diagnosis of the type of anaemia in 90% of patients and special tests may not be required. Material and Methods: A study was carried out in 195 female patients in the age group of 16-50 yrs with haemoglobin values of less than 12gms%. E.D.T.A. blood samples were processed for haematological parameters on Electronic cell counter. Detailed smear examination and reticulocyte count was also done for each patient. The values of blood cell indices, RDW, reticulocyte count and haemoglobin were analyzed and corelated. Results and Conclusions: The mean age of females in the study was 28.5 yrs, of which 63 Patients were of mild anaemia, 100 patients were in category of moderate anaemia and 32 patients were classified as severe anaemia cases. PCV, MCV, and MCH were significantly altered in all cases whereas MCHC did not show a significant relation. Marked RDW alterations were seen in severe anaemia. Reticulocyte count was increased in only 13 out of 195 cases. Using classification given by David Bessman et al 3; the predominant anaemia was nutritional; of which most cases were of iron deficiency with the rest being either Folate, Vitamin B12 deficiency mixed deficiency and chronic disease. Thus a detailed baseline study of haematological parameters can help us diagnose type of anaemia without availing the need of special tests.

A Study of Blood Cell Indices and Reticulocyte Count in cases of Anaemia in Females in Reproductive Age Group

&lt;strong&gt;Introduction:&lt;/strong&gt; ANAEMIA, a global health problem mostly affects the women of reproductive age group; especially in developing countries1,2. Whereas severe anaemia is closely related to risk of mortality even mild anaemia carries health risks and causes morbidity. So much information can be obtained from examination of the stained blood film and haematological parameters obtained from cell counter; that it is possible to reach to a tentative diagnosis of the type of anaemia in 90% of patients and special tests may not be required.&lt;strong&gt; Material and Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A study was carried out in 195 female patients in the age group of 16-50 yrs with haemoglobin values of less than 12gms%. E.D.T.A. blood samples were processed for haematological parameters on Electronic cell counter. Detailed smear examination and reticulocyte count was also done for each patient. The values of blood cell indices, RDW, reticulocyte count and haemoglobin were analyzed and corelated. &lt;strong&gt;Results and Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The mean age of females in the study was 28.5 yrs, of which 63 Patients were of mild anaemia, 100 patients were in category of moderate anaemia and 32 patients were classified as severe anaemia cases. PCV, MCV, and MCH were significantly altered in all cases whereas MCHC did not show a significant relation. Marked RDW alterations were seen in severe anaemia. Reticulocyte count was increased in only 13 out of 195 cases. Using classification given by David Bessman et al 3; the predominant anaemia was nutritional; of which most cases were of iron deficiency with the rest being either Folate, Vitamin B12 deficiency mixed deficiency and chronic disease. Thus a detailed baseline study of haematological parameters can help us diagnose type of anaemia without availing the need of special tests.

Characteristics of Severely Anemic Pregnant Women and Perinatal Outcomes in Banfora Regional Hospital, Burkina Faso: An Epidemiological Study

Severe anemia during pregnancy remains an acute maternal health problem in low income countries and its management is a challenge. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of hospitalized pregnant women with severe anemia and issue of the management in a regional hospital of a low income country. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008, at a regional hospital maternity. Data of the 283 pregnancy severe anemia cases have been analyzed using usual Pearson’s Chi square test or Fisher’s exact test. Results: Of the 283 women with pregnancy severe anemia, 98% were illiterate, 98% were household women; majority were in the third trimester (64%); 41% had no previous delivery; 49% did not had antenatal care. There were no statistics association between hemoglobin values stage and gestational age, gravidity and parity. During the hospitalization, from the 283 women with pregnancy severe anemia, deliveries occurred on 22.6%; abortion on 1%. From the 64 deliveries, 45.3% were alive preterm birth, 20.3% preterm stillbirth, 25.0% at term birth and 9.4% at term stillbirth. Between the 45 alive babies, 91% were low birth weight. In global, from the 283 women, mortality rate was 2.8%. Conclusion: Severe anemia during pregnancy results in maternal mortality, preterm, low birth and stillbirth even between hospitalized women. As most of the pregnancy anemia risk factors are chronic poverty related factors, intervention must be focused on prevention including health pregnant women iron supplementation and adequate nutritional diet promoting at both health facilities and community level.