Decrease In Hematocrit Values Research Articles

Effect of anesthesia type on outcome measures in cesarean section in the presence of fetal macrosomia.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of general and spinal anesthesia on maternal and neonatal outcomes during cesarean section in pregnancies with macrosomia. This retrospective cohort study included 1043 patients who delivered by cesarean section between May 2018 and December 2021 and had a baby born with a birth weight of 4000 g or greater. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared according to the type of anesthesia performed in the spinal anesthesia group (n=903; 86.6%) and general anesthesia group (n=140; 13.4%). The Apgar score was categorized into <7 and ≥7. Neonates with an Apgar score of <7 at the first minute (11.4 vs. 0.4%; p<0.001) and the fifth minute (2.9 vs. 0.3%; p=0.004) were significantly higher in the general anesthesia group. The preoperative and postoperative hematocrit difference was significantly lower in patients who received spinal anesthesia than those who received general anesthesia [2 (1.1-3.1) vs. 4.05 (2.8-5.35); p<0.001]. The number of patients transfused was higher in the general anesthesia group (9.3 vs. 2.7%; p<0.001). In the regression model, general anesthesia, birth weight, and emergency conditions were significant independent factors related to the preoperative and postoperative hematocrit decrease (p<0.001, p=0.005, and p=0.034, respectively). Apgar scores of <7 at the first and fifth minutes are higher in macrosomic neonates who received general anesthesia than in neonates who received spinal anesthesia. Performing cesarean section under general anesthesia in mothers of macrosomic neonates results in a greater decrease in hematocrit value and a greater need for blood transfusion than under spinal anesthesia.

A Mathematical Model for Blood Flow Accounting for the Hematological Disorders

Abstract This paper considers a mathematical model that accounts for the hematological disorders of blood in its flow in human arteries. Blood is described as a Newtonian fluid but with its viscosity as a function of the hematocrit, plasma viscosity, and shape factor of the red blood cells. The artery is modeled as a flexible circular pipe with the blood flow as oscillatory. This model is solved using HAM (Homotopy Analysis Method), an approximate analytical method, and we computed expressions for wall shear stress (WSS) and volumetric flow rate. With the help of publicly available data, blood flow in the human femoral artery for male and female populations aged 19 to 60 and above years is simulated for healthy, anemia, and polycythemia cases. The model projected a significant difference in the mean volumetric flow rates in the conditions mentioned above. Results also indicated that the mean WSS of healthy and anemic populations are not significantly different. However, a significant difference in the mean has been observed in healthy and polycythemic conditions. Furthermore, a 33.3% decrease in hematocrit value from that in the normal range (taken as 0.45) of a healthy population has increased the flow rate by 33.5%. For a value 33.3% above 0.45, there is a decrease of 42.7% in the flow rate.

Mathematical modeling of the hematocrit influence on cerebral blood flow in preterm infants.

Premature birth is one of the most important factors increasing the risk for brain damage in newborns. Development of an intraventricular hemorrhage in the immature brain is often triggered by fluctuations of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Therefore, monitoring of CBF becomes an important task in clinical care of preterm infants. Mathematical modeling of CBF can be a complementary tool in addition to diagnostic tools in clinical practice and research. The purpose of the present study is an enhancement of the previously developed mathematical model for CBF by a detailed description of apparent blood viscosity and vessel resistance, accounting for inhomogeneous hematocrit distribution in multiscale blood vessel architectures. The enhanced model is applied to our medical database retrospectively collected from the 254 preterm infants with a gestational age of 23–30 weeks. It is shown that by including clinically measured hematocrit in the mathematical model, apparent blood viscosity, vessel resistance, and hence the CBF are strongly affected. Thus, a statistically significant decrease in hematocrit values observed in the group of preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage resulted in a statistically significant increase in calculated CBF values.

Haematologic and Biochemical Parameters of Haemogregarine-infected ‎and Non-infected African Hinge-Back Tortoises in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study was conducted to evaluate haematological and biochemical parameters of haemogregarine-infected (h-infected) and non-infected African hinge-back tortoises in Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 120 tortoises, of which 70 were Kinixys belliana and 50 were K. homeana. Stained thin smears were examined for haemogregarines using light microscope. Haematological and biochemical analyses were carried out following standard procedures. A total of 91(75.83 %) tortoises were positive for haemogregarines. Significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower values of haematocrit (23.92 %), haemoglobin (5.21g/dl) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (21.78 %) were recorded for h-infected tortoises with haematocrit (33.29 %), haemoglobin (8.31g/dl) and MCHC (24.96 %). Higher values of white blood cells (WBC) (7.26 x 109/L) and lymphocytes (2.71x109/L), were observed in h-infected than non-infected with WBC (5.58 x 109/L) and lymphocytes (2.15x109/L). Higher values of haematocrit and haemaglobin were recorded for K. Homeana. Males had higher haematocrit (27.27 %) and WBC (7.09 x 109/L) than females with haematocrit (24.35 %) and WBC (6.93 x 109/L). Females had higher MCHC, haemoglobin and calcium values than males.The lower values of haematocrit, haemoglobin and MCHC obtained for h-infected tortoises were expected since haemogregarines are usually found intra-erythrocytic in their host thereby destroying affected erythrocytes and causing a decrease in haematocrit value. Higher WBC counts in h-infected tortoises is typical in diseased conditions. The higher level of calcium in female tortoises is due to their reproductive cycle especially vitellogenesis and egg formation. Hypo-proteinaemia recorded in h- infected tortoises was attributed to parasitism. It is concluded that majority of haematological and biochemical analytes showed considerable variations with level of infection status, species and gender.

The treating dogs for enteropathy with PLE

One of the most common and poorly understood diseases in dogs and cats is enteropathy with PLE. The disease occurs, according to studies, in dogs of 2-6 years old breeds: Yorkshire terrier, German shepherd, and Golden Retriever. The disease in most cases is manifested by anorexia, polydipsia, diarrhea, fever up to 39.7 °C, tachycardia (145–170 bpm), and abdominal pain. In sick dogs, leucocytosis (21.0 ± 0.50 g/l), thrombocytosis (480.0 ± 10.13 g/l), oligocythaemia (4.8 ± 0.12 T/l), oligochromemia (109.0 ± 5.06 g/l), decrease in haematocrit value (29.0 ± 1.21 % in healthy people 42.3 ± 0.65 %). In a biochemical study of blood in dogs with enteropathy with PLE, hypoproteinaemia (38.2 ± 0.65 g/l), hypoalbuminemia (9.6 ± 0.61 g/l); hyperazotemia (8.6 ± 0.37 mmol/l), hypercholesterolemia (8.0 ± 0.23 mmol/l), hyperenzymemia of LF (ALP) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), hyponatremia, hypokalaemia, hypochloraemia, decreased blood pH values (7.26 ± 0.013), HCO3- (15.3 ± 0.71 mmol/L) and AG (2.85 ± 0.084 mmol/L, in healthy people 14.3 ± 1.17 mmol/L). The diagnosis of enteropathy with PLE was confirmed by studies in feces of α1-antitrypsin, which in sick dogs with PLE was more than 22 mg/dL (in clinically healthy dogs up to 18 mg/dL). A treatment regimen with trometamol, Xylat, Disparkol, Voluven, Reopoliglukin, Maropitant, prednisolone, α-lysine escinat, albumin, Presorb and feed additives Vivonex Ten Elemental and Royal Canin Recoveri promotes the recovery of dogs, prevents their death. Under the action of drugs, erythro- and leuсocytopoiesis, protein-synthesizing (the content of total protein and albumin increased by 34.3 and 246.9 %, respectively) and urea-forming functions of hepatocytes improves. We have developed and tested a treatment scheme that restores the acid-base balance of the body, as indicated by the physiological values of blood pH, bicarbonates, anion gap (AG), Na+, K+, Cl- and Mg+.

Стан гемопоезу у дійних корів за профілактики мікроелементної недостатності

These results of hematological studies in dairy cows for the prophylaxis microelements insufficiency by inorganic and organic compounds of scarce micronutrients. The purpose of our research was to investigate the impact of inorganic and organic compounds of trace elements on the state of hemopoesis in dairy cows for the prophylaxis microelement insufficiency. The material for the research was the blood of experimental animals, where was determined: the number of erythrocytes, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, the value of hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the average content of hemoglobin in erythrocyte (ICSU). The given indicators were determined on an automatic hematology analyzer type «Mythic 18 vet» (Switzerland). According to the results of hematological studies in clinically sick animals it was set oligochromemia, decrease in hematocrit values against the background of a sufficient number of erythrocytes, that helped to reduce the MCH and MCV, and also ICSU growth. These changes of hemopoesis indicate the development of hypochromic microcytaric anemia. Application of basic diet of organic and inorganic compounds of scarce microelements in the composition of feed to clinically sick dairy cows promoted the normalization of hemopoesis. It was established a better therapeutic effect in animals of second experimental group, which were fed with chelated compound of scarce microelements in the form of methionates and lysinates. At the end of the experiment, in the blood of animals of the second experimental group, was set up probable increase in a hemoglobin content, hematocrit values, МСН та MCV, and also decrease of ICSU, indicating a recovery of hemopoesis.

A comparison of balloon and amplatz dilators in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a retrospective evaluation.

In this study, we compared our experience using balloon and amplatz dilatation in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We also evaluated peri- and postoperative variables, including success rates. Two hundred renal stone patients (123 men/77 women) underwent PCNL at the Urology Clinic of İzmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital from September 2005 to May 2011. The nephrostomy tract was dilated using a balloon (128 patients) or amplatz (72 patients) dilator. The groups were compared by age, total operating time, treatment success rate, retreatment rate, pre- and postoperative hematocrit values, mean decrease in hematocrit values, blood transfusion rate, stone burden, tract dilatation failure, hospital stay and nephrostomy removal times, stone localization, previous stone operation and the cost of the dilatation system. There was no statistically significant difference in the operative time (97.9±45.3 minutes in balloon group vs. 98.5±43.4 minutes in the amplatz group; p=0.43), preoperative hematocrit value (39.04±4.21 vs. 38.94±4.49; p=0.87), postoperative hematocrit value (32.74±4.86 vs. 32.48±5.43; p=0.73), decrease in hematocrit values (6.30±2.60 vs. 6.45±2.64; p=0.68), blood transfusion rate (15.6% vs. 16.7%; p=0.84) or treatment success rate (78.9% vs. 79.2%; p=0.96) between balloon and amplatz groups. Differences in other variables were also not observed between the two groups. The balloon or amplatz dilatation methods have similar results with regard to efficacy, speed, and safety. However, the cost of the balloon dilator is higher than that of the amplatz dilator.

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma with scant epithelial components in an Angora cat

CASE HISTORY: A 6-year-old, neutered, female Angora cat presented with a history of lethargy and anorexia for 2 months and a clinically palpable and gradually enlarging, solid mass in the abdominal cavity extending from the last costal arch to the pelvic cavity.CLINICAL FINDINGS: Examination of the cat revealed jaundice, dehydration and hypothermia. Haematological manifestations included lymphopenia and substantial decrease in haematocrit value. Biochemical analysis of the blood revealed hypoglycaemia, three-fold elevated blood urea nitrogen values, increased level of serum aspartate aminotransferase and increased total bilirubin while the creatinine level was normal. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen showed a disrupted and large hypoechoic area around the left kidney. The cat was anaesthetised and the left kidney was removed, but the cat died following surgery.PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: On post-mortem examination, the left kidney was markedly enlarged and both the cortical and medullary parenchyma were replaced by confluent, multilobulated, pale tan-white, firm nodular masses protruding above the capsular surface. Metastasis was not observed. Cytological examination revealed a population of spindle-shaped cells of variable size, with abundant coarse chromatin and occasionally prominent nucleoli. Initial sections of the kidney were indicative of undifferentiated sarcoma confirmed by immunohistochemistry revealing vimentin-positive and cytokeratin-negative results in all tumour tissues. Additional sections showed very small amounts of both cytokeratin-positive and vimentin-positive areas.DIAGNOSIS: Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC) with scant epithelial components originating from left kidney.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical and pathological features were similar to those of human SRCC, even though there was no evidence of metastases. Immunohistochemistry for vimentin and cytokeratin may be useful for definitive diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation, although staining of sections from several different parts of the tumour may be necessary. When a primary renal tumour is presented, SRCC should be considered as this diagnosis may influence treatment protocols and the clinical outcome.

Effect of bioactive compounds extracted from euphorbious plants on hematological and biochemical parameters of Channa punctatus

Channa punctatus was exposed to four different concentrations of Rutin, Taraxerol and Apigenin. Changes in some hematological parameters of Channa punctatus were assessed to determine the influence of these compounds on test fish. Fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations (80% of LC50 of 24h) of these compounds for one week. Control fish were also administered for one week. Thereafter, blood samples were obtained from the control and experimental fish. Blood was assayed for selected hematological parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count total plasma protein and plasma glucose concentration). The derived hematological indices of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were calculated. Sublethal concentrations of these compounds caused a dose dependent decrease in hemoglobin values coupled with a decrease in hematocrit values and red blood cell counts are an obvious indication of anemia. The total white blood cell counts and the differential white blood cell counts were decreased except for the lymphocytes, where there was a slight increase. Plasma protein and glucose were also lower in exposed fish when compared with control. The hematological indices MCH, MCHC, MCV were also lowered. The result from this study reveals high mortality rate and deleterious consequences on the health of fish subjected to acute exposure of Rutin, Taraxerol and Apigenin and therefore, should not be used directly in aquaculture without having the proper knowledge.

J-curve for DBP and cardiovascular mortality in coronary artery disease patients

J-curve for DBP and cardiovascular mortality in coronary artery disease patients

Clotting disturbances in Trypanosoma evansi-infected cats

Coagulopathy in cats (Felis catus) parasitized by Trypanosoma evansi in both the initial and chronic phases of the disease has been investigated. To address this issue, seven animals were infected with 108 trypomastigote forms each, and six were used as control. Animals were monitored for 56 days by examining daily blood smears. Blood samples for hematocrit, platelet counting, and fibrinogen levels were collect at 15-day intervals. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and number of megakaryocytes were analyzed at days 14 and 42 post-inoculation. A decrease in hematocrit values and platelet counts and an increase in plasmatic fibrinogen concentration were observed in the infected cats (P < 0.05). Coagulation time did not differ between the infected and non-infected groups. The reduction in platelet count increased the number of megakaryocytes in the infected group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the infection by T. evansi in cats increased the number of megakaryocytes in response to primary clotting disorders.

Recombinant Interferon Alpha (rIFNα) May Retard Progression of Early Primary Myelofibrosis (PM) by Reducing Splenomegaly and by Changing Marrow Morphology.

Reports of the limited effect of JAK2 inhibitors in PM, and the limited survival experienced with stem cell transplantation, led us to examine our results of treating the earlier phases of primary myelofibrosis with rIFNα. The use of rIFNα in early PM is based upon its known effects on a related myloproliferative disease, polycythemia vera, which is also characterized by myelofibrosis and its effects on megakaryopoiesis. These include decreasing megakaryocyte density and size, inhibiting thrombopoietin-induced signaling, and reducing levels of platelet derived growth factor, which play a major role in the pathogenesis of myelofibrosis. We evaluated 59 patients with PM diagnosed with the usual hematologic, clinical and bone marrow criteria for consideration for rlFNα. Of these 59 patients, 46 were excluded because of advanced marrow fibro-osteosclerosis accompanied by grade 3 or 4 reticulin and collagen deposition and no residual foci of hematopoiesis. Spleen size was measured in centimeters below the left costal margin in the mid-clavicular line (MCL). Exclusion criteria also included the usual contraindications to rIFNα therapy. We now report results of this pilot study. Thirteen patients elected treatment. There were 11 women and 2 men with a median age of 56 years. The median duration of disease prior to treatment with rIFNα was 1 year. Before rIFNα, the median values for hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet count were 36%, 12 g/dL, and 268,000/uL, respectively. We started treatment with low-dose rIFNα-2b at 500,000 – 1,000,000 units thrice weekly. Two of the 13 patients had no splenomegaly at onset of rIFNα and remained unchanged during treatment. The spleen became non-palpable in 3 of 4 patients initially described as having slight splenomegaly, whereas 7 patients with moderate or marked splenomegaly had a more limited, but definite response. Bone marrow follow-up studies were possible in 9 of the 13 patients, in whom the median duration of rIFNα treatment was 3.0 years. Reduction in cellularity occurred 2.5 years, on average, after the start of interferon therapy in 4 patients. Of the 8 patients with reduction of splenomegaly, change in overall marrow cellularity could be evaluated in 5 patients and reduction in cellularity occurred in 4. Significantly improved megakaryocyte morphology, marrow architecture, and striking reduction of reticulin and collagen occurred in two. The fifth patient had no change in abnormal marrow morphology or cellularity, but nevertheless, experienced a reduction in spleen size from 10 cm to 1 cm. To date, a 25% reduction in JAK2V617F allele burden was observed in one of 4 patients. This patient had stable disease, no history of splenomegaly, and no change in bone marrow morphology. rIFNα toxicitiy occurred in 6 of the 13 patients, which included mild depression, dry skin, cough, myalgia and asthenia; these did not require dose reduction. One patient developed hyperthyroidism and rIFNα was discontinued. Six patients experienced mild cytopenias during treatment, which was dose related in general. One of the 13 had a grade 1 decrease in white blood cell count, 1 had a grade 1 decrease in platelet count, and 4 had a 10% decrease in hematocrit value. In these cases, the dose of interferon was temporarily interrupted or reduced, as required. We conclude that interferon can cause reduction in marrow cellularity, and in splenomegaly in early phase disease, but not in advanced stages of disease. Improvement in marrow cellularity and megakaryocyte morphology usually, but not always, correlated with reduction in splenomegaly. Toxicity was acceptable. We believe the effect of interferon should be systematically determined in an expanded trial in early-phase disease with regular JAK2V617F and marrow evaluations.

Effects of feed-borne Fusarium mycotoxins on hematology and immunology of laying hens

Feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins has been shown to alter metabolism and performance of laying hens. The objectives of the current experiment were to examine the effects of feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on hematology and immunological indices and functions of laying hens and the possible protective effect of feeding a polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent (GMA). One hundred forty-four laying hens were fed for 12 wk with diets formulated with (1) uncontaminated grains, (2) contaminated grains, or (3) contaminated grains + 0.2% GMA. Fusarium mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON, 12 mg/kg), 15-acetyl-DON (0.5 mg/kg), and zearalenone (0.6 mg/kg) were identified in the contaminated diets arising from contaminated grains grown in Ontario, Canada. The concentrations of DON arising from naturally contaminated grains in this study were similar to purified mycotoxin fed to experimental mice. The chronic feeding of Fusarium mycotoxins induced small decreases in hematocrit values, total numbers of white blood cells, lymphocytes including both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, and biliary IgA concentration. Supplementation of diets containing feedborne mycotoxins with GMA prevented the reduction in total number of B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and the reduction in biliary IgA concentration. In addition, the delayed-type hypersensitivity response to dinitrochlorobenzene was increased by feed-borne mycotoxins, whereas IgG and IgM antibody titers to sheep red blood cells were not affected by diet. We concluded that chronic consumption of grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins at levels likely to be encountered in practice were not systemically immunosuppressive or hematotoxic; however, mucosal immunocompetence needs to be explored further.

Radioprotective effects of sodium tungstate on hematopoietic injury by exposure to 60Co gamma-rays in Wistar rats.

Radioprotective effects of sodium tungstate (ST) on 60Co gamma-ray induced decrease in hematocrit value and in survival rate in Wistar strain male rats were examined. A long-term administration of ST (less than 150 mg/kg body weight/day) for 60-300 days had no significant effects on body and organs weights and survival days. The LD50/60 in 20 weeks old rats was 220 mg/kg body weight/day. Daily administration of 38, 75 or 150 mg from 7 days before and after irradiation to 60 days significantly mitigated the decrease in hematocrit values, especially at 23 days after irradiation (P < 0.05). The highest mitigation rate of the decrease in hematocrit value was observed in rats administered at a dose of 38 mg ST/day. Simultaneously, a dose of 38 mg ST/day inhibited lethal effect of 60Co gamma-rays significantly. The dose-reduction factor for survival of 38 mg ST administered rats was 1.14.

The results of intraoperative autotransfusion in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery

Peroperative hemorrhage associated with major orthopaedic surgery can become life threatening. Homologous bank blood transfusion can replace the volume loss but it has serious disadvantages such as transmission of viral agents, insufficient platelet count and transfusion reactions. Hypotensive anesthesia, predeposited autologous blood transfusion and intraoperative autotransfusion are used to reduce these disadvantages. This study evaluates the results of 400 patients who had major orthopaedic intervention in our clinic between June 1991 and April 1995. Seventy-one patients had hip surgery while 329 patients had spinal surgery. The autotransfusion unit saved an average of 848.9 ± 133.8 cc of blood and an average of 1.8 ± 1.1 units of saved blood is transfused. None of these patients needed homologous blood transfusion. Hundred patients who had spinal surgery at the same period are used as a control group. The control group required an average of 3.2 ± 2.1 units of bank blood. Pre and postoperative hematocrit values revealed a statistically significant difference between the autotransfusion group and the homologous transfusion group (p<0.05). This study suggests that intraoperative autotransfusion prevents the decrease in hematocrit values while reducing the need for bank blood transfusion and avoiding the risk of transmission of viral infections.

Immune dysfunction following infection with chicken anemia agent and infectious bursal disease virus. I. Kinetic alterations of avian lymphocyte subpopulations

The potential effect of chicken anemia agent (CAA) alone or in combination with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) on the immune system of young chickens was determined by measuring alterations in hematocrit values, lymphoid organ-to-body weight ratios and lymphoid cell concentrations at 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28 and 42 days post-inoculation (PI). Lymphocyte subpopulations were identified and counted by flow cytometry using cell suspensions stained with monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) for panlymphocytes (K55), cytotoxic T-cells (CTLA3), T-helper cells (CT3), Ia-expressing cells (P2M11) and macrophages (P7). Chicken anemia agent induced a substantial but transient decrease in hematocrit value, thymus-to-body weight ratio and bursa-to-body weight ratio between 7 and 21 days PI corresponding to a generalized lymphocytopenia in the thymus, bursa and spleen. However, cytotoxic T-cell, T-helper cell and Ia-expressing cell concentrations increased in the bone marrow of birds inoculated with CAA alone or in combination with IBDV during the same time period. T-helper-to-cytotoxic T-cell ratios increased in the thymus and spleen during severe lymphocytopenia, indicating a selective decrease in cytotoxic T-cells. T-helper-to-cytotoxic T-cells ratios increased in the bone marrow, indicating a selective increase in T-helper cell concentrations. The increase in Ia-expressing cells in the bone marrow may be a reflection of increased number of activated T-cells which express Ia antigen. Infectious bursal disease virus alone induced a persistent depression of Ia-expressing cells in the bursa and the spleen and no measurable change in the bone marrow lymphocyte subpopulations. Chickens inoculated simultaneously with CAA and IBDV experienced clinical signs observed in chickens inoculated with each virus separately with a prolonged acute phase prior to recovery or mortality.

Experience with autologous bone marrow harvesting and transfusion of marrow-derived red cells.

Marrow red cells (MRBCs) from 56 autologous bone marrow harvests were rescued after processing and transfused as the sole transfusion support after surgery. There was no correlation between volume of harvest and total mononuclear cell (MNC) count. The marrow collection induced a significant decrease in hematocrit values (mean, 6.1; range, -0.3-12.3; p less than 0.001) unrelated to the patient's diagnosis, age, or gender. Processing of the marrows resulted in a mean transfused MRBC mass of 258 mL (range, 101-494 mL), representing 78 percent (range, 43-100%) of the MRBC mass collected. The amount of MRBCs transfused correlated with total MNC count (p less than 0.01). All autologous MRBC transfusions were well tolerated. It can be concluded that autologous MRBC transfusions are safe and may eliminate the need for homologous blood transfusions after marrow harvest.

Enalapril-Associated Anemia in Renal Transplant Recipients Treated for Hypertension

We encountered a renal transplant recipient who developed an unexplained 0.09 decrease in hematocrit value while taking enalapril for hypertension, which reversed when the drug was stopped. This experience, and a previous similar case report, prompted a review of all our 27 transplant patients treated with enalapril. Of these, 10 patients (37%) had developed an otherwise unaccounted for anemia: the pre-enalapril hematocrit value was 0.42 +/- 0.01 and it decreased to the nadir value of 0.33 +/- 0.01 (P less than 0.001) within 12.3 +/- 0.9 weeks after initiation of 9 +/- 2.4 mg of enalapril daily; enalapril was stopped in seven patients and their anemia resolved within 9.1 +/- 0.7 weeks to a final hematocrit value of 0.40 +/- 0.01. The remaining three patients were maintained on enalapril at their physicians' discretion, without further decrease in hematocrit values. No appreciable changes in drug regimens, clinical course, or other laboratory parameters were noted during this period. A causal relationship between enalapril and anemia was suggested by the effect of drug withdrawal and rechallenge on hematocrit in one of the patients. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics between those patients who did (group I) and those who did not (group II) develop enalapril-associated anemia, with the exception of a normal hematocrit value of 0.42 +/- 0.01 in group I versus a lower hematocrit value of 0.36 +/- 0.02 in group II (P less than 0.05). We conclude that enalapril should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anemia following renal transplantation. Susceptibility to this effect might emanate from the immunosuppressed state.

コイのヘマトクリット値と動脈血中ガスの関係

Relationship between hematocrit value and arterial blood gases were examined on the carp which had various levels of hematocrit value (4.8-25.9%) and hemoglobin concentration (1.30-8.60g/dl) by taking out various amount of arterial blood. With decrease of hematocrit value, oxygen content of the blood and protein concentration of the plasma decreased straightly, and total carbon dioxide content of the blood increased. Although hematocrit value decreased, oxygen consumption, pH and oxygen pressure of the blood were not affected by the decrease and showed the constant levels.

Effects of Saline Infusion on Plasma Levels of Vasotocin(AVT)and Mesotocin in Laying Hens(Gallus domesticus).

Plasma levels of immunoreactive arginine vasotocin (AVT) and mesotocin (MT) were measured in conscious, laying hens in response to hypo- and hypertonic saline infusion. Under local anesthesia cannulas were placed in a wing artery for blood collection and measurement of blood pressure and in a wing vein for saline infusion. After obtaining an initial, pre-infusion blood sample, 0.1M NaCl solution was infused i.v. for 30min at 0.5ml/min/kg followed by 1.0M NaCl for an additional 30min (total infusion time: 60mm). Additional blood samples were collected every 10min beginning 20min after starting i.v. infusion. AVT and MT were measured in plasma extracts using radioimmunoassays. Changes in osmolality and plasma AVT and MT concentrations were not observed during 0.1M NaCl infusion. The infusion of 1.0M NaCl caused plasma concentrations of Na and AVT to increase whereas there were significant decreases in hematocrit values and plasma levels of MT. The results suggest that an increase in plasma osmolality or Na may be involved in stimulation of AVT release and inhibition of MT release.