Differences In Mean Corpuscular Volume Research Articles

Clinical characteristics of megaloblastic anemia with pancytopenia

ABSTRACT Objectives In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of patients with megaloblastic anemia and pancytopenia. Methods Data on patient characteristics, laboratory examinations, clinical manifestations, and associated diseases were collected from Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The participants were divided into two groups according to routine blood test results: megaloblastic anemia patients with pancytopenia (Group A) and megaloblastic anemia patients with simple anemia (Group B). Results The number of patients with fever and bleeding in Group A was much higher than that in Group B. Inpatient days and hospitalization costs in Group A were higher than those in Group B. White blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin level, and platelet count in Group A were lower than those in Group B. There were no significant differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), albumin (ALB), vitamin B12, folic acid, and ferritin between the two groups. The incidence of associated diseases, particularly pulmonary infections, was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B. There was no significant difference in the degree of bone marrow hyperplasia between the two groups. Conclusion Patients with pancytopenia and megaloblastic anemia often developed infection and bleeding, which caused more severe anemia, higher hospitalization costs, and longer inpatient days. Early diagnosis and active treatment are required to reduce patient complications and costs.

Association Analysis between Genotype and Phenotype of α,β-Thalassaemia Carriers in Huizhou Area of Guangdong Province

To analyze the prevalence, genotype distribution and hematological characteristics of α,β-thalassaemia carriers in Huizhou area of Guangdong Province. 10 809 carriers of simple β-thalassaemia and 1 757 carriers of α,β-thalassaemia were enrolled as our study cohort. The hematological parameters were detected by automated blood cell counters and automatic capillary electrophoresis. Suspension array technology, gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) and PCR-reverse dot blot were used for the genotyping of thalassaemia carriers. The prevalence of α,β-thalassaemia in Huizhou area of Guangdong Province was 1.99%. A total of 62 genotypes were detected, and the most prevalent genotype was --SEA/ αα, βCD41-42/ βN (19.29%), the next was --SEA/ αα, βIVS-II-654/ βN (16.73%). Significant differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were found between different genotype groups for simple β-thalassaemia and α,β-thalassaemia. Violin plots showed that carriers with co-inheritance of β-thalassaemia and mild α-thalassaemia expressed the lightest anemia, and carriers with co-inheritance of β-thalassaemia and hemoglobin H (Hb H) disease expressed the most severe anemia. There is a high prevalence of α,β-thalassaemia in Huizhou area of Guangdong Province. Because of the lack of specific hematological makers for diagnosis of α,β-thalassaemia, it is necessary to distinguish it from simple β-thalassaemia by genotyping of α- and β-thalassaemia in order to correctly guide genetic counseling and prenatal disgnosis.

Assessment of maternal and cord blood hematological alterations in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus: A comparative study with healthy pregnant women and their newborns

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent condition with potential repercussions on glucose metabolism and possibly on various hematological parameters. Exploring these alterations provides insights into the systemic manifestations and implications for maternal and neonatal health. Aims and Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to assess the hematological variations observed in maternal and cord blood between GDM mothers and non-GDM counterparts. Furthermore, based on these hematological markers, we sought to evaluate the potential ramifications of GDM on maternal and neonatal health. Another goal was to contrast the hematological features in newborns born to GDM mothers with those born to non-GDM mothers. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted at MES Medical College, Central Research Department in Perinthalmanna, Kerala. Pregnant women from the Malappuram district admitted to the labor ward and met the inclusion criteria were involved. The study enrolled 100 GDM pregnant women as cases and 50 healthy pregnant women as controls. Hematological analysis was performed on maternal venous blood samples and cord blood samples, evaluated at the Central Laboratory of MES Medical College. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Significant hematological variations were observed between the two groups. Maternal blood of GDM patients showed a higher red blood cell (RBC) count and differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) compared to controls. Cord blood samples from GDM neonates reflected elevated RBC, MCV, and MCH levels, with a pronounced white blood cells count higher than non-GDM neonates. Several parameters, including hemoglobin, MCH concentration, and platelet counts, remained consistent across groups. Conclusion: ???.

Molecular and Haematological Characteristics of alpha-Thalassemia Deletions in Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia.

alpha-Thalassemia is caused primarily by deletions of one to two alpha-globin genes and is characterized by absent or deficient production of alpha-globin protein. The South-East Asia (SEA) deletion, 3.7-kb and 4.2-kb deletions are the most common causes. The present study aimed to observe the molecular characteristics of this common alpha-Thalassemia deletions and analyse its haematological parameter. Blood samples from 173 healthy volunteers from thalassemia carrier screening in Yogyakarta Special Region were used. Haematological parameters were analysed and used to predict the carrier subjects. Genotype of suspected carriers was determined using multiplex gap-polymerase chain reaction and its haematological parameters were compared. The boundary site of each deletion was determined by analysing the DNA sequences. Seventeen (9.8%) of the volunteers were confirmed to have alpha-Thalassemia trait. Of these, four genotypes were identified namely -α3.7/αα (58.8%), -α4.2/αα (5.9%), -α3.7/-α4.2 (5.9%) and - -SEA/αα (29.4%). The 5' and 3' breakpoints of SEA deletion were located at nt165396 and nt184700 of chromosome 16, respectively. The breakpoint regions of 3.7-kb deletion were 176-bp long, whereas for 4.2-kb deletion were 321-bp long. The haematological comparison between normal and those with alpha-Thalassemia trait genotype indicated a significant difference in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p< 0.001) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) (p< 0.001). As for identifying the number of defective genes, MCH parameter was more reliable (p= 0.003). The resultant molecular and haematological features provide insight and direction for future thalassemia screening program in the region.

Comparison of intravenous iron sucrose versus oral iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common medical problem in pregnancy. Parenteral iron is a useful treatment, although iron dextran use decreased due to anaphylaxis. Iron sucrose is a newer agent that has overcome the shortcomings of iron dextran. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficiency of intravenous iron sucrose with oral iron administration for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: 100 women with gestational age between 14 and 35 weeks with iron deficiency anaemia & Haemoglobin between 6-8g/dL were randomised to receive either oral iron (ferrous sulphate) 200 mg thrice daily or required dose of intravenous iron sucrose. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, reticulocyte count were measured at recruitment and on 2nd week, 4th week and at 37 weeks of gestation. Adverse drug reactions were also noted in both these groups. Results: Haemoglobin values varied significantly with time between the two groups at second week, 4th week and at 37 weeks. The mean difference in mean corpuscular volume from the recruitment value was not significant at 2nd week of treatment. When compared to iron sucrose group, oral iron group had significant gastro-intestinal adverse effects. Conclusion: Intravenous iron sucrose treated iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy faster, and more effectively than oral iron therapy, with no serious adverse drug reactions.

Values of MCV,MCH,ROFT and HbA2 for Screening α-Thalassemia in Guangdong Area

To investigate the values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red cell osmotic fragility test(ROFT) and hemoglobin A2(HbA2) in screening of α-thalassemia in Guangdong area. A total of 285 peripheral blood samples in patients treated in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were collected. The detection of thalassemia gene was used as the gold standard, while blood routine examination, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and red cell osmotic fragility test were simultaneously performed. The optimal cut-off values in MCV, MCH, ROFT and HbA2 in α-thalassemia were determined by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). The most common types of α-thalassemia gene was --SEA/αα (54.59%). Compared with the control group, the differences in MCV, MCH, ROFT and HbA2 showed statistically significantce between different types of α-thalassemia (P<0.05). The best cut-off values of MCV, MCH, ROFT, and HbA2 in the diagnosis of α-thalassemia were 81.45 fl, 27.35 pg, 79.95%, and 2.55% respectively. For different laboratories, the cut-off values need to be established for screening α-thalassemia suitable in their own local region．The values of MCV, MCH, ROFT and HbA2 shows higher accuracy and sensitivity in the diagnosis of α-thalassemia. It is recommended to use MCV<81.45fl, MCH<27.35 pg, ROFT<79.95% and HbA2<2.55% as the standards for screening α-thalassemia in Guangdong area.

Genetic research and clinical analysis of deletional Chinese G\u03b3+(A\u03b3\u03b4\u03b2)0 -thalassemia and Southeast Asian HPFH in South China

Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia and SEA-HPFH are the most common types of β-globin gene cluster deletion in Chinese population. The aim of the study was to analyze clinical features of deletional Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia and Southeast Asian hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (SEA-HPFH) in South China. A total of 930 subjects with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level ≥ 2% were selected on genetic research of Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia and SEA-HPFH. The gap polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify the deletions. One hundred cases of Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia were detected, including 90 cases of Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0/βN-thalassemia, 7 cases of Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0 /βN-thalassemia combined with α-thalassemia, 2 cases of Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia combined with β-thalassemia, and 1 case of Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia combined with β-gene mutation. One hundred nine cases of SEA-HPFH were detected, including 97 cases of SEA-HPFH/βN, 9 cases of SEA-HPFH/βN combined with α-thalassemia, 2 cases of SEA-HPFH combined with β-thalassemia, and 1 case of SEA-HPFH combined with β-gene mutation. Statistical analysis indicates significant differences in MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin), and HbA2 and HbF levels between Chinese Gγ+(Aγδβ)0-thalassemia heterozygotes and SEA-HPFH heterozygotes (P < 0.001). There are statistical differences in hematological parameters between them. Clinical phenotypic analysis can provide guidance for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

Partial Gastrectomy Concurrent with Enterectomy in a Rat model: An Evaluation of Sub-Clinical Electrolytes and Haematological Complications

Gastro-oesphageal reflux, oesophagitis, stricture formation, haemorrhage, infection, anastomotic failure, herniation, hematoma, short bowel syndrome and nutritional deficiencies are the post-surgical complications reported to be associated with partial gastrectomy (PG) and enterectomy (E). In this study, we evaluated the effects of PG performed concurrently with E on haematology and electrolytes of Wistar rat model. 20 Wistar rats (191.08 ± 19.58g), 5 in each group, were randomized into groups: A (Control), B (partial gastrectomy alone, PG), C (enterectomy alone, E), and D (gastrectomy performed concurrently with enterectomy, PG & E). All rats were sacrificed on 14th day post-surgery. Serum and blood samples were collected and evaluated for electrolytes and haematological changes, respectively. We observed significant reduction in sodium ion (Na+) (p < 0.05) as well as potassium ion (K+) (p < 0.01) 14 days after PG & E when compared with E. There was a significant elevation in Red Blood Cells (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) without significant differences in Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) post PG & E when compared with PG and those that underwent E. A significant increase in platelets post PG & E was observed when compared with control and those that underwent E (p < 0.01). In conclusion, post-surgical hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, polycythaemia and reactive thrombocythaemia were sub-clinical complications consistent with partial gastrectomy performed concurrently with enterectomy.

Blood count parameters in the course of multiple sclerosis

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It mostly affects young people. Pathological lesions cause destruction of myelin sheath around axons and impede transmission of nerve impulses in CNS. The diagnosis of MS is based on clinical evaluation, biochemical blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid tests as well as on imaging. The study aim was assessment of blood counts of MS patients. Materials and methods. The study group comprised 189 people (77 healthy) and 112 MS patients treated at the Department of Neurology of the Medical University of Lublin. Parameters of EDTA anticoagulated whole blood were determined on the Advia 2012i analyzer. Statistica 12.5 program was used for statistical analysis. Results. Patients evaluated with regard to clinical condition and disease progression demonstrate differences in RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). RBC count of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) was lower (Me = 4.73 million/μl) than for patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) (Me = 5.03 million/μl). Additionally, differences in hemoglobin level were observed between RRMS patients (Me = 13.9 g/dl) and SPMS patients (Me = 14.7 g/dl). Significant differences were also observed in hematocrit; (Me = 40.5%) for RRMS and (Me = 44%) for SPMS patients. Differences in MCV between the examined groups of MS patients and the control group were not statistically significant. The same referred to differences in WBC count; (Me = 6.95 thousand/μl) for MS patients and (Me = 6.59 thousand/μl) for control group as well as platelet count; (Me = 237.5 μs/μl) for SM patients and (Me = 252 thousand/μl) for controls. Conclusion. Analysis of blood parameters reveals significant differences between MS patients and controls as well as differences between RRMS and SPMS patients with regard to red blood cells. An in-depth analysis also in terms of disease duration and stage of clinical advancement may be a valuable source of information on the overall condition of MS patients.

Values of Hematological Indicators in the Screening of α-Thalassemia in Fujian Area of China

To analyze the genotypes and the hematological phenotypic characteristics of α-thalassemia in different areas of Fujian and to evaluate the values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin (Hb), RBC distribution width/red blood cell (RDW/RBC) for screening α-thalassemia in this area. The Gap-PCR assay was applied for detecting 3 common deletional mutations of patients with α-thalassemia, and the reverse dot-blot (RDB) assay was adopted to detect the foci of 3 common non-deletional gene mutations.Then,the hematological parameters of individuals with α-thalassemia were analyzed. Finally, the optimal cut-off value in hematological indexes for screening α-thalassemia were determined by the ROC curve. Altogether 16 types of gene mutations were found in 772 patients with α-thalassemia. Among them, the -SEA/αα deletion mutation was the most common which was observed in 521 cases(67.49%). Compared with the control group, the differences in MCV, MCH, and Hb were statistically significant between the patients of the same sex but no same type. In male groups, the RDW/RBC ratio was statistically significant in individuals of light type and HbH disease as compared with the healthy control group. But in female groups, the statistical different of RDW/RBC ratio was found between only HbH disease group and control group. MCV<81.25 fl, MCH<27.30 pg, Hb(male)<128.5 g/L, and Hb(female) <123.5 g/L, with the highest specificity and the highest sensitivity, were the best cut-off points for screening α-thalassemia in the laboratory. Due to the difference of regional heterogeneity and hospital equipment environment, the different laboratories need to establish cut-off value for screening α-thalassemia suitable for its local region. In future, our laboratory can use MCV<81.25 fl, MCH<27.30 pg, Hb(male)<128.5 g/L, and Hb(female) <123.5 g/L for value for clinical screening, of α-thalassemia.

Prevalence of β-Thalassemia Mutations among Northeastern Iranian Population and their Impacts on Hematological Indices and Application of Prenatal Diagnosis, a Seven-Years Study.

Background and Objectiveβ-thalassemia results from a diverse range of mutations inside the hemoglobin subunit β (HBB) gene. In a study of β-thalassemia carriers and some of their at-risk fetuses in the Khorasan province of Iran, we aimed to recognize the most common mutations in the region. We also investigated a possible link between these mutations and some of the relevant hematological indices.MethodsAmplification-refractory mutation system-PCR (ARMS-PCR) was used to detect the typical HBB mutations among 1593 individuals, suspected of having a mutated HBB allele from March/2011 to January/2018. Sanger sequencing of HBB had been performed, where ARMS-PCR was uninformative. In some cases, reverse dot blot was utilized. Analysis of variance was used to compare parametric variables.ResultsAmong 1273 β-thalassemia carriers, the prevalence of the mutations were reported as follows: IVS-I-5 (42.03%), IVS-II-1 (11.23%), codons 8/9 (4.79%), codon 44 (4.56%), codon 15 (3.53%), Los Angeles (2.91%), codon 5 (2.75%), IVS-I-110 (2.51%), −88 (2.20%) and other mutations were less than 2% of all of the reported mutations. 644 conceptions were subjected to prenatal diagnosis, using chorionic villus sampling. 118 cases were reported as normal. 352 cases were detected as carriers. 174 cases were diagnosed as affected. There was a significant difference in mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin A2 levels between the nine most commonly reported mutation types (p<0.001).ConclusionThis study makes a reliable guide for β-thalassemia diagnosis in the region. The possibility of a correlation between HBB mutations and hematological indices opens a gate of future investigations.

P435 The mean corpuscular volume flow – prognostic value for inflammatory bowel disease under thiopurine treatment

Background: The difficult access to thiopurine metabolites therapeutic drug monitoring led to the search for accessible markers to estimate thiopurine's efficacy. The difference in mean corpuscular volume (ΔMCV) ≥7fL at week 26 of azathioprine monotherapy (Aza) or combined with infliximab (AzaI) was shown to be associated with favourable outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Objective: To confirm the association of ΔMCV ≥7 at week 26–28 with favourable outcomes in IBD in a Portuguese population. Methods: Retrospective assessment of patients with IBD under Aza or AzaI at time-point: Week 26–28 of treatment. Demographic characterization and severity of pre-treatment disease was evaluated (location, previous surgery status, Mayo score and Crohn's disease activity index [CDAI]). Quantification of ΔMCV and association with time-point outcomes: Steroid-free clinical remission (Rem-sf, CDAI <150, Mayo <2); mucosal healing (MH); C-reactive protein (CRP) normalization <5. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency were not included. Statistic: Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 122 patients with IBD were evaluated [(71 Crohn's disease, 28% operated); 57.4% women; mean age 40±15.6 years] at week 26–28 of treatment with Aza (86.9%) or AzaI (13.1%). In both treatment groups the mean ΔMCV was ≥7 (Aza 7.9 vs. AzaI 8.1) and this was achieved in the same proportion of patients (66 vs. 62.5%). There was a strong association between ΔMCV ≥7 and remission outcomes (Rem-sf: p<0.05; CDAI <150/Mayo<2: p<0.001) and MH (p<0.05), but not with CRP normalization. However, CRP ≤10 was related to remission outcomes (Rem-sC: p<0.05; CDAI <150/Mayo <2: p<0.001) and MH (p=0.004). Conclusions: This work confirmed the prognostic importance of ΔMCV ≥7 in our population. The correlation of ΔMCV ≥7 with clinical remission and mucosal healing outcomes occurred in Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis and was independent of the anti-TNF association.

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency in Children Is Associated with Grade Repetition and School Absenteeism, Independent of Folate, Iron, Zinc, or Vitamin A Status Biomarkers1–3

Background: Micronutrients are essential to neurocognitive development; yet their role in educational outcomes is unclear.Objective: We examined the associations of micronutrient status biomarkers with the risk of grade repetition and rates of school absenteeism in a cohort of school children.Methods: We recruited 3156 children aged 5–12 y from public schools in Bogota, Colombia. Circulating ferritin, hemoglobin, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B-12; erythrocyte folate; and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were measured in blood samples obtained at the beginning of the year. Absenteeism was recorded weekly during the school year, and grade repetition was determined the next year. Risk ratios for grade repetition and rate ratios for absenteeism were estimated by categories of micronutrient status indicators with use of Poisson regression, adjusting for potential confounders.Results: The risk of grade repetition was 4.9%, and the absenteeism rate was 3.8 d per child-year of observation. Vitamin B-12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L) was associated with an adjusted 2.36-fold greater risk of grade repetition (95% CI: 1.03, 5.41; P = 0.04) compared with plasma concentrations ≥148 pmol/L. Other micronutrients were not related to grade repetition. Vitamin B-12 deficiency was also associated with school absenteeism rates. Compared with children with plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations ≥148 pmol/L, vitamin B-12-deficient children had a 1.89-times higher adjusted rate (95% CI: 1.53, 2.34; P < 0.0001). Anemia was related to a 72% higher rate (95% CI: 48%, 99%; P < 0.0001), whereas every 5-fL difference in MCV was associated with a 7% lower adjusted rate (95% CI: 4%, 10%; P < 0.0001).Conclusions: Vitamin B-12 deficiency was associated with risk of grade repetition and school absenteeism rates in school children from Bogota, Colombia. The effects of correcting vitamin B-12 deficiency on educational outcomes and neurocognitive development of school children need to be determined in intervention studies.

Effects of α-thalassaemia mutations on the haematological parameters of β-thalassaemia carriers

BackgroundThalassaemia is a haemoglobin disorder caused by a reduction in, or a complete absence of, the production of α- or β-globin genes. Detection of β-thalassaemia carriers is the first step...

Intravenous iron sucrose and oral iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose and oral iron administration for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. Hundred women with gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks with established iron deficiency anaemia with Haemoglobin-6-8g/dL were randomised to receive either oral ferrous sulphate 200 mg thrice daily or required dose of intravenous iron sucrose 200 mg in 200 ml NS on alternate days. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, reticulocyte count were measured at recruitment and on 2(nd) week, 4(th) week and at 37 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were also noted in both the groups. RESULTS were analyzed by student's t-test and Chi-square test. Haemoglobin values varied significantly with time between the two groups at second week, 4(th) week and at term (p<0.005). The mean difference in mean corpuscular volume from the recruitment value was not significant at 2(nd) week. When compared to iron sucrose group, oral iron group had significant gastro-intestinal adverse effects. Intravenous iron sucrose treated iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy faster, and more effectively than oral iron therapy, with no serious adverse drug reactions.

Comparison of anthropometric data and clinical health indicators according to the serum vitamin B12status in female older adults living in a rural area of Jeonla province, Korea

Subclinical vitamin B 12 deficiency is common in the elderly worldwide. We investigated the change of serum vitamin B12 concentration with aging and compared anthropometric data and clinical health indicators between normal (≥ 340 pg/mL) and low (＜ 340 pg/mL) serum vitamin B 12 groups in 470 Korean women aged 65 years and over living in a rural area. Serum vitamin B 12 concentration showed inverse correlation with age (r = -0.0992, p ＜ 0.05). The normal B 12 group showed significantly (p ＜ 0.05) higher red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to the low B 12 group, however, no difference in mean corpuscular volume was observed between the two groups. The normal B 12 group showed significantly lower serum homocysteine concentration (p ＜ 0.01) and prevalence of vitamin D (p ＜ 0.01) or folate deficiency (p ＜ 0.001). Bone mineral density (T-score) was significantly higher (p ＜ 0.05) in the normal B 12 group, compared with that in the low B 12 group, and showed positive correlation (r = 0.1490, p ＜ 0.01) with serum vitamin B 12 concentration after adjusting for age, body weight, and body mass index. No differences in anthropometric data, physical activity, and smoking and drinking habits were observed between the two groups. In conclusion, it could be suggested that older female adults with normal serum vitamin B 12 level would be less anemic and osteoporotic and more resistant to hyperhomocysteinemia associated chronic diseases than those with low serum vitamin B 12 level.

Variation of the platelet indices of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) with age, sex and breed

The objective of this study was to determine reference intervals for platelet indices and hematological parameters in Saudi Arabian dromedary camels. Two hundred and twenty one apparently healthy dromedaries of Majahim (51 males and 31 females) and Maghatir (99 males and 40 males) breeds aged 1 - >10 yrs were investigated. Whole blood samples from the camels were analyzed for platelet count, platelet size indices and hematological parameters using an electrical impedance hematology system. Mean platelet indices values for Majahim camels were as follows: platelet count: 212.17 ± 10.76 (x109/L); plateletcrit: 0.12 ± 0.01%; Mean platelet volume: 5.28 ± 0.05 fL and platelet distribution width: 26.0±0.37%. Corresponding mean values for Maghatir camels were: 211.12 ± 7.53 (x109/L); 0.12 ± 0.01%; 5.11 ± 0.04 fL and 24.82 ± 0.30%, respectively. No significant differences in platelet counts and platelet indices were detected between the two breeds. Different platelet indices revealed statistically significant age- and gender-related differences. Hematological parameters showed breed, age and intersex differences in mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Sex and agerelated differences were also found in red cell distribution width in addition to age-related differences in hematocrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Platelet indices revealed significant correlations among themselves and with platelet counts. Key words : C amelus dromedarius, Majahim, Maghatir, platelet count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width .

Effect on Sport Hemolysis of Cold Water Leg Immersion in Athletes after Training Sessions

The principal source of increased turnover of erythrocytes in athletes is sport hemolysis, the intravascular hemolysis that characteristically occurs with athletic performance in sport. The use of the parameter mean sphered cell volume (MSCV), automatically measured by means of the Coulter LH750, could be useful for diagnosing the presence of sport hemolysis. We studied the behavior of MSCV and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in 30 top-level rugby players who underwent a heavy training session followed by 3 different recovery methods, administered to 3 subgroups of 10 athletes. We tested the use of active recovery consisting of cold water (5 degrees C) immersion of legs for 10 minutes either before (n = 10) or after (n = 10) cycling at 180 W for 10 minutes. In the whole group of athletes, measurements performed at rest and after training session and recovery showed no differences in MCV and MSCV values. The difference between MCV and MSCV was significant in the whole group and in the subgroup performing passive recovery, whereas the difference was not significant in the subgroups performing active recovery. This finding indicates that the use of active recovery in the top-level rugby players prevented the modifications of erythrocyte volume and shape. We outline that the values of the difference between MCV and MSCV was significantly modified in the whole group but the variations were not significant in the active recovery subgroups. The use of an index of erythrocyte shape modification (MCV - MSCV) can be very useful for evaluating sport hemolysis.

IL-6 and Anemia of Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Anemia of inflammation (AI, anemia of chronic disease) is an iron-restricted anemia caused by hepcidin limiting the supply of iron for erythropoiesis. We had previously shown that IL-6 was necessary for the induction of hepcidin and the development of hypoferremia during acute inflammation in vivo (Nemeth E et al, JCI, 2004). In vitro, IL-1 (Lee P et al, PNAS, 2005) and TGF-β (unpublished data) can also stimulate hepcidin production in primary murine hepatocytes in an IL-6 independent fashion.METHODS: We sought to determine whether IL-6 was necessary for the development of AI using a model of chronic peritonitis in IL-6 deficient mice and wild type (WT) controls.RESULTS: IL-6 deficient mice developed anemia of similar severity as their WT counterparts. WT mice developed microcytic anemia consistent with inflammation-induced iron restriction. In contrast, the inflamed IL-6 deficient mice developed mild macrocytosis indicating markedly different erythrocyte iron metabolism. Hepcidin mRNA increased in WT mice but not IL-6 deficient mice in response to inflammation.CONCLUSION: IL-6 is the principal regulator of hepcidin during acute and chronic inflammation. However, anemia still occurs in the absence of IL-6. The difference in mean corpuscular volume implies that the mechanism of anemia in IL-6 deficient mice is likely different than in WT mice.

Maternal iron status and neonatal outcomes in women with pica during pregnancy

After calculating sample size needed to estimate pica prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI), 324 women were randomly selected postpartum. The 71 women diagnosed as having pica were then compared with a control group of 71 women without the disorder. Both groups were similar in prepregnancy body mass index, height, parity, educational level, marital status, and employment status. Women with pica revealed ingesting ice (70%); dirt (18%); soap, (4%); chalk (3%); or thread, nail polish, or salt (4%), and most consumed the substance on a daily basis. Table 1 shows data regarding pregnancy outcomes and biochemical indicators of pica as well as neonates' anthropometric characteristics. The prevalence of prematurity was the same in both groups, 1.5% (95% CI, 0.0%–4.2%) in the pica group and 1.4% (95% CI, 0.0%–4.3%) in the control group. The prevalence of neonates with a birth weight less than 2500 g was 7.6% (95% CI, 1.2%–14.0%) in the pica group and 8.6% (95% CI, 2.0%–15.2%) in the control group. Differences in mean corpuscular volume, erythrocyte proto