Hemoglobin Electrophoretic Patterns Research Articles

Neutrophil/Lymphocytes Ratio and Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Pattern in an Undergraduate Student’s Population Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a very cheap and accurate method of accessing inflammation and is fast emerging as a prognostic biomarker in many diseases. This study determines the Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns in an undergraduate student’s population at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) undergraduate students aged between 17 and 30 years old were recruited for the study. Five millimeters (5ml) of venous blood was collected from each participants into ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) vacutainer bottle for the determination of haemoglobin genotype using cellulose acetate electrophoresis method while the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was calculated from neutrophil and lymphocyte values obtained from BC 5000 Mindray Hematology Auto-Analyzer. The results obtained showed that the mean±SD value of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio was 1.21 ± 0.07 for male and 1.14 ± 0.06 for female participants with both within normal reference ranges and with no significant difference (p=0.4692). 100 (66.7%) subjects had haemoglobin genotype AA (HbAA) out of which 48 (32%) male, 52 (34.7%) female while 50 (33.3%) participants had haemoglobin genotype AS (HbAS) of which 24 (16%) male, 26 (17.3%) female. No haemoglobin genotype SS/SC (HbSS/HbSC) traits were seen in the study population. Furthermore, results also showed that haemoglobin genotype and sex had no effects on the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p=0.05). This study shows a 66.7%, 33.3%, and 0% expression for HbAA, HbAS, and HbSS/HbSC, respectively, and that the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio is within the normal reference range. Further studies to include other haemoglobin variants such as haemoglobin SS (HbSS) and haemoglobin SC (HbSC) is recommended.

Haemoglobin Haplotypes and Probable Allelic Frequencies of natives of Okolobiri Community, Nigeria: A population genetic study

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive disorder in which patients inherit one mutated copy of the β-globin gene from each parent. This inheritance results to sickle-shaped red blood cell and associated fragility which results in the destruction of the patients red blood cells. This project was carried out as a population genetic study to determine the frequencies of the haemoglobin haplotypes (A and S) and allelic frequencies with a view to predicting the dynamics of the abnormal genes using a typical African community as a case study. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight (228) subjects constituted the study population of which one hundred and sixty four (164) were males (28%). Haemoglobin electrophoresis membrane at a pH 8.6 was used to establish the haemoglobin electrophoretic pattern of the study population. Results: The haemoglobin electrophoretic pattern of the study participants were as follows: Hb AA (60.5%), Hb AS (25.5%) and HbSS (14%). The distribution among males were; HbAA (62.2%), HbAS (29.3%) and HbSS (8.5%). and females: Hb AA (56.3%), HbAS (15 .6%), HbSS (28.1%). The HbA haplotype frequency was 0.732 while the HbS was 0.268. the allelic frequencies obtained by Hardy-Weinberg calculation were as follows. HbAA (0.536), HbAS (0.392) and Hb SS (0.072). The χ2 value of 29.475 obtained in this study was higher than the 3.84 at 5% significant level, hence, the null hypothesis that the population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was accepted.. Conclusion: The study revealed high homozygous HbSS inheritance among females (28.1%) meaning that females are more affected than the males. The frequency of HbAS is expected to increase as this population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. More awareness and sensitization is needed in our communities in order to reduce the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia in our African society.

Prevalence of Plasmodium Falciparum among Medical Students with different ABO Groups and Electrophoretic Patterns in a Tertiary Institution in Nnewi, Nigeria

There is evidence that Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria is influenced by ABO blood type but the extent of association is not fully established. Some investigators opinioned that haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns are a factor in susceptibility to Pf infection but there is no consensus on possible association between it and ABO blood group and Hb genotypes. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Pf among different ABO blood groups and Hb electrophoretic patterns of medical students of a tertiary institution in Nnewi, Nigeria. A total of 80 subjects (41 males and 39 females) aged 18-30 years who reported to the Medical Centre of the institution on account of febrile illness were recruited for the study. Information on age, previous malaria episodes and recent use of prophylaxis were sought. Three milliliters (3ml) of blood were collected into EDTA container for ABO grouping, Hb electrophoresis and blood films for P. falciparum detection and quantification by microscopy. Pf prevalence among the subjects was 47.5% (38/80). Thirty-one (38.75%) of the subjects were of blood group O, 27 (33.75%) group A, 19 (23.75%) blood group B and 3(3.75%) blood group AB. Fifty-two (65%) of the subjects were Hb AA and 28 (35%) AS. No significance difference was seen between malaria episodes and ABO blood groups; Hb electrophoretic patterns; gender and parasite density (p>0.05) respectively. A negative correlation was observed between parasite density and age (r= -0.180, p = 0.109). Pf infection, frequency of infection and parasite load is not influenced by blood group and Hb electrophoretic patterns in our study population.

B-RhD-Positive Blood Group Appears Relatively Less Susceptible to Anemia in Sickle Cell Disease Pregnant Women

▪Background: Sickle cell disease in pregnancy accounts for 0.14-0.2% of pregnant women seen in Antenatal clinic in Niger Delta Nigeria.1,2Chronic anemia in SCD during pregnancy could lead to a cascade of maternal and fetal complications. The aim of this study is to assess the various types of ABO blood groups of pregnant SCD women at booking and the severity of anemia. The outcome of this study will help in making recommendations of ABO blood types most suitable to improve the quality of life of SCD patients. This may contribute to guidelines for safe blood transfusion in SCD.Methodology: This was a-ten-year retrospective study of all registered SCD pregnant women seen at the antenatal clinic of Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) Port Harcourt (January 2004- December 2013). Data on gestational age, Hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoretic pattern, Hb concentration and blood group were obtained at booking clinic. Data were analysed using Epi-info version 7.02 by WHO, Geneva Switzerland and CDC, USA.Result: A total of 52 Hb SS pregnant women were seen during the study period. The average booking trimester was the 2nd trimester. 94.2 % (49) were anemic (<11.0 g/dl)3 while 5.8% (3) were non anemic (≥ 11 g/dl). 27.0%, 9.6% and 61.5% were A, B and O rhesus D positive blood groups respectively. No AB blood group was recorded from this study [Table 1]. The O rhesus D positive blood group was significantly more prone to anemia [30 (61.2%)] than other ABO blood groups (X2=50.37; 0.001) [Table 2]. 20% (1/5) of B rhesus D positive and 6.3% (2/32) of O rhesus D positive patients were non-anemic. All A rhesus D positive blood were anemic. The highest prevalence of A rhesus D positive blood group (37.5%) was in 2nd trimester, that of B (20%) and O (66.7%) rhesus D positive blood groups were in 1st and 3rd trimesters respectively [Figure 1].Conclusion: Although most SCD pregnant women in this region are O rhesus D positive blood groups, B rhesus D positive blood group patients appear to be less susceptible to anemia. There is need to carry out more elaborate study on this group of blood.

Frequencies of Abnormal Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Patterns in Hemolytic Anemia cases in District Swat.

Background: Thalassemia is a genetic disorder due to deletion or mutation in the gene for alpha or beta chain of hemoglobin. Thalassemia, sickle cell disease, HbD, HbE, HbC and other such disorders are genetic defects associated with hemolytic anemia's and other complications. The prevalence of these are significantly growing in Pakistan especially in the northern areas of Pakistan. Its prompt detection is of paramount importance, both for the prevention of thalassemia major and clinically severe other hemoglobinopathies as well as for the epidemiological purposes.Objective: To assess the frequencies of abnormal hemoglobin variants in the suspected cases of hemolytic anemia's, in the population of district swat. Material and Methods: A total of 1832 suspected cases of hemolytic anemias admitted in SGTH/SMC were assessed after taking clinical and familial history. Whole blood samples were collected in EDTA tube; complete blood counts with peripheral smears were prepared. All samples were processed with fully automatic micro capillary hemoglobin electrophoretic movability (SEBEA micro capillary electrophoresis).Results: A normal Hb pattern was observed in 1224 (66.81%) cases and abnormalities were detected in 608 (33.18%) cases. â (beta) thalassemia trait was the commonest abnormality found in 477 (26.03 %) patients followed by â thalassemia major 53 (2.89 %), â thalassemia intermedia 24 (1.31 %), raised HbF for age review after one year 17 (0.92 %), Sickle cell trait 9 (0.49 %), Sickle cell disease 8 (0.43 %), sickle/beta-thalassemia 6 (0.32 %) HbD Trait 5 (0.27 %), HbE (0.21%) and HbC (0.10%) were common hemoglobinopathies.Conclusion: Amongst hemoglobinopathies, â- (beta) thalassemia and sick cell trait/disease is the most common of the hemoglobinopathies in the study area.

Association between Blood Group Antigens, CD4 Cell Count and Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Pattern in HIV Infection

Association between Blood Group Antigens, CD4 Cell Count and Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Pattern in HIV Infection

Febrile Convulsion among Hospitalized Children Aged Six Months to Five Years and Its Association With Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Pattern.

Febrile convulsion and sickle cell disease are common in tropical countries and both are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Worldwide, Nigeria has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the haemoglobin electrophoresis in patients with febrile convulsions. This was a hospital based, descriptive, cross-sectional study of the relationship between haemoglobin genotype and febrile convulsion at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a period of 12 months. A self-designed pretested questionnaire was administered on the subjects, and necessary examinations and investigations were conducted. Of a total of 1675 children admitted into the emergency paediatric unit during the study period, children aged 6 months-5 years that presented with febrile convulsions were 167(10%). Of this, 1,212 were aged 6 months-5 years. Thus, the age specific, hospital-based prevalence was 13.8%. The M:F was 1.1:1. Their Haemoglobin genotype distribution was AA 131(78.4%), AS 23(13.8%), AC 6(3.6%), SS 6(3.6%), and 1(0.6%) SC. The mean age of the sickle cell disease patients was higher at 46.0±13.5 months compared to 29.2±15.4 months in the non-sickle cell disease patients (p=0.005). The mean packed cell volume in subjects with sickle cell anaemia was 8.8±1.5%; the only case of haemoglobin SC had packed cell volume of 20%, while the non-sickle cell disease patients had a normal PCV. Malaria was present in 80.4% of them. Febrile convulsion remains a common cause of hospitalisation. It is uncommon in haemoglobin SS where severe anaemia is always an accompanying derangement. The packed cell volume is nearly normal in children with normal haemoglobin genotype.

Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Patterns, ABO and Rhesus D Blood Groups Distribution among Antenatal Women in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: This study was carried out to determine the haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns and distribution of ABO and Rhesus D blood group among antenatal women attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. Method: Three hundred consecutively-recruited and consenting pregnant women aged 18 – 45 years (mean age 27.62 ± 3.6 years) constituted the subjects for this study. Standard method involving cellulose acetate electrophoresis was carried out using Tris EDTA borate at alkaline pH of 8.6. Hemoglobin S was confirmed using sickling test involving sodium metabisulphite. Standard tile method using potent antisera was used for the determination of ABO and Rhesus D blood group. Results: Among the 300 pregnant women studied, 221 (73.7%) were HbAA, 67 (22.3%) were HbAS, 11 (3.7%) were HbAC and 1 (0.3 %) was HbSC (p=0.01). HbAA was more prevalent among group O subjects followed by A, B and AB. HbAS was more prevalent among group A followed by B, O and AB. HbAC was more prevalent among group A and O followed by B and AB. The prevalence of HbSC was concentrated among blood group O subjects. There was no homozygous S and C haemoglobinopathies. The ABO blood group distribution indicated that blood group O was the predominant blood group followed by group A, B and AB (p=0.01). The ABO distribution among the subjects followed the pattern O>A>B>AB. A significant number of subjects were Rhesus D positive (94%) compared to 6% who were Rhesus D negative (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates that haemoglobinopathies is prevalent among pregnant women in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. The results from this study also show that blood group O is the predominant ABO blood. Evidenced based data obtained from this study will facilitate optimum stocking of blood and blood products in blood banks in the area and the management of Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction and Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn.

Evaluating the knowledge of sickle cell disease and hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern among people living in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited lifelong hemolytic disorder affecting many children in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in West and Central Africa. There is a limited public health education on SCD in Ghana with only two information centers in Accra and Kumasi, respectively.Methodology: This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge of SCD among people living in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. Churches, saloons, internet cafes and bus stations were randomly selected in the center of the city with proximity to the central market.Results: A total of 621 individuals were recruited, 52.5% (326) had knowledge of their hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoretic pattern while 47.5% (295) had none. In addition, 93.4% individuals had knowledge of SCD while 6.6% had no knowledge of SCD. Older individuals exhibited better knowledge of their Hb electrophoretic pattern than the younger ones (P = 0.019). Individuals with tertiary education and married couples exhibited higher knowledge of SCD when compared to their counterparts (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Despite the relatively high knowledge of SCD and Hb electrophoretic pattern observed in this study, it is very important to increase neonatal screenings and health care services to the region. In addition, more emphasis is needed to increase public awareness of SCD especially in schools, churches, hospitals and the media.

Intraerythrocytic organic phosphates and hemoglobins of skua - Catharacta maccormicki (Stercoraridae): at two different stages of the year in relation to Antartic migration

Catharacta maccormicki blood samples were collected in the winter (October) and in the summer (February) in order to study the intraerythrocytic organic phosphates, hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoretic patterns, oxygen blood equilibrium and stripped Hbs, as well as the effect of 2,3-biphosphoglycerate (BPG) and inositol hexaphosphate (IHP) on oxygen affinity. All the samples (five from the winter and five from the summer) showed the same electrophoretic pattern: one minor fast component and one major slow one. No differences in oxygen affinity and Bohr effect in the samples collected in the winter and in the summer were found. Oxygen affinity was higher in the stripped Hb than in the blood. BPG seemed to have no effect on the functional properties of skua Hb while IHP does. No BPG was found in any sample. Both inositol pentaphosphate (IP5) and IHP were found in all the samples. The IP5/IHP ratio in the winter samples was 3.0 while in summer 3.5. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was found in samples from both the seasons. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were present only in the summer samples while guanosine triphosphate (GTP) was found in the winter samples. Since IP5 and IHP are very powerful HB allosteric effectors, ATP and GTP might function as other protein modulators.

Haemoglobin electrophoretic pattern among resident in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Haemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis that are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality all over the world. Communities in Africa constitute a major part of

Renal complications of sickle cell anemia in Zaria, Nigeria: An ultrasonographic assessment

Background: Vaso-occlusion in the kidney is a capillary phenomenon. Renal medullary hyperosmolalrity and low oxygen tension encourage the maximum formation of sickled red cells. In addition, the glomerular loops constitute an aggregating point for the sickled red cells with subsequent obstruction to the blood flow. These factors, together with the large volume of blood flowing through the kidneys make renal complications inevitable in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Aim: The purpose of this prospective study was to report the renal sonographic findings of a sample of patients with hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern consistent with sickle cell anemia Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study of 74 patients with the diagnosis of SCA, as documented by electrophoresis and who attended the adult sickle cell clinic, Hematology Department of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria and 20 age-matched controls with a normal hemoglobin (HbAA) phenotype and with no history of renal disease, was carried out between April and December, 2010. None of the patients had any clinical evidence of acute sickle episode (crisis) at the time of ultrasonographic examination. B-mode ultrasonography with Aloka SSD-3500 was used to assess the kidneys. The hematological parameters were determined by multiparameter analyzer Sysmex XT 2000i, whereas creatinine and urea of the patients were also analyzed using the Selectra XL chemistry autoanalyzer. Results: Renal size of the study group was compared with that of the control group and it showed a significant increase in the adult patients with SCA (P<0.05). The mean right renal length in the study group and control group was 10.65±0.97 cm and 9.95±0.80 cm (P<0.001), respectively, whereas the mean left renal length in the study group and control group was 10.70±1.02 cm and 10.00±0.66 cm (P<0.001), respectively. Statistical relationships between renal length and some hematological indices (packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count, and reticulocyte count) showed no correlation but renal length was positively correlated with reticulocyte count, especially high reticulocyte count. Other findings documented and discussed include echogenicity of renal parenchyma, hydronephrosis, and papillary necrosis. Conclusion: Renal ultrasound imaging of patients with SCA showed a high incidence of renal abnormalities.

Study of the Effect of Magnetic Microspheres on Some Biophysical Parameters of Human Blood (In vitro Study)

Magnetic microspheres have many bio-medical applications, but they have contact with the blood before reaching to their target place in many cases, so the study of the effect of these microspheres on the blood can lead to optimization of the use of these microspheres. Five groups of normal blood samples were incubated with 10 mg magnetic chitosan microspheres for 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours (h) respectively, then each group was compared to control group samples. The results showed that increase in hemoglobin conductivity with the time of incubation, no change in red blood cells osmotic fragility, no change in hemoglobin absorbance spectrum. Decrease in blood pH at 24 h, no change in neither hemoglobin electrophoretic patterns or in the blood components ultra structures. These results indicated no obvious toxicity of the magnetic microspheres on blood for incubation time up to 24 h, but on the other hand there are some changes especially at 24 h of incubation, so it is safer to avoid the remaining of the microspheres inside the body for more than 24 h.

Beta globin haplotypes in hemoglobin S carriers in Colombia

Introduction. HbS mutation is accompanied by other mutations in the region of chromosome 11 known as "beta globin cluster". The pattern of combination of these polymorphisms giving rise to the haplotypes that co-inherit the HbS mutation, are called haplotypes s and are of great epidemiological and clinical significance.Objective. To determine the frequency of major haplotypes associated with S beta-globin gene in Colombian patients heterozygous for hemoglobin S. Materials and methods. Within the national neonatal screening program at Clínica Colsanitas, nearly 1,200 children have been studied in search of hemoglobinopathies, finding the sickle cell trait as the most common hemoglobinopathy. S beta-globin gene haplotypes were determined by PCR and restriction enzymes, in 33 children with AS hemoglobin electrophoretic patterns. Also electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin levels and hematologic parameters of each individual were identified.Results. The most frequent haplotypes in Colombia are of African origin the Bantú haplotype (36.4 %), followed by Senegal (30.3 %), Benin (21.2 %) and Cameroon (12.1 %). Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed the AS phenotype in all patients, and the dosing showed fetal hemoglobin levels below 1%. Hematological parameters analyzed showed normal values in all cases. Conclusion. The frequency of haplotypes found in mixed population carriers of hemoglobin S differ both in rate and order of appearance, as compared with what was reported more than ten years ago in a Colombian caribbean population with sickle cell anemia.

Beta globin haplotypes in hemoglobin S carriers in Colombia

The hemoglobin S (HbS) mutation is accompanied by other mutations in the region of chromosome 11 known as "beta globin cluster". The pattern of combination of these polymorphisms giving rise to the haplotypes that co-inherit the HbS mutation, are called haplotypes bs, and are of great epidemiological and clinical significance. The frequencies of major haplotypes associated with S beta-globin gene was determined in Colombian patients heterozygous for hemoglobin S. As part of the national neonatal screening program at Clínica Colsanitas, located in major cities of Colombia, nearly 1,200 children from different areas of the country were examined for hemoglobinopathies. The sickle cell trait was identified as the most common. S beta-globin gene haplotypes were determined by PCR and restriction enzymes in 33 children with AS hemoglobin electrophoretic patterns (carrier state). In addition, electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin levels and hematologic parameters of each individual were identified. The most frequent haplotypes in Colombia were the Bantú haplotype (36.4 %), followed by Senegal (30.3 %), Benin (21.2 %) and Cameroon (12.1 %) haplotypes. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed the AS phenotype in all patients, and fetal hemoglobin levels below 1%. Other hematological parameters were normal in all cases. The HbS haplotypes found more frequently in the sample were of African origin, and their distribution varied according to the place of origin of the individual. The most frequent corresponded to the Bantu haplotype.

Clinical utility of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test and haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns among premarital couples in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a relatively non-specific test that is often ignored during the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. However, in recent times, the test is often requested alongside haemoglobin electrophoretic pattern as pre marital test. This study was aimed at determining the ESR values among these apparently healthy populations, correlate this parameter with Hb electrophoretic pattern and evaluate its usefulness in modern medicine.Materials and Methods: Standard haemoglobin electrophoresis run withcellulose acetate paper at pH 8.9 and Westergren method for ESR were used in the determinations.Results: The mean ESR value for the males was 12.48±10.0mm/hr while 20.77 ± 18.8 was obtained for the females. There was significant difference between the male and female values (t = 3.94; p < 0.01). Mild elevation of ESR (20–50 mm/hr) occurred in 6.67% of males, 11.1% of the females and 8.85% in the study population A moderately elevated value (ESR 51–99mm/hr) was observed in 2.2% males, 5.56% females and 3.38% in the study population. No extreme elevation (ESR >100mm/hr) was observed in the study population. ESR was found to correlate negatively with gender (r = -0.248; p

Protein intensity changes in the hemoglobin and plasma electrophoretic patterns of Oreochromis niloticus in response to single and combined Zn and Cd exposure

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of metals on the electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobin and blood plasma proteins of Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were exposed to 0.5 and 5.0 mg/L Zn, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L Cd, and 0.5 mg/L Zn + 0.1 mg/L Cd, and 5.0 mg/L Zn + 1.0 mg/L Cd mixtures for 7 and 28 days. In all concentrations tested, electrophoretic pattern of hemoglobin and plasma proteins by cellulose acetate electrophoresis consist of three and eight bands, respectively. The three bands for hemoglobin are one cathodic (Hb1) and two anodic (Hb2 and Hb3) bands. The protein intensity in hemoglobins of fish following Zn, Cd, and Zn + Cd exposures decreased in Hb1, whereas it increased in Hb3. The eight bands for plasma proteins are 60, 78, 87, and 94 kDA high molecular weight proteins (HMP) for four bands and 120, 132, 176, and 273 kDA very high molecular weight proteins (VHMP) for four bands. The level of 60, 78, and 94 kDA HMP and 120, 132, and 176 kDA VHMP increased in response to single and combined Zn and Cd exposure. Also, there was increasing level of the metals in the whole blood with increasing concentrations of metals in the exposure medium and with increasing duration of exposure.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anaemia Among Pregnant women in Nigeria

To assess the prevalence and risk factors of anaemia in pregnancy and recommend a cut-off value for antenatal women in developing countries, a cross sectional study was carried in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, a 523 bed tertiary health care institution in Nigeria. 1371 apparently healthy asymptomatic pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic for the first time were enrolled for the study. Another 60 age-matched non-pregnant apparently healthy women served as controls. Haemoglobin concentration, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)S, haemoglobin electrophoretic pattern and C-reactive protein as marker of infection were investigated using stan- dard haematological and serological procedures. Anaemia in pregnancy (Hb <11.0g/dl) and (Hb<10.0g/dl) were found to be 23.2% and 6.7% respectively. The aetiology of anaemia was found to be multifactorial; 40.2% had anaemia of infec- tion, 20.3% had Plasmodium falciparum alone, 8.5% had HIV alone, 2.5% had HIV and malaria parasite co-infection; 8.9% undetermined infections and 0.6% had sickle cell anaemia. There is moderate prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in this part of the world. Since the mean Hb value of the pregnant women in this study was 11.62±1.21g/dl and the pregnant women with Hb values around 10g/dl are apparently healthy, a cut-off value of 10.0g/dl may be considered ideal for de- fining anaemia in pregnancy in developing countries.

Serum biochemistry and hematology values and hemoglobin electrophoresis in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus)

Serum biochemical and hematologic parameters are important in the management of game species in Iran, such as Persian squirrels. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline serum chemistry and hematology values in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) and describe blood cell morphology and the electrophoretic pattern of hemoglobin. Blood samples were collected from 30 Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) maintained in captivity in the Tehran Zoo. Blood was placed into EDTA and serum clot tubes and analyzed using standard manual hematology and biochemical techniques. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was done on cellulose acetate paper strips. Minimum, maximum, and median values were obtained for 11 hematologic and 12 serum chemistry parameters. Hypersegmented neutrophils were observed frequently. We did not find basophils or band neutrophils. Hemoglobin electophoresis resulted in a band slightly anodal to that of human hemoglobin A. Biochemical and hematologic values in Persian squirrels were comparable to those of related species, and may be used as a standard profile for healthy Persian squirrels kept in captivity.

The Role of Hemoglobin Barts in Umbilical Cord Blood Harvest and Transplantation.

The abnormal hemoglobin present during fetal development in individuals with four-gene deletion alpha-thalassemia was characterized at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London and hence was named “hemoglobin Barts (Hb Barts).” In the homozygous state, when all four alpha-globin genes on chromosomes 16 are affected, no normal fetal or adult hemoglobin can be produced and the fetus becomes profoundly anemic in utero. This typically leads to stillbirth or death soon after birth due to severe hydrops fetalis accompanied by pulmonary hypoplasia and cardiac failure. Various heterozygous states can also produce detectable levels of Hb Barts, but with less dramatic clinical manifestations. These variants can be detected and quantified in umbilical cord blood (UCB) in proportions indicating one-, two- or three-gene deletion alpha-thalassemia, respectively representing silent carrier, thalassemia trait, and Hemoglobin H disease states. Silent carriers, the largest group with Hb Barts at birth, have a normal CBC, no clinically detectable problems and less than 5% Hb Barts present in cord blood sample. Individuals with alpha-thalassemia minor (or trait) have a very mild microcytic anemia but no other clinical problems, and express 5 to 10% Hb Barts in cord blood. One- and two-gene alpha-globin deletions are very common in African, Mediterranean and Asian populations, ethnic groups targeted for cord blood bank inventories.Sixteen UCB products containing Hb Barts at levels consistent with either one or two alpha-gene deletions were exported for stem cell transplant from the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank. Survival of recipients receiving Hb Barts-containing units was not significantly different from those receiving cord products with normal newborn hemoglobin electrophoretic patterns (P =.5707). To further evaluate the effect of transplanting units with Hb Barts variants, we propose an Institutional Review Board-approved study to evaluate erythropoiesis and the disappearance of fetal hemoglobin variants at designated post-transplant time points in patients who have been transplanted with these products.In deliveries where the infant exhibits symptoms of hydrops fetalis, obvious perinatal complications would preclude cord blood harvest for the intended use of allogeneic transplantation. Considering the need for these unique and diverse HLA types, criteria for banking should allow inclusion of UCB units with Hb Barts content of less than 10% based on immunoelectrophoretic patterns. These units should pose minimal additional risk in transplantation and increase the ethnic diversity of bank inventories. Additionally, since recipients' genetic material remains intact after transplantation, they cannot pass these variant hemoglobins to their children.