Mean Values Of Platelet Count Research Articles

Developing Localized Reference Intervals for Platelet Indices in South India

Introduction: The Platelet Indices (PI) are part of the most frequently done tests in the hospital. They are considered as biomarkers in numerous systemic and metabolic diseases. But the real challenge has been to define the clinical cutoffs which enable management based on the above parameters. So we tried to develop Reference Intervals(RI) for PIs to enable them for clinical use. Aim: The aim of the study was to develop RIs for the PIs from ostensibly healthy adult males from the local population. Materials and Methods: 123 healthy adult males between the age 18 to 64, were chosen after screening and their blood samples collected and examined on Sysmex XN1000 cell counter for the PIs. Results: The mean values of Platelet Count (PC), Distribution width (PDW), Mean Platelet volume(MPV), Plateletcrit (PCT), Large cell Ratio(P-LCR), Immature Platelet Fraction(IPF) and Absolute Immature Platelet Number(AIPN) were 2.58x109/L, 12.3%, 10.2fl, 0.281%, 27.17%,0.682%, and 1551.4 cells. PDW showed a strong positive correlation with MPV (r = 0.937) and P- LCR (r = 0.949). The PLT showed a very strong positive correlation with PCT (r = 0.901). The linear regression analysis of the rest of the PIs with PLT showed an 81% strong predictability for PCT. Conclusion: The sex specific, instrument specific, localized RIs developed the study was compared to other published studies World over. It was also compared to an Indian and other South Indian studies. It also offers an opportunity for institutions using this cell counter to make use of the above RIs in clinical situations.

Stability over time of immature platelet fraction and comparison between EDTA and citrated whole blood samples.

Immature platelets (IP) are the youngest circulating platelets, released from megakaryocytes, and demonstrating increased dimensions, significant RNA content, and enhanced activity. Immature platelet research focuses on a differential diagnostic help in patients with thrombocytopenia. The objectives of this study were to compare the variability of IP in citrate and EDTA samples, and to determine stability over time. Fifty-six patients were included for comparison between EDTA and citrate whole blood sample collection. Among the patients, 28 had thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150G/L). Platelet measurement impedancemetry and fluorimetry were performed with Sysmex XN-9000. The immature platelet fraction (IPF) and absolute immature platelet count (A-IPC) were determined with a fluorescent method. The mean value of platelet count with fluorescence was, in EDTA sample, 215 ± 171 and, in citrate sample, 153 ± 118 G/L. No significant difference was observed between IPF between EDTA and citrate (7.74 ± 6.68% vs. 8.45 ± 7.37%, p = 0.69), respectively. With the Bland-Altman analysis, the mean difference in the EDTA sample, between 1 and 24 h, was 8.06 ± 6.96% and 8.73 ± 7.12% for IPF, whereas in the citrate sample, between 1 and 6 h, it was 8.60 ± 7.29% and 7.54 ± 6.97%, for IPF. Comparing 1 h EDTA sample with 6 h citrate sample, the variance ratio was 0.974 (95% CI: 0.864-1.084) in IPF. We confirmed the potential to conduct IP measurements up to 24 h in the EDTA sample and IPF measurements in the citrate sample for up to 6 h. These results may be useful for the use of IPF, which is a promising parameter whose interest in clinical practice and standardization is not yet well defined.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Patients with Central Nervous System Complications.

BACKGROUND Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), which is a newly identified tick-borne bunyavirus, recently named Dabie bandavirus. In rural China, SFTSV or Dabie bandavirus is commonly transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick. In recent years, SFTS has been of great concern due to its high morbidity and mortality. The present study investigated the risk factors for mortality in patients with SFTS complicated by central nervous system involvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 69 SFTS patients hospitalized between 2013 and 2020. We analyzed the laboratory test results and clinical data through univariate and multivariate regression. RESULTS Neurological complications occurred in 59 patients in the survival group and 10 in the mortality group. No significant gender difference was found between the 2 groups. No significant difference was found in age, hospitalization duration, or occurrence of encephalitis between the 2 groups. The mean duration of hospitalization and course of the disease in the mortality group were significantly shorter than those in the survival group (P<0.01). The mean values of platelet count, potassium, and sodium in the mortality group were significantly lower, while the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and procalcitonin were higher than those in the survival group. Low platelet count and high CK-MB were independent risk factors for mortality in patients. For each unit increase in platelet count, the risk of mortality decreased by 24.2%, and for each unit increase in CK-MB, the probability of mortality increased by 118.6%. CONCLUSIONS Decreased platelets and increased CK-MB were independent risk factors for mortality in encephalitis patients. SFTS patients with encephalitis should be monitored for changes in these 2 indicators.

Effect of psychotropics on bleeding and clotting factors

Introduction: Coagulopathies are rare side effects with psychotropics and are thus frequently overlooked while prescribing. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are more commonly associated with deranged bleeding parameters, the most frequent being decreased platelet aggregability and activity, and the prolongation of bleeding time. Thrombocytopenia as a side effect of valproate administration often goes unnoticed, and olanzapine has been associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism. The aim of our study was to determine what percentage of patients on psychotropics develop changes in bleeding parameters, and whether these changes are significant enough to warrant routine monitoring of these parameters. Material and methods: This was a prospective observational, single-center study which included 100 patients newly started on psychotropics. Those on medications affecting bleeding parameters or having an acute illness like sepsis were excluded. Patients were only on a single psychotropic agent, and their bleeding parameters — prothrombin time, international normalized ratio (INR), bleeding time, clotting time (CT) and platelet count — were assessed at baseline and after 15 and 30 days. Results: Mean values of prothrombin time (PT), INR, bleeding time and CT increased over time while the mean value of platelet count showed a decreasing trend but no clinical manifestations were noted. Olanzapine was the only drug causing a reduction of PT, INR and CT and valproate was the only drug affecting platelet count. Paroxetine affected the bleeding parameters the most among the antidepressants. Sertraline, fluoxetine, amitriptyline and haloperidol were the other drugs affecting various bleeding parameters, though the effects were less compared to the other drugs in the study. Conclusions: Routine monitoring of bleeding parameters in patients receiving psychotropics is not warranted, but caution must be taken while prescribing these drugs, especially in groups such as patients with known blood dyscrasias or peri-operative patients.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLATELET COUNT, PDW, PCT, AND MPV WITH VISUAL FIELD DEFECT IN PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Abstract. Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease and the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and incidence of open-angle glaucoma more frequent, including in Indonesia. The etiology is still unclear, but the risk factors are the immune system and increased systemic microvascular abnormalities affected by platelets. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between platelet parameters and visual field defect in POAG. Methods. This research is an analytic study with a case control design. Respondents are 30 POAG patients and 30 normal subjects as a control in Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital and Satellite Hospital from August to December 2021. Venous blood samples were taken as much as 3 cc to assess platelet parameters, then analyzed in the clinical laboratory. Each group was examined with Humphrey's Perimetry which was further classified based on Hodapp Anderson Parrish criteria. Results. Most subjects in the POAG group are male, 53.3%. In POAG group the mean values of platelet count 267.28 103/μL, PDW 11.41 fL, PCT 0.25%, and MPV 9.49 fL. Conclusion. There was an increase in PDW values in advanced POAG patients, but no significant differences were found in visual field defect between the two groups.

Study of Implication of Wbc and Platelet Count among Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Waghodia Region, Vadodara, Gujarat

Introduction: Hematological parameters are very useful profiles in the effective management of the disease However, there is scarcity of studies on the hematological parameters of SCD in Gujarat.&#x0D; Objective: The objective of the study was to changes in hematological finding in patients of sickle cell disease.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This Prospective studyincludes total 150 participants who suffering from sickle cell anemia and attending at our Institute Complete blood count (CBC) and sickling test was done from all participants Comparison of results was done between Sickle cell trait and Sickle cell disease Group.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the SCA patients was 25 54±10 years. Maximum participants are found to be from age group 25-30 yr(n=35) followed by 20-25 yr(n=30) of the 150 SCA patients, 89 (59 33%), and 61 (40 6%) were males and females, respectively. The Mean value of WBC count(/cumm) in SCT group is10611±3015 and SCD is 14427±3693 while the Mean value of Platelet count (lacs/cumm) is 3.75±1 i10 and 4 04±0 94 SCT and SCD Group.&#x0D; Conclusions: The present study found elevated levels of WBC and PLT among the SCD patients, possibly reflecting spleen effect in these patientsi These hematological parameters present a more descriptive data on SCD patients in Gujarat and may as well provide a useful tool and assist clinicians in the management of SCD patients in india.

Platelet Count and IgE Level in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: A Case-control Study.

Chronic Urticaria is an allergic disorder that affects about 0.5 to 5% of the population in different communities. The disease's chronic course and long-term onset impose high economic and psychological costs on communities, adversely affecting individual and social life. Platelets play a role in various pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and immunology. Growing evidence suggests that platelets are actively involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory skin diseases. This study investigated the relationship between platelet and immunoglobulin-E markers and chronic idiopathic urticaria. In the present case-control study, for the study population, patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria were referred to the Asthma and Allergy Clinic, and their caregivers were selected as the case and control groups, respectively. In this study, the mean platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and Total IgE values were simultaneously measured in the case and control groups. After taking 5CCs of venous blood, a blood sample was sent to the laboratory for platelet and IgE marker measurements. 100 patients and 100 healthy persons were evaluated in this study. The mean age in the case group was 34.95, and in the control group was 35.78 years. The results showed that the mean values of PLT, MPV, PDW, and Total IgE in the case group were 12.86, 9.83, 252190, and 147.05, respectively. The mean values of PLT, MPV, PDW, and Total IgE in the control group were 16.93, 7.53, 231410, and 15.29, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Moreover, total IgE in the Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) positive group was higher than ASST negative group and was statistically significant (P = 0.001). The study results indicate the possible role of platelets in urticaria and inflammation. MPV in patients with chronic urticaria was higher than in the control group. The present study showed no significant relationship between the severity of urticaria and platelet markers, but there was a significant relationship between the severity of urticaria and ASST. Moreover, the severity of urticaria was higher in the positive skin test group.

Characteristics of platelet-associated parameters and their predictive values in Chinese patients with affective disorders

ObjectivePlatelets are increasingly considered to play an important role in inflammation and are being regarded as a putative bridge linking mental diseases and inflammatory response. Platelet-associated haematological parameters including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet to albumin ratio (PAR) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR), have been recently investigated as simple, easily available, and inexpensive inflammatory markers. In this study, we aimed is to use large-scale clinical data to study platelet parameters in patients with affective disorders, to further investigate the predictive power of platelet parameters for major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD).MethodsThe retrospective, naturalistic, cross-sectional study analysed the data of 14,007 Chinese affective disorder patients, including 4,801 patients with first-episode MDD, 4,098 patients with recurrent MDD, 3,444 patients with BD manic episodes and 1,664 patients with BD depressive episodes. Meanwhile, 6,847 healthy subjects were served as the control group. The differences in the MPV, PDW, PCT, SII, PLR, PAR, RPR and albumin among different groups were compared, and the contributing factors for the occurrence of MDD or BD were analysed.ResultsThere were significant differences in MPV, PDW, PCT, SII, PLR, RPR and albumin values among the study groups. In the subjects, patients experiencing BD manic episodes had the highest mean values of MPV and SII, patients experiencing BD depressive episodes had the lowest mean values of platelet counts and PAR, and patients with MDD had the highest mean values of PLR and RDW. The levels of MPV, PDW and albumin were independently correlated with MDD and BD, and they are important predictors for differentiating patients with MDD or BD from healthy controls.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that different affective disorders have unique platelet parameter variation patterns, highlighting the role of platelet parameters and systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of MDD and BD.

The role of platelet mass index in the prediction of preeclampsia full

To assess the possible roles of platelet indices including platelet mass index (PMI), platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV) and PC/MPV in prediction of preeclampsia. 190 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 100 healthy uncomplicated control patients were included in this retrospective study. Age, gestational week, fetal weight, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), complete blood count parameters and platelet indices were compared. ROC curve was applied to analyze the cut-off values of the significantly differing parameters for prediction of preeclampsia. Preeclamptic patients gave birth significantly earlier than the controls. In preeclamptic patients, the mean values of PC, PC / MPV and PMI were significantly lower than the control group. Although mean MPV values were lower in preeclampsia patients, the difference was not significant. The cut-off values of PC, PC/MPV and PMI were found to be 207,500, 18448.16 and 2411.75 with a-sensitivity/specificity of 45.3%/ 44.3%, 42.2%/ 42.6% and 44.1%/ 44.3%, respectively. Indices such as PC, PC / MPV and PMI changed significantly in preeclampsia. Although they have low sensitivity and specificity, these indices can be combined with other parameters and used in the prediction of preeclampsia.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of partial splenic endovascular embolization in patients with refractory thrombocytopaenia.

PurposePartial splenic endovascular embolization (PSEE) could be an option for patients with thrombocytopaenia (TCP). We selected a group of 22 patients diagnosed with refractory TCP to undergo PSEE, and we followed them for detailed analysis.Material and methodsTwenty-two patients aged 27-75 years (mean 46.5 ± 3.5 years) underwent PSEE, and 5 participants underwent a second PSEE due to the lack of effectiveness after the first procedure. A total of 27 PSEEs were performed. A semi-quantitative scale was used to assess the severity of the post-embolization syndrome. The percentage of spleen parenchyma excluded from circulation was 30-70%. We used the mixture of Histoacryl N-butyl cyanoacry-late glue and Lipiodol in 10 cases, spirals in 10 cases, and polyvinyl alcohol in 7 cases, for the embolization.ResultsThe mean value of platelet count (PLT) before procedure increased from 22.0 ± 15.0 to 87.7 ± 67.9 (p < 0.05) in a mean period of 194 days. In 2 cases severe post-embolization syndrome was observed. Closure less than 50% of the spleen circulation was associated with poorly expressed post-embolization symptoms. Serious complications occurred in 1 patient (3.5%). A strong positive correlation (r = 0.8, p < 0.05) was found between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the severity of post-embolization syndrome. Increased symptoms of post-embolization syndrome were also associated with a significant increase in hospitalization time – 27.0 vs. 7.2 days (r = 0.66, p < 0.05).ConclusionsPartial endovascular embolization of the spleen (PSEE) may be a valuable therapeutic option for patients with refractory TCP. PSEE is a safe method with a low complication rate.

Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Function in Neonatal Sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a clinical disorder developed by bacterial blood stream infections in neonates. CBC indices, such as platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), PDW have been used as markers of systemic inflammation in children and adults. Objective: To assess MPV and platelets function in neonatal sepsis. Patients and Methods: This study was a case control, which included 50 cases and 50 controls. All participants were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, CBC, C-reactive protein, blood cultures and assessment of mean platelets volume. Results: There was a significant decrease in haemoglobin level, RBCs count, and platelet count. While, there was significant increase in WBCs count and MPV in the patient group than in the control group. Mean value of platelet count was statistically significantly lower among cases than in control. MPV was significantly higher in patients than controls. PDW was statistically significantly lower among cases than in controls. MPV showed significant negative correlation with gestational age, birth weight and platelet count. While it showed statistically significant positive correlation with CRP. Conclusion: Mean value of platelet count and PDW were statistically significant lower among cases than in control while MPV was significantly higher in patients than in controls. So, platelet function could be a useful early diagnostic marker in neonatal sepsis.

Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Function in Neonatal Sepsis

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a clinical disorder developed by bacterial blood stream infections in neonates. CBC indices, such as platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), PDW have been used as markers of systemic inflammation in children and adults. Objective: To assess MPV and platelets function in neonatal sepsis. Patients and Methods: This study was a case control, which included 50 cases and 50 controls. All participants were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, CBC, C-reactive protein, blood cultures and assessment of mean platelets volume. Results: There was a significant decrease in haemoglobin level, RBCs count, and platelet count. While, there was significant increase in WBCs count and MPV in the patient group than in the control group. Mean value of platelet count was statistically significantly lower among cases than in control. MPV was significantly higher in patients than controls. PDW was statistically significantly lower among cases than in controls. MPV showed significant negative correlation with gestational age, birth weight and platelet count. While it showed statistically significant positive correlation with CRP. Conclusion: Mean value of platelet count and PDW were statistically significant lower among cases than in control while MPV was significantly higher in patients than in controls. So, platelet function could be a useful early diagnostic marker in neonatal sepsis.

Platelet Indices and CXCL12 Levels in Patients with Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

BackgroundIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a multifactorial condition, and the precise mechanism is still unknown. In the current study, we aimed to determine the relationship between the platelet (PLT) indices and CXC12 levels in patients with IUGR.Patients and MaterialsIn this study, 36 patients with IUGR and 36 healthy pregnant mothers were enrolled as the case and control groups, respectively. Gestational age for both groups was between 24 and 40 years. Blood samples were taken, and platelet indices were examined by a full-diff cell counter. Serum levels of CXCL12 were measured by ELISA, and the data were analyzed using an independent Student's t-test.ResultsIn this study, we observed that the mean value of PLT count (154.3 ± 50 vs 236 ± 36) and plateletcrit (0.124 ± 0.038 vs 0.178 ± 0.021) were significantly lower in the case than the control group. In contrast, the mean platelet volume (7.94 ± 0.55 vs 7.62 ± 0.53) and platelet distribution width (17.57 ± 0.7 vs 16.96 ± 0.59) were significantly higher in the case than the control group. More importantly, we found that the serum levels of CXCL12 were significantly higher (5.3 ng/mL± 3.1 vs 2.8 ± 1.6) in the patients compared to the pregnancy controls.ConclusionOur data show that platelet indices are changed in IUGR, and the levels of circulating CXCL12 are increased in patients with IUGR. These findings provide a base for further studies to better defining the pathophysiology of IUGR.

Analysis of changes in pre- and post-donation hematological parameters among plateletpheresis donors at SKIMS blood bank: A hospital-based study

Background: Platelet transfusions are routinely needed as an essential part of treatment for patients undergoing cancer therapy, as well as for those with bleeding disorders, and for patients undergoing open heart surgeries or organ transplantation. Our aim was to compare the pre- and post-plateletpheresis parameters of complete blood counts in healthy voluntary donors and to determine the consequences of plateletpheresis on donor's health. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology, SKIMS, over 1 year with effect from June 2018 to June 2019 after getting clearance from the institutional ethical committee. The study was conducted on 100 randomly selected plateletpheresis donors. After donor has been considered eligible for the procedure as per the national guidelines and departmental standard operating procedure, the details of plateletpheresis were explained to each donor before the procedure, and after filling the donor questionnaire form, informed consent was taken from donor for the procedure. Plateletpheresis was done using Trima Accel Automated Cell Separator. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), and white blood cell (WBC) counts were analyzed both before and after plateletpheresis procedure. Results: A total of 100 donors were subjected for apheresis, all of which were males. 83% of the donors were between the age group of 18 and 40 years while 17% were between the age group of 41 and 58 years. Majority (66%) had a body mass index (BMI) in the range of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, 32% had 25–29.9, and 2% had 30 or higher, with an overall mean BMI of 23.95 kg/m2. The mean platelet count before apheresis was 227 × 103/μl with the range of 161–330 × 103/μl and the mean platelet count after apheresis was 169 × 103/μl with a range of 113–278 × 103/μl; the mean value of platelet count dropped significantly in postdonation. Similarly, the mean Hb level before apheresis was 15.3 g/dl with the range of 12.3–18.2 g/dl and the mean Hb value after apheresis was 14.7 g/dl with the range of 11.2–16.7 g/dl; the mean value of Hb dropped marginally in postdonation. The mean value of Hct concentration before apheresis was 45% with the range of 36.1%–55.1% and the mean value of Hct concentration after apheresis was 42.3% with the range of 37.3%–52.4%; the mean value of Hct dropped slightly in postdonation. There were also slight changes in the WBC counts and MPV value which were not so significant. Conclusion: A donor with significant decrements should be reviewed and screened for future donations to avoid iatrogenic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Donor safety must be ensured throughout the procedures to prevent any unfavorable events, and for the benefit of donors and patients, training modules for the technical personnel, supervision of transfusion specialists, close monitoring, and follow-up of these donors are required.

A CASE-CONTROL STUDY ABOUT HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AND MORBIDITY OF NEWBORNS AT BIRTH, BORN TO MOTHERS WITH HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate about 8% of all gestations. Hypertensive disorders are responsible for significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.&#x0D; AIMS: To determine the hematological parameters and morbidity in neonates born to mothers with gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia syndrome and in neonates born to normotensive mothers without any maternal complications or medical illness with special reference to platelet count and neutrophil count.&#x0D; Methods and Material: The study was a prospective study conducted on neonates born to pregnant women complicated with gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia syndrome and neonates born to normotensive mothers recruited at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Post natal wards who were delivered at Ananta Hospital and AIMS &amp; RC, Rajsamand (Raj.) from October 2018 to September 2019 and the hematological parameters of these babies were studied.&#x0D; Results: In our study we observed that the mean value of platelet count were significantly lower in study group compared to control group which was highly Statistical significant (p&lt;0.001). The mean value of PT, aPTT, Bleeding Time and Clotting time were significantly higher in study group, as compared to control group. The statistical analytic differences were highly significant in all parameters i.e. PT, aPTT, Bleeding Time and Clotting time (P&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: To conclude early hematological screening of babies are recommended to facilitate early detection and management of serious neonatal complications describes above, to decrease morbidity and improved growth, development and survival.&#x0D; Keywords: Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia, Gestational Hypertension, Newborns.

Clinical Value of Serum Fibrosis Biomarkers in Prediction of Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

AbstractBackground: Esophageal varices is one of the major com-plications of portal hypertension, occur in approximately 30%-70% of cirrhotic patients. As portal hypertension is a consequence of liver fibrosis, serum fibrosis biomarkers could serve as non invasive predictors for esophageal varices and their grades.Aim of Study: Determine the frequency and grading of esophageal varices in a group of cirrhotic patients with no history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and also evaluate and compare the predictive value of APRI, AAR, FIB-4, FI, and king scores in predicting the presence of varices and their grade.Patients and Methods: One hundred and one cirrhotic patients were included in the study. The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was based on clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic data. An upper GIT endoscopic examination was performed for all patients for the diagnosis of presence or absence of esophageal varices. Serum fibrosis biomarkers were calculated from data available on the first day hospital admission and used as prognostic indicators for presence and grade of esophageal varices.Results: Patients with esophageal varices had significantly lower mean values of platelet counts and albumin levels than those without esophageal varices (p=0.015, p=0.045; respec-tively). Also there was a significant difference between patients with and without esophageal varices as regard FI score (p= 0.016). Patients with medium to large esophageal varices had significantly lower mean values of platelet counts than those with no to mild esophageal varices. Also there was a significant difference between patients with medium to large esophageal varices and those with no to mild esophageal varices as regard FI, FI B-4 and King scores (p=0.003, p=0.001, p=0.017; respectively). The FI score was accurate in predicting presence of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Using 3.52 cut-off value, a prediction of presence or absence of EV could be made in 62.4% of cirrhotic patients. FIB-4 (cut off value 3.64), FI (cut off value 3.65) and King (cut off value 26.65) scores may perform better in prediction of high grade esopha-geal varices than in prediction of presence of esophageal varices.Conclusion: Fibrosis index prediction score at cut off value 3.52 is a moderately sensitive noninvasive tool that can predict the presence of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with acceptable accuracy. Thus can reduce the burden and make screening for esophageal varices less stressful for the patients. The combination of FI score (cut off value 3.64), FIB-4 score (cut off value 3.65) and King's score (cut off value 26.65) could be used as an initial screening tests to detect patients with high risk EV for whom endoscopy may be more beneficial. Hence the benefit of doing upper endoscopy overweight the burden of this maneuver.

Prevalence of thrombocytopenia before and after initiation of HAART among HIV infected patients at black lion specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BackgroundHematological abnormalities are common in HIV positive patients. Of these, thrombocytopenia is a known complication which has been associated with a variety of bleeding disorders. However, its magnitude and related factors have not been well-characterized in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of thrombocytopenia before and after initiation of HAART among HIV positive patients attending Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted from February to April 2017 in Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 176 patients on HAART were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study patients were collected using structured questionnaire. Measurements of platelet counts and CD4 + T cell counts were made using Sysmex XT 2000i hematology analyzer and BD FACS Count CD4 analyzer, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data (Paired T- test and binary logistic regression) was done using SPSS version 20. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 176 patients (Age > 18 years old) were enrolled in this study and had a mean age of 40.08 ± 9.38 years. There was significant increase in the mean values of platelet counts (218.44 ± 106.6 × 103/μl vs 273.65 ± 83.8 × 103/μl, p < 0.001) after six months of HAART initiation compared to the baseline. Prevalence of thrombocytopenia before and after HAART initiation was 25 and 5.7% respectively. HIV patients whose CD4 counts < 200 Cells/μl were more likely to have thrombocytopenia than HIV patients whose CD4 count ≥350 Cells/μl. However, it was not statistically associated with prevalence of thrombocytopenia.ConclusionsThis study has shown that the prevalence of thrombocytopenia after HAART initiation was decreased significantly. Based on our results, a number of study participants still had thrombocytopenia after initiation of HAART. Therefore, continuous screening for thrombocytopenia among HIV infected patients should be performed to decrease the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Significance of platelet indices in burns patient

Introduction: Burns constitute an important health concern all over the world. The main aim of burns treatment is reducing morbidity and mortality. Platelet count was proved to be an important prognostic index in burns. The main aim of this study is to find the significance of other Platelet indices in burns patient. Methods: This study was conducted in a Tertiary care Hospital in Chennai for a sample size of 143 burns patients. Patients were divided into two groups based on the Total burn surface area (Group A with 30% Total Burn Surface area). Normal persons with similar ages are taken as Control. Platelet indices were analysed for these patients on the day of admission and on the fourth day of admission using Sysmex 5-part analyser. BAUX score was also calculated for the Burns patient. The results were compared between platelet indices, clinical parameters and Baux score among different groups. Results: The results of platelet indices between group A, group B and control group were compared. In group A, no significant change in platelet indices was observed. But in group B, the mean value of Platelet count decreases from 217 on the day admission to 164 on the fourth day of admission and the Mean Platelet Volume increases from 9.88 on the day of admission to 10.54 on the fourth day of admission. Mean Platelet Volume also correlates linearly with BAUX score. Conclusion: BAUX score is a prognostic scoring system in which higher value indicates poorer prognosis. MPV correlates linearly with BAUX score which indicates raising MPV act as poor prognostic factor. Platelet indices which can be analyzed with simple automated analyser can act as important prognostic factor in burns patient which helps in deciding appropriate treatment at appropriate time.

A study of yoga in anemic patients

Background: Anemia is a clinical condition characterized by reduction in number of red blood cells (RBCs) less than 4 million/mL or their content of hemoglobin less than 12 g/dL or both. Anemia is characterized by general malaise, lassitude, easy fatigability, weakness, tinnitus, exertion dyspnea, and poor concentration. It is a common condition prevalent in our society among men, women, children, and elderly people. The causes of anemia are variable ranging from acute blood loss to chronic blood loss, dietary deficiency, and dyshemopoietic, immune, and hemolytic disorders. Women and children are more prone to anemia. Yoga is a self-discipline method of integrating the body, breath, and mind and attaining one’s full potential. The antistress and antioxidant effect of yoga is beneficial in the improvement of hemotological parameters in anemic patients. Yoga increases the circulation of blood and improves the functioning of the entire circulatory system. Objective: To assess the effect of yoga on the hematological parameters among anemic patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 anemic subjects, with 50 men and 50 women, aged between 25 and 40 years. The various hematological parameters studied were hemoglobin, RBC, white blood cell (WBC), and platelet count. Result: The data were analyzed using unpaired t test. The study revealed significant increase in hemoglobin (p < 0.0001) and RBC (p < 0.0001) in both men and women. The WBC count significantly decreased in both men (p < 0.0001) and women (p < 0.0001). The mean value of platelet count increased in both men and women but was statistically insignificant in men (p = 0.3798) and women (p = 0.3479). Conclusion: Yoga is a cheap and cost-effective discipline that can be added to the drug therapy for improvement in hematological parameters in anemic patients.

Mean platelet volume: is it a parameter associated with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss?

cancer, auto-immune diseases, asthma, and the use of antithrombotic agents. For the analysis of MPV and the other parameters, vials containing tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDtA) were used. the analyses were performed immediately after phlebotomy to prevent in vitro platelet activation. the SPSS statistical software program (SPSS, version 16.0 for windows; SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used to perform statistical calculations. there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age or gender distribution. the mean values of platelet count, PDW, MPV, white blood cell (WBC) counts and levels of hemoglobin were similar between the groups (table 1). With our results, we cannot state that MPV is an associated parameter with IShL. there are very limited studies in the literature about the association between IShL and MPV counts with different results [2, 3]. Karli et al. [4] studied 92 patients equally to the Editor,