History Of Previous Blood Transfusion Research Articles

Seropositivity of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen among hepatitis B surface antigen-negative vaccinated individuals aged 5-12 years in North West Ethiopia

BackgroundInfection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a major global public health concern, especially in Ethiopia. Evidence suggests that some children in Ethiopia who have received hepatitis B vaccinations are still contracting HBV. ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to detect antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) among vaccinated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative individuals in North-West Ethiopia Methods and materialsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 children aged 5-12 years from April 2021 to November 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. After 3-5 ml of venous blood was drawn from each study participant, a serum sample was utilized to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression with a 95% CI was used to show the statistical association. ResultsThe total seropositivity of anti-HBc among vaccinated HBsAg-negative participants was 8/158 (5.1%) (95% CI: 2.0-9.0). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that children who had a previous history of blood transfusion were six times (AOR: 6.135, 95% CI: 4.063, 10.752) (P<0.006) more likely to develop anti-HBc. Moreover, children who had a previous history of surgery were five times (AOR: 5.116, 95% CI: 3.123, 8.718) (P<0.002) more likely to become anti-HBc seropositive. ConclusionThere was a significant seroprevalence of anti-HBc in our study area, suggesting possible exposure to the virus despite immunization.

Prevalence of Human Pegivirus Infection during High Risk Pregnancy and its Vertical Transmission to the Newborn

Human Pegivirus (HPgV-1), which was known as hepatitis G virus (HGV) or GB virus C (GBV-C) is a single – stranded positive RNA virus belonging to the genus Pegivirus of Flaviviridae family. Its genomic organization is similar to that of HCV with which it has only 25% homology at the nucleotide level. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of HPgV-1 among high risk pregnant women (with HCV infection or history of previous blood transfusion) and normal pregnant women. In addition to detect the vertical transmission of the virus to their newborns. Thirty term high risk and thirty term normal pregnant females were screened for HPgV-1 RNA using the reverse transcription PCR technique. HPgV-1 was detected in six females among those who have HCV infection (33.3%) and in two females among recipients of blood transfusion (16.6%), also it was detected in one female of the control group (3.3%). The outcome of newborns showed three newborns with HPgV-1 infection out of six born to the females who have both HCV and HPgV-1 infection and one newborn of the infected mother of the control group, however, liver functions of the newborns were in the normal range for age requiring long term follow up.

Study of the incidence and profile of acute transfusion reactions in children

Background: Blood is a vital human tissue and a precious health resource. Use of these components may be associated with adverse events, which compromise the efficiency and safety of blood transfusion. The incidence of adverse transfusion reactions has declined with modern facilities like improved screening and transfusion practices, but some are still observed due to alloimmunization, bacterial contamination, immunomodulation, etc. Aims and Objectives: To study the incidence and profile of acute blood transfusion reactions (ATR) in pediatric patients at our center. Materials and Methods: We monitored ATRs in patients receiving blood components among the age group of 1 month–18 years, during September 2021–August 2022. A detailed proforma was used to collect data from patients developing ATR. Results: ATRs were observed among 329 patients (3.9%) out of 9501 transfusions. In decreasing order of frequency, febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (3.3%), allergies (0.5%), hemolytic reactions (0.1%) were observed. ATRs were most commonly observed with red cell concentrate transfusions (90.6%) followed by platelets (7%) and then plasma (2.2%) (P=0.059). Most of the reactions occurred within 1st 2 h (82.4%) of transfusion and the most common symptom recorded was fever (61.5%) followed by chills and rigors (20.9%). We found a significant association between ATRs and previous history of blood transfusion (81.8%) (P&lt;0.00001) and also with storage of blood components for more than 3 days (88.8%) (P=0.019). Conclusion: The prevalence of ATR was 3.9% among pediatric patients in our setup. Knowledge of risk factors associated with transfusion reaction will help in improving transfusion practices.

Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus infection among pregnant women in some selected hospitals in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria

Cytomegalovirus is one of the most common viruses which causes congenital defects in babies from infected mothers. Sensoneural hearing loss (SNHL) and neurodevelopmental delay are typical occurrences in childhood resulting from congenital defects which presents no symptoms at birth. The aim of this study was to determine the cytomegalovirus IgM infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at KSSH and FMC in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 184 serum samples were collected and analyzed using CMV IgM ELISA kit diagnostic Automation, INC (USA). The study revealed that out of the 184 samples collected, 40 turned out positive for CMV IgM antibodies giving a prevalence of 21.7% while the negative sample result had a prevalence of 78.3%. a total of 92 samples each was collected from both hospitals; KSSH had 30 CMV IgM positive samples having a percentage 32.6% and FMC with 10 CMV IgM having a percentage of 10.86%. Based on the research, there was no significant association between the risk factors such as marital status, type of marriage, occupation and scarification related to the infection. This could be due to the limited number in sample size. Other socio-economic factors that had statistical significant p value with the infection were education (0.035), hand wash (0.027) and previous history of blood transfusion (0.003). The study has shown the need for sensitization of the populace especially to pregnant women, the need for constant and proper personal hygienic practices be done to reduce the risk of infection and possibly stop its transmission to fetus. In addition, inclusion of screening for cytomegalovirus antibodies among blood donors may be useful tool in preventing transmission of cytomegalovirus to blood recipients.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Infection among Young Adults in Ilorin

Hepatitis A infection is predominantly caused by Hepatitis A virus which is transmitted by fecal-oral route through contaminated food or drinks. The virus’s ability to cause hepatitis poses as a major hazard to public health. This study was done to discover the widespread presence of hepatitis A among young adults in Ilorin, Kwara State. A Cross sectional sampling technique was employed to select the study population. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to acquire demographic information of the cohorts. Four hundred (400) young adults residing in Ilorin were the participants in the study.&#x0D; Five mls of venous blood sample were obtained from each of the participants through venipuncture technique. The blood samples were separated and the serum used for qualitative analysis of hepatitis A virus IgG using EIA and indirect ELISA technique (Abbexa Ltd, UK).&#x0D; Out of the four hundred (400) healthy young adult subjects, an overall distribution of 1.5% IgG Hepatitis A were found among participants in Ilorin. Fulminant stooling, location, gender, educational level, age and occupation were risk factors for acquiring Hepatitis A infection. There was significant difference between Hepatitis A infection and Fulminant stooling (p&lt;0.05). Previous history of blood transfusion was not statistically associated as a potential risk factor for Hepatitis A infection among Inhabitants in Ilorin. High prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus IgG levels of the antibody was reported among young adult in this study. Based on the findings of this study, screening of hepatitis A virus for blood transfusion and food vendors, personal hygiene are highly advocated.

Epidemiological profile of different hemoglobinopathies in pediatric age group (6 months-14 years) in south Odisha

This hospital based cross-sectional study describes the number of hemoglobinopathies in the population of southern Odisha during the study period and distribution of each group of hemoglobinopathy found in the study according to their age, sex, clinical signs &amp; symptoms, history of consanguinity of marriage of parents, history of previous blood transfusion, history of siblings, socioeconomic status of the family, blood groups &amp; hematological parameters.

Risk Factors for Treatment Failure with Oral Antivirals in HCV

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major cause of cirrhosis of liver and leads to significant morbidity and mortality. In past, HCV therapy was limited to subcutaneous peg interferon plus oral ribavirin, a regimen that was generally poorly tolerated and provided low efficacy, with cure rates below 40% for HCV genotypes 1 and 4, and below 75% for HCV genotypes 2 or 3. The availability of oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) as treatment for chronic hepatitis C has revolutionized the field. Although current HCV therapies rarely fail to achieve viral eradication, a subset of patients experience treatment failure. Aim: To study the risk factors associated with treatment failure with oral antiviral drugs in patients of Chronic hepatitis C. Materials &amp; Methods: It was a retrorospective study done at Medical Gastroenterology Department, PGIMS, Rohtak in which six years data i.e.from 01.01.2015 to 31.12.2020, pertainining to Eighty Six (86) chronic hepatitis C patients who had treatment failure i.e. SVR failure on oral antiviral drugs was analyzed. Observations: Out of the total 86 patients, there was clear cut male predominance i.e. 54 (62.79 %) with rural background (villages) i.e.73 (84.88%). The age distribution in these 86 patients varied between 10-80 yrs of age and characterstically peak was seen in 31-40 yrs age group i.e.25 patients (29.06 %). The majority of patients had high baseline HCV viral load (&gt; 4 lakhs I.U. /ml) i.e. 52 patients (60.46%). Out of total 86 patients, , 50 patients (58.13%) were cirrhotic, 34 patients (39.53 %) were smokers, 33 patients (38.37%) were alcoholic, 26 patients (30.23 %) had past history of surgical intervention, 9 patients (10.46 %) were diabetic, 9 patients (10.46 %) had got tattoo, 8 patients (9.30%) had history of previous blood transfusion and 13 patients (15.11%) gave history of use of alternative medications. Results: The direct risk factors associated with development of failed SVR in HCV patients are high baseline HCV RNA viral load, cirrhosis, rural background and indirect risk factors are smoking, alcohol and Diabetes Mellitus but large scale studies in future are required to confirm the same.

Incidence of and risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in infants undergoing index pediatric surgery procedures

BackgroundThere is a paucity of data on the frequency of transfusion during pediatric surgery index cases and guidelines for pretransfusion testing, defined as type and screen and crossmatch testing, prior to operation are not standardized. This study aimed to determine the incidence of perioperative blood transfusions during index neonatal operations and identify risk factors associated with perioperative blood transfusion to determine which patients benefit from pretransfusion testing. MethodsA retrospective review of infants who underwent index neonatal cases between 2013 and 2019 was performed. Data were collected for patients who underwent operations for Hirschsprung's disease, esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), biliary atresia, anorectal malformation, omphalocele, gastroschisis, duodenal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (non-ECMO) or pulmonary lobectomy. Infants under 6 months were included except in the case of lobectomy where infants up to 12 months were included. ResultsAnalysis was performed on 420 patients. Twenty-five (6.0%) patients received perioperative blood transfusion. Patients who received perioperative transfusion most commonly underwent EA/TEF repair. Patients who received perioperative transfusion had higher rates of structural heart disease (52.0% vs 17.7%, p<0.001), preoperative transfusion (48.0% vs 8.9%, p<0.001), and prematurity (52.0% vs 25.6%, p = 0.005). Presence of all three risk factors resulted in a 48% probability of requiring perioperative transfusion. ConclusionsBlood transfusion during the perioperative period of neonatal index operations is rare. Factors associated with increased risk of perioperative transfusion include prematurity, structural heart disease, and history of previous blood transfusion. Level of EvidenceIII

Epidemiological profile of viral hepatitis infection in the population treated at a reference hospital in Alagoas.

Viral hepatitis are widely spread infectious diseases caused by a variety of etiological agents that displays liver tropism as a common characteristic. A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational and retrospective study was conducted through the analysis of viral hepatitis medical records treated and diagnosed from 2010 to 2015. The relationship between the variables were made through the chi-square test. 632 viral hepatitis medical records were analyzed. The highest number of cases happened in 2011. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection was predominant. The most affected age group was < 20 years and the highest number of cases observed in this age group was related to HAV (p<0.001). The acute clinical form was predominant, with 70.2% of the cases. 92.3% of which corresponded to HAV infection (p<0.001). Most of the cases occurred in the brown race and male gender. Moreover, regarding the probable source/mechanism of infection, the contact with suspicious water/food for hepatitis A cases was highlighted. The sexual form predominated in HBV infection and previous history of blood transfusion in cases of hepatitis C. Most cases were spotted in the mesoregion of Eastern Alagoas, especially in the capital Maceió. It must be observed the importance of knowing the profile of this disease in order to understand its dissemination and thus have subsidies for the creation of actions and strategies to combat the infection.

Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Services in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Background:Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant mothers in the Gedeo Zone, southern Ethiopia.Methods:An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 479 pregnant women visiting governmental and private health facilities in the Gedeo zone from January to April 2019. We selected study participants using systematic random sampling techniques. The Eugene strip test was used to determine hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant mothers. We collected the status of HIV of the pregnant women from the records. Other variables were collected from the mothers using interviewer-administered questionnaires. We used binary and multivariable logistic regression for the analysis. An adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association between HBsAg sero-positivity and various factors. A P-value of less than .05 was considered significant.Results:This study revealed that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant mothers was 9.2% in Gedeo Zone. A previous history of blood transfusion [AOR = 5.2, 95% CI: 2.1, 12.5], a previous history of hospital admission [AOR = 3, 95% CI: 1.4, 6.6], a history of having an abortion [AOR = 4.1, 95 % CI: 1.5, 11.7], the age of the pregnant women [AOR = 5.1, 95 % CI: 1.5, 18.0], and their HIV status [AOR = 8.1, 95 % CI: 1.9, 36.0] had a statistically significant association with HBsAg sero-positivity.Conclusion:Hepatitis B virus infection was found to have higher endemicity (9.2%) in Gedeo Zone which is higher than the national pooled prevalence which was 4.75%. The health facilities must implement early initiation of antenatal care services which incorporate the prevention and control of HBV in the Gedeo Zone.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C in pregnant patients visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital in Faisalabad.

Objectives: To determine prevalence of Hepatitis C among pregnant female visiting a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Observational study. Setting: Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. Period: 1-1-2018 to 31-12-2018. Material &amp; Methods: Total 4210 pregnant patients visited during this time period. Results: During the study period i-e from 1-1-2018 to 31-12-2018, total 4210 obstetric patients visited Independent University Hospital. Among them 463 were Anti HCV +with % age of 10.9. Our study showed that 28 patients (6%) were &lt;19 yrs of age, 35 patients (7%) were 20 to 25 yrs. 48 patients (10%) were 26 to 29 yrs.151 patients (32%) were 30 to 35 yrs of age. 201 patients (43%) were more than 35 yrs. Our result has shown that most of the infected patients were having their 5th or more pregnancy (202%). 182 patients (39%) were G4 or G5.47 patients (10%) were having their 2nd or 3rd pregnancy while only 32 (6%) primigravidas had this infection. Our study has shown that 325(70%) patients were of rural background while 135(29%) patients belonged to urban areas. When these Hepatitis C+ve patients were analyzed for risk factors, 91 had some dental manipulation in the past (19%), 104 had history of previous blood transfusion or some parental infusions (22%) 32 patients (6.9%) had their partners infected with Hepatitis C. 161 patients (34%) had history of some surgery or previous vaginal delivery at some centre where sterilization was not standardized. 75 patients (16%) had no identifiable risk factor. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis C is quite high in pregnant patients of Faisalabad. There is a dire need to address the factors involved in transmission of disease. Health policies should be revised to decrease the spread of this virus. Increased awareness is needed among the people regarding its transmission and early diagnosis so that curative measures should be timely taken to avoid the dreadful complications of Hepatitis C.

Prevalence of hepatitis C among haemodialysis patients in a tertiary care hospital in south India.

Background and Objectives:Hepatitis C is the most common hepatotropic viral infection that affects patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Most of the laboratories in India depend on HCV antibody detection by ELISA. PCR based studies on detection of HCV RNA among haemodialysis patients are very scanty in India. The current study was undertaken to find the prevalence of HCV among haemodialysis patients by ELISA and PCR.Materials and Methods:This prospective study was conducted from January to May 2018 in a total of 100 samples. Patients more than 18 years of age, who had undergone at least 15 sessions of dialysis were enrolled in the study. All samples were screened for HCV antibody by ELISA and HCV RNA by PCR. Data regarding age and gender of the patients, history of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis, total bilirubin levels were collected from medical records.Results:Among the 100 samples, only one was positive for HCV antibody by ELISA. Eight samples were positive for HCV RNA by PCR. In this study 62.5% of the HCV positives had a previous history of blood transfusion. Duration of dialysis was more among the HCV positive group but there was no statistical significance.Conclusion:This is the first study from the southern state of Kerala in India showing the prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients by PCR. Our study showed an overall HCV prevalence of 8% by PCR. All the PCR positive samples were negative by 3rd generation ELISA which is an alarming finding and further justifies the need for PCR for detecting HCV.

Prevalence of some hepatitis B virus markers among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Specialist Hospital Sokoto Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. The virus has infected more than one-third of the global population. It has been estimated that 360million chronic carriers are living around the world with a high risk for developing cirrhosis, hepatic carcinoma and hepatic failure. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of some hepatitis B markers among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Nigeria. The hepatitis testing was carried out using the Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic HBV-5 rapid kit (Skytec-Rapid Diagnostic, USA). The kit is based on lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb in human serum or plasma. Panel format can conveniently test for five targets at once and utilizes all markers to help distinguish between acute and chronic infections. Out of 117 pregnant women tested, 15 were positive for HBsAg (12.8%), 6 positive for HBsAb (5.1%), 1 for HBeAg (0.9%), 14 tested positive for HBeAb (12.0%), and 14 tested for HBcAb (12.0%). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on ethnicity. HBsAb was significantly higher among the Hausa ethnic group (p= 0.001). The prevalence of HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was not affected by ethnicity (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on age. Infection by the hepatitis B virus markers was higher among young adult and middle age groups. The difference was however not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBcAb and HBcAb was compared based on the educational status, previous history of blood transfusion, jaundice, employment status and previous history of still births among the pregnant subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus markers (p> 0.05). The study observed a high prevalence of various hepatitis B viral markers among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Specialist Hospital Sokoto. There is need for routine screening of all pregnant women and infants born to hepatitis B positive mothers. Government and non-governmental organizations should intensify efforts to enlighten the general population on the public health importance of the disease and the importance of hepatitis screening. There is also need for the development of a treatment protocol for the management of pregnant women positive for hepatitis B to prevent mother to child transmission. There is an urgent need for the implementation of evidenced-based best practice of providing universal vaccination against hepatitis B for all hepatitis B negative women of child bearing age in particular and all Nigerians in general.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus is known to thrive in peripheral mononuclear cells, tissues of pancreas, spleen, kidney, skin, fluids such as saliva, semen, sweat, breast milk, tears, urine as well as vaginal secretion. This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in General Hospital Azare, Bauchi State. In this study, 100 consenting pregnant women were recruited and their blood samples were screened for HBs Ag using Rapid Test Strip. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information about the socio-demographic and risk factors of the study population. Data obtained were subjected to Chi-square test using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 to determine the association between risk factors and Hepatitis B virus infection. The result showed that the overall seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending General Hospital, Azare, was 6(6.0%). Highest seroprevalence of HBsAg (16.7%) was observed among pregnant women within the age group of 36-40 years so also unemployed pregnant women (6.8%) had the highest seroprevalence of HBs Ag. Previous history of blood transfusion, previous history surgery, use of contraceptives, sharing of sharp objects and sharing of tooth brush were found to be the risk factors associated with pregnant women in Azare. The differences observed in the seroprevalence of HBs Ag with different demographic and risk factors were not significant (P&gt;0.005), with the exception of age (p = 0.03). Pregnant women and the general public should be enlightened on the risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection.&#x0D;

Prevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus and the socio-demographic and risk factors associated with the infection among post-natal clinics women in Zaria, Nigeria

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus has long been associated with Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and hairy cell leukemia.Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence of HTLV antibodies as well as the socio-demographic and risk factors associated with HTLV among women attending postnatal clinics in Zaria.Methodology: A total of 190 samples were collected within the months of January and June 2017 and qualitative determination of antibodies for HTLV in serum was performed by an antigen sandwich enzyme immunoassay method.Results: The study established an HTLV infection prevalence of 3.2% (6/190). Higher prevalence was observed among women from polygamous families [6.2% (4/64)], the self-employed [6.5% (4/62)], those in age group of 15–25 years [6.2% (5/72)] and women with only primary education [5.9% (2/32)] although the associations were not statistically significant. Similarly, there was no significant association between HTLV infection and history of family cancer (P = .629), intravenous drug use (P = .682), sharing of sharp objects (P = .596,) and history of X-ray exposure (P = .366), except for history of previous blood transfusion which shows significant association (P = .010).Conclusion: The study established a prevalence an HTLV of 3.2% that HTLV in Zaria therefore routinely screened is necessary.

Symptomatic giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver in a 42-year-old man

Most cases of liver hemangioma are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on liver ultrasound or computed tomography scan. Giant cavernous hemangioma (GCH) are however clinically distinct from smaller asymptomatic ones and may be confused with primary or metastatic malignancy. Symptomatic GCH of the liver are rare. The aim of the study was to show the rare case of symptomatic giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver which may be confuse with primary or metastatic malignancy. The patient’s images (abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scans) and case file were reviewed and summarized. The subject matter of giant cavernous hemangioma was reviewed in the literature. The index case was discussed and compared with literature. We report a 42-year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of right upper abdominal pain and 6-month history of chest pain. No history of jaundice, body swelling or previous history of blood transfusion. No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. The patient is a known diabetic. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed hepatomegaly with a huge well defined oval shaped mixed echogenic mass lesion with lobulated margins occupying 4th and 5th segments of liver, measuring 84.9×111 mm in size suggestive of adenoma. The remaining hepatic parenchyma was normal. No intrahepatic biliary dilatation was seen. Initial histological examination revealed adenoma. Repeat histology done later however revealed hepatitis. Abdominal CT scan was later carried out and showed hepatomegaly but with no discernible mass lesion on precontrast images. Contrast enhanced images however, showed a fairly rounded mass lesion with peripheral enhancement and delayed filling-in at the venous phase, seen in the superior aspect of the right lobe extending to the dome. The intrahepatic vasculature and biliary ducts are not dilated. A diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was made based on criteria of delayed (centripetal) filling-in. The patient however was lost to follow up. Hepatic hemangioma can be giant and symptomatic and despite its rarity, may still be encountered in practice.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis (B & C) among drug users in a tertiary care public hospital.

Objective:To find out the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis (B & C) among the drug users in a tertiary care public hospital.Methods:The study was conducted at addiction ward of Mayo Hospital Lahore. A total of 453 drug users were admitted in drug addiction ward from 1st of August 2016 to 31st of July 2017. Their history was taken using self-constructed case history form and they were screened for HIV and hepatitis (B & C). Additionally three types of screening tests including Unigold, Determine and Bioline were used for HIV screening.Results:Of 402 (100%) drug users, 394 (98%) were male and 8 (2%) were female. Their mean age was 32.2 (8.8) years. Overall prevalence of HIV virus was 21.1%, Hepatitis C 34.3% and Hepatitis B 3.2% in drug users. Among HIV positive drug users, 84.7% drug users took drugs through injections as compared to 15.3% who took drugs orally. Among HCV positive drug users, 68.9% drug users took drugs through injections as compared to 31.1% oral drug users. Relapse rate of drug use among all drug users was also very high as 83.3%. Of these drug users, 47.2% had previously sought treatment while other 52.8% never sought any treatment. Family history of drug abuse indicated that 32.2% drug users had family members who were also drug users. Moreover, about 11.4% drug users had previous history of blood transfusion.Conclusion:HIV and hepatitis B & C were prevalent among drug users specially those who took drugs through injections. Relapse rate was significantly high and history of drug use in family may also predispose an individual towards becoming a drug addict.

Outcome of cranial surgery in Nigerian patients with hemoglobinopathies: A retrospective study.

Background:Surgical intervention in patients with hemoglobinopathies has been extensively reviewed in the literature, but information on the outcome of cranial surgery in this patient population in sub-Saharan Africa is limited.Methods:This is a retrospective study of patients with hemoglobinopathies, who underwent brain surgery in our facility. The review covered a 5-year period. We examined patient- and surgery-related variables and described the surgical complications as well as the 60-day mortality.Results:A total of nine procedures (eight under general anesthesia and one under local anesthesia) were performed on seven patients with hemoglobinopathy during the study period. Eight (88.9%) of these were done in female patients and one (11.1%) in a male patient. Six (66.7%) were performed in patients with no previous history of blood transfusion. Hb SC accounted for five (55.6%), Hb SS for three (33.3%), and Hb CC for one (11.1%) procedure, respectively. Three (33.3%) of these procedures were brain tumor-related, three (33.3%) trauma-related, one (11.1%) cosmetic, one (11.1%) vascular, and one for a postoperative complication. Only one (11.1%) procedure was associated with preoperative blood transfusion, whereas there was a need for blood transfusion following five (55.6%) of the procedures. There was a mortality rate of 11.1% (1 case). Other complications were recorded after three (33.3%) of the procedures and none with five (55.6%) of the procedures.Conclusion:Neurosurgery is possible and safe in patients with hemoglobin disorders. Adequate preoperative preparation, proper anesthetic techniques, meticulous surgery, and excellent postoperative care can help optimize outcome of surgical intervention in this patient population.

Antibodies against human parvovirus B19 in pregnant women in Ogbomoso, Oyo State Nigeria

ABSTRACTInfection caused by Human parvovirus B19 (HPVB19) during pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects on fetus such as intrauterine fetal death but there is dearth information about the seroprevalence and risk factors among pregnant women. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of specific IgM antibodies to HPVB19 among pregnant women attending Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.A total of 185 participants, in the age range 18–49 years, who consented voluntarily after thorough explanation of the purpose of the study were recruited for the study. Specific IgM antibodies were detected using commercially available third-generation ELISA kits. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Chi-square (χ2) test was utilized to assess the association between the socio-demographic variables and HPVB19 status (P ˂ 0.05). Logistic regression was done to determine the strength of association between the potential risk factors and HPVB19 status (P ˂ 0.05).The overall incidence of IgM antibody recorded was 2.70% (5/185). Pregnant women in the age group 36–45 (7.7%) years had the highest record. None of the socio-demographic characteristics and risk factor considered were significantly associated with acquiring HPVB19. However, a one-fold risk was observed among those who had previous history of blood transfusion (95% CI = 0.949–0.997, OR = 1.0)The findings in this study confirmed the presence of antibodies to HPVB19 among pregnant women in Ogbomoso. Public awareness, enlightenment, and screening for the virus should be encouraged to prevent fetal complications during pregnancy.

Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus antibodies positivity among voluntary blood donors in the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, and its environs in Delta State - Nigeria

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is widely distributed globally and it is found in different geographical and socioeconomic groups. It can be transmitted from person to person via blood transfusion or tissue/organ transplantation and if the receipt is immune-compromised, then a severe infection and mortality can occur.&#x0D; Study Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) among blood donors in DELSUTH and its environs.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a randomized cross-sectional study of voluntary blood donors for the purpose of replenishing stock in the blood bank system of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara-Delta State, Nigeria and also from outreach blood donation centres around DELSUTH during blood donation campaigns. Five millilitres of venous blood was taken from each voluntary blood donor and assayed for CMV IgG and IgM using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.&#x0D; Results: A total of 185 voluntary donors were recruited for this study comprising of 162 males and 23 females. The age of the donors ranges from 23 to 62years. Human CMV IgG seroprevalence rate for males is 93% and for the females 91%. Therefore the overall CMV IgG seroprevalence rate is 92%. The CMV IgM seroprevalence rate is zero percent. There is no significant difference between the seroprevalence rates in respect of their gender, age, occupation, level of education and previous history of blood transfusion. (p&gt;0.5)&#x0D; Conclusion: The rate of seroprevalence of CMV is high among the studied population and this call for screening of voluntary-donor's blood before transfusion especially to those that are immunocompromised.