Rise In Hematocrit Research Articles

Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Mortality in Pediatric Patients with Severe Dengue at Dhaka Shishu Hospital

Background: Dengue fever, particularly in its severe form, poses a significant health challenge in tropical regions like Bangladesh. Understanding the clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality in pediatric patients with severe dengue is crucial for improving management strategies and patient outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2019 to December 2020. It included 300 pediatric patients diagnosed with severe dengue. Results: Of the 300 participants, 286 (95.33%) survived, while 14 (4.67%) succumbed to the disease. Major bleeding, refractory shock, a significant rise in hematocrit, signs of pleural effusion, and ascites were significantly associated with mortality. Hematologically, a low platelet count (<15000/mm3) was a strong predictor of mortality. Elevated serum ferritin levels (>500 micrograms/L) were also significantly associated with increased mortality risk. Conclusions: The study highlights major bleeding, refractory shock, significant hemoconcentration, pleural effusion, ascites, low platelet count, and high serum ferritin levels as key predictors of mortality in pediatric patients with severe dengue. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive clinical monitoring and targeted management strategies to improve outcomes in pediatric dengue patients. J Rang Med Col. March 2024; Vol. 9, No. 1:10-15

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND LABORATORY PROFILE OF DENGUE FEVER CASES AT THE TIME OF PRESENTATION IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dengue is the most common arboviral disease worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Clinical manifestations of dengue fever are mild illnesses like classical dengue fever and severe illnesses like dengue shock syndrome, and dengue hemorrhagic fever. The study was aimed to determine the clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters of patients with Dengue fever Materials And Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital, Nellore over 6 months. All the patients above the age of 14 years who were diagnosed with Dengue with a positive result for NS1Ag or IgM or IgG antibodies were included. All the necessary clinical and laboratory investigation parameters of the patients were noted and the data was analyzed by frequency and percentage. Results: During the study period, a total of 73 dengue cases were included in the study. Of these, there were 38 (52%) males and 33 (48%) females between 15 and 80 years of age. The most common clinical presentations were fever (100%), headache 56 (76.7%), myalgia 52 (71.2%), and nausea/vomiting 46 (63%). The common hematological findings were thrombocytopenia 58 (79.4%), followed by raised liver transaminases 42 (57.5%), leucopenia 37 (50.6%), leucocytosis 22 (30.1%) and raised hematocrit 21(28.7%) Conclusion: Fever, headache, and anorexia are the most prevalent clinical manifestations of Dengue fever. Low platelet count, raised liver transaminases, and a rise in hematocrit are the most prevalent laboratory abnormalities. Early detection and monitoring of dengue cases can prevent the serious complications of dengue fever.

Effects of Extreme-Ambient Temperatures in Silver Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus): Metabolic, Hemato-Biochemical Responses, Enzymatic Activity and Gill Histomorphology

A global interest in Silver Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) cultivation has arisen because of a combination of declining wild stock and a steady increase in demand and market value. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate the impact of extreme water temperature changes on growth, hemato-biochemical responses, pepsin enzyme activity and gill histomorphology of B. gonionotus. Four distinct temperatures (22, 26, 30 and 34 °C) were applied in the laboratory (22, 26, 30 and 34 °C) in triplicate glass aquariums (150 L each). At 30 and 22 °C, respectively, the highest and the lowest length and weight gain, specific, daily and relative growth rates were noted. At 30 °C the lowest FCR was recorded (1.42 ± 0.04). The values related to hematology and biochemistry were found to be within normal ranges; nevertheless, there was a notable variation in the parameters when the temperature changed. Hematological results revealed that RBC, HB, PLT, HCT and PMV levels were significantly higher in groups 30 °C with respect to others. It was evident that cold and heat shock stress was present due to the decline in hematocrit levels and rise in WBC values. Regarding the biochemical responses, the level of triglycerides, cholesterol, AP, Ca+, HDL, and HDL/LDL ratio increased significantly higher at 30 °C. Glucose, total protein, albumin, Na+, K+, Cl−1, AST, bilirubin, uric acid, and LDL levels were significantly higher at 22 °C compared to other temperatures. There was a higher pepsin activity between 26 and 30 °C while the digestive somatic index (IDS) was disproportionate. Histological examination demonstrated the well-shaped gill tissues at 26 and 30 °C compared to distinctive pathology in other temperature treatments. As an end note, the results of the experiment indicated that B. gonionotus should be cultured at 26–30 °C to maximize the overall productivity and the health condition of this economically important fish species.

Postural fall in systolic blood pressure is a useful warning sign in dengue fever

Background: Capillary leak is the hallmark of development of severe dengue. A rise in haematocrit has been a major warning sign in WHO guidelines. Postural hypotension, which could reflect the intravascular volume reduction in capillary leak has been noted as warning sign in CDC and Pan American Health Organisation guidelines. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of postural hypotension as a marker of development of severe dengue. Methods: 150 patients admitted with dengue fever were recruited in this prospective observational study. Diagnostic accuracy of conventional warning signs (abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fluid accumulation, mucosal bleeding, lethargy, liver enlargement, increasing hematocrit with decreasing platelets) and postural hypotension was evaluated. Results: 23 (15.3%) subjects developed severe dengue. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ascites/pleural effusion and postural fall in systolic blood pressure of >10.33% had odds ratio of 5.024(95%CI:1.11 – 22.75) and 11.369 (95% CI:2.27 – 56.87), respectively. Other parameters did not reach statistical significance. Sensitivity and specificity of ascites/pleural effusion were 82.6% and 88.2% for development of severe dengue whereas postural fall in systolic blood pressure had sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 82.7%. Conclusions: These findings present a strong case for including postural hypotension as a warning sign in patients with dengue fever, especially in resource limited settings.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever with bleeding and fluid overload in a patient with active lupus nephritis: a case report of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

BackgroundDiagnosis and management of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can be challenging in the presence of confounding comorbidities. Important confounders are conditions that alter hematological parameters and intra/extra vascular fluid distribution. We report the case of a patient with active lupus nephritis, who developed DHF with subsequent bleeding and fluid overload. This is the first case report to highlight a unique set of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in DHF in this context.Case presentationA seventeen-year-old girl with lupus nephritis class IV developed a renal flare of lupus and subsequently developed DHF with bleeding per vaginum. Due to acute kidney injury, she was managed with a restrictive fluid approach during the ascending limb with blood transfusion when required, and close monitoring for hemodynamic instability. During the descending limb, hourly input was transiently increased due to a rise in hematocrit. This precipitated nephrogenic pulmonary edema, which was managed with mechanical ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy.ConclusionsThis patient posed two diagnostic challenges: diagnosis of dengue in a patient with lupus-related bicytopenia, and diagnosis of dengue leakage in a patient with nephrotic syndrome-related ascites. There were three therapeutic difficulties: deciding the fluid quota for DHF in the presence of renal impairment, and balancing the risks and benefits of steroids and anticoagulation in lupus nephritis with dengue. As decisions in such instances are patient-specific, sharing of individual experiences will help guide management decisions.

Polycythemia among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Admitted to the Department of Medicine in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a preventable and treatable disease marked by persistent airflow limitation. Abnormal rise of haemoglobin and/or hematocrit in peripheral blood is known as polycythemia which includes increased haemoglobin: greater than 16.5 g/dl in men or greater than 16.0 g/dl in women and increased hematocrit: >49% for men and >48% for women. Men, current smoking, impaired carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, severe hypoxemia, and high altitude living are risk factors associated with an increased risk for secondary polycythemia. Polycythemia contributes to the development of cor-pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension, which are linked to poor prognosis. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of polycythemia among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the department of medicine in a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the Department of Medicine in a tertiary care centre after receiving ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 153/079/080). The study was conducted from 15 September 2022 to 2 December 2022. Data were collected from the hospital records. A convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Among 185 patients, Polycythemia was seen in 8 (4.32%) (1.39-7.25, 95% Confidence Interval) patients among which 7 (87.5%) were females and 1 (12.5%) were male. The prevalence of polycythemia was lower compared to other similar studies done in similar settings. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; polycythemia; prevalence.

The effect of SGLT-2i administration on red blood cell distribution width in patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized study.

BackgroundRecent studies suggest that the pivotal mechanism of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) favorable action in patients with heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is the stimulation of erythropoiesis via an early increase in erythropoietin (EPO) production which leads to hematocrit rise. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a simple hematological parameter which reflects the heterogeneity of the red blood cell size (anisocytosis). Since, EPO has been also implicated in the pathophysiology of RDW increase, the current mechanistic study examined the effect of SGLT-2i administration on red blood cells size (RDW) in patients with HF and DM.MethodsThe present was a prospective single-center study. Patients (N=110) were randomly assigned to dapagliflozin (10 mg a day on top of antidiabetic treatment) or the control group. Inclusion criteria were: (a) age > 18 years, (b) history of type 2 DM and hospitalization for HF exacerbation within 6 months. The evaluation of patients (at baseline, 6 and 12 months) included clinical assessment, laboratory blood tests, and echocardiography. Data were modeled using mixed linear models with dependent variable the RDW index. In order to find factors independently associated with prognosis (1-year death or HF rehospitalization), multiple logistic regression was conducted with death or HF rehospitalization as dependent variable.ResultsAn RDW increase both after 6 and after 12 months was observed in the SGLT-2i (dapagliflozin) group (p < 0.001 for all time comparisons), whereas RDW didn't change significantly in the control group. The increase in RDW was positively correlated with EPO, while negatively correlated with ferritin and folic acid (p < 0.005 for all). Baseline RDW was significantly associated with 1-year death or rehospitalization, after adjusting for group (SGLT-2i vs. control), age, gender, smoking and BMI at baseline.ConclusionRDW increased with time in patients with HF and DM who received SGLT-2i (dapagliflozin). The increased RDW rates in these patients may stem from the induction of hemopoiesis from dapagliflozin. Baseline RDW was found to be independently associated with outcome in patients with HF and DM.

Two-year administration data of an oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) formulation in hypogonadal men

ABSTRACT Introduction An oral testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) would be the preferred administration route for many hypogonadal men. Until recently, the only oral TRT approved in the US was methyl-T which has been associated with hepatotoxicity. The safety of a novel oral T undecanoate (TU) formulation was evaluated in hypogonadal men with two-year follow up. Methods Two open-label, multicenter, dose-titration trials were conducted in hypogonadal men (serum T ≤ 300 ng/dL) age 18-75 years. Trial I was a randomized, active-controlled, 2-arm, 12-month study. Trial 2 was a long-term extension of those who completed Trial 1. Statistical analyses were only conducted with the subjects who completed Trial 1 and continued treatment in Trial 2, thus providing up to 2 full years of data. Safety was assessed by physical exam, AE reporting, and routine clinical laboratory measurements. Results Overall, 86 subjects participated in both studies. T concentration increased from 193.75 ± 9.44 ng/dL (Mean ± SEM) at baseline (BL) to 475.5 ± 49.7 ng/dL after 24 Mo of therapy with oral TU, and 84% of men achieved T in eugonadal range (300-1000 ng/dL) after 90 days of therapy. Mean T concentrations remained in the eugonadal range throughout Trial 2. There were no clinically significant changes in liver function tests – ALP (64.05 ± 1.95 to 53.74 U/L ± 1.86 U/L), ALT (27.8 ± 1.40 to 26.7 ± 1.6 U/L), AST (21.6 ± 0.76 to 22.0 ± 1.0 U/L), and bilirubin (0.58 ± 0.03 to 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/dL) throughout the two studies. At d270, one subject had an ALT level of 227 U/L, which was &amp;gt; 4x the ULN (ULN for ALT = 45 U/L). Despite continued use of oral TU, ALT was measured again on d290, and the level dropped to 87 U/L, &amp;lt; 2x ULN. This was the only instance of an LFT elevation. There was a modest initial increase in prostate-related growth endpoints (i.e. PSA and prostate volume) that stabilized over time. Although there was a slight increase in prostate-growth related endpoints, there were no significant changes in IPSS total score (-0.06 ± 3.9 vs BL). There were significant, yet modest, increases in mean HCT (44.3 ± 0.3 to 46.6 ± 0.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and cuff systolic BP (127.1 ± 1.2 to 131.8 ± 1.67 mmHg vs BL, p = 0.006). The change in CV endpoints, including HDL-C, hematocrit, and BP, changed initially and stabilized throughout the 2 trials. For example, systolic BP varied 3 – 6 mm Hg from BL throughout the study. Conclusion This oral TU formulation is an option for hypogonadal men and has a safety profile consistent with other approved T products, such as a rise in hematocrit and a decrease in HDL-C. Notably, no evidence of liver toxicity was observed over 2 years. The long-term efficacy and safety profile of oral TU may provide a treatment option that avoids issues associated with other TRTs, such as injection site pain or transference to partners and children. Disclosure Work supported by industry: yes, by Clarus Therapeutics. A consultant, employee (part time or full time) or shareholder is among the authors (Clarus Therapeutics).

Two-Year Administration Data of an Oral Testosterone Undecanoate (TU) Formulation in Hypogonadal Men

ABSTRACT Introduction An oral testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) would be the preferred administration route for many hypogonadal men. Until recently, the only oral TRT approved in the US was methyl-T which has been associated with hepatotoxicity. Objective The safety of a novel oral T undecanoate (TU) formulation was evaluated in hypogonadal men with two-year follow up. Methods Two open-label, multicenter, dose-titration trials were conducted in hypogonadal men (serum T ≤ 300 ng/dL) age 18-75 years. Trial I was a randomized, active-controlled, 2-arm, 12-month study. Trial 2 was a long-term extension of those who completed Trial 1. Statistical analyses were only conducted with the subjects who completed Trial 1 and continued treatment in Trial 2, thus providing up to 2 full years of data. Safety was assessed by physical exam, AE reporting, and routine clinical laboratory measurements. Results Overall, 86 subjects participated in both studies. T concentration increased from 193.75 ± 9.44 ng/dL (Mean ± SEM) at baseline (BL) to 475.5 ± 49.7 ng/dL after 24 Mo of therapy with oral TU, and 84% of men achieved T in eugonadal range (300-1000 ng/dL) after 90 days of therapy. Mean T concentrations remained in the eugonadal range throughout Trial 2. There were no clinically significant changes in liver function tests – ALP (64.05 ± 1.95 to 53.74 U/L ± 1.86 U/L), ALT (27.8 ± 1.40 to 26.7 ± 1.6 U/L), AST (21.6 ± 0.76 to 22.0 ± 1.0 U/L), and bilirubin (0.58 ± 0.03 to 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/dL) throughout the two studies. At d270, one subject had an ALT level of 227 U/L, which was &amp;gt; 4x the ULN (ULN for ALT = 45 U/L). Despite continued use of oral TU, ALT was measured again on d290, and the level dropped to 87 U/L, &amp;lt; 2x ULN. This was the only instance of an LFT elevation. There was a modest initial increase in prostate-related growth endpoints (i.e. PSA and prostate volume) that stabilized over time. Although there was a slight increase in prostate-growth related endpoints, there were no significant changes in IPSS total score (-0.06 ± 3.9 vs BL). There were significant, yet modest, increases in mean HCT (44.3 ± 0.3 to 46.6 ± 0.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and cuff systolic BP (127.1 ± 1.2 to 131.8 ± 1.67 mmHg vs BL, p = 0.006). The change in CV endpoints, including HDL-C, hematocrit, and BP, changed initially and stabilized throughout the 2 trials. For example, systolic BP varied 3 – 6 mm Hg from BL throughout the study. Conclusions This oral TU formulation is an option for hypogonadal men and has a safety profile consistent with other approved T products, such as a rise in hematocrit and a decrease in HDL-C. Notably, no evidence of liver toxicity was observed over 2 years. The long-term efficacy and safety profile of oral TU may provide a treatment option that avoids issues associated with other TRTs, such as injection site pain or transference to partners and children. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Clarus Therapeutics Clarification Industry initiated, executed and funded study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Clarus Therapeutics

Excessive Erythrocytosis and Chronic Mountain Sickness in the Highest City in the World: A Longitudinal Study

Excessive Erythrocytosis and Chronic Mountain Sickness in the Highest City in the World: A Longitudinal Study

Study of Cigarette Smoking on Haematological Parameters and Lipid Profile in Vidharbha Region, India

Introduction: Cigarette smoke increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke are also examples of ischaemic heart disease. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 substances that have a negative or minimal effect on human health, including free radicals, nicotine, and the most important carbon monoxide in the pharmacy. Tobacco smoke kills 6 million people a year, many from lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). When opposed to never-smokers, smokers lose 10–15 years of life on average, and they begin to develop tobacco-related disorders such as coronary disease.&#x0D; Aim: Study of Cigarette Smoking on Haematological parameters and Lipid Profile in Vidharbha Region&#x0D; Material and Method: 25 subjects were smokers and 25 subjects were non-smokers. Patients went directly to the Observed Treatment Short-course focus in the Dept. of Medicine and Dept. of Respiratory, Datta Meghe Medical College and Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Center.&#x0D; Result: Patients who were non-smokers and smokers were compared. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL are statistically higher in smokers than non-smokers, but the same is true for HDL-cholesterol. Smokers had slightly lower HDL cholesterol than non-smokers.&#x0D; Conclusion: The smokers in this sample had dyslipidaemia as well as a large rise in haemoglobin and haematocrit. The RBC count rises as the rate of smoking rises, as it does in heavy smokers, and the altered lipid profile worsens. This dyslipidaemia in smokers can expose the vascular endothelium to potentially atherogenic lipoproteins, placing smokers at higher risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques and heart disease. As a result, quitting smoking early can alter these processes, which may prevent any major health risks.

British Society for Haematology guidelines for the management of adult myelodysplastic syndromes.

British Society for Haematology guidelines for the management of adult myelodysplastic syndromes.

Rational use of ultrasonography with triaging of patients to detect dengue plasma leakage in resource limited settings: a prospective cohort study

To compare the traditional hematocrit-based criteria (>20% rise above baseline) with ultrasonography for diagnosing plasma leakage in dengue fever and to identify clinical indicators for triaging patients in resource-limited settings when the demand for ultrasonography is high. The Colombo Dengue Study is a prospective observational cohort study recruiting dengue patients in the first three days of dengue fever, before plasma leakage. Serial hematocrit assessments and ultrasonography were performed in patients recruited from October 2017 to February 2020. Clinical signs/symptoms and laboratory investigation results independently associated with ultrasound detected plasma leakage were identified with a derivation cohort and confirmed in a validation cohort. 129 of 426 patients had ultrasonography-confirmed plasma leakage while 146 had a hematocrit rise >20%. Those positive on ultrasonography were also likely to fulfill the hematocrit-based criteria (OR: 4.42, 95% CI: 2.85 - 6.86), but the two groups did not overlap fully. In the derivation cohort (n-317), platelet count <97,000/µl, AST/ALT> 51 IU/L and having abdominal pain in the first three days of fever were independent predictors of ultrasound-detected plasma leakage. In the validation cohort (n-109), the combination of low platelet count and high aminotransferase level had better predictive capacity in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Dengue patients should be monitored with both serial hematocrit and ultrasonography whenever possible and plasma leakage should be diagnosed by either one of these criteria. If accessibility to scans is limited, platelet count, serum transaminase levels and presence of abdominal pain are useful to triage patients.

Comparison of Hematocrit Change in Preterm Neonates with Birth Weight Based Versus Formula Based Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion: A Randomized Control Trial.

Conventionally the packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion volume given to neonates is 10 ml/kg to 20 ml/kg. The weight-based formulae underestimate the volume of PRBC required to achieve a target hematocrit (Hct) in preterm neonates. The study was done to compare the rise in Hct after transfusing PRBC volume calculated either based on body weight or using formula considering Hct of blood bag and Hct of preterm neonates. This prospective study included a total of 68 preterm neonates requiring transfusion for the first time having ≤ 34 weeks of gestational age. Neonates were randomized using block randomization, to receive 15 ml/kg of PRBC transfusion (group A) or transfusion based on the formula (group B). The primary outcome of interest was post-transfusion rise in hematocrit. The secondary outcome was the effect of transfusion on neonatal morbidities in terms of retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and death. Baseline variables (birth weight, gestation age, APGAR score and score of neonatal acute physiology) pre-transfusion hemodynamics and hematocrit of the bag were comparable in both groups. The mean volume of PRBC in group A was 18.8 ± 4.9 ml, whereas in group B it was 29.6 ± 7.3 ml, p = 0.0001. Group B transfusions had a statistically significant change in 24 h post-transfusion hematocrit. Secondary outcomes were comparable in two groups. Post transfusion rise in Hct of the patient in group B was significant as compared to group A. The study needed huge sample size to establish a difference in the number of re-transfusions required across two groups. The trial was registered under the clinical trial registry of India (CTRI/2018/01/011,063).Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12288-021-01420-1.

Dengue epidemic in a non-endemic zone of Bangladesh: Clinical and laboratory profiles of patients.

BackgroundsApproximately, half of the population in the world including tropical and sub-tropical climates region is at risk of dengue. Being an endemic country, Bangladesh has experienced the largest dengue epidemic in 2019. The present study aimed at evaluating the clinical and laboratory profile of dengue patients in northern Bangladesh during the epidemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 319 serologically confirmed dengue patients admitted in Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogra district. It is one of the main tertiary care hospitals in northern Bangladesh. Data were collected from July to September 2019. Patients’ clinical and laboratory data were extracted from clinical records. Patients were classified into two classes according to the WHO 2009 dengue classification such as (i) non-severe dengue and (ii) severe dengue. Chi-square test and independent t-test were used in this study.ResultsOf the 319 patients, 94.1% had non-severe dengue and the remaining 5.9% had severe dengue (severe plasma leakage 68.4%, severe organ involvement 68.4%, and severe clinical bleeding 10.5%). Most of the patients were suffering from primary dengue infection. The most common clinical presentation was fever followed by headache and myalgia. Vomiting and abdominal pain were the most prevalent warning signs. The common hematological findings on admission were leukopenia (63.3%), thrombocytopenia (30.4%) and increased hematocrit (26.6%). Raised serum ALT or AST was observed in 14.1% cases whereas raised serum creatinine was observed in 6.6% cases. Signs of plasma leakage (pleural effusion, respiratory distress, and ascites, rise of hematocrit >20% during hospital stay) and hepatic or renal involvement (serum ALT >42UI/L or serum creatinine >1.2 mg/dL) on admission were mostly associated with severe dengue.ConclusionThe study provides clinical evidence on presentation as well as hematological and biochemical profile of dengue patients in northern Bangladesh that should be implicated in effective patient management.

Microsphere antioxidant and sustained erythropoietin-R76E release functions cooperate to reduce traumatic optic neuropathy

Wild-type erythropoietin (EPO) is promising for neuroprotection, but its therapeutic use is limited because it causes a systemic rise in hematocrit. We have developed an EPO-R76E derivative that maintains neuroprotective function without effects on hematocrit, but this protein has a short half-life in vivo. Here, we compare the efficacy and carrier-induced inflammatory response of two polymeric microparticle (MP) EPO-R76E sustained release formulations based on conventional hydrolytically degradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-degradable poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS). Both MP types effectively loaded EPO-R76E and achieved sustained release, providing detectable levels of EPO-R76E at the injection site in the eye in vivo for at least 28 days. Testing in an in vitro oxidative stress assay and a mouse model of blast-induced indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (bITON) showed that PPS and PLGA MP-mediated delivery of EPO-R76E provided therapeutic protection. While unloaded PLGA MPs inherently increase levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bITON model, drug-free PPS MPs have innate antioxidant properties that provide therapeutic benefit both in vitro and in vivo. Both PLGA and PPS MPs enabled sustained release of EPO-R76E, providing therapeutic benefits including reduction in inflammation and axon degeneration, and preservation of visual function as measured by electroretinogram. The PPS-based MP platform is especially promising for further development, as the delivery system provides inherent antioxidant benefits that can be harnessed to work in complement with EPO-R76E or other drugs for neuroprotection in the setting of traumatic eye injury.

Automated RBC Exchange has a greater effect on whole blood viscosity than manual whole blood exchange in adult patients with sickle cell disease.

Blood transfusion is the cornerstone treatment to reduce the clinical severity of sickle cell disease (SCD), but we need to maintain the haematocrit (Hct) within an acceptable range to avoid a deleterious increase in blood viscosity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of manual versus automated red blood cell (RBC) Exchange on haematological parameters and blood viscosity. This prospective, single-centre, open nonrandomized observational study included forty-three sickle cell patients: 12 had automated RBC Exchange and 31 manual RBC Exchange. Samples were collected in EDTA tubes just before and within one hour after the end of the RBC Exchange to measure the haematological parameters and blood viscosity. Both automated and manual RBC Exchange decreased haemoglobin S levels and leucocyte and platelet counts, but the decrease was greater for automated RBC Exchange. Manual RBC Exchange caused a significant rise in haematocrit and haemoglobin levels and did not change blood viscosity. In contrast, automated RBC Exchange decreased blood viscosity without any significant change in haematocrit and only a very slight increase in haemoglobin levels. The change in blood viscosity correlated with the modifications of haematocrit and haemoglobin levels, irrespective of the RBC Exchange procedure. When adjusted for the volume of RBC Exchange, the magnitude of change in each biological parameter was not different between the two procedures. Our study demonstrates that the automated RBC Exchange provided greater haematological and haemorheological benefits than manual RBC Exchange, mainly because of the higher volume exchanged, suggesting that automated RBC Exchange should be favoured over manual RBC Exchange when possible and indicated.

Do the small blood cells have a big impact as prognosticators in dengue – A study

Dengue is an arboviral disease endemic in India. Severe dengue has a high morbidity. The progression to severe dengue may be diagnosed by clinical and lab parameters, are of the useful lab tests is platelet count, as thrombocytopenia is a consistent feature in dengue. There is confusion about the role thrombocytopenia in dengue. Our study aims to study the platelet count patterns and its relevance to severity of dengue.We conducted a study on 132 dengue positive cases with relevant hematology data in November 2016. We had predominance of young people and males in the study group. Thrombocytopenia was uniform across the ages and sexes. Severe thrombocytopenia constituted 56%, had significant association with atypical lymphocytosis, rise in hematocrit and antibody patterns.Platelet counts are marker of dengue, can serve as predicators of severity, platelet count monitoring helps guide transfusion therapy.

Serum chymase levels correlate with severe dengue warning signs and clinical fluid accumulation in hospitalized pediatric patients

Dengue induces a spectrum of severity in humans from the milder dengue fever to severe disease, or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Chymase is a candidate biomarker that may aid dengue prognosis. This prospective study aimed to identify whether warning signs of severe dengue, including hypovolemia and fluid accumulation, were associated with elevated chymase. Serum chymase levels were quantified prospectively and longitudinally in hospitalized pediatric dengue patients in Sri Lanka. Warning signs were determined based on daily clinical assessments, laboratory tests and ultrasound findings. Chymase was significantly elevated during the acute phase of disease in DHF or Severe dengue, defined by either the 1997 or 2009 WHO diagnosis guidelines, and persisted longer in the most severe patients. Chymase levels were higher in patients with narrow pulse pressure and clinical warning signs such as severe leakage, fluid accumulation, pleural effusion, gall-bladder wall thickening and rapid haematocrit rise concurrent with thrombocytopenia. No association between chymase and liver enlargement was observed. This study confirms that serum chymase levels are associated with DHF/Severe dengue disease in hospitalized pediatric patients. Chymase levels correlate with warning signs of vascular dysfunction highlighting the possible functional role of chymase in vascular leakage during dengue.

SGLT2 inhibitors: mechanisms of cardiovascular benefit beyond glycaemic control.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are effective antidiabetic therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and are associated with improved glycaemic control as well as with reductions in body mass and blood pressure. In large cardiovascular outcome trials in patients with diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes, including hospitalization for heart failure, with this benefit extending to patients without diabetes who have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The possible mechanisms of benefit are being extensively investigated because they are unlikely to be related to improved glycaemic control. Early natriuresis with a reduction in plasma volume, a consequent rise in haematocrit, improved vascular function, a reduction in blood pressure and changes in tissue sodium handling are all likely to have a role. Additional mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors that might be beneficial include a reduction in adipose tissue-mediated inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, a shift towards ketone bodies as the metabolic substrate for the heart and kidneys, reduced oxidative stress, lowered serum uric acid level, reduced glomerular hyperfiltration and albuminuria, and suppression of advanced glycation end-product signalling. Further outcome trials and mechanistic studies, including in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or non-diabetic kidney disease, might identify other possible mechanisms of benefit of SGLT2-inhibitor therapy.