Ve Blood Group Research Articles

The Association between Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Laboratory Measures as Risk for Cardiovascular Disorders

Background; Due to the complicated etiology of cardiovascular illnesses, a thorough risk assessment is necessary for screening reasons. Many published studies relate the pregnancy complications and future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objective; Investigate the association between risk factors of the laboratory measures and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) with level of cardiovascular disorders risk. Methods; Adult women were enrolled in a cross-sectional study, and they were divided into 2 groups according to whether they had a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes or not. Laboratory and clinical measurements were carried out, and The CVD risk was calculated according to Framingham risk score. Results; All women enrolled were over 40 years age, mostly obese, had predominantly A+ve and O+ve blood group phenotypes. As compared to the low risk category, women with a positive history of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia were 7.5 times more likely to be in the intermediate group while those with a positive history of stillbirth were 17.2 times more likely to be in the high-risk group. Conclusion; With reference to the low risk category, a positive history of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia was predictor for intermediate CVD risk, while a positive history of stillbirth was predictor for high CVD risk.

Early Canities among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Early canities are the premature greying of hair before the age of 25 years in Asians. The condition is a matter of concern for young adults aesthetically. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of early canities among undergraduate medical students of a medical college. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 1 December 2021 to 30 June 2022 among undergraduate medical students at a medical college. The study was conducted after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 146(6-11)C-2 078/079]. The participants with ages less than 25 years without a history of vitiligo, intake of chemotherapeutic drugs, progeria, pangeria and recent dyeing of hair were enrolled. A convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Out of 235 students, 95 (40.42%) (34.15-46.69, 95% Confidence Interval) had early canities. The most prevalent premature greying was grade I early canities i.e.79 (83.15%) of participants. Among the participants with early canities, 56 (58.94%) were male, 41 (43.15%) had a positive family history for early canities, 67 (70.52%) had normal body mass index and 38 (40%) had O+ve blood group. The prevalence of early canities among undergraduate medical students was lower than in other studies done in similar settings. The grade I early canities was seen more among the participants with premature greying of hair. epidemiology; hair colour; medical students; physiology.

Association of Acute Coronary Syndromes with Blood Groups: A Single-Center, Observational Study

Background: Evidence suggests an association between ABO blood groups and cardiovascular diseases; particularly acute coronary syndromes, a major reason for hospitalization and mortality. Aim: To investigate the association between ABO blood groups and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) frequency. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: United Hospital, Karachi from 1st June 2022 to 31st December 2022. Methods: Two hundred and five participants with a diagnosis of ACS were enrolled in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the data regarding the demographics and clinical characteristics of the patients. By utilizing specific antibodies and the agglutination approach, blood types were identified. ECG, coronary angiography, echocardiography and troponin-I were performed on these patients. Results: Blood groups B+ and O+ among ACS patients had the largest prevalence (35.1 and 28.8%, respectively) and there was a significant association between blood groups and the type of MI (p=0.008). The most frequently diagnosed MI was anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI), which is highly prevalent among patients with the type A (+ve) blood group. Moreover, the risk factors were equally prevalent among patients of different blood groups. Conclusions: The frequency of ACS and ABO blood type were significantly correlated and there was no statistically significant correlation between any risk factors under study and blood type. Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, ABO blood type, Risk factors

Study of Fingerprint Patterns in Relation to Gender and ABO Blood Groups

Fingerprints are considered as the best tool of identification of a person. Fingerprint evidence is by far the mosteffective and reliable evidence in the court of law. The reason being fingerprint pattern persist same throughoutthe life and no two individual has similar pattern. Both blood group and dermatoglyphic pattern have geneticinheritance so an attempt has been made to analyze their correlation with gender and blood group of an individual.The objective of the study was to determine correlation (if any) between the fingerprint pattern, blood group andgender. The study was conducted on 150 students (88 males and 62 females) in the age group of 18-25 years.The fingerprint pattern of the study participants was compared with the gender and ABO-Rh blood group aftertaking their Informed written consent. Amongst ABO blood group, the most common blood group was O (40%),followed by B (35.33%), A (19.33%) and AB (5.34%). Rh + ve was the most common rhesus factor (97.33%). The loopwas the most common pattern (69.14%), followed by whorl (26.06%) and arch (4.80%). Frequency of loops werehighest in both the Rh-positive and Rh- negative subjects of ABO blood groups except O -ve blood group wherewhorls dominate. Loops are maximum seen in blood group B while whorls are more common in blood groupO and arches with blood group A. The present study confirms that loop is the most common type of fingerprintpattern while arch was the least common. The study revealed significant association between the Fingerprintpattern, Gender and ABO blood group.

Risk of COVID-19 infection and severity of clinical outcomes and its association with ABO blood groups

Objective: To determine association of ABO blood groups with severity of COVID-19 symptoms among covid recovered patients of different blood type. Methodology: An observational/experimental study was conducted at department of physiology, Sindh university Jamshoro from April 2021 to December 2021.The sample size (n) was 732, data consist of male and female covid recovered participants of age group 18-30yrs. Self -structured questionnaire was used to evaluate intensity of symptoms of COVID 19 and for other characteristics such as gender and age. Blood was drawn for ABO blood typing. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS- 21.Results: Seven hundred thirty two was the total study population of COVID-19 recovered patients, out of which male population was 489 (66.9%) and female population was 243 (33.1%).The results reports that there is statistically significant association present between the A +ve blood type and susceptibility of COVID-19 infection, whereas AB +ve and A +ve shown higher percentage of severe infection. Blood group B +ve with (48%) with less severe symptoms. O +ve people shown mild symptoms that is 60% of entire O+ve population and 30% are presented with severe symptoms.Conclusion: This study suggests that A +ve blood group is susceptible blood type with high chances to get infection. People having A +ve and AB +ve blood types are more susceptible towards severe COVID 19 infection in comparison to other blood types, O +ve blood shown rather protective effect.

The association between different blood group systems and susceptibility to COVID-19: a single center cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia.

Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, many associated factors have been investigated to clarify the susceptibility and severity among the affected individuals. Biological markers can play an important role in identification of individual susceptibility to such pandemic. Growing evidence suggest the influence of different blood group systems on susceptibility to COVID-19 virus, with a particular blood type conferring selection advantage. The study aimed to determine the association of ABO, Rhesus (D) and P1 blood groups with COVID-19 susceptibility in Taif city, Western Saudi Arabia. ABO, D and P1 blood antigens were determined in 104 blood samples of COVID-19 patients versus 100 control samples using either automated immunohematology analyser or test tube method. Statistical differences between patients and control samples were calculated based on p-value where results of ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. O+ve blood group constituted the predominant type among the studied samples. Determination of P1 antigen showed significant association where Anti-P1 was positive in 76.9% of patients compared to 61.0% of controls with a P value of 0.01 conferring the susceptibility of P1+ve patients to COVID-19. Although our study showed no significant association between ABO and D, and susceptibility to COVID-19, there was a significant association between P1+ve and COVID-19. P1+ve participants were 2.131 times more associated with the risk of COVID-19 infection than those with Anti P1-ve. Thus, P1 antigen can be used as a biological marker for identification of individuals susceptibility to COVID-19. It is strongly advised that such individuals should consider extra protective measures. Further studies on other contributing factors should also be considered for more scientific clarity.

Relationship between maternal abo blood group and rh typing with maternal and perinatal outcome

The ABO blood group type has been considered an independent risk factor in pregnancy-related complications leading to significant morbidity and mortality in pregnant mothers and neonates.
 Aim: To study the relationship between maternal ABO blood group and Rh typing with maternal and perinatal outcomes.
 Materials and methods: Prospective Observational study was carried out for 24 months from November among 1000 pregnant women attending outpatient for ABO blood group and Rh typing with maternal and perinatal outcome.
 Results: Among 1000 subjects, 43.5 % belonged to blood group O, followed by 30 % in blood group B. 20.7 % had blood group A, and 5.8 % had AB blood group. In the present study, 95.4 % had Rh+ve, and 4.6 % had Rh-ve typing. The incidence of preterm labour was high at 6.3 % in the O+ve blood group, followed by 1.8 % in the AB +ve, 0.6 % in the A+ve and 0.3 % in the B+ve blood group. A statistically significant association was found between blood grouping and preeclampsia with high incidence among the A+ve blood group. A statistically significant association was found between blood grouping and imminent eclampsia with high incidence among the AB+ve blood group. There was a statistically significant association found between blood grouping and intrauterine death.
 Conclusion: The findings in the present study will help clinicians to identify the patients at risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia and imminent eclampsia; hence, the timely intervention will help to improve maternal and perinatal outcome and also helps to reduce the complications of preeclampsia and imminent eclampsia.

A comparative study of Emotional Quotient with relation to Blood Groups among medical students of Punjab

Introduction: Emotional quotient (EQ) is the ability to monitor one’s own and other's feelings and emotions for managing relations appropriately. It implies critical thinking and has a key role in augmenting coherence between the team members to work at their full potential for achieving their goals and success in life. There are numerous lines of evidence that shows the influence of blood groups on skills and abilities related to EQ. Individuals with blood group B are active and passionate but those with blood group A are intelligent, loyal to their work, and have maudlin behavior. People with AB blood group are spiritual and O blood groupers have leadership character and least respond to stress. This study aims to compare the EQ-related skills and abilities among medical students with various blood groups.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aziz Fatimah medical and dental college, Faisalabad. Validate proforma consisting of questions related to demographic, blood groups, and Emotional intelligence scale (EIS) for EQ-related questions was constructed on google form and the link was shared among 600 MBBS students of different medical colleges in Punjab, Pakistan. Only 566 students filled out complete proforma and fulfilled our inclusion criteria for enrollment in the study. Data were retrieved from the individual responses of google form and transformed on SPSS 22 for data analysis. P values less ≤ than 0.05 were considered significant.Results: The most frequent blood group was B positive (B+ve) in this study. The highest score concerning self-awareness was in blood group A positive (A+ve) followed by O positive (O+ve) with a P-value=0.017. The highest score was observed in B+ve in the case of empathy but the difference in mean score was not statistically significant (p value= 0.326). Similarly, blood group A+ve showed the highest value in self-motivation, emotional stability, and managing relations with P-values of 0.036, 0.005, and 0.046 respectively. Participants with the A+ve blood group were more value-oriented, committed, showed integrity and altruistic behavior with P-value=0.032, 0.000, 0.013, and 0.032 respectively.Conclusion: People with the blood group A+ve had the highest emotional quotient than other blood groups. Blood group B was the most prevalent blood group in our study population.

Relationship between the Hematological Indices and COVID-19

Background: Recently, the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has a wide spread around the world. Clinically, it was responsible for respiratory illness ranged from mild to life-threatening infection. The study aimed to investigate the link of gender, age, ABO blood groups, and hematological indices with COVID-19 infection. Methods: One hindered COVID-19 cases, as confirmed using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction test, were checked for some sociodemographic features, blood group, and hematology parameters. A blood sample was collected from each person in an EDTA container and immediately tested for blood group using commercial antisera, in addition to complete blood count parameters using of a semiautomated hematology analyzer (Mindray BC-3200). Results: Of 100 COVID-19 patients, 52% were male and 48% were female. About 33% and 31% of the study participants were of age group 15–31 and 32–49 years, respectively. The majority (37%) of COVID-19 patients carried blood group O+ve, followed by A+ve (24%). A+ve blood group was significantly more reported in males (32.7%) than females (14.6%). Notably, 61% of participants showed low Hb level. Erythropenia was detected in 41% of the participants, while thrombocytopenia was observed only in 19% of the patients. Moreover, lymphocytopenia was detected in 82%, low packed cell volume in 66%, decreased mean corpuscular volume in 20%, and declined mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in 8% of the participants. In contrast, leukocytosis and neutrophilia were found in 69% and 73% of the participants, respectively. Conclusion: Taken together, the study findings highlighted the link of COVID-19 with age, gender, blood groups, and hematology parameters, which is important in diagnosis, prognosis, and management of illness.

DIFFERENT SOCIAL FACTORS AND MODULATORS OF COVID-19 MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY

The data of COVID-19 pandemic when analysed with different probable modulators like affecting social structure like religion, blood group, the burden of other diseases, vaccination for other diseases and many more revealed that Rh -ve blood group, irrespective of ABO blood group may be an important predisposing factor for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection and serious disease leading to lethality. Among ABO blood groups, people with blood group A seem to be the most susceptible to COVID-19 followed by AB, O and B blood group. Among different religious groups, Muslim dominated nations had a smaller number of COVID-19 cases and deaths while those dominated by Christians had more devastating COVID-19. The BCG and to some extent Rotavirus vaccinations seem to protect the population from SARS-CoV-2 infection and deaths while other vaccinations like Polio, DPT, HepB, Measles, HiB appeared to support the SARS-CoV-2. The national burden of diseases like TB, HIV-AIDS, Malaria, cardiovascular disorders, natural calamities, fires, food deficiency and poor sanitation seems to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19. However, the burden of neoplasms (cancers) was significantly increasing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections and lethal outcome of COVID-19. The emergence of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in last two weeks of the year 2021 also had an almost similar association with different disease modulators but gaining more momentum in nations with greater coverage of DPT, HiB, HepB, Polio vaccination and higher burden of neoplasms. This analysis may help in better planning for control of COVID-19 in different societies and nations with reasonable variation in pandemic control strategy instead of a blanket package of practice to curb the disease. The limitations of data-based analysis are also discussed. Key words:COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, blood group

Prevalence and Association of Transfusion Transmitted Infections with ABO and Rh Blood Groups among Blood Donors in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A 7-Year Retrospective Analysis.

This study was aimed at determining the prevalence estimate and association of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) with ABO and Rh blood groups among blood donors at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH & RC) in the western region of Saudi Arabia. A retrospective study was conducted at the blood bank center of KFSH and RC from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019. Data on ABO and Rh blood group testing, serological testing, molecular investigations, serological assays, nucleic acid testing (NATs), and socio-demographic information were gathered. During the study period, there were 959,431 blood donors at the KFSH and RC. The overall 7-year cumulative prevalence estimate of blood transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors was low at 7.93%, with an average prevalence estimate of 0.66%. Donors with the O blood group, the O RhD +ve blood group, in particular, were more at risk of developing TTIs, whereas donors with the AB blood group, the AB RhD −ve blood group, in particular, were at the lowest risk of developing TTIs. In total, 96.9% of the blood donors were males (n = 916,567). Almost half of the blood donors belong to the O blood group (49.4%). A total of 861,279 (91.0%) donors were found to be RhD positive. The percentages of TTIs were found to be higher in RhD +ve donors compared with RhD −ve donors. The prevalence estimate of the hemoglobin C (HbC) infection was the most common TTI among the blood donors being 3.97%, followed by malaria being 2.21%. The least prevalence estimate of TTI in the present study was for NAT HIV being 0.02%. Significant associations were observed between RhD +ve and RhD −ve among the malaria-infected donors (A: χ2 = 26.618, p = 0.001; AB: χ2 = 23.540, p = 0.001; B: χ2 = 5.419, p = 0.020; O: χ2 = 68.701, p = 0.001). The current 7-year retrospective study showed a low level of TTIs among blood donors. However, we urge that more research encompassing the entire country be conducted in order to obtain more representative results in terms of the prevalence estimate and association of transfusion-transmitted infections with ABO and Rh blood groups in communities.

Assessment of Various Maternal Risk Factors and Treatment Approaches for Neonatal Jaundice in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: The study objectives were to evaluate the neonatal jaundice treatment approach and identify various risk factors associated with the occurrence of neonatal jaundice. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out for 6 months at St. Philomena‘s Hospital. Researchers reviewed patients` medication charts and collected the data for further analysis. Patients` medication charts also were monitored for the occurrence of any adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Results: A total of 100 babies met inclusion criteria. The majority of babies were male (56%). Sixteen neonates (16%) were born with low birth weight, 11% of all neonates were preterm, and 42% of babies had O +ve blood group. Maternal-related risk factors analysis showed that 58% of women were between 26-35 years, 44% were overweight, 53% of women were in their first gravida, and 52% of mothers were delivered by C-Section. Overall, 100 (82.6%), 11 (9.1%), 6 (5%), 3 (2.5%), 1 (0.8%) neonates received phototherapy, ursodeoxycholic acid (UCDA), phenobarbital, exchange transfusion, and intravenous immunoglobulins respectively. We detected 15 ADRs and 14 DDIs associated with the management of neonatal jaundice. Phototherapyinduced ADR (46.6%) and interaction between UCDA-sucralfate (35.7%) were the most common identified treatment-related issues. Conclusion: Neonatal and maternal risk factors may involve in the development of neonatal jaundice. Phototherapy remained the most desirable therapeutic approach. Although the neonatal treatment approach is safe, a review of prescribed medications can give insight into the appropriate usage of medications among this vulnerable cohort.

SARS-CoV-2 Non Responders - An Analysis of Non Responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines among Healthcare Workers in 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) possess high mortality and morbidity across the globe. In India, BBV-152 (CovaxinTM) and ChAdOx1-nCOV (CovishieldTM) vaccines are now being used to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. A Cross sectional observational study was designed to analyze the Antibody immune response to SARS CoV-2 vaccine quantitatively among Health Care Workers and it was correlated with age, sex, other comorbidities and blood group. A total of 160 fully vaccinated HCWs, the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 level was estimated by using Chemiluminescence Immuno Assay. A protective immune response following the complete course of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine should be ≥ 1.00 S/C. A total of 160 HCWs (82 Male, 78 Female) who had completed both the doses of Covishield (n=128) and Covaxin (n=32). Both the vaccine recipient had mild to moderate symptoms and none of the HCWs had severe adverse events after administration of vaccine. Out of which, 143 (89.3%) HCWs showed seropositive and 17 (10.7%) HCWs showed seronegative. There was no notable variation in sex and other co-morbidities. Significantly, reduced antibody titers towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was noted among individuals aged ≤ 60 years and O+ve Blood group. Both the vaccines obtained successful immune response after their complete course, even though there was a significantly higher seropositivity rate in Covishield in spite of Covaxin recipients. Further, genomic correlative advanced studies can conclude the significance of non-responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among the HCWs.

Seroprevalence of the Serological Markers of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections among Volunteer Blood Donors of Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.

Background: Transfusion-transmissible infections are well-known global health challenges. The present study is proposed to investigate the seropositivity of anti-HIV1/2, anti-HCV, HBsAg, and anti-T.pallidum among volunteer blood donors of Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Methods: Our study was conducted in a cross-sectional retrospective manner. The data of donors who attended Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital throughout 2016 to 2018 were reviewed and retrieved manually from blood bank records. Results: Out of 8139 donors, 22.52% were seropositive for serological markers of TTIs and 1.67% were seropositive for at least two serological markers of TTIs. The overall seropositivity rate of anti-HIV1/2, HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-T.pallidum was 1.77%, 6.07%, 1.14%, and 11.87%, respectively (p < 0.000). Anti-T.pallidum was the most frequently detected (p < 0.05) marker across all study variables. TTIs seroprevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) varied according to the age, residence, occupations, and blood groups. Notably, there was a rising trend in the rate of anti-HIV1/2 and seropositivity for more than one marker with age (p < 0.000). Regionally, rural area residents had a higher rate of anti-HIV1/2 (2.20%), HBsAg (6.31%), anti-HCV (1.42%), anti-T.pallidum (18.38%), and multiple markers seropositivity (2.28%) compared to urban areas. Between occupations, the highest rate of anti-HIV1/2 (p = 0.483), HBsAg (p = 0.003), anti-HCV (p = 0.408), anti-T.pallidum (p < 0.000), and multiple markers seropositivity (p < 0.000) were detected in farmers. Regarding the screening, we also found that the frequency of anti-T.pallidum was significantly (p = 0.003) higher in donors who carry the AB+ve blood group, whereas anti-HCV (1.83%) was more frequent in donors carry O−ve blood group (p = 0.255). As seen, anti-T.pallidum+HBsAg was the most frequently (1.22%) co-occurring markers. In contrast, anti-T.pallidum+anti-HIV1/2+HBsAg was the lowest frequency one (p < 0.000). Conclusions: The study showed an alarming rate of TTIs, which suggests the requirement for comprehensive surveillance and health education programs.

The Demand of Whole Blood in Casualty Management at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

Efficient blood transfusion facility in the casualty wards is essential to minimize the morbidity and mortality of the injured patients. Proper knowledge of blood transfusion demand in a facility can help forecast future demands and facilitate the planning of existing resources allocation for best injury care. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the causality wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2018 to December 2018. During this period, patients who attended the casualty wards and needed whole blood transfusion were selected as the study population. Relevant information regarding the required blood units, blood group, and blood collection source were recorded and analyzed. During our study period, 1619 units of whole blood were required by 896 patients. Most of the study population were from the age group of 31-40 years. Male group was the predominant at a 3.9:1 male-female ratio. Majority of the patients (55.13%) required only one unit of blood, and 28.57% of the patients required two units. O+ve blood group was the most demanded (34.65%) followed by B+ve, A+ve, AB+ve, O-ve, B-ve and A-ve (31.87%, 23.72%, 7.6%, 1.42%, 0.49% and 0.25%, respectively). The patients' relatives donated around 85% of blood, and the rest were from voluntary donors. The average daily and weekly requirement of whole blood for the causality departments of Dhaka Medical College Hospital was around 9 and 62 units respectively. Evidence-based expert guideline for the use of whole blood in the casualty management and social awareness for blood donation may save thousands of valuable lives. Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2021;16(1):8-11

A cross-sectional study on epidemiology and clinical profile of cleft lip and palate at a tertiary care hospital in Manipur, India

Background: Cleft lip (CL) and palate have a complex etiology with both genetics and environment playing a role. The risk factors such as folic acid deficiency, maternal age, and maternal smoking have been linked to the development of clefts. Objectives: The objective of this study is to study the different types of CL and palate with respect to age distribution, gender, caste, religion, socioeconomic status, and the clinical factors such as congenital anomalies, blood group, and the relationship with maternal addiction during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The present study conducted among 260 patients of Manipur with primary CL, palate, and orofacial clefts of any age group. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by the descriptive statistics as mean, standard deviation, percentage/proportions, etc. For the qualitative data, the association between various variables was done by applying one-way Chi-square test at 5% (P = 0.05) level of significance. Results: Female (51.2%) children are more affected with CL and palate. Association of A +ve blood group is statistically significant. 36.2% belongs to lower middle class socioeconomic status. The proportion of consanguineous marriages was higher. 60% of mothers smoke cigarettes or consume tobacco at the time of pregnancy in association with CL and palate. Majority of the cases had left-sided CL and palate and 47.3% were Group III CL and palate. There was significant association of congenital anomalies (38.5%) among CL and palate patients. Conclusion: There is a strong association of maternal smoking or tobacco consumption, maternal alcohol consumption, consanguineous marriages, and A +ve blood group in relation to CL and palate.

Association between HBV, HCV, HIV and ABO Among Blood Donors in Baqubah City, Iraq

Background: Blood borne transmitted diseases are a major public health problem worldwide, which has asignificant socioeconomic impact, especially in developing countries.Objectives: To determine the infection rate of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiencyvirus among blood donors attended to Blood Bunk in Baqubah City, Diyala, Iraq.Patients and Methods: Cross sectional study which conducted at Blood Bunk in Baqubah City. All datapresented in this paper were collected from blood donors, males 2729 and females 71; they’re aged from17-62 years; during the period from 1st July 2018 till 1st October 2018. Blood samples were collected fromall participants then analyzed by use different enzyme linked immunosorrbent assay (ELISA) kits.Results: High frequency of HBsAg (13.82%) was noticed in this study followed by HCV and HIV 9.25%and 0.61% respectively. Infection in males more than females, and most positive HBV, HIV were in theage group 17-37 years and HCV in age group 38-57 years. Blood group O+ve individuals were commonlyinfected with HBV, 188 (48.58%), HCV 12(52.85%) and HIV, 3(37.5%) as compared with all other bloodgroup donors, followed by another percentage regarding others, blood group B+ve individuals werecommonly infected with HBV 97 (25.07%) after blood group O+ve. Blood group A+ve individuals werecommonly infected with HCV 9 (32.15%) after blood group O+ve. While, HIV is an equal number reportedin A+ve and B+ve blood group individuals. Low percentage was noticed to blood group AB+ve. However,higher number of Rh D positive donors than Rh D negativeConclusions: There were association between viral infections (HBV, HCV, HIV) and blood group of donors,infections with HBV were more than other viruses and common in males and age group (17-37) years.

Potential association of COVID-19 and ABO blood group: An Indian study

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmits from person to person mainly through respiratory droplets and coughing. Infection severity ranges from asymptomatic and mild infection to those with moderate and severe symptoms which may lead to multiple organ failure and mortality. Infection severity largely depends on individual's immune response, age and co-morbidities. Present study categorized COVID-19 infected patients based on their infection severity and linked COVID-19 severity with age, gender and ABO blood group types. Clinical details of 383 COVID-19 patients were collected from Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty hospital (RGSSH), India; divided into three groups; mild, moderate and severe patients, based on their symptoms. Present analysis revealed that age plays major role in infection severity, as the symptoms are more severe in patients above 45 years. Infection rate was higher in males compared to females. Most patients with A(+ve) and B(+ve) blood group were severely affected compared to those of blood group type O(+ve) and AB(+ve). O(+ve) blood group was least represented in severe patients. Present findings could be helpful in generating awareness amongst the population regarding susceptibility towards the COVID-19 infection. This supportive information would help clinicians and health workers to propose new strategies and tactical solution against COVID-19 infection.

Audit of clinical use of blood products in a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: Blood and its components are an important part of patient management treatment protocols and like drugs have property to cause adverse reactions in the recipients. To maximize the effectiveness, safety and utility clinicians and intravenous therapists should be knowledgeable about the potential risk of blood component therapy. Hence, regular audit of blood and its component usage is essential to access the blood utilization pattern and set ideal policies in all the blood using specialties. Material and Methods: This is a prospective Study conducted in department of Transfusion Medicine at Vinayaka Mission Kirupananda Variyar Medical College &amp; Hospital for a period of one year. Source of data was blood bank requisition forms and blood bank registers of patients who underwent elective or emergency procedures in the hospital, for which blood was ordered. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 41.8 years. The male : female ratio was 1.6 : 1. Majority of the study subjects were in the surgery department followed by Ortho and OBG. Majority of the study subjects belong to B+ve blood group followed by O+ve group and only 20% of the subjects belong to negative blood group. 70% of the subjects required blood transfusion for some kind of surgical intervention and only 28% had required blood transfusion related to medical causes. Majority required four units of PRC transfusion. Majority of the subjects had the haemoglobin levels in the range of 6–7 and the mean level was 6.56 gms%. Majority of the packed red cell was stored for 2 weeks or 5 weeks and the mean duration of storage was 4.3 weeks. A statistical significant improvement was observed in the mean haemoglobin levels in the post-transfusion period compared to the pre-transfusion haemoglobin. Only 5% of the times the reaction related to fever or anaphylaxis had occurred among the entire study subjects. 50% had completed the entire blood transfusion in less than 4 hrs and the mean duration was 4.3 hrs. 65.9% of the patients had appropriate blood transfusion based on the guideline and the remaining 34% had inappropriate blood transfusion. It is inferred from the table that the CTR, transfusion probability and the transfusion index was found to be above the guideline value to be considered as effective blood utilisation. Conclusion: Regular audit of blood components is crucial so that appropriate measures can be taken for proper usage. Continuous medical education regarding the transfusion services for the clinicians and staff nurses have major role in improvement for the clinical transfusion practices in the hospitals.

Expression of HER2 in Gastric Carcinoma According to Tumor Location

<i>Introduction:</i> HER2/neu (c-erbB-2) is an oncogene that encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein with tyrosine kinase activity known as <i>185</i> kDa. This <i>185</i> kDa belongs to the epidermal growth factor receptor. Though HER-2 expression has been extensively found in advanced gastric cancer, few recent studies have evaluated the same in early gastric cancers. HER-2 overexpression is considered one of the poorest prognostic variables after nodal status in early gastric cancers too. <i>Aim of the study:</i> To find out the expression of HER2 in gastric carcinoma according to tumor location. <i>Material & Methods:</i> This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgical Oncology of National Institute of Cancer, Research and Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka. The study period was from March 2014 to April 2015. A total of 80 patients were included in the study. After receiving the gastrectomy specimen, it was fixed in 10% formaldehyde. Statistical analysis was carried out using a computer-based software package for social science (SPSS 16.1). Ethical clearance was taken from the ethical committee of NICRH. <i>Results:</i> The highest patients were from the 61-70 years age group and the lowest were from 71-80 years. The mean age of the patients was 59.71 (±10.19) years. The female to male ratio in this study was 1: 2.48. The leading number of patients presented with abdominal pain where the vague abdominal discomfort was also included. They were 75%. This clinical condition was followed by vomiting which coined 58.75% of respondents. Out of 80 patients, 27 (33.75%) patients bore A +ve blood group whereas 23 (28.75%) patients had B+ve blood group. Most of the tumors were located in the distal (Noncardiac) part of the stomach (75%). Regarding staging 79 (98.75%) patients were in the advanced stage of the disease. Most of the tumors were located in the distal part of the stomach (11.67%). <i>Conclusion:</i> We reported a 12.5% of positive HER2 expression (IHC=3+ & 2+) in a series of 80 surgical specimens of gastric cancer patients. We also observed that positive HER2 expression varied depending on the histology and the primary tumor localization.