Western Libya Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL-PHYSICAL FACTORS ON PUBLIC HOUSING TRANSFORMATION IN TRIPOLI

Researchers have acknowledged that physical surroundings are a concrete manifestation of spatial organisation. Its arrangement outlines spatial relationship of social activity networks within housing units. In Libya, cities display minimal sensitivity to socio-physical attributes which affect public housing transformation. In order to focus on users’ transformations experience and emphasis on socio-physical environment influence. Public housing dwellers are surveyed to determine the socio-physical impact on housing transformations initiatives. The aim of this study is to develop a socio-physical responsive design framework for public housing projects based on user-initiated transformation experience. A survey is carried out among 304 households in twelve public housings areas in western Libya to evaluate users’ experience on the socio-physical model of housing transformation. Public housing such as neighbourhood influence, technology, plot size and quality of urban living standards are investigated using a questionnaire and analysed using SEM (AMOS). The findings revealed that socio-physical constituents have influence on housing transformation decisions made by house owners. It contributes to a housing design which respects both the users requirements and provide a healthy urban development at the same time.

Assessment of the haematological alterations in cervical cancer patients attending sabratha national cancer institute, Western Libya

Background: Cervix cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, and is the third most common malignant disease in women. It is one of the main health problems in Libyan women. Blood act as a pathological reflector of the status of exposed patient to infections and other conditions. Laboratory tests on the blood are vital tools that help detect any deviation from normal in the human body As the disease progresses, changes appear in haematological parameters which have been of relevant consideration in context of cancer patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the alterations in haematological parameters among cervical cancer patients in Sabratha National Cancer Institute. Subjects and methods: The present study was conducted on 150 cervical cancer patients, attending the National Cancer Institute of Sabratha from the 11th February, 2006 to the 3rd February, 2020. This study was approved by the Research and Ethical Committee of Sabratha University and Sabratha National Cancer Institute. Age was extracted from patient files. Also, 60 healthy individuals without any chronic disease were recruited for the control group. Blood samples were collected by vein puncture, 3 ml of venous blood withdrawn from each participant in the study by using disposable syringes under aseptic technique; they then transferred to a sterile EDTA tube, for complete blood count. The statistical significance of differences between groups was evaluated with the Mann Whitney U test. Results: The results showed that the mean age of the cervix cancer patients was 53.37±11.6 years. RBCs count, hemoglobin concentration, Hct value, MCH, MCHC, and lymphocytes % were significantly (P<0.01) decreased compared with the healthy individuals. On the other hand, leukocytes and platelets count, mixed %, neutrophils %, PLTs/Lymph, and Neutrophils/Lymphocytes ratios were significantly increased as compared with the healthy individuals. Conclusion: It can be concluded that a significant increase in leukocytes and platelets count, mixed %, neutrophils %, and the studied inflammation related haematological parameters and a significant decreased in lymphocytes %, RBCs count and most its indices. Further haematological studies are needed to confirm these results. Also, there is need to routinely monitor the haematological parameters and among cervical cancer patients.

A tentative tale of Stone Age human dynamics in Pleistocene south-western Libya (central Sahara)

AbstractThe area encompassing the Acacus and Messak mountains in South Western Libya, similarly to the other central Saharan massifs, is characterized by a deeply eroded landscape where Quaternary geo-archaeological archives are rare, especially Pleistocene ones, making it difficult to understand and contextualize past human dynamics within a solid chrono-paleoenvironmental framework. Except for the few caves and open-air contexts where Pleistocene sedimentary sequences are preserved, the vast majority of archaeological evidence from the region is represented by lithic artefacts found on the surface of deflated open-air sites. Nonetheless, artefacts still stand as the main references used to build a rough framework for population dynamics through time. Although the evidence is not as solid as we would like, it allows us to at least reconsider connecting the human presence solely to ‘green’ phases, as a number of population dynamics related to arid landscapes have inferably occurred in the late Middle Pleistocene and in the Late Pleistocene. Coping with changing or difficult ecological settings could have been a driver at different times for behavioral adjustment, large scale displacement, increased interactions between populations and diffusion of technological innovations.

Prevalence of Meropenem and Imipenem Resistance in Gram-Negative Uropathogens in Ibn Sina Clinic in Benghazi-Libya

Background/Aims: The carbapenem resistance is increasing worldwide. Although there are a number of studies on carbapenem resistance available in western Libya, there is no adequate information in eastern Libya. The aim of the present work was to study the prevalence of both imipenem and meropenem in uropathogens in one hospital in Benghazi, a city in Libya, to know the magnitude of resistance caused by these groups of bacteria. Subjects and Methods: A total of 1011 samples of patients with urinary tract infection were collected from August 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020. Identification of the isolates was done and the antibiotic susceptibility of different uropathogens was tested for their imipenem and meropenem susceptibility. Results: The prevalence of Escherichia coli was 68.8%, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis (12.4% and 4.8%, respectively). The prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also (12.4%), and the Acinetobacter baumannii comes next by 1.6%. Conclusions: Compared to different results done in different parts of Libya, the prevalence of carbapenem was increased and this expanded to other Enterobacteriaceae as P. mirabilis that has not declared in previous data in different regions in Libya.

Variation of COVID-19 Specific Immunoglobulin's and Some Inflammatory Factors in COVID-19 Patients in the Sabratha Isolation Center, Western Libya

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic causing significant mortality and morbidity and implementation of strict isolation measures. Serological testing can diagnose illness by detecting antibodies (IgM and IgG). Testing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is rapid and sensitive for the auxiliary diagnosis of COVID-19. The serum levels of CRP, D-dimers, and ferritin, which may be used in risk stratification to predict severe and fatal COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the variations in COVID-19 Specific Immunoglobulin's and Some Inflammatory factors in COVID-19 Patients in Sabratha isolation center, Western Libya. Subjects and Methods: Sixty Confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the Isolation Centre located in Sabratha city, Libya from the 2nd October 2020 to the 2nd June 2021, were enrolled in this prospective study. Covid-19 patients were defined as positive cases after the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in oro-nasopharyngeal swab samples. Data collected included demographic, clinical, and biological factors. Also, 30 healthy individuals without any chronic disease or respiratory symptoms were recruited for the control group. Blood samples were collected by vein puncture 5 ml of venous blood was withdrawn from each participant in the study by using disposable syringes under the aseptic technique; they were then transferred to a sterile tube for estimating biochemical parameters. Biochemical parameters were determined using automated COBAS E411 and INTEGRA 400 machines in the Sabratha Isolation Centre laboratory. The statistical significance of differences between groups was evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: The results showed that patients with COVID-19 had a significant (P<0.0001) increase in IgM levels at 0 day, 14 days, and 21 days, respectively compared with the healthy individuals. Also, IgG levels were showed a gradual significantly (P<0.0001) increase during COVID-19 Virus Infection among COVID-19 patients at 0 day, 14 days, and 21 days compared with the controls. In addition, coronavirus infection caused a significant (P<0.0001) increase in D-dimer, CRP, and Ferritin levels compared with the healthy control individuals. Conclusion: It can be concluded that coronavirus infection caused a significant increase in IgM, IgG, D-dimer, CRP, and Ferritin levels at different periods compared to the controls. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. COVID-19 Specific Immunoglobulin's and Some Inflammatory factors in COVID-19 Patients These changes in IgM, IgG, D-dimer, CRP, and Ferritin levels during COVID-19 Virus Infection among COVID-19 patients may help the clinicians to better understand the COVID-19 and provide more clinical treatment options.

Effect of Coronavirus Infection on Fasting Blood Glucose, Kidney Function, and Electrolytes in COVID-19 Patients in the Zawia Region, Western Libya

Background: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is an aggressive virus that spread worldwide and is a systemic disease involving multiple systems, including respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, neurological, immune, and urinogenital systems. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the alteration in fasting blood glucose, serum urea, creatinine, Na+, K+, and Cl- levels among COVID-19 patients in the Zawia region, Western Libya. Materials and Methods: 416 confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the Isolation Centre located in Zawia city, Libya. From the 1st May 2020 to the 30th March 2021, were enrolled in this prospective study. Covid-19 patients were defined as positive cases after the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in oro-nasopharyngeal swab samples. Demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records and patient files. Also, 30 healthy individuals without any chronic disease or respiratory symptoms were recruited for the control group. Blood samples were collected via vein puncture for estimating biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, serum urea, creatinine, Na+, K+, and Cl- concentrations). The statistical significance of differences between groups was evaluated with the Mann- Whitney (U test). Associations between different parameters were evaluated with the Spearman's test. Results: The results showed that coronavirus infection induced a significant increase in fasting blood glucose, serum urea, and creatinine concentrations. Infections also induced a decrease in serum sodium ion concentration, compared with healthy individuals. Seventy-six percent of corona virus-infected patients had hyperglycemia. Similarly, high levels of serum urea, creatinine, Cl-, Na+, and K+ were found in 40.9%, 39.9%, 27.9%, 8.9% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. Hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, and hypochloremia were found in 35.5%, 13.7%, and 12.9% of patients. There were recorded a significant positive association between fasting blood glucose and serum urea, creatinine, and K+ concentration, between serum urea concentration and serum creatinine, K+, and Cl- concentrations, between serum creatinine and K+, and Cl- concentrations, and between serum Na+ and Cl- concentration, and a significant negative association between fasting blood glucose and serum Na+ and Cl- concentrations and between serum K+ and Na+ concentrations. Conclusion: It can be concluded that coronavirus infections induced increases in fasting blood glucose, serum urea, and creatinine, and a decrease in Na+ concentrations. There was a significant association between different parameters. These biochemical changes may help the clinicians to understand COVID-19 better and provide more clinical treatment options and prevent the serious complications of the disease. Thus, clinicians should pay special attention to fasting blood glucose, kidney function and electrolyte status of COVID-19 patients. Changes in fasting blood glucose, kidney function, and electrolyte levels can be a good indicator of disease progression.

Systematic Revision of the Sand Scorpions, Genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae C.L. Koch, 1837) of the Levant, with Redescription of Buthacus arenicola (Simon, 1885) from Algeria and Tunisia

Scorpions of the genus ButhacusBirula, 1908 (Buthidae C.L. Koch, 1837), commonly known as “sand scorpions,” are widespread in the sandy deserts of the Palearctic, from West Africa to India. Although many new species of Buthacus were described in recent years, no modern revision exists for the genus and the limits of many infrageneric taxa remain unclear. The present contribution addresses the species of Buthacus recorded from the Levant, defined here as the region of the Middle East including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt). Prior to this study, five species and subspecies, including several synonyms, were recognized from the region. Based on extensive new collections, a reassessment of the morphology (including multivariate statistical analysis), and a phylogenetic analysis of morphological and DNA sequence data, published elsewhere, seven species of Buthacus are now recognized from the Levant, raising the number of species in the genus to 30. Three new species are described: Buthacus amitaii, sp. nov., endemic to Israel; Buthacus arava, sp. nov., endemic to Israel and Jordan; and Buthacus levyi, sp. nov., endemic to Egypt, Israel, and perhaps Libya. Buthacus arenicola (Simon, 1885) is redescribed and restricted to northeastern Algeria and central Tunisia, and Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829) redescribed and restricted to Egypt, Sudan, and perhaps Libya. Buthacus armasiLourenço, 2013, stat. rev., from southern Algeria, and Buthacus spatzi (Birula, 1911), stat. rev., from southern Tunisia and western Libya, are revalidated, and Buthacus fuscataPallary, 1929, stat. nov. et stat. rev., from southern Algeria, revalidated and elevated to the rank of species. Buthacus nitzaniLevy et al., 1973, stat. nov., currently restricted to Israel but probably present in the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt), is elevated to the rank of species. Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892), stat. rev., recorded from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, and Buthacus yotvatensisLevy et al., 1973, stat. rev., endemic to Israel and Jordan, are redescribed and revalidated. Three new synonyms are presented: Androctonus (Leiurus) macrocentrus Ehrenberg, 1828 = Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829), syn. nov.; Buthus pietschmanniPenther, 1912 = Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892), syn. nov.; Buthacus granosusBorelli, 1929 = Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829), syn. nov. Buthacus arenicola and the seven species of Buthacus occurring in the Levant are diagnosed and illustrated to modern standards, with updated distribution maps. A list of the currently recognized species of Buthacus, and a key to identification of the species occurring in the Levant are also presented.

The Etiology of Infertility in the Western Region of Libya

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the etiology of infertility in couples seeking medical help from the Infertility Clinics and gynecological departments in hospitals in Western Libya. Patients and Methods: Data were collected directly from patients' medical records. However, additional data were collected through interviews. Results: The total number of couples recruited was 135. Men (mean ± standard deviation of age = 41.7 ± 7.0 years) were significantly older than women (35.2 ± 6.5 years) (P = 0.001). Women were more likely to marry younger than men (mean difference = 6.5 years, 95% confidence interval [CI] =5.1–7.8 years) and the duration of all participant's marriages before the interviews was 9.0 ± 5.0 years. The causes of fertility were as follows: 33 (24.4%) (95% CI 17.16–31.64) cases were due to a female factor, 92 (68.1%) (95% CI = 60.24–75.96) cases were due to a male factor with 6 (4.4%) (95% CI 0.94–7.86) cases of combined male and female factor and 4 (3%) (95% CI = 0.12–5.88) cases without explained cause. Out of all patients, only 13 (4.8%) (95% CI = 2.25–7.35) were cases of secondary infertility and 257 (95.2%) (95% CI = 92.65–97.75) were cases of primary infertility. In females, the most common causes of infertility were ovulation disorders with 40 (23.4%) (95% CI = 17.05%–29.75%), polycystic ovary syndrome with 23 (13.5%) (95% CI = 8.38%–18.62%), irregular or no menstruation with 19 (11.1%) (95% CI = 6.39%–15.81%). The most frequent findings in males were 76 cases (31.0%) (95% CI = 25.21%–36.79%) asthenospermia, 75 cases (30.6%) (95% CI = 24.83%–36.37%) showing teratospermia and 56 (22.9%) (95% CI = 17.64%–28.16%) with oligospermia. Conclusions: Infertility due to male factor in Libya (approximately 70%), was very high compared to data from other regions of the world. Infertility due to the female factor is comparable to other regions of the world. The main cause for female factor infertility was ovulation disorders. Further research of infertility in other parts of the Middle Eastern and North African region is needed. This research must combine epidemiological, medical, and social investigations to find the main causes of infertility in the region.

Sharp-based shoreface sandstones in the Early Carboniferous sediments of the Awaynat Wanin area (western Libya)

The Awaynat Wanin exposure is the closest outcrop analogue for Palaeozoic strata deposited in the subsurface of the Ghadames basin. This study focuses on Lower Carboniferous strata, examined on the edge of the extensive Al Hammadah al Hamra plateau. The desert and rocky conditions of the area provide excellent exposures that are poorly documented. Our new dataset comprises 1500 m of sedimentary logs acquired along an 80 km transect. The results are present as a revised composite section for this exposure, which using integrated GPS and satellite data, re-assesses the maximum thickness of the Marar at 800 m. The excellent exposures also allow evaluation of lateral variability. Detailed facies analysis supports a dominantly marine environment of deposition, characterised by 45 sedimentary cycles that typically record transition from offshore mudstone to sandy shoreface facies and sometimes palaeosols. In the regional context of an inactive tectonic setting at deposition time in the Early Carboniferous, these numerous upward shallowing cycles are interpreted to record relative fluctuations of eustatic sea level. The Awaynat Wanin exposures therefore offers a valuable record to improve understanding of the Early Carboniferous variations of the sea level.

Optimal site selection for sitting a solar park using a novel GIS- SWA’TEL model: A case study in Libya

ABSTRACT The present paper proposes a spatial model for the purpose of helping Decision Makers (DM) to select a location for Solar Power Plants (SPPs) in the Misrata District, Western Libya. In this regard, the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS), SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis), and DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) multi-criteria methods is suggested. The goal of this paper is to develop a new multi-criteria spatial model to identify the best locations for Solar Power Plants (SPP). Such model considers six constraints and eight assessment criteria that are gathered into financial, social, and specialized measures. The hybrid SWARA-DEMATEL (SWA’TEL) model is utilized to assess the weight coefficients of the suggested criteria. The final suitability map is presented utilizing raster cells (alternatives) that are given values ranging from 1 (the least suitable) to 5 (the most appropriate). As the outcomes indicate, an area of 1 667 km2 in Misrata is entirely fit for the SPPs establishment. A sensitivity analysis performed by changing the criteria weights shows that the model is useful in selecting appropriate locations for developing SPPs projects. The model could also be used effectively to help locate appropriate sites for solar farms being installed in other areas with similar geographical conditions.

The Uniform and the Burnous: Colonial Troops and Irregular Units in Western Libya

The Uniform and the Burnous: Colonial Troops and Irregular Units in Western Libya

Effect of Coronavirus Infection on Haematological Parameters in Covid-19 Patients in the Sabratha Region Western Libya

Effect of Coronavirus Infection on Haematological Parameters in Covid-19 Patients in the Sabratha Region Western Libya

Stenolaemate bryozoans from the Carboniferous of Egypt

This is the first detailed taxonomic study of Carboniferous bryozoans from the autochthonous southern margin of the Palaeotethys between western Libya and southernmost Turkey. Eleven bryozoan species, all first documented in this vast region, are described from the vicinity of the Gulf of Suez. Four species have been derived from the Mississippian (middle Viséan) Um Bogma Formation, southwestern Sinai, eastern side of the gulf. In total seven species were identified from the Pennsylvanian. They are from the lower Moscovian Abu Durba Formation, southwestern Sinai, eastern side of the Gulf, and from the upper Moscovian Rod El Hamal Formation, Eastern Desert/Wadi Araba, on its western side. Three species of Fistulipora are described in open nomenclature, two from the Mississippian and one from the Pennsylvanian. One species from the Mississippian is new – Parastenodiscus sinaiensis sp. nov. (Trepostomata). Bryozoans from the Um Bogma Formation show relations to the Mississippian (Viséan) of Ukraine, whereas some of the Pennsylvanian bryozoans are also known from the Russian platform and northwestern Spain, thus indicating a general Palaeotethys affinity.

Cancer commonness in Eastern and Western Libya and effect of the eating way on patients

This work provides a summary on size of food related tumors including pancreas, stomach, liver and colorectal tumors in Eastern and Western Libya from 2005 to 2009; and lung, breast and colorectal cancers at Tobruk Medical Center in 2017, and to recognize the responsibility of bad nutritional habits in growing cancer. A total of 972 cancer cases were analyzed. About, 785 cases (466 males and 319 females) were from Eastern and Western Libya and diagnosed with pancreas, stomach, liver, mouth, pharynx and colorectal cancers .Whereas, 187 cases (40 males and 147 females) were obtained from Tobruk Medical Center and diagnosed with lung, breast and colorectal cancers. A cross sectional study performed on 300 patients with pancreas, stomach, liver, mouth, pharynx and colorectal cancers at Tobruk Medical Center, Al Shefa Clinic and Al Shema Clinic in Tobruk from August 2016 to March 2018. Of 785 patients, there were 382 cases (220 males and 162 females) from Western Libya and 403 cases (246 males and 157 females) from Eastern Libya. About 59.4 % males and 40.6% females were detected with pancreas, stomach, liver, mouth, pharynx and colorectal cancers. Men are just about 18.8 % more expected than women to build up tumors. Approximately 28% males and 20.6% females from Western Libya, while 31.4% males and 20% females from Eastern Libya. Men in Eastern Libya are almost 3.4% more likely than men in Western Libya to develop cancer. While, women in Western Libya are only 0.6 % more likely than women in Eastern Libya to develop cancer. Among interviewed patients, 42% (n = 126) cases commonly consumed fast foods, while 34% (n = 102) cases rarely ate fruits and vegetables, and 24% (n = 72) patients had family history. High-quality nutrition with excellent bodily movements encourages health of patients with cancer.

Cancer commonness in Eastern and Western Libya and effect of the eating way on patients

Cancer commonness in Eastern and Western Libya and effect of the eating way on patients

Spatio Temporal Variability of Rainfall Across Western Libya from 1979 to 2009

Aims: To understand the links between climate variability and hydrology in western Libya. Background: This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of rainfall variability in western Libya at a regional scale. Objective: To assess temporal and spatial variability of rainfall in western Libya, based on data (1979-2009) from 16 rain gauges. Methods: The non-parametric Mann-Kendall method and Sen’s slop estimator were used to define changes in rainfall series and their statistical significance. Results: Coastal and mountainous time series showed decreasing trends at the annual, autumn, and spring scales, with very few exceptions. Notably, winter showed increasing trends, with the significant values of 1.94 and 0.88 mm/year at Sirt and Nalut, respectively. Desert stations showed increasing trends, especially at the annual scale, with the greatest significant increase on the order of 1.19 mm/year in Ghadames. For the regional rainfall trend analysis, annual, spring and autumn rainfalls decreased in the coastal and mountainous zones, with the highest significant decrease of 1.94 mm/year. Again, winter rainfall showed increasing trend over the whole study domain. Conclusion: Although most time series showed a tendency towards more drier conditions, most of the detected trends were statistically non-significant. This study will provide guidance for policy makers in their future planning to mitigate the impact of drought.

Evaluate Patient’s Awareness Regarding Significance of Pre-Anesthetic Checkup for Elective Surgery in Western Libya

Evaluate Patient’s Awareness Regarding Significance of Pre-Anesthetic Checkup for Elective Surgery in Western Libya

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia among School Children in Sabratha, Western Libya

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia among School Children in Sabratha, Western Libya

Haematological and cytogenetic changes in CML patients treated with imatinib mesylate in Western Libya

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloid proliferative disorder of primitive haemopoietic progenitor cells. The incidence of CML ranges between 10 and 15 cases/106 /year without any major geographic or ethnic differences. Imatinib mesylate provides good results in the treatment of CML. Early studies demonstrated that Imatinib mesylate can produce clear hematologic and cytogenetic response when used as a treatment of CML patients with positive BCR-ABL gene. Nevertheless, some patient with different stages of CML (chronic, accelerated, or acute phases) either relapse or stay unchanged for a long time after initial doses of treatment. This phenomenon led to the fact that we must explore the possible changes expected to appear if we make some changes in the treatment strategy. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate hematologic and molecular responses of CML patients to Imatinib mesylate treatment. Methods: Eighteen CML patients in chronic phase aged (24–65 years) males and females were treated with Imatinib mesylate (400, 500 or 600 mg/day) for sixteen months. Hematologic and cytogenetic changes were analyzed periodically. Results: Overall 18 cases, hematologic response of 14 cases was complete white blood cells (WBCs) decrease to normal range within 4 months) with P value of less than 0.0001 whereas in 4 cases WBCs were decreased slowly (after 8 months). A major cytogenetic response was noticed in 4 cases while in others the response was partially or in minor range. The major hematologic and cytogenetic response was noticed when using 600mg/day of Imatinib mesylate. The correlation appeared as a significant positive correlation between the treatment doses and Hb, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, esinophils%, and monocytes %. And a significant negative correlation between the treatment doses and RDW %, platelets count, WBCs count, and basophils %. On the other hand, no correlation between the treatment doses and RBCs Count, MCHC, Neutrophil % and BCR/APL ratio % Conclusion: It can be concluded that treatment of CML patients with Imatinib mesylate caused complete WBCs decrease to normal range. The major hematologic and cytogenetic response was noticed when using a higher dose of Imatinib mesylate.

Haematological and cytogenetic changes in CML patients treated with imatinib mesylate in Western Libya

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloid proliferative disorder of primitive haemopoietic progenitor cells. The incidence of CML ranges between 10 and 15 cases/106 /year without any major geographic or ethnic differences. Imatinib mesylate provides good results in the treatment of CML. Early studies demonstrated that Imatinib mesylate can produce clear hematologic and cytogenetic response when used as a treatment of CML patients with positive BCR-ABL gene. Nevertheless, some patient with different stages of CML (chronic, accelerated, or acute phases) either relapse or stay unchanged for a long time after initial doses of treatment. This phenomenon led to the fact that we must explore the possible changes expected to appear if we make some changes in the treatment strategy. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate hematologic and molecular responses of CML patients to Imatinib mesylate treatment. Methods: Eighteen CML patients in chronic phase aged (24–65 years) males and females were treated with Imatinib mesylate (400, 500 or 600 mg/day) for sixteen months. Hematologic and cytogenetic changes were analyzed periodically. Results: Overall 18 cases, hematologic response of 14 cases was complete white blood cells (WBCs) decrease to normal range within 4 months) with P value of less than 0.0001 whereas in 4 cases WBCs were decreased slowly (after 8 months). A major cytogenetic response was noticed in 4 cases while in others the response was partially or in minor range. The major hematologic and cytogenetic response was noticed when using 600mg/day of Imatinib mesylate. The correlation appeared as a significant positive correlation between the treatment doses and Hb, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, esinophils%, and monocytes %. And a significant negative correlation between the treatment doses and RDW %, platelets count, WBCs count, and basophils %. On the other hand, no correlation between the treatment doses and RBCs Count, MCHC, Neutrophil % and BCR/APL ratio % Conclusion: It can be concluded that treatment of CML patients with Imatinib mesylate caused complete WBCs decrease to normal range. The major hematologic and cytogenetic response was noticed when using a higher dose of Imatinib mesylate.