Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation in sickle cell anaemia patients in Lagos, Nigeria.

Introduction: The significant causes of mortality among individuals with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) such as acute chest syndrome and cerebrovascular disease are related to vascular occlusion. Polymorphisms of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in persons with sickle cell anaemia have been suggested as a potential risk for vaso-occlusive events, with the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms being the commonest. This study therefore aimed to establish the pattern of MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene mutations among adults with HbSS phenotype attending the Haematology Clinic in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Lagos, Nigeria.

The cost-effectiveness of predonation screening for transfusion transmissible infections using rapid test kits in a hospital-based blood transfusion centre.

Objective: Blood transfusion practice emphasises safety, efficacy and appropriate use. These require cost-effective programme management. This study focused on the cost of screening for transfusion transmissible infections (TTI).

Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus antibodies amongst normal pregnant women in Nigeria.

Objective: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous virus belonging to the herpes family, is known to be transmitted frequently to developing fetuses in pregnancy. In an immunocompromised state like pregnancy, primary infection through blood transfusion or reactivation of a latent CMV infection can cause severe illness. The study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to cytomegalovirus amongst pregnant women in correlation with previous exposure to blood transfusion.