Adiponectin and Disease Severity in Sickle Cell Anemia Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Institution in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria.

Hemoglobin polymerization in sickle cell anemia (SCA) leads to abnormally rigid and adhesive erythrocytes that obstruct blood vessels, leading to poor tissue perfusion, hence provoking inflammation and damage of surrounding tissues. Adiponectin, a protein hormone, presumptively has anti-inflammatory characteristics, hence may be an important therapeutic target in SCA. The aim of the study was to evaluate the status of adiponectin and its correlation with disease severity in SCA.

Evaluation of serum ferritin levels and blood counts in apparently normal individuals in Nnewi, South-east Nigeria.

Introduction: Serum ferritin levels as well as blood counts are variously affected in diverse disease conditions, particularly those characterized by inflammation.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and blood counts in apparently healthy Nigerian subjects.

Subjects And Methods: Five (5ml) of venous blood was collected for full blood count, malaria parasite, serum ferritin and C- reactive protein (CRP) estimation from 88 apparently healthy subjects.

Normal pregnancy and coagulation profile: from the first through the third trimester.

Background: Normal pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state; a physiological safety valve aimed at preventing excessive maternal blood loss at delivery.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of normal pregnancy on blood coagulation and to explore changes in activity from the first through the third trimester.

Subject And Methods: Sixty (60) apparently healthy pregnant women (20 from each trimester) and 20 healthy non-pregnant age-matched controls were recruited.