Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 and impaired fibrinolysis in pregnancy and sickle cell anemia.

Purpose: This is the first study that aimed to determine antigen levels in plasma and genotypes of PAI-2 in pregnant and non-pregnant homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients.

Methods: The study subjects were all Bahraini females in the reproductive age group. The study population included 31 pregnant homozygous SS (SCA) patients.

A pilot study on screening for gestational/congenital toxoplasmosis of pregnant women at delivery in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Globally, congenital toxoplasmosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and outbreaks of T. gondii infection represent a major public health threat, especially in developing countries. Evidence in the literature indicates that only a few studies have been conducted on the incidence of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis in Saudi Arabia.

Genetic analysis of TMPRSS6 gene in Saudi female patients with iron deficiency anemia.

Objective/background: Mutations in transmembrane protease serine 6 (TMPRSS6) gene induce high hepcidin level, which causes iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) by preventing duodenal iron absorption. This study aims to identify the common genetic variations of the TMPRSS6 gene that affect iron levels among Saudi female patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Methods: All study participants were Saudi females (12-49 years old): 32 patients with IDA, 32 patients with IRIDA, and 34 healthy individuals comprising the control group.