Serum immunoglobulin and complement levels in patients with sickle cell anaemia from eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement (C3, C4) levels were determined in 61 sickle cell anaemia patients of various age groups and both sexes in their steady state by nephelometry. Serum IgG was found to be consistently elevated in 46% cases of all age groups. Increase in the levels of IgA, IgM and in the complement values (C3, C4) was also observed.

Pathological fracture of vertebral column in association with sickle cell anemia in Saudi Arabia.

We describe two cases of sickle cell anemia who were admitted in the hospital with the complaint of backache. X-ray examination and bone scan revealed pathological fracture of vertebral column. These cases are of interest since sickle cell anemia in the Eastern part of Saudi Arabia is reported to run a relatively 'benign' course.

Severe congenital factor X deficiency with intracranial haemorrhage.

A Saudi Arabian infant with severe factor X deficiency who had had two intracranial haemorrhages is described. Attempts to raise his factor X level and improve his prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) by using vitamin K, oestradiol and danazol have failed. New therapeutic trials are necessary for patients with severe forms of this rare disorder.