Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia in Kuwait.

Although not regularly transfused, patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) are prone to iron overload and its complications. Their molecular, phenotypical and laboratory characteristics vary in different populations and there is a need to document local prevailing patterns. We have reviewed the records of our patients with NTDT in Kuwait and documented their clinical and molecular characteristics in addition to iron status [serum ferritin and liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2*], management and complications.

Transcranial Doppler and brain MRI in children with sickle cell disease and high hemoglobin F levels.

Background/objective: While overt stroke and silent brain infarcts (SBI) are uncommon among Kuwaiti patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), there have been no previous transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies in this population. The main objective of this study is to determine TCD velocities in a group of Kuwaiti children with SCD and correlate same with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) findings.

Materials And Methods: Forty-three steady-state, pediatric patients with SCD aged 10.

Hypercoagulable state and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutation in patients with beta-thalassemia major in Kuwait.

Introduction: Patients with thalassemia major often present with a hypercoagulable state, the pathogenesis of which is still not understood.

Materials And Methods: This study evaluates the risk factors for hypercoagulability in 50 beta-thalassemia major patients and 50 healthy controls. Fasting total homocysteine, protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin (AT), activated protein C resistance (APCR) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) were assessed.

Effects of cigarette smoking on hematological parameters and von Willebrand factor functional activity levels in asymptomatic male and female Arab smokers.

Objectives: This study aimed at determining the effects of cigarette smoking based on gender, on several hematological parameters and von Willebrand factor protein in the asymptomatic Arab population of Kuwait.

Subjects And Methods: Ninety-two subjects participated in this study: 55 males (31 smokers and 24 nonsmokers) and 37 females (18 smokers and 19 nonsmokers). Complete blood count results were obtained using Beckman Coulter Hematology Analyzer.