Plasma Concentration of 12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of 12-Lipooxygenase Gene and Vaso-Occlusion in Sickle Cell Disease.

In the light of previous findings that inflammation predisposes to intercellular adhesion and microvascular occlusion in sickle cell disease (SCD), this study investigated the relationship between the number of vaso-occlusive events in SCD, plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory molecules 12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) TNF-α and IL-1β; and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene 12-Lipooxygenase (ALOX-12), which encodes the enzyme 12-Lipoxygenase that catalyzes the biosynthesis of 12-HETE. To evaluate the relationship between vaso-occlusion in SCD and plasma concentrations of 12-HETE, TNF-α, and IL-1β; and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ALOX-12 gene. In 50 HbSS patients, the numbers of vaso-occlusive crisis requiring hospital treatment in the previous 1 year and the vaso-occlusive complications of SCD developed to date (e.

Pattern of blood donation and characteristics of blood donors in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

Background: Despite increasing need for blood donation in medical practice, little is known about pattern of blood donation and characteristics of blood donors in some African populations like Nigeria. This information is necessary in designing strategies and policies for improving blood transfusion services in Africa.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of blood donation and characteristics of blood donors in Enugu, Southeast, Nigeria.

Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Frequency of Painful Crises among Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Nigeria.

Introduction: The severity of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) in terms of frequency of painful Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOC) may be affected by clinical and haematological parameters amongst others. Elucidation of these factors in a given disease prevalent environment is necessary for prompt and effective management of patients with frequent painful VOC.

Aim: This study aimed at determining the clinical and laboratory predictors of frequency of painful VOC among SCA patients in Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria.

Frequency and clinical impact of ETV6/RUNX1, AF4-MLL, and BCR/ABL fusion genes on features of acute lymphoblastic leukemia at presentation.

Background: Variations in disease presentation and outcome of leukemia treatment has been associated with the presence of certain mutant genes. Three major translocations (ETV6-RUNX1, BCR-ABL, and AF4-MLL) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been shown to affect treatment outcome. This study is aimed at assessing the relationship between these translocations and the presence of other indicators of disease severity (white cell count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, and hematocrit) in ALL.

Pattern and prevelence of alloimmunization in multiply transfused patients with sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

Background And Study Objectives: Blood transfusion is central in the prevention and treatment of certain chronic complications of sickle cell disease. It is indispensible in correcting anaemias as well as in the practice of exchange blood transfusion. These gains are largely limited by formation of allo-antibodies.