Efficacy and Safety of Hydroxyurea as Adjuvant Therapy in Pediatric Patients of Transfusion-Dependent Beta-Thalassemia Major at Zhob, Balochistan.

Background Hydroxyurea is being used effectively in sickle cell anemia and thalassemia intermedia. Its role in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia major yet needs to be clearly established. This study has been carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxyurea as adjuvant therapy in pediatric cases of transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia major disease.

Role of genetic counselling in prenatal diagnosis of β-thalassaemia in Pakistan.

Objective: To compare the response towards prenatal diagnosis (PND) of b-thalassaemia, in individuals who had not received genetic counselling and a genetically counselled population.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Place And Duration Of Study: Department of Haematology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from March 2009 to December 2010.

Prevalence of various mutations in beta thalassaemia and its association with haematological parameters.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of various mutations in beta (beta) thalassaemia and its association with haematological parameters.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Haematology, Armed Forced Institute of Pathology (AFIP) from February 2009 to January 2010. A total of 515 carriers having beta thalassaemia mutations characterized by Multiplex amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) were included in the study.

Frequency of Janus associated kinase 2 (V617F) mutation in patients of polycythemia vera.

Objective: To determine the frequency of Janus associated kinase 2 ( JAK2) mutation in patients of polycythemia vera (PV).

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional.

Place And Duration Of Study: Haematology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from January 2008 to December 2009.