The development of erythrocyte alloantibodies complicates transfusion therapy in β thalassemia major patients. These antibodies increase the need for blood and intensify transfusion complications. Data on erythrocyte alloimmunization is scarce in Yemeni thalassemia patients. We studied the frequency of alloimmunization in multitransfused β-thalassemia major patients and investigated risk factors that affect antibody formation. Blood samples were taken from 100 β thalassemia major patients who received multitransfused leukodepleted packed red-blood cells. Antibody screening and identification were performed by indirect antiglobulin test using the gel column technique. All patients were tested for autoantibodies using autocontrol and direct antiglobulin test. No adsorption test was done as no autoantibodies were detected in any patient. In our study of 100 β-thalassemia patients, 50 were male and 50 were female with ages ranging from 1 to 30 years. Alloantibodies were present in 6% of patients, while no autoantibodies were detected. Of the 17 alloantibodies identified, the majority were directed against Kell (41.2%) and Rh (29.4%) blood groups. Alloimmunization was significantly associated with age group and sex (p = 0.013, p = 0.030), respectively in β thalassemia major patients. The development of alloantibodies was not significantly associated with duration, total number of transfusions and splenectomy (P = 0.445, P = 0.125, P = 0.647). No autoantibodies found in patients with β thalassemia major. The study found low rates of erythrocyte alloimmunization in multitransfused β-thalassemia major patients, but significant alloantibodies were produced primarily from Kell and Rh blood groups, suggesting the need for providing phenotypically matched cells for selective antigens to improve transfusion efficiency.

COVID‐19 is a global pandemic viral infection that has affected millions worldwide. Limited data is available on the effect of COVID‐19 on hematological parameters in Saudi Arabia. This study is aimed at examining the role of hematological parameters among COVID‐19 patients admitted to King Khalid Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective, hospital‐based study of 514 cases who were recruited during August to October 2020. 257 COVID‐19 patients formed the study group, and a further 257 negative subjects formed the control group. Anemia was significantly elevated in positive subjects over controls (respectively, 64.2% and 35.8%), with patients 2.5 times more likely to be anemic (p < 0.01). Thrombocytopenia was higher in patients over controls (respectively, 62% and 38%), with patients ~1.7 times more likely to be thrombocytopenic (p < 0.01). Moreover, leukopenia was significantly higher in patients over controls (respectively, 71% and 29%), with positive subjects ~2.6 times more likely to be leukopenic. Our study results indicate that mild anemia associated with leukopenia may have diagnostic value for COVID‐19. Careful assessment of hematological parameters, at baseline and throughout the disease path, will assist physicians in formulating personalized approaches to treatment and promptly offer intensive care to those in greater need.

Background: Obesity is a critical public health issue, marked by an accumulation of adipose tissue that presents numerous health hazards, with recent focus on the link between obesity and inflammation, especially in the context of inflammatory biomarkers as indicators of metabolic abnormalities related to obesity. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and hematological indicators of inflammation with anthropometric obesity measures in obese and non-obese healthy adults. Methods: The study employed a case control design involving both obese and non-obese healthy adults. The research evaluated anthropometric indicators. Blood samples were collected from participants to measure complete blood count (CBC), CRP and ESR. Platelet /Lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Monocyte/Lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated. Results: A significant association exists between familial obesity, lack of physical activity, and constipation persistence in obese individuals compared to non-obese individuals. In the obese cohort, mean values of white blood cells (TWBCs), neutrophils, monocytes, platelet count, NLR, PLR, MLR, and SII were elevated compared to the non-obese group. Statistically significant differences in ESR and CRP were noted between the two populations. A positive correlation exists between TWBCs and WHR, whereas lymphocytes correlate positively with WHR and negatively with body fat percentage. Eosinophils exhibited negative associations with obesity metrics, while ESR and CRP had significant positive correlations with obesity indicators like BMI and body fat percentage; PLR showed a negative relationship with WHR and a positive one with body fat percentage, lacking significant correlations with BMI, WC, HC, or abdominal obesity. Conclusion: The research indicates significant elevations in hematological biomarkers among obese individuals, highlighting a probable link between obesity and inflammation, with specific inflammatory markers potentially serving as predictors of obesity-related health risks.

Background: The ABO and Lewis blood group antigens are potential factors in susceptibility to H. pylori infection. This research aimed to examine the prevalence of Helicobater pylori (H.pylori) infection and its association with ABO, Lewis blood group systems, and secretory status in Yemeni symptomatic patients. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 103 patients referred for endoscopy due to dyspepsia were included. H pylori infection was assessed using stool antigen and serum antibody rapid tests. ABO and Lewis blood group systems were examined using hemagglutination assay. Saliva samples were investigated for identification of the secretory phenotype using hemagglutination inhibition test. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was (80.6%), with a higher rate of infection in females than males. The ABO blood groups were found to be significantly different between males and females (p = 0.047). The O blood group was prevalent among H. pylori patients, especially secretors. There was a significant association between ABO blood groups and H. pylori infection (p = 0.001). The Le (a + b+) phenotype was the most common, followed by Le (a + b-), Le (a-b+), and Le (a-b-). Lewis blood group systems and secretory status of symptomatic patients were not associated with H. pylori infection. The results showed that serum Ab test for H. pylori achieved poor sensitivity (68%), specificity of 55%; positive predictive value (PPV) 86%, negative predictive value (NPV) 29% and accuracy 65.1%. Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was high in Yemeni patients. This infection was linked to the O and Le (a + b+) secretor phenotype. The H. pylori stool Ag test is the most reliable noninvasive diagnostic method for detecting H. pylori infection.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of total blood cell abnormalities, hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency and evaluate the efficacy of red blood cell (RBC) indices, mentzer index (MI) and naked-eye single tube red cell osmotic fragility (NESTROF) test as screening tools for diagnosis of β thalassemia trait among Yemeni blood donors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 volunteer blood donors who met the national standard criterion of blood donation. Various tests were performed, including complete blood count (CBC), serum ferritin, sickling test, G6PD assay, NESTROF test and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The prevalence of hematological abnormalities among blood donors reached 68.9%, with functional RBC abnormalities at 51.9%, leukopenia at 10.4%, thrombocytosis at 1.9%, and thrombocytopenia at 4.7%. Additionally, hemoglobinopathies were found in 21.7% of donors, with β-thalassemia trait at 3.8%, sickle cell trait at 1.9%, and suspected α-thalassemia trait at 16%, while G6PD deficiency and iron deficiency were present in 12.3% and 17.9% of donors, respectively. The NESTROF test, MCV and MCH demonstrated a sensitivity rate of 100%. MI and MCH exhibited the highest specificity followed by NESTROF test in the screening of β-thalassemia trait. The prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency appear to be common among Yemeni blood donors. These results emphasize the necessity of comprehensive blood donation screening programs to safeguard the blood supply and promote early detection and management of hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency in Yemen.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent disorder resulting from a beta-globin gene mutation, causing the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S. The disease can manifest with sickled cells, leading to hemolysis, anemia, painful episodes, organ damage, and potentially death. The timely identification of SCD is pivotal in diminishing mortality rates and facilitating effective disease management. Consequently, a variety of methodologies have been formulated to identify SCD and carrier states with elevated sensitivity and specificity. These methodologies encompass screening assessments such as complete blood count, peripheral blood smears, and the sickling test; confirmatory evaluations like hemoglobin separation techniques; and genetic examinations, which tend to be costlier and require execution in centralized laboratories by highly trained professionals. Nevertheless, innovative portable point-of-care (POC) methodologies have been established to offer an economical, straightforward, and user-friendly apparatus for the detection of SCD. Examples include the integration of solubility tests with portable devices, the application of smartphone microscopic classifications, image processing techniques, rapid immunoassays, and sensor-based platforms. This chapter elucidates the existing and new emerging strategies for the identification of SCD and underscores the various potential approaches that could be utilized to assist in the prompt diagnosis of SCD.