Background: Many formulas from red blood cell (RCB) indices are instructed to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait. None had 100% Youden index. Aim of the work: To introduce two new formulas and evaluate them in the differentiation between IDA and beta thalassemia trait in adults Saudi (male and female; male; female) in the Makkah region. Furthermore, to evaluate the previous formulas in our population. Methods: A total of 249 participants, 91 with IDA, 123 with beta thalassemia trait, and 35 healthy persons. All subjected to complete blood count, measurement of iron profile, hemoglobin electrophoresis and hemoglobin A2 by column chromatography. The first new formula equal hemoglobin (Hb) + hematocrit (Hct) + RBC and second equals Hb + Hct + RBC-red cell distribution (RDW). The previous formula used is England and Fraser, Mentzer, Strivastava, Ehsani, Green and King, red cell distribution index, Ricerca, and Shine and Lal Results: In both men and women, the England and Fraser was the best with a Youden's index of 70.4%, followed by Green and King 67.4%. In men, the England and Fraser and our new formula 1 had the highest Youden’ index 84.7% and 84.1%, respectively. In women, the England and Fraser and RDW index had the highest Youden’ index 74% and 69.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The England and Fraser and our new formula 1 are the best formulas in men. The England and Fraser and RDW index are the best formulas in women.

The aims of this study were to detect the frequency at which the different types of neonatal jaundice occur in Makkah and to estimate the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. This study included 239 neonates with neonatal jaundice, 20 anemic neonates and 21 healthy neonates. ABO incompatibility was observed in 31.6% of neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia, in 14.3% of those with early onset jaundice, in 9.5% of those with persistent jaundice, in 8.5% of those with physiological jaundice, in 5% of anemic neonates and in 12% of all neonates. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency was observed in 10.5% of neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia, in 3.9% of those with physiological jaundice, in 11.1% of those with direct hyperbilirubinemia, in 12% of those with persistent jaundice, in 10% of anemic neonates and in 6.6% of all neonates. Rh incompatibility and polycythemia were found in 2.6% of neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia and in 0.4% of all neonates. In comparison to control group, MDA was significantly higher in all groups except for the anemic group. In conclusion, ABO incompatibility and G6PD deficiency frequently result in neonatal jaundice in Makkah, whereas Rh incompatibility and polycythemia are rare. The MDA level may serve as an indicator of oxidative stress.

Background: Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies have significant complications on the children's health. Also, they have a higher cost for treatment. The prevalence of these diseases differs from one area to another in Saudi Arabia. Aims: To detect the different hemoglobin abnormality and their frequency in the premarital population in Makkah city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 473 subjects who attended the premarital screening tests at the maternity and children Hospital laboratory and Heraa hospital. We were collected the data of the complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and iron profile from the participants. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS program version 20. Results: 74.8% of the participants were normal, 9.3% had iron deficiency anemia (IDA), 6.3% were suspected to be alpha thalassemia trait, 3.4% had sickle cell trait, 3% were polycythemia, 1.5% had hereditary persistence fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), 1.1% were IDA with thalassemia trait, 0.4% were beta thalassemia trait, 0.2% had hemoglobin E trait. Conclusion: thalassemia trait and hemoglobinopathies are present in the premarital population in Makkah city at a low prevalence. The highest frequency was for the alpha thalassemia trait, then sickle cell trait, then HPFH, then beta-thalassemia trait, and lastly, hemoglobin E trait. IDA is present at a high frequency. Education to the population is essential to decrease the prevalence of these disorders.

Background and Objectives: Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) impose a considerable healthcare burden globally. Despite rigorous screening protocols, these infections can still be present among apparently healthy blood donors, potentially compromising the safety of transfusion recipients. Understanding the frequency of TTIs among blood donors is crucial for ensuring a healthy blood supply and gaining insights into the epidemiology of these infections within a community. Materials and Methods: The main objective of this study is to determine the frequency of TTIs among healthy blood donors, aged 18 to 60 years, at King Abdulaziz Hospital in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected retrospectively at the blood bank center from 1 January 2023, to 31 December 2023. Results: There were 8831 blood donors included. Saudi participants emerged as the dominant nationality, comprising 57% of the total sample (5036 out of 8831 donors). The prevalence of TTIs among blood donors varied according to the individual markers used. The overall TTI reactivity rates were low. Anti-HBc was the most common TTI-positive marker (7.5%), followed by syphilis (0.5%), HBV NAT (0.3%), HBsAg, and anti-HCV (0.3%). On the other hand, the lowest TTI-positive markers were HIV-1/-P2 and HTLV-1/-2 (0.04%). In Saudi participants, the most prevalent TTI marker was anti-HBc with a rate of 5.8% (293 out of 5036), followed by HBsAg (0.3%), syphilis (0.3%), and HBV NAT (0.2%). Conclusions: The present study found that HBV outperformed other TTI markers compared to the regional reports. However, in our research and the earlier reports, the rates of seropositive patients were noticeably low for HIV, HTLV, and malaria, while the rate for syphilis was higher, particularly among non-Saudi donors. NAT assays are crucial for screening blood donations for TTIs, which can help the early detection of infections and significantly reduce serological window periods. For a precise estimation of the frequency of TTIs, large prospective multicenter studies from various regions of the KSA are required.