Hiren Sanghani

Abstract

Introduction: Hemoglobinopathies are the most common group of single gene disorders worldwide. These disorders are major public health problem in many parts of the world including India with cumulative gene frequency of 4.2%. To reduce the burden of homozygotes of these disorders, it is essential that the carrier stage detection with genetic counseling in young individuals is done by a cost effective screening program. Aims and Objectives: To establish screening tests like red cell indices, solubility test for Hb S and hemoglobin electrophoresis and screen students of GMERS medical college, Junagadh for hemoglobinopathies and confirming suspected cases of β-thalassemia minor and HbD at Red Cross Society laboratory, Ahmedabad. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, blood samples were collected in EDTA vacutainers from 150 students of GMERS Medical College, Junagadh, (Gujarat). Red blood cell indices, solubility test for Hb S and qualitative Hemoglobin Electrophoresis on agarose gel were performed to know the type of hemoglobin variant. Low Hb, MCV & MCH and borderline or high RBC count were suggestive of thalassemia minor. Confirmation of Hb D and suspected β-thalassemia minor cases was done by HPLC at Red Cross Society laboratory, Ahmedabad. Results and Conclusion: Out of 150 medical students screened, 72 were males sand 78 were females with mean age of 19 years. Hemoglobinopathies were detected in 18 students with prevalence of 12%. Seven cases of sickle trait, 1 case of sickle disease, 7 cases of β-thalassemia minor and 3 cases of heterozygous Hb D were detected. Red blood cell indices, Solubility test for Hb S and agarose gel Hb electrophoresis are convenient and cost effective techniques, where costly equipments are not affordable. Both medical and paramedical persons can be easily trained in these screening techniques. Detecting carriers by screening medical students for hemoglobinopathies and providing genetic counseling, we can hope to produce sensitized doctors, who will contribute in reducing prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in future. Keywords: Hemoglobinopathies, β-thalassemia, Red cell indices, Hb electrophoresis.

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Abstract

Introduction: Serum creatinine is a useful diagnostic parameter of kidney function. Its concentration reflects glomerular filtration rate. Because of negative interference of bilirubin over creatinine level, may mislead the clinician. The most common and serious problems in the determination of serum creatinine concentration by the kinetic Jaffe method is the negative interference by bilirubin. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 160 patients which have high bilirubin level, taken from B. J. Medical College, Civil hospital, Ahmedabad from August 2013 to December 2013. These samples were studied for interference of total bilirubin on measurement of Serum creatinine level before and after treating with deproteinizer (trichloroacetic acid 0.55 mmol/ltr). Serum bilirubin and serum creatinine level were measured by modified Jendrassik & Groff’s method and kinetic Jaffe’s reaction respectively by using Erba XL-640 fully auto analyzer. Results: In this study significant difference was found in Serum Creatinine level with the samples of high bilirubin content before and after treating with deproteinizer (trichloroacetic acid) (pPreprecipitation of albumin along with bilirubin by trichloroacetic acid beforehand is suggested as an approach to correct the bilirubin interference. Conclusion: From this study it is concluded that bilirubin have negative interference on serum creatinine level. And this is corrected by using deproteinizer trichloroacetic acid. Keywords: Serum Creatinine, Serum bilirubin, Negative .intereference

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Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies suggest a protective role of the essential trace elements against cardiovascular disease, whereas wistful epidemiological data remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the alteration in concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in patients presented with coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods: In this case control study 100 normal healthy controls and 100 patients diagnosed with acute coronary artery diseases were enrolled. Serum copper and serum zinc concentration were measured in both the groups. Results and Observations: Serum copper concentration was significantly higher in patient of acute coronary artery disease (141.0±15.2) compared to controls (97.0±10.8). Serum zinc concentration was significantly lower in patient of acute coronary artery disease (70.0±8.8) compared to controls (100.0±13.2). And the ratio of serum Cu: Zn almost double in patient of acute coronary artery disease patients compared to normal healthy individuals. Conclusion: From the present study, it is concluded that decreased serum zinc and increased serum copper levels are associated with coronary artery disease. Moreover, results demonstrate that increased serum Cu: Zn ratio can diagnose occurrence of vascular events even in CAD patients. Keywords: Coronary artery disease, Serum copper, Serum zinc.

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