Thrombocytopenia in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Role of Platelet Transfusion

Background: To determine frequency of thrombocytopenia in NICU and to find outcome of neonates receiving multiple platelet transfusion Methods: In this cross sectional study, neonates with thrombocytopenia , admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were included. Two milliliter of blood was collected in EDTA bottle and kept on a roller mixer for mixing until a platelet count done by automated haematology analyzer. Stained film was examined under light microscope to rule out platelet clumps and to ensure that platelets had been spread evenly before actual count was done. At least two platelet readings were taken during admission. Platelets were transfused to neonates at platelet count less than 50,000. Any mortality in neonates receiving platelet transfusion was recorded during hospital stay. Results:The mean age of neonates was 2.92±2.20 days, 63.2% were male and 36.8% were females. Thrombocytopenia was present in 41.4%, percentage of neonates. Platelet transfusions were administered to 12.7% and recorded mortality was 4.5%. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia in neonates at NICU is higher while the outcome of neonates receiving platelet transfusion is appreciable

Use of Chorionic Villous Sampling for Prenatal Diagnosis of Beta Thalassaemia: Attitudes and Practices of Parents

To assess the attitudes and practices of parents of Beta-Thalassaemia Major children regarding Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS), as prenatal diagnosis in subsequent pregnancies.Methods: In this cross-sectional study a pre-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate the socio-demographic profile and attitudes of parents of 210 registered thalassaemic children, regarding CVS.Only those parents who had one or more pregnancies after the index case were included in the study. Results were entered and analyzed on SPSS version 20.Results: After the index case, 36.2% parents underwent CVS in all subsequent pregnancies . The common reasons not to utilize this facility were lack of knowledge (47.7%), careless attitude (41.7%), family pressure (4.4%) and financial issues (1.5%). Religious reason was not found in any of the cases. Majority of the families (54.3%) belonged to lower middle class financial status. There was a significant association between CVS practice and educational level of the mother and genetic counselling at the time of diagnosis of index case. In future pregnancies, 52.8% parents had no planning, while 15.7% showed interest in undergoing CVS in next pregnancies.Conclusion: Despite the availability of CVS in the country, very few families had opted for it; the major reasons being lack of knowledge, careless attitude and family pressure. As against the common thought, religious reason was not a significant factor

Churg Strauss Syndrome – Case Report

We report a 49 year old male patient who presented with swelling in both thighs without pain and dyspnea. Platelet count was low (13,000/mm3) with increased eosinophils (48.9%). Patient developed pulmonary embolism. His ADAMTS 13 level was low and was therefore diagnosed as TTP. Treatment given was corticosteroid and plasma exchange. After a year he developed a lump in the skull. Histopathology report revealed vasculitis. Due to presence of vasculitis (TTP) along with eosinophilia, patient was finally diagnosed as a case of Churg Strauss Syndrome (CSS)

Molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2: A tertiary care hospital experience from Pakistan

Objectives: The current study was conducted to assess the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population. Methodology: This study was conducted from April to July 2020, at the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) General Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan. A total of 28,274 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected in Viral Transport Medium (VTM) media from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals at the sample collection centers of our hospital and other affiliated hospitals. RNA was extracted using both automated and manual extraction platforms as per the manufacturer's instructions. Multiple qualitative reverse transcription real-time PCR kits for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 were used. Results: The results showed that 1,722 (6.09%) were positive for SARA-CoV-2 RNA. The males exhibited a prevalence of 2.76% while females showed a high prevalence of 13.44%. Among males,  most patients 424 (31.47%) were in the age group of 31-40 years followed by the age group of 41-50 years 306 (22.71%). Similarly among females, the majority of patients were from the age group 31-40 years with 91 (24.66%) followed by 41-50 years of age group 70 (18.66%) confirmed cases. Conclusion: The molecular epidemiological data may support the national policy formulation, transmission tracking, and the execution of measures to control viral transmission

Ectomycorrhizal Fungi as Biofertilizers in Forestry

Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) is an association of fungi with the roots of higher plants in which both the species are equally benefited and appears to be important for the survival of both parties, and no doubt this association offered extensive benefits in the restoration of forest and ecosystem soil aggregation and stabilization. The most important and vital role of ECM fungi, which is analyzed globally, is that they are best and environment friendly biofertilizers. ECM fungi considered as a biotechnological tool in forest management because their role in reforestation, bioremediation, control of soil pathogen, and restoration of ecosystem is reviewed extensively. ECM fungi not only increase the biomass of edible fruiting bodies but also improve soil structure, nutrient cycle, and also produce phytohormones, which increase the growth and survival of seedlings and enhance the photosynthetic rate of plants and also maintain their tolerance level against environmental stresses in forest nursery. Ectomycorrhizas also reduce fertilization expenses in an environment friendly manner. The importance of ECM fungi and mycorrhizal helper bacteria for the growth enhancement of the economically important trees and significantly important role in restoration of sites degraded by forestry operation

Pattern of Haemoglobin Disorders

Background: To study the pattern of differenthaemoglobin disorders in our set up.Methods: In this descriptive study, patients referred forhaemoglobin electrophoresis were included. Detailedclinical history was taken. Physical findings were noted.Peripheral blood film and haemoglobin electrophoresiswas performed .Results: Out of total 666 referred cases , 176 (26.4%)were detected to have abnormal haemoglobin. Thecommonest disorder was beta thalassaemia trait (13.2%).Beta thalassaemia major was found in 9.9 % cases. Otherhaemoglobin disorders like HbD,HbE, and HbS alone orin combination with beta thalassaemia were detected in2.95% cases. One case of beta thalassaemia minor revealednormal pattern on haemoglobin electrophoresis and wasdiagnosed on molecular studiesConclusion: The increased trend of haemoglobinelectrophoresis employment predicts a decline inhomozygous states of autosomal recessive haemoglobindisorder