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Background: The inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of type‐2 diabetes progression, and the mechanism remains unclear. The systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammatory marker for type 2 diabetes patients and integrates multiple indicators in complete blood counts and routine blood tests. Aim: Since there is no international diagnostic standard for dry eye disease (DED), this study uses low‐cost inflammatory blood biomarkers to investigate the correlation between SII and DM2–DED and determine the diagnosis indices of other biomarkers in DM2–DED. Methodology: A case‐control retrospective analysis of totel patients n = 293 randomly selected and categorized into four groups: DED, DM2, DM2‐DED, and healthy subjects. Demographic and blood biomarker variables were classified as categorical and continuous variables. The platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocytes‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and SII were calculated platelet count multiply by NLR and analyzed for their correlation for all groups. Results: Focusing on DM2‐DED patients was more common in females, 59.6%, than in males, 40.2%. The mean ages were 60.7 ± 11.85 years, a statistically significant difference with all groups. In the study group DM2‐DED, there was an increase in all blood markers compared to all remaining groups except PLR. Only neutrophil, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and fasting blood sugar levels were statistically significant differences in DM2‐DED patients (p > 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to all groups. There was a positive correlation between HbA1c and PLR, HbA1c and NLR, and HbA1c and SII (r = 0.037, p = 0.705; r = 0.031, p = 0.754; and r = 0.066, p < 0.501, respectively) in the DM2‐DED group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that elevated SII values were linked to elevated HbA1c in DM2‐DED patients. The potential of SII and HbA1c as early diagnostic indicators for ocular problems associated with diabetes mellitus is highlighted by their favorable connection in diagnosing DM2‐DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Complete blood count (CBC) parameters change throughout pregnancy and are thought to be one of the factors affecting the pregnancy’s outcome. This study aims to report variations in CBC parameters throughout pregnancy and their association with maternal age and gravidity. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study in which CBC data from 234 pregnancies with normal full-term delivery in 2020 were evaluated and grouped depending on maternal age and gravidity. Results: Hemoglobin levels decreased significantly from the first to the second trimester (P < 0.0001) and then slightly increased in the third trimester. Red blood cells decreased significantly from the first to the second trimester and remained unchanged in the third trimester (P < 0.0001). Packed cell volume decreased significantly from the first to the second trimester (P < 0.0001) and then increased in the third trimester (P = 0.0178). White blood cells (WBCs) increased significantly from the first to the second trimester (P < 0.0001) and then remained stable in the third trimester. Neutrophils and lymphocytes showed opposed tendencies, with neutrophils increasing significantly from the first to the second trimester (P < 0.0001) and then remaining stable in the third trimester (P = 0.42). Lymphocytes decreased significantly from the first to the second trimester (P < 0.0001) and continued to decrease in the third trimester (P < 0.0001). Monocytes increased significantly from the first to the third trimester (P = 0.0051). Platelets decreased significantly from the first to the third trimester (P < 0.0001). Gravidity showed a negative correlation with WBC count (r = −0.17, P = 0.01) and a positive correlation with eosinophil levels (r = 0.14, P = 0.0376). Spearman’s correlations revealed no significant differences in maternal age groups. Conclusions: Our findings provide useful insight for physicians and policymakers in assessing CBC during pregnancy and providing optimal care. Furthermore, the associations between gravidity and WBC (negative) and eosinophil levels (positive) point to a potential effect of reproductive history on immune function, necessitating additional research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are a group of inherited disorders triggered by defects in globin genes which lead to abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) level and structure with reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Qualitative and quantitative laboratory measurements are routinely used to diagnose and differentiate various types of hemoglobinopathies. However, these measurements vary across diseases and populations. Aims: To report the measurement of Hb variants in a Saudi cohort of patients with hemoglobinopathies and hemoglobinopathy traits (sickle-cell and thalassemia traits). Methods: This was a retrospective study on patients with hemoglobinopathies who attended King Abdulaziz Medical City (Jeddah city, Western Saudi Arabia) in 2019. The data comprised patient diagnosis, age, gender, complete blood count and Hb electrophoresis. Results: The study included 184 patients (52% females, 48% males) of which 70% were aged >12 years, 28% aged >1-12 years and 2% aged <1 year. Maximum patients were diagnosed with sickle cell disease (61%) followed by hemoglobinopathy trait (19%). Hb concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly reduced in children and adolescent and above age group patients whereas in infants, no significant difference was found in RBC count and PCV. The mean HbA% was highest in alpha-thalassemia trait (97%) followed by beta-thalassemia minor (92.8%). Moreover, HbD disease was found in 82.8%, HbC disease in 67.6%, betathalassemia intermediate in 51.8%, sickle cell trait in 47.5% and HbE disease in only 12%. In addition, HbF and HbA2 were present in all detected hemoglobinopathies and traits at varying levels. Conclusion: Hemoglobinopathies and hemoglobinopathy traits require comprehensive laboratory examination using CBC, blood cell morphology, qualitative and quantitative electrophoresis. The results indicate the importance of quantifying HbA, HbF and HbA2 to aid in the differential diagnosis of different types of hemoglobinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ß-thalassemia is an autosomal disorder of the blood caused by mutations in HBB gene responsible for the production of ß-globin. The HBB mutations reduce the synthesis of ß-globin which results in severe anemia. A high frequency of ß-thalassemia is reported in Saudi Arabia, and hence this study assessed the most frequent ß-thalassemia mutations in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Data of preimplantation genetic diagnosis and gene sequencing for 59 ß-thalassemia patients and carriers were collected from the electronic medical record system at KFSH and RC and were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: Twelve mutations were confirmed in the five regions investigated in this study. Cd39 was identified as the most frequent mutation with a frequency of 22.7%, with high prevalence in the central parts of Saudi Arabia. IVS-II-1 G > A was the second frequent mutation observed with a frequency of 21.2%, while IVS-I-1 (G-A) and IVS I-130G>C mutations were observed to be least frequent in the study. Of the 12 gene mutations, 85% were frequently observed in Saudi Arabia, while 15% were less frequent. The regional distribution of HBB gene mutations varied considerably. Conclusion: The population diversity in Saudi Arabia contributes to the variability in the prevalence rates of HBB gene mutations. Nevertheless, this study identifies Cd39 and IVS-II-1 G > A as the predominant mutations in HBB gene in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a worldwide known hematological disorder that is characterized by a lack of red blood cells (RBC) or hemoglobin; there are more than four hundred types of anemia with several causes and many structures, all of them are categorized according to three features, which are blood loss, decreased RBC production in bone marrow, and their abnormal destruction. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the bone marrow activity to find the types of anemia associated with the failure of this activity, and the types that are related to active bone marrow. Methodology: This is a retrospective chart review study conducted to assess the bone marrow response to anemia among anemic patients seeking consultation at the King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia throughout the year of 2016. The participants in this study included 322 patients (37 infants, 105 children, 22 youth, 112 adult and 46 elderly). The gender distribution was 152 males and 170 females. The selection criteria were based on presence of anemia. Non-anemic patients were excluded. Complete blood count (CBC) and reticulocyte production index (RPI) results were used to assess the bone marrow response to anemia. Results: The results of CBC and RPI showed 83 (25.8%) anemia with effective bone marrow response and 239 (74.2%) anemia with ineffective bone marrow response. With regard to gender, the results showed 41 (27%) anemia with effective bone marrow response in males and 42 (24.7%) in females, 111 (73%) anemia with ineffective bone marrow response in males and 138 (75.3%) in females. Conclusion: The anemia with ineffective bone marrow response was highly frequent in the study sample, while the anemia with effective bone marrow response was lower. Regarding the gender group, ineffective bone marrow response pattern is more common among females, while the ineffective bone marrow response pattern was found to be with a high frequency in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Rhesus (Rh) blood group system is one of the most polymorphic and immunogenic systems known in humans, because of its immunogenicity along with ABO grouping, RhD antigen testing was made mandatory before issuing a compatible blood. At present, there are five major antigens, i.e., D, C, E, c, and e in Rh blood group system. Aims: The aim of this study is to provide essential data about the distribution of the major Rh antigens and the most common phenotype among the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study to evaluate the Rh grouping and Rh sub-groups performed among some donors who donated blood or blood products at the department of donation center at King Abdulaziz Medical City Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Sample size included 600 donors. Donors are males and females and their ages are above 18 years. Results: The incidence of RhD was 84.8% and only 15.2% of samples were negative for D antigen. The Incidence of other Rh antigens C, E, c, and e were 62.3%, 23.5%, 74.3%, and 95.0%, respectively. The most common phenotype among RhD positive donors was DCcee (28.7%) and among RhD negative donors was dccee (13.7%). However, three donors (0.5%) were negative for antithetical antigens C and c. Conclusion: This study shows that there is a wide racial and geographical variation in the distribution of Rh antigens and phenotypes among study participants. The Rh blood group system has a vital role in population genetic study and in resolving medical legal issues and more importantly in transfusion medicine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cells (RBCs) count and hemoglobin (Hb) are less than the normal range. The main causes of anemia are a decrease in RBCs, their destruction and decrease of Hb synthesis. A useful method for diagnosis and classification of anemias is based on the morphological appearance of RBCs on an ideal stained blood smear. The main terms used in such classification are normocytic normochromic, microcytic hypochromic and macrocytic anemia. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the most common morphological pattern of anemia in Saudi anemic patients who were admitted at King Abdul-aziz Medical City-Riyadh. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively we evaluated the results of complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood picture (PBP) of all anemic patients attending during the year 2013 (from 1st January to 31st December). Results: Participants in this study included 150 patients (13 infants, 27 children, 12 youths, 52 adults and 46 old). The gender distribution showed 70 males and 80 females. The results of CBC and PBP showed that 113 (75.3%), 36 (24%) and 1 (0.7%) of the patients had normocytic normochromic, microcytic hypochromic and macrocytic pattern of anemia respectively. Conclusion: The normocytic normochromic pattern of anemia is highly frequent among this sample of Saudi patients while the macrocytic pattern of anemia is the lowest. According to gender groups microcytic hypochromic pattern of anemia is more common among females; malnutrition, increase of blood loss due to pregnancy or menstruation, and lack of iron absorption are the main causes, while the normocytic normochromic is highly frequent among males, which are mainly due to blood loss or chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Notwithstanding, the growing incidence of sickle cell hemoglobinopathies (SCH) such as sickle cell anemia (SCA) or sickle cell disease, sickle/beta-thalassemia; the exact prevalence remains obscure in Saudi Arabia. Hence, this study is an attempt to determine the frequency of SCA and sickle cell trait (SCT) among all anemic patients with SCH treated at the King Abdul-Aziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the hemoglobin (Hb) S and other Hb patterns (Hb AS and Hb F) were also estimated in SCA and SCT patients. Materials and Methods: Results of Hb capillary electrophoresis performed on all patients with SCH from January 2011 to December 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Of a total of 3332 patient data analyzed, 307 were anemic patients (58% males and 42% females) with SCH. The sickling test showed all the patients to be positive. Hb electrophoresis revealed the incidence of 96.7%, 3.3%, and 0% of the patients suffered from SCA, SCT and sickle/ beta-thalassemia, respectively. Patients with SCA had a higher level of Hb F and showed no crisis when compared with other SCA patients who had lower or no Hb F levels. Conclusion: SCA is relatively frequent among males (56.4%) than females out of all patients with SCH. The SCA incidence was more common (48.5%) among children, frequency of SCT among adult age group was 1.6%, while sickle/beta-thalassemia was 0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]