Indian J Med Res
-
Observational Study
Prevalence of red blood cell antibodies in whole blood donors: A single-centre experience in north India.
Blood transfusion therapy involves multiple steps to ensure selection of safe blood component for transfusion. This includes testing for infectious markers, full ABO compatibility, free from any clinically significant red cell antibodies and acceptable donor's red cell survival rates without destruction of recipient's red cells. The red cell antibodies present in healthy blood donors can cause severe haemolytic transfusion reaction, especially in massive blood transfusion recipients and paediatric patients. Hence, screening of red cell antibodies in donor blood is important to provide compatible blood products and to avoid haemolytic transfusion reactions in susceptible patient population. This study was planned to assess prevalence, aetiology and type of unexpected red cell antibodies in a large number of whole blood donor population in north India. ⋯ Alloimmunization to red cell antigens is a challenging task for current transfusion practices. The antibody screening in blood donors may improve the quality and safety of blood transfusion in the recipients. It also reduces the risk of complications from incompatible blood transfusions.
-
In most of rural India, warfarin is the only oral anticoagulant available. Among patients taking warfarin, there is a strong association between poor control of the international normalized ratio (INR) and adverse events. This study was aimed to quantify INR control in a secondary healthcare system in rural Chhattisgarh, India. ⋯ INR values were subtherapeutic two-thirds of the time, and TTR values were poor regardless of distance from the health centre. Future studies should be done to identify interventions to improve INR control.
-
Observational Study
Potential of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in predicting sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis compared to other immune activation markers.
Cells and cell proportions may indicate the equilibrium status of the immune system. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of cytokines and the immunocompetent cells as biomarkers of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients intended to withdraw or reduce disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment. ⋯ The present preliminary study highlighted the potential of NLR in predicting sustained remission in RA patients with a cut-off <2. Further study with a large sample size should be done to confirm this finding.