Research Article
Importance of the Immature Platelet Fraction in the Etiological Diagnosis of Thrombocytopenia
Mohammed Ali Meskini*,
Kenza El Bazi,
Hicham Yahyaoui,
Mohamed Ait Ameur,
Mohamed Chakour
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
1-7
Received:
5 January 2024
Accepted:
17 January 2024
Published:
29 April 2024
Abstract: Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count of less than 150 G/L in the blood. It can be of central or peripheral origin. Newly-formed immature platelets are called reticulated platelets (RP) and are expressed as the immature platelet fraction or IPF. This automated hematological parameter enables us to distinguish between peripheral and central thrombocytopenia in a simple, quick, easily reproducible and non-invasive way. In the present study, our aim was to evaluate the clinical utility of the IPF and its ability to differentiate between central and peripheral thrombocytopenia. In this prospective study, we collected 50 cases of thrombocytopenia in our series. The IPF and all other CBC parameters were measured using the Sysmex XN-1500 analyser. Based on the clinical context and myelogram findings, the subjects in our study were separated into a central thrombocytopenia group and a peripheral thrombocytopenia group. We then assessed variations in IPF between the two groups. The mean IPF in the peripheral thrombocytopenia group was significantly higher than that in the central thrombocytopenia group (15.71 ± 12.02% vs. 5.51 ± 3.04%; p<0.001) and this difference persisted regardless of platelet count. We also established a sensitivity and specificity ROC curve, which showed that the IPF had excellent diagnostic value for differentiating between central and peripheral thrombocytopenia, with an area under the curve of 0.914. We also defined a discriminative cut-off value of 8.5% with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 86.4% for defining the origin of thrombocytopenia. Thus, an IPF value above 8.5% points to peripheral thrombocytopenia with increased platelet regeneration. In conclusion, the results of our study have enabled us to formulate recommendations for improving the diagnostic strategy for thrombocytopenia using the immature platelet fraction or IPF.
Abstract: Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count of less than 150 G/L in the blood. It can be of central or peripheral origin. Newly-formed immature platelets are called reticulated platelets (RP) and are expressed as the immature platelet fraction or IPF. This automated hematological parameter enables us to distinguish between peripheral and centra...
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Research Article
Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths Among Mogadishu Residents Attending Somali Sudanese Specialized Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
Motaz Obeidallah Hamad Mohammed*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
8-13
Received:
25 March 2024
Accepted:
22 April 2024
Published:
10 May 2024
Abstract: Intestinal helminths infection remains a public health concern in the developing countries. Over 1.5 billion people on a global scale are infected with one or more intestinal helminths. Sub - Saharan Africa is considered among the most affected areas with helminths infections. These infection rates are linked with factors such as socioeconomic status, personal hygiene, overcrowding and poor waste management. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of intestinal helminths infections among Mogadishu residents attending Somali Sudanese specialized hospital. The presented study was designed as a descriptive cross - sectional hospital - based study conducted at Somali Sudanese specialized hospital at Mogadishu, Somalia, during the period from November 2022 to April 2023. Stool samples were collected from 1865 Mogadishu residents attending Somali Sudanese Specialized Hospital. Helminths infections were confirmed by identification of the diagnostic stage of the parasite under light microscope. The study findings indicated that the prevalence of intestinal helminths was 2.0%. The distribution of the parasitic infections was 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.4%, 0.3% (Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana, and Ascaris lumbricoides) respectively. This result showed that the most common infection is caused by Trichuris trichiura followed by Enterobius vermicularis with Ascaris lumbricoides being the least common. The high prevalence of intestinal helminths infections among Mogadishu residents highlights a poor personal hygiene.
Abstract: Intestinal helminths infection remains a public health concern in the developing countries. Over 1.5 billion people on a global scale are infected with one or more intestinal helminths. Sub - Saharan Africa is considered among the most affected areas with helminths infections. These infection rates are linked with factors such as socioeconomic stat...
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