Aim: The aim of this study was to assess some haemostatic parameters in sickle cell anaemia subjects in Rivers and Bayelsa States. Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, and the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, between the months of February and August, 2020.  Methodology: A total of four hundred and fifty (450) subjects with age range of 1-50 years were randomly selected. There were about 200 registered patients (adults and children alike) at the sickle cell clinics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, with an average of 4 new patients per month. The sample size was obtained using a prevalence of sickle cell anaemia of 2% and the sample size was calculated using Cochran sample size formula. Five milliliters (5ml) of venous blood sample was withdrawn from the peripheral vein in the upper limb of subjects using a standard venipuncture technique. The sample was rocked gently to mix and kept at room temperature and the haemostatic parameters (vWF, FVIII, D-dimer, L-arginine, fibrinogen, ADAMTS13) were assayed quantitatively with Bioassay Technozym kit using Microplate Reader (Labtech microplate auto ELISA plate reader, an IS0 13485:2003 CE and WHO compliance Co., Ltd. Shanghai International Holding Corp. GmbH; Europe) calibrated to a wavelength of 450 nm with strict adherence to the manufacturer's instructions, while PT and APTT were analysed with Fortress reagent and Uniscope SM801A Laboratory using water bath.Data management and statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Analyses System SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA) and p values less than .05were considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed the mean comparison of haemostatic parameters in sickle cell anaemia and control subjects. The comparison of haemostatic parameters showed significant(p<.05) increasesand decreases inVaso-Occlusive Crisis (VOC) and steady state respectively compared with the control group. There was statistically significantreduction in the mean comparison of L-Arginine (p<.01) in VOC) condition than steady state in relation to the control group in our study population, while D-Dimer, ADAMTS13 were also significantly reduced statistically (p<.01) in VOC condition than steady state compared with the control group. However, the mean FVIII inhibitor, Fibrinogen, PT (INR) and APTT were significantly higher (p<.01) in VOC than steady state when compared to controls with normal haemoglobin (HbAA).Correlations of haemostaticparameters by sickle cell anaemia subjects’ condition showed more significant positive correlations in VOC than steady state. Conclusion: This study showed a heightened hypercoagulability in Sickle Cell Snaemia(SCA)subjects, and further pave way for better understanding particularly the diagnostic variables underlying SCA, specific to each subject condition (steady state and VOC). Subjects with SCA, particularly during VOC, undergo significant haemostatic alterations that increase their risk of developing coagulation activation-related complications. Thus, though selected markers of coagulation were significantly different between the subject conditions, they were often significantly higher in the SCA.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of gender on malaria parasite severity in children resident in Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study was cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria, between the month of March and August 2020. Methodology: A total of 822 pediatrics (0-16 years), were randomly selected for this study after due parental consent. 5ml of venous blood was collected from each subject: 1ml was dispensed into paediatric EDTA (for haematologic and parasite density) and 4 ml into sodium citrate bottle for L-arginine assay by ELISA-method, while Full blood count was determined using haematological auto-analyser, Mindray BC-6800. Malaria density was determined by microscopic method using thick and thin Giemsa stained blood smears. Level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results: There was a significant decrease (p<.05) in the mean (41.04±3.80%) neutrophil count in female subject with complicated malaria compared with the control (42.81±0.98%) as against a significant decrease in mean (37.71±0.96%) neutrophil count of female subject with uncomplicated malaria. A significant decrease in neutrophil (28.05±3.37%) of male subjects with complicated malaria and uncomplicated malaria (36.10±0.79%) was seen when compared to control (44.32±0.88%). Again, a significant decrease (p<.05) in eosinophil count of female with complicated malaria (3.32±0.74%) was seen when compared with the control subject (3.81±0.19%) and no significant difference was seen in female subjects with uncomplicated malaria (3.62±0.19%) when compared with the control. A significant increase in eosinophil was seen in male subjects with complicated malaria (4.47±0.66%) and uncomplicated malaria (4.52±0.16%) when compared with the control (3.88±0.17%). There was observed a significant difference (p<.001) in the mean L-arginine values of female subjects with complicated (39.22±9.57pg/ml) and uncomplicated (65.13±2.41 pg/ml) malaria compared with the control (42.85±2.48 pg/ml). However, no significant difference was seen in male subjects with complicated (33.21±8.49) and uncomplicated (45.51±2.00 pg/ml) malaria when compared with control (47.97±2.21 pg/ml). Also, a significant difference (p<0.0019) was seen between the mean D2D values of female subjects with complicated (6436.64±568.94 pg/ml) and uncomplicated (2824.55±143.46 pg/ml) malaria among the study subjects as against the control (1866.39±147.35 pg/ml). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed a trend between gender and malaria type did not significantly change haematological parameters with the exception of the immune cells such as NEU, LYM, and EOS. However, a significant increase in L-arginine among female subjects was seen indicating a faster rate of malaria clearance.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in some haematological parameters in sickle cell anaemia subjects in Rivers State. Study Design:  This study is a cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, and the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, between the months of February and August, 2020.  Methodology: A total of four hundred and fifty (450) subjects with age range of 1-50 years were randomly selected. There are about 200 registered patients (adults and children alike) at the sickle cell clinics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, with an average of 4 new patients per month. The sample size was obtained using a prevalence of sickle cell anaemia of 2% and the sample size was calculated using Cochran sample size formula. Five milliliters (5ml) of venous blood sample was withdrawn from the peripheral vein in the upper limb of subjects using a standard venipuncture technique. The sample was rocked gently to mix and kept at room temperature and the haematological parameters were analyzed within 4 hours of samples collection. The haematological parameters: total white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Haematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW-CV), Platelet count (PLT), MPV, Neutrophils, Lymphocyte, Monocyte, Eosinophils, and Basophils) were analyzed using Mindray BC-6800 auto Haematology analyzer system. Data management and statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Analyses System SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA) and p values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed the mean comparison of haematological parameters in sickle cell anaemia and control subjects. The mean comparison of Haemoglobin F was significantly reduced statistically (p<.05) in vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) condition than steady state compared with the control group. There was increase trend of haematological parameters showing statistically significant difference across the subject conditions compared with the control. There were exceptions in few cases especially in lymphocytes which was not significant (p>.05) in the steady state and vaso-occlusive crisis compared with the control. Similarly, Neutrophils was not significant (p>.05) in the steady state and vaso-occlusive crisis compared with the control. Furthermore, Basophils was more significant (p<.05) in the steady state than in the vaso-occlusive crisis and control groups. Similarly, absolute eosinophil was less significant statistically (p<.05) in the steady state and vaso-occlusive crisis than in the control group. Conclusion: This study has shown that there are changes in haemtological parameters between SCA subjects and control subjects and the VOC and steady state sickle cell anaemia (SCA) subjects.

Aim: The study was designed to comparatively assess the degree of fibrinolytic response amongst   malaria-positive pregnant women, and non-malaria positive subjects in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: The study area covered University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt [UPTH] and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, [RSUTH] both in Port Harcourt metropolis Rivers State.  It was a cross-sectional study carried out on a total of two hundred and forty female attendees at the obstetrics and gynecology clinics of the two hospitals. The subjects were grouped into three comprising of eighty subjects in each group; malarious pregnant women, non- malarious pregnant women and apparently healthy non-pregnant women. Venous blood sample measuring 5 milliliter volume was drawn from each subject, The sample was dispensed into two separate EDTA anticoagulant bottles, 3 milliliter and 2 milliliter meant for measuring the levels of markers of fibrinolysis which were Plasminogen, Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, Tissue Plasminogen activator, alpha-2-antiplasmin, D-dimers and fibrinogen, and      preparation of blood films for malaria microscopy respectively. Results: Fibrinogen result; 760.44±16.18 ng/ml of malaria-positive pregnant women was elevated compared to the malaria-negative women; 697.70±18.84 ng/ml and the non-pregnant control values of 704.73±15.25 ng/ml. These values were significantly different [P<.011] between the study groups. Results of tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]; 46.39±2.69 ng/ml, D-dimer; 77.64±6.94 ng/ml, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1]; 89.73±2.14 ng/ml, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 [PAI-2]; 568.00±12.51 ng/ml, plasminogen; 23.82±0.75 ng/ml and 2-antiplasmin; 1314.06±34.64 ng/ml of the malaria-positive pregnant women were significantly different [P=0.0001] from  non-positive pregnant women; tPA; 28.87±1.38 ng/ml, D-dimer; 53.90±1.18 ng/ml., PAI-1; 80.00± 1.81 ng/ml, PAI-2; 456.31±5.94 ng/ml, Plasminogen; 16.63±0.67 ng/ml and 2-antiplasmin; 1130.61±29.74 ng/ml . Both results were significantly different [P=0.0001] from the non-pregnant control group; tPA; 31.34±1.64 ng/ml, D-dimer; 30.24±1.04 ng/ml, PAI-1; 65,47±2,33 ng/ml, PAI-2; 427.86±6.95 ng/ml, plasminogen; 16.49±0.04 ng/ml and 2-antiplasmin; 1016.98±24.51 ng/ml. Conclusion: The study witnessed significantly high concentrations of fibrinolytic markers in malaria-positive pregnant women. This could be due to compromised endothelial cell function resulting to overproduction of biomarkers of fibrinolysis. The implication is thrombus formation and excessive bleeding in pregnancy which could lead to miscarriages, fetal death or maternal mortality.

The spread of the ABO-Rh blood group and the haemoglobin genotype differs widely between racial and ethnic groupings. Patterns could fluctuate over time within the same community in various regions of the globe, which might indicate that a specific blood type gave resistance to an infectious illness. Therefore, it is crucial to have accurate and current information on how these blood types are distributed across human demographics. A total of 451 individuals were chosen at random, ranging in age from 1 to 15 years. The sample size was selected utilising Cochran sample size calculation as well as a rate of plasmodium in youngsters in Port Harcourt of 60.6%. Using a normal phlebotomy method, 2 ml of venous blood was extracted with little immobility within sterile circumstances from the dorsum of the hand or ante-cubital vein, as the occasion may indeed be. Employing thick and thin Giemsa-stained blood smears, malaria density was evaluated microscopically. The genotype of haemoglobin was determined using cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis in Tris-EDTA borate buffer (PH 8.9). Atlas Medical ABO reagent was used to identify ABO blood type qualitatively. Data management and statistical analyses were carried out using the Statistical Analyses System SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA), with p values less than.05 deemed statistically significant. Four hundred fifty-one (451) people took part in this study. The amount of research participants (394) tested rhesus positive (87.4%). Amongst ABO variations, blood type B+ 8 (32%), A+ 7 (28%), and O+ 6 (24%), were shown to be higher common with complex plasmodium. Blood type O+ 198 (46.48) was by far the most common of simple ABO/Rhesus + blood groups, followed by B+ 97(22.77%) and A+ 72 (22.77%). (16.90). Similarly, among ABO/Rhesus negative blood groups with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, blood group O- predominated with 41 (9.62%). A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, O+, and O- blood types of class for uncomplicated plasmodium species load revealed a mean of 18114.03/l, 52760.10/l, 20021.47/l, 3428.33/l, 11084.33/l, 12460.34/l, and 4445.59/l in the identical sequence, with O- exhibiting the least susceptibility to malaria. In addition, for uncomplicated malaria parasite density, the haemoglobin genotype status indicated a mean of 113073.44/l, 111435.65/l, and 107250.3/1l for AA, AS, and SS in the same order, with AA indicating the highest sensitivity to plasmodium. The prevalence of haemoglobin genotypes AA, AS, and SS in the study participants was 72.5%, 20.6%, and 6.9%, respectively. Men made up 54.5% (246/451), although females made up 45.5% (205/451). The haemoglobin genotype AA predominated, with men (178) outnumbering girls (149), followed by AS (56 vs 37) and SS (12 against 31), correspondingly. The most frequent ABO blood type was O (54.3%), second by B (24.6%), A (19.7%), and AB (1.3%). The bulk of Rh+ blood cells (87.4%) were found in the Rh bloodstream. The bulk of Rh bloodstream (87.4%) were Rh+, whereas 12.6% comprised Rh. O+ (45.2%), B+ (23.3%), A+ (17.5%), O- (9.1%), A- (2.2%), AB+ (1.3%), B- (1.3%), and AB (0%) were always the mixed ABO and Rh blood types. Men’s blood groups B+ (60), B- (4), AB+ (4), and O+ (112) were significantly higher than female blood groups B+ (45), B- (2), AB+ (2), and O+ (94), whereas female blood groups A- (7) and O- (23) were higher than male blood types A- (2) and O- (23) (16).