BackgroundHypertension in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare the hematological parameters in neonates of hypertensive mothers with those of normotensive mothers, and also to compare the incidence of polycythaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in both groups. MethodsThis was a hospital-based case control study. Three milliliters of cord blood from neonates of women with hypertension in pregnancy and those of normotensive pregnant women were sampled for haemogram parameters using a 3-part autoanalyser. Haematocrit and white blood cell differentials were done manually. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16. ResultsA total of 200 neonates were recruited, comprising 100 neonates of mothers with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and 100 neonates of normotensive mothers. The mean haematocrit was significantly higher in neonates of hypertensive mothers than those of normotensive mothers. The neutrophil and platelet counts of neonates of hypertensive mothers were significantly lower than those of normotensive mothers. The incidences of polycythaemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were found to be 8%, 15%, and 38% among neonates of hypertensive mothers and 0%, 2%, and 8% among neonates of normotensive mothers, respectively. These incidences were significantly different between the groups. ConclusionsThere was a positive association between hypertension in pregnancy and neonatal polycythaemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Haematological parameters of neonates of mothers with hypertension in pregnancy should be properly evaluated and monitored to reduce the chances of developing complications associated with these abnormalities.

No abstract

No abstract

PURPOSE Determining chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) prognosis using the International Prognostic Index markers such as TP53 and immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region gene mutation in a resource-limited setting is difficult to achieve because of cost and equipment unavailability. The aim of this study is to determine prognostic factors easily available to hematologists in low- or medium-income countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data were retrieved from CLL patient records from January 2004 to December 2019 (15 years). Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. RESULTS A total of 46 records were reviewed, with a median age of 55 years and a male:female ratio of 1:1.2. All patients were symptomatic at presentation, with splenomegaly (91.3%), anemia (82.6%), and lymphadenopathy (76.1%) predominating. About 89.1% of the patients presented at Binet stage C and/or high-risk Rai (Rai stages III and IV) with 10.9% presenting at Binet stage B and/or intermediate-risk Rai (Rai stage II). Only 13% of the patients had immunophenotyping done with 6.5% being done for the Matutes CLL score. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 15.7% with a median survival of 26 months. WBC count and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) > 100 × 109/L were significant poor prognostic markers ( P = .013 and .021, respectively). Thirty-five (76.1%) received chemotherapy, and they had a better median survival than those who did not (26 v 17.5 months). The most common regimen used was cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone for 15 (42.9%) patients. CONCLUSION WBC count and ALC > 100 × 109/L were poor prognostic markers. Patients who received chemotherapy had a better OS.

Aplastic anaemia occurring in pregnancy is a rare event with life threatening challenges for both mother and child. We present a successful fetomaternal outcome despite the challenges in the management of this rare condition in a tertiary but resource poor centre. This is case of a 37 year old Nigerian woman G6P0+5managed with repeated blood transfusions from 28 weeks of gestation for bone marrow biopsy confirmed aplastic anaemia following presentation with weakness and gingival bleeds. She had a cesarean section at 37 weeks for pre-eclampsia and oligohydraminous with good feto-maternal outcome. She was managed entirely with fresh whole blood and received 21 units. Aplastic Anaemia in Pregnancy is a rare event with poor feto maternal prognosis. Successful management is possible with good multi-disciplinary approach and availability of supportive comprehensive obstetric care.