International Blood Research & Reviews

ABO, Rhesus Blood Groups and Haemoglobin Genotype Pattern of the Undergraduate Students in Ekpoma, Nigeria

Babatope, I.O. — 2025-09-20

Introduction: Blood groups are types of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells, other cell types, and body secretions that are coded by alleles at difference loci on a chromosome

Aims: Knowledge of the distribution pattern of haemoglobin variants, ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group systems is of great importance in both clinical and epidemiological settings. This study was conducted to determine the ABO and Rhesus Blood groups and Genotypes pattern of the undergraduate students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of two thousand and four hundred apparently healthy students aged 17-34 years and of both sexes were recruited for this study. The ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined manually using haemagglutination technique while the haemoglobin genotype was performed using the cellulose acetate alkaline haemoglobin electrophoresis technique.

Results: In this study, blood group 0 ranked highest (61.3%) followed by group A (21.2%) and group B (14.7%) while group AB was the least (2.9%). Rhesus positive subjects accounted for 94.5% and the remainder (5.5%) was Rhesus negative. The ABO and Rhesus blood groups presented in the order of 0+>A+>B+>0->AB+>A->B->AB- with the respective frequencies of 58%, 20%, 13.8%, 3.3%, 2.5%, 1.2%, 0.8% and 0.1%. With respect to haemoglobin genotype, the ranking order was Hb AA>HbAS>HbAC>HbSS with respective frequencies of 78.6%, 20%, 0.3% and 0.25%.

Conclusion: Statistically speaking, sex and age did not impact on the distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood group as well as haemoglobin genotypes in the study area. In conclusion, group O, Rhesus D positive and Hb AA are the most prevalent blood groups and haemoglobin genotype in the study area.

Transmission of an Anti-RhD Alloantibody from Donor to Recipient after an Haploidentical ABO Compatible Peripherical Blood Stem Cells Transplant

Collodel L — 2025-10-17

Aims: In this paper the authors discuss a rare case of alloimmunization following a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) with minor RhD incompatibility between a RhD+ recipient and a RhD- (with anti-D) haploidentical donor.

Materials and Methods: The patient (O RhD+) had AML and in second remission received a PBSC transplant from haploidentical stem cells from her mother (O RhD- with anti-D). This was therefore a minor RhD incompatibility.

Results: Engraftment was normal. A positive DAT test was observed early. A high-titre positivity for IAT was subsequently observed.

Conclusions: We reported a very rare case of donor-derived anti-D alloimmunization after a HSCT wuth minor RhD incompatibility. In our opinion the main points of interest in this case lie in the rapid rise in anti-D titre to an extremely high level (1/525,288) and its subsequent slow decline. This is a unique aspect of the case. Moreover the case highlights the importance of closely monitoring the immune and hematological status of patients who have undergone an allogeneic HSCT, especially when there is RhD incompatibility between the donor and recipient.

The Significance of Hematological Parameters Related to Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiencies

Jowaireia Gaber Al-Basheer Al-Hassan — 2025-10-23

Background: Health services in Sudan have recently deteriorated due to ongoing armed conflict. Poverty and nutritional imbalance elevate the risk of hypovitaminosis. This study aimed to identify the hematological parameters linked to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate.

Methodology: The current investigation was a descriptive prospective study conducted at El-Obeid Teaching Hospital in North Kordofan State, Sudan. The study included 200 individuals (100 anemic (cases) with MCV>100 fl and 100 apparently healthy volunteers (controls)) who served as an internal control for comparing hematological parameters.

Results: We recruited 200 Sudanese adults aged 21-95 years, with a mean age and Standard Deviation (Std) of 52±16. Of the 200 participants, 34% were males and the remaining 66% were females. The mean concentrations of Hb, RBCs, and PCV of the cases were lower than in normal controls. The mean MCV ± Std values for cases and controls were 114.7 fl ± 9.6 and 86 fl ± 3.9, respectively. Vitamin B12 deficiency was observed in 84% of patients. Folate deficiency was observed in 13.6% of participants with high MCV.

Conclusion: Anemia is associated with a high MCV, together with changes in other hematological markers. These variations provide guidance for megaloblastic anemia etiology prediction. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common than folate deficiency in this series of patients. Further research is necessary to stabilize the relation between hematological parameters and prediction of the cause of megaloblastic anemia.

Place of Bone Marrow Transplantation for Patients with Hematology Malignancy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Boidy Kouakou — 2025-10-25

Bone marrow transplant is practice since several decades in develops countries and plays an important role in achieving a complete remission or cure for most hematology malignancy diseases. Unfortunately it remains unavailable in most of developing countries in general and particularly in Côte d’Ivoire. Although the indication exist it’s not done. We showed here the urgent need of bone marrow transplant for many patients suffering from hematology malignancy disease. The goal at the end is to obtain the technique of bone marrow transplant for our country for better care of our patients.

Methodology: This was a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study lasting 12 months (January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021). It focused on the files of patients with hematology malignancies diseases diagnosis after specifics exams such immunohistochemistry for lymphoma international myeloma working group for multiple myeloma molecular biology and karyotype for Chronic myeloid leukemia immunophenotype for chronic lymphoid leukemia for acute leukemia the criteria was bone marrow study with some time immunophenotype karyotype molecular biology patients were treat in three specialized centers (Cocody University Hospital, Centre National Radiotherapy Alassane Ouattara and Treichville University Hospital). The data recorded were socio-demographic, clinical, therapeutic and prognosis and the indications for bone marrow transplant.

Results: The age ranged from 18 to 82 years with average of 48.89 years. Patients over 55 years predominated (35.8%). The sex ratio was 2.09. The majority of the patients were farmers (34.7%). The most frequent reason for consultation was the management of hematology malignancy disease 31%. The clinical manifestations were dominated by anemic syndrom (45.5%) followed by tumor syndrome (26.1%). The tumor syndrom was made up of polyadenopathy in 60.9%., the blood count showed anemia in 83.5% of cases followed by hyperleukocytosis in 38.6%. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 42.3% of cases and immunophenotype was performed in 32.6% of cases. The most observed pathologies were respectively diffuse large B cell lymphoma DBLCL (40.3%), followed by chronic lymphocyte leukeumia CLL (26.1%) and multiple myeloma MM (17%). Leukemia were rarely observed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 7.4%. Concerning the prognosis, for DLBCL (International Prognostic Index (IPI) was stage 2 for 53.5% of cases) and the International staging system (ISS) for MM was 3 for 93.3% of cases). For the treatments carried out in first line, Rituximab cyclophosphamide hydroxorubicin oncovin predenisone (RCHOP) was use at 66.6% for DLBCL the Velcade revlimid dexamethasone (VRD). Protocol was practiced for 40% of Myeloma patients were treated with the protocol Dasatinib and nilotinib were the second-line treatment used in CML with 38.5% and 23.1% of cases respectively. The second-line treatment used in CLL was ibrutinib (17.4%) The results after -therapeutic was marked by progression or relapse in 75% in acute leukemia. The autologous indication was 78,9% and 93,3% for multiple myeloma DLBCL. The allogeneic indication was the 37,5% and 53,8% respectively for acute leukemia and CML.

Conclusion: Our results show the strong demand for this therapeutic method in our care centers. The interest in implementing this technic in Côte d’Ivoire could improve the survival of our patients.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Moringa Leaf on Red Blood Cell Parameters Using Albino Wistar Rats

Ohenhen J.E. — 2025-10-30

Moringa oleifera is an Angiospermic plant commonly known as the ‘drumstick’ or ‘horseradish’ tree. It belongs to genus Moringa having 13 different species. Among them, Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species native to tropical and sub-tropical region of the world. This study aimed at investigating the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf-extract on some red cell parameters of both male and female Wistar rats. Twenty (20) albino rats were divided into four (4) groups; a control group (group A) and three experimental groups (groups B, group C and group D) containing five (5) animals per group. Group A was given normal diet, groups B, C and D were provided with moringa leaf extract diets in different doses, which were high dose (200mg/kg), middle dose (100mg/kg) and low dose (50mg/kg) respectively. At the end of the experimental period 21 days, red cell parameters (packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin count etc) were determined using a 3-part haematology Analyzer. The result showed specifically mean RBC count in the control group averaged (6.45±0.25) compared to ( 3.99±1.99) in the high dose (p-value= 0.025), and hemoglobin levels in the control group averaged (12.68±0.57) compared to( 11.64±2.66) in the high dose (p-value= 0.688), mean RBC count and hemoglobin level were significantly higher in the control and low dose groups, while both parameters decreased with increasing dosages, suggesting a potential for Moringa to induce anemia at higher concentrations. The elevated RDW values in the high dose group point to increased variability in red blood cell sizes, potentially indicating anisocytosis and associated hematological disorders.

Progression of Albuminuria in Sickle Cell Disease at the Clinical Hematology Department in Abidjan

Boidy Kouakou — 2025-11-15

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy worldwide. It is of significant public health importance in Sub-Saharan Africa. The SCD nephropathy is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality. The Early detection and prevention of Albuminuria is vital for Nephro-prevention; an effective management tool for SCD.

Aim: The present study showed albuminuria as a potential biomarker of sickle cell nephropathy and determine its progression and the associate factors for better prevention.

Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal, prospective, descriptive and analytical study conducted at the Cocody University Hospital Center from May 2023 to May 2025, involving children and adult sickle cell disease patients with albuminuria monitoring.

Results: 392 sickle cell patients were recruited, 144 patients had albuminuria. The prevalence was 36.7% with a sex ratio of 0.45 and a mean age of 25.96 years. The SSFA2 form was the most representative. Albuminuria was associated with low hemoglobin levels, mostly between 4-6 g/dl. An albuminuria threshold >300 mg/24h at baseline was associated with an increased risk of persistent albuminuria PA. In multivariate analysis, macroalbuminuria was associated with anemia, young adult and higher levels of renal lesions; microalbuminuria was mainly associated with late childhood and adolescence, with rare renal lesions.

25.7% of cases developed (PA), which was associated with macroalbuminuria and poor therapeutic adherence. The decrease in glomerular filtration rate and Chonic Kidney Disease (CKD) in adults was associated with PA, but not with initial albuminuria. All 4 patients recorded deaded presented persistent albuminuria.

Conclusion: The risk of eGFR decline and CKD in adults was associated with PA. Albuminuria in sickle cell disease progressed with age, and PA was also positively associated with characteristics and biomarkers of renal lesions.

Haematological Profile and Mortality in Patients with Lassa Fever in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria

Okpunu Eseoleleti Christopher — 2025-11-19

Background: The viral haemorrhagic fever Lassa fever endemic in West African countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone is associated with haematological changes characterised by bleeding and dysfunctional platelet aggregation. Haematological parameters, such as full blood count are widely used clinical indicators of health and disease. These parameters may be deranged in patients with Lassa fever.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the haematology outcomes in patients with acute Lassa fever, and their relationships with the haemorrhagic manifestations.

Methodology: This was a hospital-based case-control study involving 324 participants. Lassa positive patients, febrile Lassa negative patients (control group 1) and afebrile Lassa negative individuals (Control group 2) were recruited into the study. Full (complete) blood count parameters were determined using Orphee Mythic 22 auto analyzer (model number SN 510121-000086). Data generated were analyzed using the SPSS version 26 statistical software packages.

Results: A total of 324 participants were recruited in this study, involving 108 Lassa positive patients as the test group, 108 age and sex matched non-Lassa febrile group as control 1 and 108 age and sex matched non-Lassa afebrile group as control 2. The mean PCV (%) was lower in Lassa subjects than in control, as well as the mean MCV (fl); the differences were statistically significant p=0.021 and p=0.022 respectively. Mean MPV (fl) was higher in the febrile group (Lassa and non-Lassa febrile) than in non-Lassa afebrile control (p= 0.016). Also, the mean PDW (%CV) was lower in Lassa subjects than in controls and the mean differences were statistically significant p<0.001. Mean Reticulocyte count (%) was higher in the Lassa group than the controls (p<0.001). Median Neutrophil count was lower in Lassa than in controls (p<0.001). However Median Lymphocyte count was higher in Lassa subjects than in controls (p<0.001). A total of 3.7% of the subjects had leucoerythroblastic blood picture. About 97.2% of the study population survived while 2.8% died. MPV showed a strong association with patient’s outcome (p=0.016) and 25% of those that had leucoerythroblastic blood picture died (p=0.006).

In conclusion, this study has shown that MPV and leucoerythroblastic blood picture were strongly associated with mortality in Lassa fever patients.

Holding Time Optimisation in Fresh Frozen Plasma: A Critical Factor Worth Investigating

Yousif, D. — 2025-09-06

The production and quality of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) are governed by harmonised standards set by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare (EDQM). These standards emphasise maintaining protein activity and controlling residual leucocyte content to ensure product quality and patient safety. Although FFP was previously assumed to be acellular, recent studies have shown that residual leucocytes remain present. These cells can contribute to immunological reactions, transfusion-associated infections, and alloimmunisation in recipients. The holding time between whole blood collection and plasma processing is a pivotal factor. It determines the balance between leucocyte degradation and the preservation of labile plasma proteins, particularly coagulation factors such as FVIII, FV, Protein C, and Protein S. Short holding times may not sufficiently reduce leucocyte counts, thereby increasing the risk of immunological complications. In contrast, extended holding times can accelerate the decline of coagulation factors and reduce therapeutic efficacy. Additional variables such as temperature management, enzymatic activity from residual cells, and pH fluctuations also influence protein stability. These factors highlight the complex biochemical and cellular interactions that shape plasma quality. This review underscores the need for standardised, evidence-based holding times. Such standards should optimise both leucocyte inactivation and protein preservation while also accounting for operational constraints in blood establishments.

Future research should aim to quantify residual leucocyte activity, characterise subtle protein degradation, and link these findings with clinical outcomes. This will help refine FFP processing protocols and improve transfusion safety and effectiveness.