Delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction due to Kidd antibodies

A delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) encompasses a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) developed anytime between 24 hours to 28 days after cessation of transfusion, a positive eluate or a newly identified alloantibody in the plasma or serum along with features of haemolysis in the patient. Routinely, it is expected that with the transfusion of one unit of packed red cells in a patient of average height and weight, the haemoglobin level and hematocrit increase by 1 g/dL and 3% respectively. However, in a patient with DHTR, an inadequate rise of post-transfusion haemoglobin (< 1 g/dL) or rapid fall in haemoglobin back to pre-transfusion levels is observed. Kidd antibodies are particularly known to cause DHTR, maybe alone or in unison with other antibodies. Detection of these alloantibodies is consequential in providing good transfusion support to these patients. These events may be difficult to detect as they may present as varied clinical features or immunological nuisances. In this case series, we have presented three cases of DHTR with special emphasis on their clinical presentations, immunohaematological evaluations, laboratory parameters and the role of proper transfusion support in these patients to avoid further complications.     

When Fryn met Edward: Two rare syndromes in a single patient

A neonate born at our centre was diagnosed as Fryns Syndrome ie congenital diaphragmatic hernia with facial dysmorphism and distal limb anomalies, which is a rare disorder with only a few hundred cases reported till date.With high clinical index of suspicion and further evaluation, the diagnosis was confirmed. The baby was initially stabilized and later underwent repair of the diaphragmatic hernia. Despite best measures, the baby could not be salvaged. When severe, this can be lethal and diagnosis can only be made after autopsy. However, with early suspicion, better modalities of investigations available and improved NICU care, these babies can be salvaged. We report a case of Fryns Syndrome who was incidentally found to have Edward Syndrome as well. Such an extremely rare combination is yet to be reported in medical literature.Also with updated genetic studies, better diagnostics and treatment options coming up in future, there are chances to improve the survivability of these babies. It is prudent to document all such cases to aid in better understanding of the disease process.     

Social cognitive correlates of device-measured and self-reported physical activity in Black and White individuals with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundThere is increasing research interest regarding physical activity behavior among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet there is little known about physical activity and its correlates in Black persons with MS.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study assessed associations among social cognitive theory (SCT) variables and device-measured and self-reported physical activity in samples of Black and White persons with MS.MethodsParticipants included 67 Black and 141 White persons with MS who wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on a belt around the waist measuring moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for seven days and completed a battery of questionnaires. Questionnaires included demographic and clinical characteristics, leisure-time exercise, exercise self-efficacy, overcoming barriers self-efficacy, function, social support, exercise outcome expectations, and goal setting and planning.ResultsBlack participants with MS engaged in significantly less MVPA, but not sedentary behavior or light physical activity, than the White participants with MS. Black participants further had significantly lower levels of exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations than the White sample. All SCT correlates were significantly correlated with self-reported physical activity, but only exercise and barriers self-efficacy, perceived function, and exercise goal setting were associated with device-measured MVPA. The difference in physical activity between Black and White participants with MS was accounted for by differences in exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations.ConclusionsResearchers should consider developing behavioral interventions that target exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations as SCT variables for increasing physical activity in Black persons with MS.     

妊娠合并地中海贫血的产科管理

妊娠合并地中海贫血（thalassemia）是一种发生在妊娠期的单基因组遗传的溶血性疾病。由于血液中血红蛋白的组成比例失衡,妊娠合并地中海贫血患者血液系统发生了改变,可能会影响母体的心脏功能,增加血栓形成风险,损害免疫系统,使内分泌系统紊乱等。以往研究关注妊娠合并地中海贫血的流行病学及发病机制,缺乏对其所带来的并发症的妊娠期管理、遗传咨询及产前诊断的系统性阐述。从病变类型和发病机制入手,深度剖析地中海贫血在妊娠期的特有并发症及相应的处理方式,以期能取得更好的妊娠结局及围生儿结局。     

芒针对脊髓损伤大鼠运动功能和炎症水平的影响

目的探究芒针深刺秩边穴对大鼠脊髓损伤后运动功能的影响及可能作用机制。方法选择健康雄性Wister大鼠81只,随机分为正常组、模型组和芒针组(正常组9只,其余两组各36只),采用改良Allen's造模法制备大鼠脊髓中度损伤模型,模型组不做特殊处理,芒针组采用芒针深刺秩边穴,每日1次,每次30 min。分别于术后1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d行BBB(Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan)运动功能评分;术后1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d取受损段脊髓组织行酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)、实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)和苏木素-伊红染色(HE染色)。结果术后5 d和7 d,芒针组大鼠BBB评分高于模型组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);脊髓损伤后,模型组和芒针组大鼠脊髓组织中高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)、核转录因子kB(NF-kB)、白介素-6(IL-6)含量及HMGB1mRNA、NF-kBmRNA、IL-6mRNA水平显著升高(P<0.05);受损的脊髓组织松散,灰质中有许多空洞形成,伴有炎性细胞浸润。芒针治疗后,芒针组大鼠脊髓组织中HMGB1、NF-kB、IL-6含量及HMGB1mRNA、NF-kBmRNA、IL-6mRNA水平较模型组降低,且在3 d、5 d、7 d差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);受损部位的空洞及炎性细胞逐渐减少。结论脊髓损伤后,炎症因子的大量聚集引起级联性炎症反应,影响大鼠运动功能的恢复。芒针的抗炎机制可能包括抑制HMGB1的表达,降低NF-kB信号通路的传导,下调促炎因子IL-6的分泌。     

高迁移率族蛋白A2与肿瘤关系的研究进展

高迁移率族蛋白A2(HMGA2)是一种非组蛋白,本身不具有转录活性,但它可通过与染色质结合改变其结构,继而调节其他基因的转录,从而促进肿瘤的侵袭和转移。相关RNA基因能够调控HMGA2在肿瘤中的作用,同时肿瘤的侵袭性与上皮间质转化密切相关,可以通过靶向HMGA2基因治疗相关肿瘤。文章主要介绍HMGA2与肿瘤之间关系的研究进展。