Asian Hematology Research Journal

Cardio-hematoprotective Effects of Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract against Phenylhydrazine-induced Hemolytic Anemia in Rats

2026-06-03T09:22:00+00:00

Phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced hemolytic anemia is associated with oxidative stress and hematological dysfunction. This study evaluated the cardio-hematoprotective effects of combined Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts in PHZ-induced rats. Rats were divided into four groups: neutral control, PHZ-treated, PHZ + standard drug (Oreifer), and PHZ + plant extract. Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH) in cardiac tissue and hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV, PLT) were assessed. PHZ administration significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while reducing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and glutathione (GSH), indicating oxidative stress. It also caused marked reductions in red blood cells (RBC: 2.9 ± 0.82 ×10⁶/µL), hemoglobin (HGB: 31.42 ± 7.0 g/dL), and packed cell volume (PCV: 26.14 ± 5.5%), while elevating white blood cells (WBC: 13.12 ± 2.1 ×10³/µL) and platelets (PLT: 72.68 ± 12.4 ×10³/µL). Treatment with the combined plant extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced MDA levels and restored antioxidant defenses, with notable improvements in CAT and GSH levels. Hematological parameters were also significantly improved, with restoration of RBC, Hb, and WBC levels toward normal. The effects of the extract were comparable to the standard drug in most parameters. These findings suggest that Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts possess potent antioxidant, cardioprotective, and hematoprotective properties, and may serve as promising therapeutic agents against oxidative stress and hemolytic anemia. Further dose and duration optimization are recommended.

Assessment of Some Haematological Parameters in Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus in Owerri, Nigeria

2026-06-03T11:35:08+00:00

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a chronic viral disease of global public health importance characterized by progressive liver injury and numerous extrahepatic manifestations. Haematological abnormalities are among the most common systemic complications and contribute significantly to disease morbidity and prognosis.

Objective: This study evaluated selected haematological parameters - packed cell volume (PCV), platelet count, total white blood cell (WBC) count, and differential WBC counts - among HCV-infected patients in Owerri, Nigeria.

Methods: A hospital-based case control study involving 60 participants aged 18–60 years was conducted. Thirty serologically confirmed HCV patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Blood samples were analysed using standard manual haematological techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: HCV patients had significantly reduced PCV, platelet count, WBC count and neutrophil percentage, while lymphocyte percentage was significantly higher. No significant sex-based differences were observed. Strong negative correlations existed between lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages.

Conclusion: Chronic HCV infection is associated with anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia and relative lymphocytosis. Routine haematological monitoring is essential in clinical management.

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Blood Parameters of Workers in the Field of Medical Radiation, White Nile State, Sudan

2026-06-29T11:05:39+00:00

Background: Ionising radiation can cause various forms of cellular damage, including an increased incidence of chromosomal aberrations. The cytotoxic effects of low-dose ionising radiation in occupationally exposed radiation workers have been reported; therefore, laboratory workers should be aware of the risks associated with handling radioactive materials.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of ionising radiation on the haematological parameters of medical radiation workers.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted among medical radiology workers in White Nile State, Sudan, from July to October 2024. A total of 100 participants, divided into two groups (50 cases and 50 controls), were analysed for blood parameters using an automated blood analysis method (Sysmex), and the results were statistically processed using SPSS (version 21).

Results: The study identified statistically significant differences in red blood cell count and total white blood cell count between the groups under comparison. In contrast, platelet count and the majority of other haematological parameters did not differ significantly. Although variations in the mean haematocrit and mean corpuscular haemoglobin values were observed among certain medical radiographers, these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, no significant associations were detected between the duration of occupational exposure and most haematological parameters among medical radiographers.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the study demonstrated significant differences in red blood cell count and total white blood cell count between radiation-exposed workers and the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in platelet-related parameters or in most differential white blood cell indices. Overall, the findings suggest that occupational radiation exposure was associated with only limited detectable alterations in haematological parameters within the study population.

Comparison of Red Blood Cell Parameters and Indices between Alcoholics and Non-Alcoholics in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

2026-07-04T08:17:41+00:00

Alcohol consumption may influence haematological status and red blood cell indices; however, local data from Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, remain limited. This study compared selected red blood cell parameters and indices between alcohol-consuming adults and non-alcohol-consuming controls in Okrika. A total of 100 adult participants were recruited through convenience sampling, comprising 50 alcohol-consuming participants and 50 non-alcohol-consuming participants. Venous blood samples were collected into dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid containers and analysed for full blood count using an automated haematology analyser. The parameters assessed were packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation. Data were analysed statistically, and p≤0.05 was considered significant. The alcohol-consuming group had a higher mean packed cell volume than the non-alcohol-consuming group (38.68±5.22% versus 35.12±3.37%; p=0.01). Haemoglobin concentration was also higher among alcohol-consuming participants than among non-alcohol-consuming participants (12.8±1.7 g/dL versus 12.21±1.36 g/dL; p=0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in red blood cell count, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration or red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation. These findings suggest that alcohol consumption in the study population was associated with significant differences in packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration, while other red blood cell indices showed no significant variation.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Grilled Meat (Suya): HPLC Profiling in Keffi, Nigeria

2026-07-09T10:28:00+00:00

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of environmental contaminants that arise from the incomplete combustion of organic matter or fuel. They consist of more than 200 organic compounds containing two or more fused aromatic rings.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the occurrence and quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in grilled meat (suya) sold around Keffi metropolis.

Methodology: Grilled meat samples were collected from four different locations in Keffi metropolis, namely Uke, Total Junction, along Nasarawa State University Road (School Road) and Old Barracks. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify and quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the samples.

Results: The HPLC analysis showed extensive contamination of barbecued chicken and grilled meat (suya) sold in Keffi with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly carcinogenic high-molecular-weight compounds such as chrysene, fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene and dibenz(a,h)anthracene, in substantial amounts.

Conclusion: This study provides scientific evidence that current street-vending practices for grilled meats in Keffi may pose public health concerns. Without targeted interventions, continued exposure may contribute to an increased burden of diet-related cancers within the population.

Assessment of Selected Laboratory Quality Management Essentials in the Haematology Department at a KENAS-Accredited Level 5 Mission Hospital in Kenya

2026-07-11T12:02:14+00:00

Aims: This study assessed adherence to three selected Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) essentials—Process Control, Facilities and Safety, and Equipment Management—in the Haematology Department of P.C.E.A Chogoria Hospital, Kenya.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design with independent and joint assessments was used.

Place and Duration: The study was conducted in the Haematology Department of Chogoria Hospital, a KENAS-accredited Level 5 mission hospital in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya, from February to March 2026.

Methodology: Census sampling covered relevant departmental staff, processes, facilities, equipment and documentation. A customised WHO SLIPTA checklist aligned with ISO 15189:2022 assessed 27 Process Control items (71 points), 24 Facilities and Safety items (57 points), and 16 Equipment Management items (37 points). Data were obtained through document review, interviews, observation and physical inspection. Compliance was scored as Yes, Partial, No or not applicable. Inter-rater reliability and Fisher's exact test were applied.

Results: Process Control achieved 98.6% (70/71), Facilities and Safety 98.2% (56/57), and Equipment Management 100% (37/37). Agreement ranged from 96.3% to 100% (Gwet's AC1, 0.96–1.00). Minor gaps concerned referral technical consultant procedures and fire detection/alarm systems. Fisher's exact test showed no statistically significant difference across domains (p = 1.000).

Conclusion: The department showed high compliance, although targeted corrective action is needed to address the remaining gaps.

Contemporary Perspectives on Primary Extramedullary Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia: Expanding the Clinical Spectrum

2026-07-01T04:27:33+00:00

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia defined by the PML-RARA fusion gene and responsiveness to differentiation-based therapy with all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide. Although acute promyelocytic leukaemia typically presents with bone marrow involvement, cytopenias, and coagulation abnormalities, extramedullary manifestations have been increasingly described. Primary extramedullary acute promyelocytic leukaemia refers to leukaemic infiltration outside the bone marrow at diagnosis, with absent or minimal marrow involvement. This rare presentation may create diagnostic uncertainty because it can resemble solid tumours, lymphoma, infection, or inflammatory disease. This narrative review examines current evidence on the epidemiology, biological basis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of primary extramedullary acute promyelocytic leukaemia. The reviewed literature includes clinical studies, guidelines, reviews, and case reports, with attention to central nervous system, skin, lymph node, soft tissue, orbital, gastrointestinal, bone, and visceral involvement. Molecular confirmation of PML-RARA remains essential for diagnosis, irrespective of disease location. Histopathology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic assessment, and molecular testing are therefore central to accurate recognition. Treatment evidence remains limited because most data derive from case reports and small series. Systemic all-trans retinoic acid- and arsenic trioxide-based therapy remains central, while chemotherapy, radiotherapy, intrathecal therapy, or site-directed intervention may be considered according to disease burden, anatomical site, and clinical risk. Long-term surveillance is important because isolated extramedullary relapse may occur after apparent remission.

Acute Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura with Severe Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report

2026-05-25T10:51:56+00:00

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia and an elevated risk of bleeding. It frequently manifests in pediatric patients following viral infections. We present a case of a one-year-old female child who presented with petechial rash and gum bleeding. Laboratory investigations revealed severe thrombocytopenia. The patient was diagnosed with ITP and managed with corticosteroids and supportive care. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention resulted in clinical improvement, underscoring the significance of timely management in pediatric ITP.

Haemophilia A in Female Carriers: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights from Two Case Reports

2026-06-04T16:48:41+00:00

Haemophilia A is a rare X-linked inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or a defect in coagulation factor VIII. Due to a recessive X–linked inheritance pattern, most men are affected, whereas their female relatives remain carriers. There is little experience about the rare symptomatic haemophilia carriers (1 in 100,000 women); there is no standard protocol to prevent the bleeding complications. We report two cases of first-time diagnosed haemophilia A carrier- one is a young adolescent girl, and another is an antenatal woman. Pregnancy normally induces a hypercoagulable state with increased Factor VIII, vWF, and fibrinogen. However, in haemophilia A carriers and women with von Willebrand disease, factor levels may remain low until the second trimester, increasing miscarriage risk. Effective management necessitates early recognition of the condition, the implementation of targeted haemostatic interventions, and coordinated multidisciplinary care. However, therapeutic options remain limited in resource-constrained settings, thereby posing significant challenges to optimal clinical management. In this context, strengthening clinical awareness, alongside the development and implementation of standardised management protocols, is essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity among affected women.

Seeing Beyond the Marrow: Periorbital and Multi-site Myeloid Sarcoma as Extramedullary Manifestations of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

2026-06-30T06:50:28+00:00

Myeloid sarcoma is an uncommon extramedullary manifestation of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and orbital involvement in adults is particularly rare. Delayed recognition may occur because periorbital swelling, proptosis, facial swelling and soft-tissue masses can resemble inflammatory or infectious disorders. This case report describes two young adults with AML who presented with prominent periorbital disease and were subsequently diagnosed with myeloid sarcoma by tissue biopsy. The first patient had unilateral periorbital and maxillary swelling with cytopenias and circulating blasts. Bone marrow evaluation confirmed AML, and biopsy of the facial soft-tissue mass confirmed myeloid sarcoma. The second patient presented with fever, progressive periorbital swelling, conjunctival chemosis, proptosis, visual impairment and a breast mass; bone marrow examination confirmed AML with an FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutation, and biopsies confirmed myeloid sarcoma at extramedullary sites. Both patients required transfusion support and received induction chemotherapy followed by high-dose cytarabine consolidation. Given the high-risk context of extramedullary disease, both proceeded to allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with post-transplant FLT3 inhibitor maintenance used in the FLT3-mutated case. These cases emphasise the need to consider myeloid sarcoma in patients with atypical orbital or periorbital masses, particularly when cytopenias or circulating blasts are present. Early tissue diagnosis and AML-directed systemic therapy may support favourable remission outcomes.

Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type II Mimicking Chronic Hemolytic Anemia: A Case Report

2026-07-04T12:47:31+00:00

Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II is a rare inherited disorder of ineffective erythropoiesis that can resemble chronic haemolytic anaemia. This case describes a 25-year-old female with long-standing anaemia, recurrent jaundice, previous packed red blood cell transfusions, and splenomegaly measuring 13.5 cm. Initial laboratory evaluation showed haemoglobin of 8.9 g/dL, red blood cell count of 3.37 × 10⁶/µL, haematocrit of 31.6%, increased red cell distribution width, reticulocyte count of 4.1%, markedly increased circulating nucleated red blood cells, depleted haptoglobin, and normal haemoglobin electrophoresis. The direct and indirect Coombs tests were negative. Eosin-5-maleimide binding by flow cytometry showed a 22% reduction in mean fluorescence intensity, initially suggesting hereditary spherocytosis. Bone marrow examination was performed because of the discrepancy between the haemolytic phenotype and prominent nucleated red blood cells. The aspirate showed marked erythroid hyperplasia, with a myeloid-to-erythroid ratio of 0.2:1, binucleation, multinucleation, and karyorrhexis in erythroid precursors. Pseudo-Gaucher cells were also observed. Trephine biopsy confirmed hypercellular marrow with dominant erythroid hyperplasia, severe dyserythropoiesis, normal reticulin, and markedly increased iron stores graded as 5/6. Whole exome sequencing detected a single heterozygous SEC23B mutation. The overall findings supported congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II as the most likely diagnosis. This case highlights diagnostic overlap with chronic haemolytic disorders and the value of marrow morphology and extended genetic evaluation when initial screening tests are misleading.