RJM Volume 2 - No. 1 - 2014

Cover page

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Cover page

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Contents

Evaluation of new, non-cyanide and simple method for blood haemoglobin estimation

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of new, non-cyanide and simple method for blood haemoglobin estimation Muneera, Sirajul M.Y.; Wickramaratne, K.A.C. Haemoglobin estimation is an important test. The standard Haemoglobin (Hb) estimation method is Cyanmethaemoglobin (HiCN) method. The Drabkin reagent used in HiCN method contains cyanide compounds which is hazardous for both environment and laboratory personnel. To assess accuracy of Hb estimation by using distilled water as the reagent compared to the HiCN method. Retained 95 EDTA blood samples received at the Haematology laboratory, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya were included in this study. The Hb value of each sample was estimated by standard HiCN method and using the new method (performed by using distilled water as the reagent). In Drabkin method 10 20 minutes are needed to develop stable Hb pigment for the estimation thus readings are taken at 20 minutes. Using new method, Hb concentration of all the samples were estimated immediately and after 20 minutes. Correlation studies and paired t test were taken to statistical analysis. A good correlation was observed between the cyanmethaemoglobin method and the new method. Paired t test values of immediate absorbance and absorbance at 20 minutes of the new method showed no significant difference from values obtained by standard Cyanmethaemoglobin method (immediate absorbance - P =0.819, Absorbance at 20 minutes - P =0.941).

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of dengue during epidemic and nonepidemic periods in southern Sri Lanka- lessons learned from 2007 and 2012-2013

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of dengue during epidemic and nonepidemic periods in southern Sri Lanka- lessons learned from 2007 and 2012-2013 Bodinavake, C.K.; Tillekeratne, L.G.; Nagahawatte, A.; Devasiri, I.V.; KodikaraArachchi, W.; Ostbye, T.; Gubler, D.J.; Woods, C.W.; Reller, M.E. We evaluated epidemiological, clinical characteristics of dengue, comparing two similar studies performed at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK) Galle during outbreak (2012-2013) and without outbreak (2007). Two cross-sectional studies have been conducted at THK from March - October 2007 and June 2012 - February 2013. Adults and children with acute fever (tympanic > 100.4°F, documented > 102°F), with no obvious bacterial focus, have been enrolled within 48 hours of admission. Data and blood have been collected at enrollment and 2-4 weeks later. Acute dengue was confirmed by paired IgG and IgMIn 2007 total of 1079 patients (61.2% male, median age 30.7 years) and in 2012/2013 total 409 patients (64.3% male, median age 25.2 years) have been enrolled. Acute dengue was confirmed in 54 (6.3%) in2007and 188 (46.0%) in 2012-2013. Acute dengue had leukopenia (WBC <4.0x103/pl, p<0.01) and thrombocytopenia (platelets <100xl03/pl, p<0.01) than non-dengue in both studies. Total 3 (2007) and 7 (20012-2013) patients met criteria for dengue hemorrhagic fever. In 2007, clinical diagnosis sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were 14.0%; (95% Cl 11.6 -16.4), 97.8% (95% Cl 96.8 - 98.9) and 30.4% (95% Cl 27.2 - 33.6) respectively. In 2012/2013 the corresponding values were 64.4%; 95% Cl 57.1 - 71.2), 71.5%; 95% Cl 65.1 - 77.4) and 65.8% (95% Cl 58.4 - 72.6). Serotypes DEN 2-4 isolated in 2007, changed to DEN-1 (94.6%), DEN-4 (5.4%) in 2012/2013. Sero- prevalence increased from 50.9% (2007) to 83.7% 2 (2012/2013). ELISA, PCR or viral isolation.