Assessment of Selected Haemostatic Parameters among Pregnant Women at Different Parities

Authors : Fadairo J. K. ;  Daniels A. O. ; Abegunde J. O.

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.74.83.90

Abstract:
Coagulation pattern in pregnancy is postulated to be impacted by gestational age and parity. The study sets out to assess the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and platelets count (PLT) in pregnant women and investigate the impact of parity on these haemostatic parameters. A total of 150 participants were recruited into this study comprising of 75 pregnant with different parity and varying trimester and 75 non-pregnant women. 4.5ml of venous blood sample was collected into 1/10 volume of 3.8% sodium citrate anticoagulant bottle and 4ml of venous blood sample was collected into ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant bottle from each participant after obtaining written informed consent. Blood samples were spun and separated in the laboratory. PT, APTT and PLT were analyzed immediately using Quick’s test, Tilt-tube method, improved Neubauer hemocytometer method respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and taken to be significant at p<0.05. Prothrombin time in pregnant women (15.76 ± 2.91) was significantly prolonged compared with non-pregnant participants (13.03 ± 2.01) in this study (p<0.05). APTT on the other hand was lower among pregnant women (23.71 ± 5.23) than non-pregnant women (34.86 ± 2.86) p<0.05. There was no significant difference between the platelets count among the two groups. Higher parity showed significant association with prolonged PT and shortened APTT. Pregnancy exhibits modulatory effects on haemostatic parameters with noticeable impact on PT and APTT. Increased parity appears to be an independent factor to this effect.

Evaluation of Some Haemorheologic Parameters amongst Automotive Spray Painters in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Authors : Serekara Gideon Christian ; Providence Ozahenyirichi Joshua ; Evelyn Mgbeoma Eze

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.74.77.82

Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Automotive Spray-Painters are at a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – benzene inclusive, and heavy metals which may cause adverse health outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate effect of exposure to spray paints on some haemorheological parameters in individuals involved in automotive spray painting within Port Harcourt Metropolis. Method: This case control study recruited 52 participants: 30 automotive spray-painters and 22 controls. The study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Venous blood samples were drawn from the participants (age 20 to 65 years) and examined for packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen and haemoglobin. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from participants. Result: Participants from painting occupation had significantly higher ESR (p = 0.0450) as a result of increase in number of years in Automotive Spray-Painting. Increased ESR may be an indication of inflammation in the body. There was no statistical significance between Automotive Spray-Painters and control subjects when values of haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, fibrinogen concentration and erythrocyte concentration was compared in Automotive Spay-Painters, however, their values were increased than that control subjects at p<0.05. Conclusion: The study revealed that prolonged inhalation of benzene and other aromatic toxic compounds in paints caused slight increase in haemorheological parameters (PCV, HB, ESR and fibrinogen) of Automotive Spray-Painters due to exposure to paint fumes, a risk factor for inflammation of vital organs, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism; and predisposes Spray-Painters to many health disorders which can affect their lungs, heart, blood vessels, and ultimately the transport of oxygen to the brain.