[Reference values for blood coagulation factor activity in the Mexican population].

INTRODUCTION: During the fluid phase of hemostasis, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, but other hemostatic factors are required. Reference values of hemostatic factors are established by manufacturers producing reagents using individuals with a specific genetic background. OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for hemostatic factors in the Mexican indigenous and Mestizo populations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional, descriptive study of healthy adult Mexicans. Clotting activity was evaluated using coagulometric assays. Blood donors were informed about the nature of the study and informed consent was obtained prior to blood being drawn. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of our institution. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty samples were assayed (60 females and 60 males). Fibrinogen was higher in mestizos and in females. Reference values for factor XII ranged from 40-170% in indigenous subjects and from 36-159% in mestizos. Factor VIII ranged from 57-160% in indigenous subjects and from 51-209% in mestizo subjects. Reference values for the other hemostatic factors were also clearly different from the commercial reference values. Reference values for hemostatic factors in the Mexican population are different from traditionally used commercial reference values. There were significant differences between indigenous and mestizo Mexicans in the concentration of hemostatic factors with a tendency among mestizos to have higher factor concentrations. Low levels of plasma factor XII are frequent and perhaps may represent a risk factor for thrombotic events. Using these reference values may individualize the reposition of factors in Mexican hemophiliac patients.

[Reference values for the blood coagulation tests in Mexico: usefulness of the pooled plasma from blood donors]. / Valores de referencia para las pruebas de coagulación en México: utilidad de la mezcla de plasmas de donadores de sangre.

INTRODUCTION: The blood coagulation system maintains the blood in a liquid state and bleeding and thrombosis are the manifestations of its malfunction. Blood coagulation laboratory evaluates the physiology of this system. OBJECTIVE: To establish both, the reference values for several tests performed at the blood coagulation laboratory as well as the utility of the pooled plasma to perform these assays. MATERIAL AND: METHODS: In this descriptive, cross-sectional, randomized study, we collected plasma from Mexican Mestizos. Each pooled plasma was prepared with the plasma from at least 20 blood donors. We performed screening and special tests and the Levey-Jennings graphs were built and interpreted after each pass. Results of the tests were analyzed and their distribution was established using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To establish the reference values we used 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: We collected 72 pooled plasmas. The distribution for PT, APTT, and TT tests was abnormal. Although the PT test showed a bimodal distribution it was normal for factor VII. The reference values for the hemostatic, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic factors were different from those suggested by the manufacturers. CONCLUSION: We established the reference values for the blood coagulation tests in the adult Mexican population. We have shown that the pooled plasma must be used for the screening tests. We suggest that each clinical laboratory should establish its own reference values (at least for the screening tests). To reach this objective, we encourage the use of the pooled plasma.

[Clinical symptom relief in obese patients with persistent moderate asthma secondary to decreased obesity]. / Alivio de síntomas clínicos en pacientes obesos con asma moderada persistente secundario a la disminución de obesidad.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma and obesity has increased last years implying important economical and social consequences. A relationship between asthma severity and obesity grade has been found. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate if obesity decline has a beneficial impact on asthma severity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of obesity decline on control symptoms and asthma severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients with obesity and moderate chronic asthma were randomized to group A or B and were maintained for 40 days on a low calorie diet. At baseline and at the end of the study, symptoms, measurement of obesity, spirometry, inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulin's levels were assessed. Diets' safety was evaluated based on laboratory test. Data were analyzed with Student's t test. RESULTS: After 40 days on a low calorie diet, in group A, there were significant decreases of obesity (p < 0.001) and IgE, symptoms almost disappeared (cough persisted in 20%) and medication was suspended in 80%. Group B had obesity decline but IgE levels remained (> 100 UI/mL), symptoms and drug regimen remained unchanged. Both diets were not harmful for patients. CONCLUSION: These results show that asthmatic obese patients maintained for 40 days on low calorie diet A, had obesity and IgE levels decrease and symptoms and asthma severity relief.