RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Hypersplenism associated with cirrhotic portal hypertension is a common condition often resulting from hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. However, the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) and complement in patients with hypersplenism associated with cirrhotic portal hypertension remain unclear. This study was undertaken to determine the levels of Ig and complement in these patients, the relationship between these levels and Child-Pugh class and their clinical significance. AIM: To investigate the antibody (Ig) and complement levels in patients with hypersplenism associated with cirrhotic portal hypertension and their clinical significance. METHODS: Clinical data of 119 patients with hypersplenism associated with cirrhotic portal hypertension were statistically analyzed and compared with those of 128 control patients. RESULTS: IgA and IgG levels in patients with hypersplenism were significantly higher than controls (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in IgM between the two groups (P = 0.109). C3 and C4 levels in patients with hypersplenism were significantly lower than controls (P < 0.001). As liver function decreased, IgA and IgG levels increased (P < 0.001), and C3 and C4 levels decreased (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with hypersplenism associated with cirrhotic portal hypertension have significantly higher antibody (IgA and IgG) levels and significantly lower complement (C3 and C4) levels, which are both related to liver damage. Clinically, the administration of anti-hepatitis virus agents and protection of liver function should be strengthened.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gene-carrying rate and genetic types of thalassemia among the couples of child-bearing age in Ding'an, Hainan province. METHODS: A total of 1742 couples at child bearing age in the region were screened for thalassemia by detecting the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). If the sample data of either spouse of couples was tested as MCVï¼82 fl and /or MCHï¼27 pg, both samples of the couple would be further assayed by hemoglobin electrophoresis. Those samples of HbA2 2.5 % or HbA2ï¼3.5 % were judged as positive in the preliminary screening, then subjected to genetic diagnosis of thalassemia. RESULTS: 478 cases out of 1 742 couples of child bearing age were diagnosed as thalassemia gene mutation, and the gene-carrying rate was 13.72 %. In those carriers, 42 couples were diagnosed with the same type of thalassemia, accounting for 3.67 %. The gene-carrying rate of α-thalassemia, ß-thalassemia and αß-thalassemia was 9.56%, 3.10% and 1.06 % respectively. CONCLUSION: The Ding'an area in Hainan Province is an area with high incidence of thalassemia, and the main genotype is α-thalassemia, showing a distribution of local characteristics. The government should make efferts to popularise the screening for thalassemia, so as to effectively prevent the birth of children with thalassemia major.
