Factor XII (FXII) deficiency is a rare genetic blood disorder. It can lead to a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or acquired thrombotic disorders than the general population. This retrospective study evaluated patients who opted for surgery and were found to have abnormal clotting profiles and clotting factors on preoperative routine blood. Patients were included regardless of whether they were symptomatic or asymptomatic. The cohort comprised 115 patients with a mean FXII level of 128.04 ± 36.93%. Two (1.79%) patients, both of whom were women, had FXII levels <60%. The mean FXII level was 58 ± 1.41 (range, 57–59%) in this group. The present study shows the prevalence of FXII in the asymptomatic Saudi population. The results provide the normal range for FXII. The findings of our study provide the basis for diagnosing F XII deficiency in the asymptomatic Saudi population.

No abstract

Tobacco cigarette smoking is assumed to be a key reason of death all over the world. Smoking had both severe as well long-lasting effects on hematological constraints. As per the data available from World Health Organization, every year nearly 5 million individuals die around the world due to the diseases triggered by smoking. Cigarette smoking is linked with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. To examine the association between shisha or cigarette smoking and the severity of polycythemia, present study is a cross-sectional organized at King Saud University Medical City during the period from October 2017 to April 2018. Participants were patients who have hemoglobin level above 160 g/L on multiple reading in KSUMC between May 2015-February 2018. The sample size (227 patients) was computed on single proportion formula, Data were collected through questionnaires and from medical record of the patients. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the validity of the questionnaire. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 version. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 considered as statistically significant. Out of 227 study subjects, 86 (37.8%) were smokers, (61.6%) were cigarette smokers while (29%), shisha smokers. Total (9.3%) were smoking both cigarette and Shisha. 29% patients had high normal hemoglobin between the ranges of (160–168 g/L), 17.6% patients had pre-polycythemic hemoglobin between the range of (169–171 g/L) and 53% patients were having polycythemic hemoglobin (>172 g/L). The hemoglobin level in non-smokers was 168.74 g/L, hemoglobin level in cigarette smokers was170.7 g/L, hemoglobin level in shisha smokers was 171.4 g/L while hemoglobin level in those who smokes both cigarette and shisha was 175 g/L. Smoking has adverse effects on hemoglobin. Shisha or cigarette Smoking is associated with increase in the hemoglobin levels and the severity of polycythemia. The findings may help in raising the awareness of tobacco smokers.

Background:The coagulopathy of COVID-19 still awaits more clarification, and one approach that has not been investigated is to compare the hemostatic changes between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infected patients. Objective: This study aims to study COVID-19 coagulopathy by measuring markers of endothelial injury and coagulation, including anticoagulants (TFPI, protein C, protein S, and AT) in COVID-19 patients and compare them with non-COVID-19 patients early in the course of the disease. Methodology: This is an observational, prospective cross-sectional study comparing the levels of protein C, protein S, antithrombin (AT) III, clotting factor (F) VIII, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and coagulation screening tests (PT and a PTT), fibrinogen, D-dimer in COVID-19 patients admitted during the same time with non-COVID-19 infections. The demographic and clinical data of the patients were collected from electronic medical records during admission. Blood tests were extracted within 24 hours of admission for both groups. Results: Fifty-four (66.7% males) consecutive COVID-19 patients and 24 (59% males) non-COVID-19 controls were enrolled in the study from October 2020 till December 2020. COVID-19 patients were significantly older than non-COVID-19 (57.7±14.2 vs 50±19.8 years, p=0.005). Fibrinogen level was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to controls (5.9±1.48 vs 3.9±1.57, p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the level of FVIII, protein C, S, ATIII, and D-dimer between the two groups. The level of vWF Ag was statistically higher in COVID-19 patients (276.7±91.1 vs 184.7±89.4, p=0.0001). There was significant thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia among COVID-19 patients. Inflammatory markers, CRP, ferritin, and LDH, were increased in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19, but the difference was not statistically significant. High fibrinogen and vWF AG levels were the two independent variables found in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion:The level of vWF Ag is increased early in the course of COVID-19 infection. This can be used as a biomarker for endothelial injury, which is peculiar to COVID-19 infection.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract