This study is aimed at evaluating the association between Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and the primary complete blood count (CBC) parameters in confirmed positive patients. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, 384 files of patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis hospitalized at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, were chosen randomly as a study group for hematological parameters, with another 384 non-COVID-19 files of patients without history of any disease which could influence the hematological profile were selected as a control group. The gender, age, and nationality of the control group were matched with those of the study group. Anemia and thrombocytopenia prevalence was significantly higher in COVID-19 positive patients compared with negative. However, the positive cases were 3.4 times more likely to be anemic and approximately 5.3 times as likely to be thrombocytopenic, while the prevalence of leukopenia showed no statistical significance between the two groups. However, the Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Total White Blood Cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count, and basophil count median values showed a nonsignificant difference between the two groups. Anemia and thrombocytopenia may be highly developed in severe positive cases, and therefore, further studies are recommended to validate these findings.

Background: The development of cancer results from an imbalance between exposure to carcinogens and the capacity of various enzyme systems engaged in activation or in the detoxification of xenobiotics. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association of GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). Methods: A total of 200 CML patients and 100 controls were enrolled in a case-control study with GSTM1 and GSTT1 analysis with PCR and GSTP1 analysis with PCR-RFLP. Results: The GSTT1 null genotype was significantly higher among CML patients suggesting that this genotype is associated with an increased risk of CML. It was found in 42% of cases as compared with 21% of the controls, (OR =2.78, 95% CI: 1.59-4.85; p-value =0.000). The presence of the GSTT1 genotype may thus be considered a protective factor for CML. The frequency of individuals carrying GSTM1 null genotype was slightly higher in the control group but this difference was not statistically significant. The GSTM1 null genotype was present in 35% of control cases and 34% of the CML patients, (OR=0.975, 95%CI: 0.58-1.58;p-value=0.863). Individuals with a combined GSTM1 null/GSTT1null genotype had an estimated 2.85-fold increased risk of CML, but no associated risk between GSTP1 Ile 105 Val polymorphism and CML was found (OR=1.99, 95% CI: 0.40-9.32; p-value = 0.417). Conclusions: No association between GSTP1 and GSTM1 with susceptibility to CML was found. GSTT1 genotype may be a protective factor for CML, while the null genotype shows association with developing CML.

COVID-19 is a global pandemic viral infection that has affected millions worldwide. Limited data is available on the effect of COVID-19 on hematological parameters in Saudi Arabia. This study is aimed at examining the role of hematological parameters among COVID-19 patients admitted to King Khalid Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective, hospital-based study of 514 cases who were recruited during August to October 2020. 257 COVID-19 patients formed the study group, and a further 257 negative subjects formed the control group. Anemia was significantly elevated in positive subjects over controls (respectively, 64.2% and 35.8%), with patients 2.5 times more likely to be anemic ( p < 0.01 ). Thrombocytopenia was higher in patients over controls (respectively, 62% and 38%), with patients ~1.7 times more likely to be thrombocytopenic ( p < 0.01 ). Moreover, leukopenia was significantly higher in patients over controls (respectively, 71% and 29%), with positive subjects ~2.6 times more likely to be leukopenic. Our study results indicate that mild anemia associated with leukopenia may have diagnostic value for COVID-19. Careful assessment of hematological parameters, at baseline and throughout the disease path, will assist physicians in formulating personalized approaches to treatment and promptly offer intensive care to those in greater need.

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