Background:Hereditary hemoglobin (Hb) disorders are the most commonly encountered single gene disorders in India. Proper timely identification of these disorders is of paramount importance to prevent thalassemia major and clinically severe hemoglobinopathy as well as for epidemiologic purposes.Aims:Our aim was to determine the prevalence of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathy in patients of a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal, India.Materials and Methods:This prospective study was conducted on 119,336 cases over a period of 10 years. After taking clinical history and familial history, complete hemogram report was obtained by an automated cell counter. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed on the samples with Bio-Rad Variant using beta thalassemia short program. Confirmatory tests were performed whenever required.Results:A normal Hb pattern was observed in 104,804 (87.83%) cases and abnormalities were detected in 14,532 (12.17%) patients. β (beta) thalassemia trait was the commonest abnormality found in 5,488 (4.60%) patients. HbE trait was found in 3,604 (3.02%) patients, β thalassemia major/intermedia in 1,981 (1.66%) cases, and Eβ thalassemia in 1,384 (1.16 %) cases. Other variants detected included HbE disease, sickle-cell disease, sickle β thalassemia, HbD-Punjab trait, HbQ-India trait, α-thal trait, double heterozygous state of HbS and HbE, double heterozygous state of HbS and HbD, HbJ-Meerut, hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), HbH, delta β-thal trait, and Hb Lepore.Conclusion:In view of the high prevalence of hemoglobinopathy in this region, a routine premarital screening program is needed for the identification and prevention of high-risk marriages and thus, prevention of the psychosocial trauma of bearing a transfusion-dependent child for life.

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Primary extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare plasma cell neoplasm. Extramedullary plasmacytomas are most commonly found in head and neck region, but it can occur at other sites occasionally. Involvement of ovary by this tumor is exceedingly rare. Here, we report a case of primary ovarian plasmacytoma in a 47-year-old woman. The patient presented with a lower abdominal pain and a left ovarian mass (12 cm × 10 cm) was detected during the ultrasonographic examination. The patient underwent hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Subsequent histopathologic, immunohistochemistry, bone marrow examination, and other relevant examinations established the diagnosis of primary ovarian plasmacytoma. The patient did not receive the postoperative chemotherapy and 6 months follow-up was uneventful.

BACKGROUND: Hydatidiform mole (HM) is characterized histologically by cystic swelling of the chorionic villi, accompanied by variable trophoblastic proliferation. The most important reason for the correct recognition of moles is that they are associated with an increased risk of persistent trophoblastic disease (invasive mole) or choriocarcinoma. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether there is any role of p57 in differentiating partial and complete moles by immunohistochemical staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was undertaken in which 40 cases of molar pregnancy included over a period of 2 years. Detailed clinical and family histories were obtained from each patient. Histopathological examination followed by immunohistochemical study with p57 done in each case. Ultrasonography findings and serial titers of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin were noted whenever necessary. RESULTS: Among the forty cases included, 25 (62%) had complete molar (CM) pregnancy, whereas the rest 15 (38%) had partial mole (PM). Both CM and PM were more pronounced in the age group of 20–25 years (44% and 60%, respectively), and among nulliparous women (68% and 70% respectively), 17 (42.5%) mothers had a prior history of abortion. In the histologically unequivocal cases of complete mole, 96% (24 of 25) did not express p57 and a single case was focal positive. In contrast, it was strongly and continuously expressed in both villous cytotrophoblast and stromal cells in all cases of PM (15 of 15). CONCLUSION: p57 immunomarker is very helpful to diagnose and differentiate complete and partial HM.

Red blood cell alloimmunization to antigens other than D, such as C, c, E, e, and antigens in the Kell, MNS, and Duffy blood group systems, has emerged as an important cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Antibody screening for these antibodies is not routinely practiced for all antenatal patients in developing countries, mainly because of financial constraints.Here we report a rare case of HDFN due to dual antibodies to Rh and Kidd blood group system antigens: anti-E and anti-Jk a . This case report highlights the importance of routine and regular antenatal screening of all pregnant women for proper monitoring and follow-up. Immunohematology 2020;36:60-63.

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders are common complications of pregnancy. Thorough macroscopic and microscopic examination of the placenta provides much insight into the prenatal health of the baby and the mother. Objectives: 1. To study the morphological changes in the placenta in pregnant mothers. 2. Comparative study of morphological changes in the placenta among hypertensive and normotensive pregnant mothers. Methods: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study was performed. Detail clinical history taken and placentae were collected from both 40 hypertensive and 40 normotensive mother's delivered in labour room or operation theatre. Both macroscopical and histopathological examination was done. Findings were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: The comparison of placental diameter, placental thickness, mean placental weight, placental volume, placental surface area between hypertensive and normotensive group showed statistically significant difference (p value < 0.05). Incidence of placental haematoma, infarction, basement membrane thickening of villi and syncytial knot in hypertensive group was 20%, 27.5%, 50% and 92.5% & in normotensive group was 5%, 10%, 12 % and 60% respectively. All cases in hypertensive group had placental fibrinoid necrosis of villi in comparison to 57.5% cases in normotensive group (p < 0.05). For fibrosis of villi and cytotrophoblatic proliferation p value was < 0.05 which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Effects of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy reflect in gross and microscopic findings of placenta which may contribute to the further management of mother and baby.

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Background: Pleural effusion has varied aetiological factors. It constitutes one of the major causes of morbidity in India as well in other parts of world. Because of the various aetiologies that can cause pleural effusion, itoften present a diagnostic problem, even after extensive investigations. Objective: In this study, authors aimed to identify the common aetiologies causing pleural effusion and their clinical profile in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study is conducted over a period of one year in tertiary care hospital in West Bengal. 150 patients of pleural effusion above 10 yrs of age were studied. Clinico-pathological, radiological, hematological and biochemical parameters were documented. Results: The most common cause pleural effusion in this study was tuberculosis (64.67%), followed by malignancy (14.67%), parapneumonic effusion (7.33%), cardiac failure (5.33%) and other minor causes. It was commonly seen in male (70%). The occurrence of tubercular pleural effusion was maximum in the age group 31-40 years. Right-sided effusions were more common. Pleural fluid cytology and adenosine deaminase played a pivotal role in the diagnosis of tubercular pleural effusion. Conclusion: The present study highlights tuberculosis as the common causative factor for pleural effusion, labels lung carcinoma as the most common cause of malignant pleural effusion, and defines the clinico-pathological, biochemical and imaging characteristics of different aetiologies of pleural effusion.