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Biomedical subjects

M A El-Hazmi

Publications and source records attributed to M A El-Hazmi.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

A comparative study of haematological parameters in children suffering from sickle cell anaemia (SCA) from different regions of Saudi Arabia.

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) occurs frequently in several regions of Saudi Arabia but the haematological and clinical presentations are significantly variable. We investigated 264 Saudi children suffering from SCA originating from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Normal children from the same region were used as controls. Freshly obtained blood samples from patients and controls were used to estimate haematological parameters, red cell indices, Hb A2 and Hb F levels. The results of children from the different regions were separately analysed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Significant variations were seen in the haematological parameters in SCA patients compared to controls in each region. In addition, comparison of patients from different areas also showed wide variations. The highest levels of haemoglobin, red blood cells and haematocrit were in the SCA children from the eastern province, and the lowest levels were from those in the western province. Red cell indices and Hb A2 levels did not differ significantly but HbF levels were significantly higher compared to the control group. Inter-regional differences were seen in the Hb F level. A slight but statistically significant increase was seen in the total haemoglobin with Hb F. This paper compares the haematological parameters of SCA in different regions of Saudi Arabia and shows a significant haematological heterogeneity in SCA in Saudis.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in 1-6-year-old Saudi children.

Estimations of cholesterol and triglyceride in serum are frequently requested tests due to the close association between elevated levels of these parameters and the risk of arteriosclerosis later leading to cardiovascular disease. Since lipid levels in children show considerable variations in different populations, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in Saudi children less than 6 years old. The study group comprised 582 children with ages ranging from 1 to 6 years, randomly selected during a household screening programme. Fasting blood was used for the estimation of cholesterol and triglyceride using an autoanalyser. The overall range for cholesterol was 2.1-5.7 mmol/l and for triglyceride it was 0.1-1.84 mmol/l. The children were separated into five further groups depending on age, and the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were obtained in each age group. Using published guidelines for cholesterol and triglyceride levels, to estimate 'borderline' and 'high risk' for arteriosclerosis and coronary artery disease, the prevalence of both risk groups were calculated in Saudi children. A total of 6.87 per cent of children fell in the borderline risk and 1.55 per cent in the high-risk group using cholesterol levels, while 1.89 per cent fell in the borderline-risk group and 1.2 per cent in the high-risk group using triglyceride levels. This paper presents the lipid values and discusses the need for lipid awareness programmes in the country.

Age Distribution↗

Prevalence of hypertension in obese and non-obese Saudis.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity occurs at a high prevalence in the Saudi population. Studies in literature show that hypertension occurs more frequently in obese individuals. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of hypertension in obese Saudis in comparison with results obtained in non-obese individuals. METHODS: The screening involved a statistically designed household screening program. Only adults 14-70 years of age were included in the study. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was measured when the individuals were in sitting position and height and weight were used to calculate Body Mass Index. All individuals with Body Mass Index > 30 were classified as obese and hypertension was measured as systolic blood pressure > 140 and diastolic blood pressure > 90 or both. The prevalence of hypertension was calculated in the obese and non-obese group. Chi square analysis was carried out to determine the significance of the difference in prevalence in different groups. RESULTS: In the non-obese males and females the prevalence of hypertension was 4.8% and 2.8%. While in the obese group the prevalence was almost 1.6 times higher in the males (8%) and 3.52 times higher (8%) in the female obese. The results were separated on the basis of the province to which the population belonged and hypertension prevalence was calculated in the obese and non-obese. In each region the prevalence of hypertension was higher in the obese group compared to the non-obese group. Non-obese females had significantly lower hypertension prevalence than the male in the same province but the hypertension prevalence was higher in the females compared to the male in the obese group. Male in the Eastern, Southern and Western provinces did not show an increased hypertension prevalence in the obese. CONCLUSION: Since the prevalence of obesity is high in Saudis and since obesity and hypertension occur together and cause serious complications, it is strongly suggested that measures are adopted to decrease prevalence of obesity and its underlying complications. Awareness programs are required at the level of the general public for successful implication of preventive programs.

Adult↗

Patterns of sickle cell, thalassaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency genes in north-western Saudi Arabia.

This study was conducted on 429 blood samples collected from Saudi males and females from Al-Ula in the north-western province of Saudi Arabia in order to determine the frequency of the sickle cell gene, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency gene, and alpha- and beta-thalassaemia genes, and to investigate the pattern of their interactions. The frequency of the sickle cell gene was 0.0785, while that of the beta-thalassaemia gene was 0.1195. Heterozygous alpha-thalassaemia 2 (- alpha/alpha alpha) was encountered at a frequency of 0.121, while homozygous alpha-thalassaemia 2 (- alpha/- alpha) occurred at a frequency of 0.0046. HbH disease and hydrops fetalis were not encountered. One case with triple alpha-gene arrangement, alpha alpha alpha anti-3.7, was identified. The G6PD deficiency gene frequency was 0.08 and 0.032 in males and females, respectively. Several cases with 2 abnormal genes were encountered. The haematological and biochemical data from the patients with sickle cell disease suggest that the disease in this population is more severe in comparison with cases reported from the eastern population.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

The haematological, biochemical and clinical--presentation of haemoglobin S in Saudi Arabia (i). Haematological & clinical expression.

The haematological and clinical expression of haemoglobin S (Hb S) was investigated in a group of male and female Saudis of haemoglobin genotype AS and SS, and the results compared with those from normal individuals (AA). The influence of alpha thalassaemia in each genotype was also investigated. The total haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC) and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly lower in the SS group without thalassaemia. In the thalassaemic group Hb, RBC and PCV levels were higher, while MCV and MCH were considerably lower. The clinical investigations reveal that almost 30% of the SS cases had not required blood transfusion, and none of the patients had suffered from leg ulceration or hand and foot syndrome. Comparison of the results obtained for Saudi sickle cell patients with those reported for Jamaicans show several differences, indicating a milder disease in the Saudis.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Curriculum evaluation: status and options.

A questionnaire was used to ascertain: the status of the curriculum; curriculum characteristics; factors which have been useful in facilitating and improving the curriculum; opinions of the teaching staff on various ways of improving the educational process; and frequency of utilization of various teaching methods and audio-visual aids. The questionnaire was sent to 100 randomly selected faculty members (about 60% of total faculty members). The responses were statistically analysed to explain and elucidate the nature of the curriculum, factors or agents which have influenced the curriculum, the pattern of utilization of teaching methods and audio-visual aids, and the problems which have inhibited the rate of change. The implications of these findings for facilitating and improving the educational process are discussed.

Audiovisual Aids↗

Haemoglobin disorders: a pattern for thalassaemia and haemoglobinopathies in Arabia.

The mild course of the diseased state of haemoglobinopathies and the thalassaemias in Arabia and the interaction of the genetic abnormality and environmental factors are particularly interesting as the Peninsula exhibits a diverse climate and topography that encourages study of the interactions between various genetic and environmental factors. The present study is aimed at elucidating the incidence and frequency of these genetic abnormalities in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The relationship between haemoglobinopathies, thalassaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency on the one hand and malaria parasites on the other are elucidated. The results are presented in the light of the environmental factors prevailing in the area.

Fetal Hemoglobin↗

Establishment of normal "reference" ranges for biochemical parameters for healthy Saudi Arabs.

Biochemical constituents in the blood of healthy individuals are subject to variations under the influence of several factors. Differences can be seen in the normal ranges established for populations living under different environmental and dietary conditions. Age and sex also affect the normal range values considerably. Normal "reference" ranges for 29 biochemical parameters, established by using blood samples from 578 male and 226 female students studying at various colleges at King Saud University, and of ages ranging between 20 and 29 years, are presented. Marked differences are found in the values for Saudi males and females. Comparison of the results obtained for Saudis with those reported for western populations also show differences in the majority of the parameters. The comparison of Saudi mean values with western mean values is presented.

Adult↗

Establishment of normal "reference" ranges for haematological parameters for healthy Saudi Arabs.

The normal 'reference' ranges of haematological parameters vary considerably under the influence of different factors, such as the age and sex, and various environmental factors. Furthermore, diurnal variations have also been observed. In this study the normal 'reference' ranges of haematological parameters established by analysing samples from 804 healthy Saudi students (578 males and 226 females), with ages ranging between 20 and 29 years, are presented. Comparison of the results from males and females shows that all values are higher for the Saudi males than for the females except values for white blood cell counts. Comparison of the mean values for Saudi with the values for the western population shows that for the Saudi male the mean values for Hb F is slightly higher while for all other parameters the values are lower. Among the Saudi females mean values for Hb F, white blood cell counts and mean cell volume are slightly higher than those reported for western females. Mean values for all other parameters are lower than corresponding mean values in westerners.

Adult↗

Human haemoglobins and haemoglobinopathies in Arabia: Hb O Arab in Saudi Arabia.

In the Arabian peninsula, haemoglobinopathies, though very interesting, are still far from being fairly established. With the exception of the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, where several aspects of the sickle-cell disease have been focused upon, few reports have appeared in the literature. However, in 1974 one of us (M.A.F. E.H.) has initiated a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health on haemoglobinopathies in various parts of the country. These studies have revealed a new pocket for the sickle-cell gene and a new structural abnormality. In the present report we describe the first finding of Hb O Arab in Saudi Arabia, which may shed more light on the anthropological significance of this haemoglobin variant.

Adult↗

On the nature of sickle-cell disease in the Arabian Peninsula.

The sickle-cell gene contributes substantially to the presentation of anaemia in certain areas of the Arabian Peninsula. However, the clinical presentation of the homozygous state of Hb S is less severe than that observed in other ethnic groups, such as American negroes. In the present paper, biosynthesis studies performed on reticulocytes from heterozygotes and homozygotes for the Hb S give further indications of the mild nature of sickle-cell disease in Arabia. Comparison of two affected families, from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, showed that clinical manifestation of the disease is mirrored by the biochemical and haematological findings in affected individuals. The results are discussed in terms of the effect of co-existing thalassaemia and/or iron deficiency with Hb S. It is suggested that both genetic and acquired conditions play a role in the clinical features of the disease. The mechanisms responsible for regulation of alpha-chain synthesis by iron (haem) deficiency are discussed.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

The occurrence of Hb E Saskatoon in Scotland.

The finding of several examples of Hb E Saskatoon in the Orkney Islands, in Edinburgh and in individuals of Scottish descent in Canada but nowhere else, suggests that the original mutation occurred in Scotland, perhaps in the Orkneys.

Genetics, Population↗

Hb Helsinki: a variant with a high oxygen affinity and a substitution at a 2,3-DPG binding site (beta82[EF6] Lys replaced by Met).

A new haemoglobin, Hb Helsinki, in which beta 82-Lys (EF6) is replaced by Met, was found in a Finnish family. It was associated with familial erythrocytosis, and the oxygen affinity of the blood was higher than normal. The oxygen equilibrium curves of purified Hb Helsinki and HbA from the same haemolysate have been determined under vaious conditions. "Stripped' Hb Helsinki was found to show normal cooperativity, slightly low oxygen affinity and a reduced Bohr effect at physiological pH. However, the organic phosphates, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and inositol hexaphosphate (IHP) had a very small effect on Hb Helsinki, and the 2,3-DPG binding constant of deoxygenated Hb Helsinki is close to that of oxyhaemoglobin A. Thus, the replacement of Lys by Met at position 82 dramatically changes the nature of the central cavity of the tetramer and the effect of 2,3-DPG on the respiratory function of the molecule.

Adult↗

On the interaction between thyroid hormones and the tranquillisers Librium and Valium.

Studies on the in vitro effects of Librium and Valium on the circulating thyroid hormones, their binding and on the binding proteins showed that Valium can affect the triiodothyronine binding capacity and free thyroxine index three times more than Librium. Valium can alter the thyroxine standards, which are needed to obtain thyroxine values in serum samples in competitive protein binding assay and can alter the distribution of radioactive thyroxine among serum proteins more than Librium which has a lesser effect on the thyroxine binding. Though these drugs affect some thyroid function tests, in vivo administration to rabbits over three months failed to alter these parameters. We have presented data suggesting that these drugs produce no changes in thyroid function (as they indeed do in some thyroid function tests).

Animals↗

Hemoglobin Riyadh--alpha2beta2 (120(GH3)Lys replaced by Asn). A new variant found in association with alpha-thalassemia and iron deficiency.

On a field trip toSaudi Arabia (M.A.F.E.H.) in which the relationship between alpha-thalassemia and iron deficiency was studied, a fast moving hemoglobin variant was noted in a 30 year old Saudi Arabian woman. Analysis of the hemoglobin variant showed that the amino acid substitution was beta120 Lys replaced by Asn. This variant had not been described previously and has been named Hb Riyadh. There was also present an alpha-thalassemia and details are given of the imbalance of globin chain synthesis. It was possible to improve considerably the balance in vitro by the addition of hemin.

Adult↗