African Journal of Laboratory Medicine最新文献

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Mpox: An emerging or re-emerging infection with a potential colossal burden on healthcare globally. 麻疹:一种新出现或再出现的感染,可能对全球卫生保健造成巨大负担。
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African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-05-31 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2644
Chikwelu L Obi, Nqobile M Mkolo, Liziwe L Mugivhisa, Modupe O Ogunrombi, Mukhethwa M Mphephu, Clarissa M Naidoo
{"title":"Mpox: An emerging or re-emerging infection with a potential colossal burden on healthcare globally.","authors":"Chikwelu L Obi, Nqobile M Mkolo, Liziwe L Mugivhisa, Modupe O Ogunrombi, Mukhethwa M Mphephu, Clarissa M Naidoo","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2644","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2644","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The World Health Organization identified mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), as a resurgent zoonotic epidemic caused by the mpox virus. It is an emerging and re-emerging pathogen with a range of hosts and geographical distribution worldwide. Peer-reviewed scientific articles from 1958 to 29 August 2024 related to global mpox research were extracted from Web of Science<sup>TM</sup> Core Collection and Google Scholar Databases to gauge the extent of the infection. Mpox is marked by a recent resurgence of infections across continents, with Africa being the hardest-hit region. The mpox re-emergence has shown a new mechanism of transmission, with several causes such as a rise in the number of unvaccinated individuals, behaviour risk factors, waning immunity, genetic evolution, and environmental circumstances. Preventive and control measures of mpox include vaccination and patient isolation, while treatment involves antivirals and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections. Laboratory diagnosis entailing polymerase chain reaction can be effective for routine purposes, but results of serological tests must be interpreted with caution, because of cross-reacting determinants among orthopoxviruses. The structure and classification of the mpox virus, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, epidemiology, historical antecedent, therapeutics, vaccines, and laboratory diagnosis of the disease are explicated, showcasing mpox as an emerging or re-emerging infection with a potential colossal burden on healthcare, and its classification as an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>This review provides the global situation of mpox as an emerging or re-emerging infection, warranting its designation as an international public health emergency.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2644"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Effects of sample age and storage temperature on the flow cytometric diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in South Africa. 样品年龄和储存温度对南非慢性淋巴细胞白血病流式细胞术诊断的影响。
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African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-05-31 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2688
Shaun M Grobler, Anne-Cecilia van Marle
{"title":"Effects of sample age and storage temperature on the flow cytometric diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in South Africa.","authors":"Shaun M Grobler, Anne-Cecilia van Marle","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2688","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a haematological neoplasm with characteristic flow cytometric immunophenotyping. Pre-analytical variables impact the quality and reproducibility of flow cytometric data, which could alter the diagnosis from CLL to atypical CLL (aCLL).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the effects of pre-analytical variables, specifically sample age and storage temperature, on the stability of key antigens used in the diagnosis of CLL.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Serial flow cytometric analyses were performed from January 2022 to March 2023 on blood samples of 10 CLL patients from the Universitas Academic Hospital Haematology Clinic in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Samples were stored at room and refrigerator temperatures and analysed at baseline, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. We recorded the percentage and intensity of antigen expression of CLL makers, including CD5, CD20, CD23, CD79b, CD200 and sIgM, and assessed whether these affected the adapted and modified Matutes scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistically significant changes were observed in CD5 (<i>p</i> = 0.028), CD23 (<i>p</i> = 0.003) and CD200 (<i>p</i> = 0.005) expression, with better stability at refrigerator temperature. Two samples showed changes in both Matutes scores by 24 h, irrespective of storage temperature. By 48 h, scores changed to aCLL in six room-temperature and four refrigerated samples. A majority shift in diagnosis to aCLL (modified Matutes: <i>n</i> = 8/10; adapted Matutes: <i>n</i> = 7/10) was observed at 96 h for refrigerated samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings indicate that pre-analytical variables influence antigen stability in CLL samples, with better preservation at refrigerator temperature, recommending analysis within 48 h of collection.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>This study highlights the impact of pre-analytical variables on the flow cytometric diagnosis of CLL. Extended room temperature storage alters antigen expression, shifting Matutes scores and potentially affecting the final diagnosis. The findings emphasise optimised sample handling, for improved diagnostic accuracy in laboratory medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2688"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135094/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Narrative review: Continuous professional development training programmes in Africa and their limitations. 叙述性审查:非洲持续专业发展培训方案及其局限性。
IF 1
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-05-16 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2602
Nqobile Ndlovu, Rajiv T Erasmus, Annalise E Zemlin
{"title":"Narrative review: Continuous professional development training programmes in Africa and their limitations.","authors":"Nqobile Ndlovu, Rajiv T Erasmus, Annalise E Zemlin","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2602","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2602","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Continuous professional development (CPD) represents a cornerstone in the advancement of professional skills and knowledge across various sectors. It is globally recognised as a transformative process that unlocks potential, increases capacity, and fosters personal growth. This narrative review article aimed to understand how the CPD training programmes for laboratory professionals are implemented and sustained in Africa. A narrative review was conducted where a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and web searches for white and/or grey literature, facilitated by a custom Python script. A combination of keywords, truncations, and subject headings targeted four key themes: Continuing professional development (and related terms), laboratory professionals, African countries, and aspects of implementation and scoring. The search was restricted to articles in English published from 2009 to 2024. While the actual training needs and gaps for CPD programmes are widely known, the actual implementation of CPD has remained a challenge. In the past, CPD training programmes have been implemented to address the lack of skills and the insufficient and skewed distribution of these health workers. This approach is not sustainable and has led to some challenges with coordination, quality assurance, and regulation. Each country has its unique context and training needs; therefore, CPD needs to be more coordinated and tailored so that professionals are given the right training for their needs.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>Addressing training gaps for laboratory professionals in Africa will require a well-structured, coordinated and tailored approach that will deliver a continent-wide CPD programme.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2602"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
United States foreign aid freeze: An urgent call to action for support for African national laboratory programmes. 美国冻结外援:紧急呼吁采取行动支持非洲国家实验室方案。
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African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-05-16 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2794
Farouk A Umaru
{"title":"United States foreign aid freeze: An urgent call to action for support for African national laboratory programmes.","authors":"Farouk A Umaru","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2794","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2794","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2794"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135109/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Ending nuclear weapons, before they end us. 在核武器终结我们之前终结它们。
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African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-05-15 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2847
Kamran Abbasi, Parveen Ali, Virginia Barbour, Marion Birch, Inga Blum, Peter Doherty, Andy Haines, Ira Helfand, Richard Horton, Kati Juva, Jose F Lapena, Robert Mash, Olga Mironova, Arun Mitra, Carlos Monteiro, Elena N Naumova, David Onazi, Tilman Ruff, Peush Sahni, James Tumwine, Carlos Umaña, Paul Yonga, Chris Zielinski
{"title":"Ending nuclear weapons, before they end us.","authors":"Kamran Abbasi, Parveen Ali, Virginia Barbour, Marion Birch, Inga Blum, Peter Doherty, Andy Haines, Ira Helfand, Richard Horton, Kati Juva, Jose F Lapena, Robert Mash, Olga Mironova, Arun Mitra, Carlos Monteiro, Elena N Naumova, David Onazi, Tilman Ruff, Peush Sahni, James Tumwine, Carlos Umaña, Paul Yonga, Chris Zielinski","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2847","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2847","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2847"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135199/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Implementation of the laboratory strategic framework to strengthen health laboratory services in Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2016-2023. 实施2016-2023年东地中海区域加强卫生实验室服务的实验室战略框架。
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African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-04-30 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2611
Fausta S Mosha, Rana Hajjeh, Rachel Ochola, Amany Ghoniem, Yvan J-F Hutin
{"title":"Implementation of the laboratory strategic framework to strengthen health laboratory services in Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2016-2023.","authors":"Fausta S Mosha, Rana Hajjeh, Rachel Ochola, Amany Ghoniem, Yvan J-F Hutin","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Laboratories and diagnostics services are critical to universal health coverage and public health response. We assessed the extent of the implementation and functionality of the 2016-2023 Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) laboratory strategic framework.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Documents and reports from World Health Organization country offices were examined between September 2022 and November 2022, supplemented by stakeholder-provided documents, to enhance data collection and reporting across the framework's five goals. An intervention using a performance evaluation scorecard assessed the progress of EMR Member States (MSs) towards strengthening health laboratory services, with findings validated during the December 2022 regional public health laboratory directors' meeting in Egypt.</p><p><strong>Lessons learnt: </strong>We analysed results from 21 of 22 MSs. Three (14%) MSs, all high income, had the capacity to implement all indicators, while only one of five low-income (20%) MSs could not demonstrate any capacity across all five goals evaluated. Irrespective of income category, the least implemented domains were: (1) availability of either or both fully implemented laboratory policy, and (2) a fully implemented integrated national laboratory strategic plan, both of which were implemented in only 50% of MSs.</p><p><strong>Recommendations: </strong>Addressing the identified gaps requires concerted efforts, collaboration, and sustained investment to ensure the delivery of high-quality laboratory services and advance public health outcomes across the EMR. Implementation of laboratory strategies should be coordinated through the specific laboratory department or unit at the Ministry of Health level, above the central public health laboratories and with the support of a national laboratory technical working group.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>This study revealed substantial gaps in implementing laboratory policies and strategic plans in the EMR, with full implementation achieved by only 50% of MSs. It underscores the necessity for coordinated efforts and sustained investment to enhance laboratory services and promote effective laboratory practices in EMR.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2611"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067354/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144037816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Mitigating the risk of tube shortages: A blood collection tube validation study conducted in South Africa. 减轻管短缺的风险:在南非进行的一项采血管验证研究。
IF 1
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-04-23 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2628
Marizna Korf, Jody Rusch, Aye Aye Khine, Nalene Strauss, Lourens Jacobsz, Annalise E Zemlin, Helena Vreede
{"title":"Mitigating the risk of tube shortages: A blood collection tube validation study conducted in South Africa.","authors":"Marizna Korf, Jody Rusch, Aye Aye Khine, Nalene Strauss, Lourens Jacobsz, Annalise E Zemlin, Helena Vreede","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2628","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2628","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The National Health Laboratory Service was using Becton Dickinson (BD) blood drawing tubes and, in 2021, the supplier notified customers of supply challenges, indicating a risk of global shortages.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to validate candidate blood collection tubes from four brands (VACUCARE, VACUETTE<sup>®</sup>, VACUTEST<sup>®</sup>, and V-TUBE<sup>™</sup>) compared to BD Vacutainer<sup>®</sup> tubes in three National Health Laboratory Service laboratories in Cape Town, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood was collected from 300 healthy volunteers between October 2021 and November 2021. The technical validation assessed 11 quality indicators, with a sigma metric greater than 4 deemed acceptable. Usability feedback was gathered from phlebotomists. The clinical validation estimated differences in results across 52 clinical chemistry tests, using desirable bias specified by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Biological Variation Database, or Ricos, as acceptance criteria. Analysis was performed on Roche cobas<sup>®</sup> 6000 and DiaSorin Liaison<sup>®</sup> XL analysers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All VACUCARE tubes exhibited sigma metrics above 4, indicating excellent performance. VACUETTE<sup>®</sup> and V-TUBE<sup>™</sup> were not uncapped by all Roche pre-analytical systems. VACUTEST<sup>®</sup> caps had rigid rubber, making it more challenging to puncture and detach the tube, which resulted in needle displacement. Both VACUCARE and V-TUBE<sup>™</sup> were reported as user-friendly. All candidate tube analytes showed acceptable clinical performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VACUCARE, VACUETTE<sup>®</sup>, VACUTEST<sup>®</sup> and V-TUBE<sup>™</sup> are viable alternatives to BD Vacutainer<sup>®</sup>. However, based on the results obtained from the technical validation, VACUCARE was identified as the most suitable interim replacement for BD Vacutainer<sup>®</sup> during the shortage.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>This study addresses a gap in the literature on tube validation and provides valuable insights for clinical laboratories considering a replacement. It also presents an alternative approach to technical validation by utilising sigma metrics.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2628"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067025/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Diagnostic accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in clinical samples: A systematic review and meta-analysis. 实时聚合酶链反应法检测阴道毛滴虫临床样本的诊断准确性:系统综述和荟萃分析。
IF 1
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-04-16 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2522
Emmanuel O Babafemi, Benny P Cherian, Khalid Rahman, Gilbert M Mogoko, Oluwatoyin O Abiola
{"title":"Diagnostic accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> in clinical samples: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Emmanuel O Babafemi, Benny P Cherian, Khalid Rahman, Gilbert M Mogoko, Oluwatoyin O Abiola","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2522","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2522","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vaginal trichomoniasis is a highly prevalent parasitic infection associated with HIV acquisition and preterm birth. The 'gold standard' for its diagnosis requires 3-7 days to detect by culture. Rapid and accurate diagnosis, such as by nucleic acid amplification testing, is key to manage the disease, and control and prevent its transmission.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This review aimed to assess the overall accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assays, for routine diagnosis of <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> in clinical vaginal samples from women with symptomatic/asymptomatic trichomoniasis, using Trichomonads culture as the gold standard.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and other sources were used to search for included studies published between 01 January 1995 and 31 July 2023. The search terms 'real-time polymerase chain reaction', 'real-time', 'polymerase chain reaction', '<i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>', 'trichomonas', 'vaginalis', 'humans', 'rt pcr', 'nucleic acid amplification test', 'NAAT', 'trichomonad culture', 'women' were included. Summary estimates were calculated for the overall accuracy of the assay compared to Trichomonads culture as the reference standard. Meta-analysis was conducted using a bivariate meta-regression model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-seven eligible studies met our inclusion criteria: sensitivity 99% (95% confidence interval [CI] 99-100), specificity 100% (95% CI 100-100), positive likelihood ratio 350.67 (167.42-734.49), negative likelihood ratio 0.02 (0.01-0.03), diagnostic odds ratio 23 064.05 (95% CI 8532.13-62 346.77), and area under receiver operating characteristics curve 0.99. There was significant heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results suggested that RT-PCR assays could be useful for the diagnosis of vaginal trichomoniasis with high sensitivity and specificity.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>This article provides a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of RT-PCR assays for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis with high sensitivity and specificity in comparison to other methods in clinical laboratory practice. The goal is to present awareness/evidence that this assay is more accurate and rapid than other techniques.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067014/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144053416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Thyroid and reproductive hormonal factors associated with menorrhagia among women in Kenya. 与肯尼亚妇女月经过多有关的甲状腺和生殖激素因素。
IF 1
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-04-10 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2653
Phidelis M Marabi, Paul M Kosiyo, Stanslaus K Musyoki, Collins Ouma
{"title":"Thyroid and reproductive hormonal factors associated with menorrhagia among women in Kenya.","authors":"Phidelis M Marabi, Paul M Kosiyo, Stanslaus K Musyoki, Collins Ouma","doi":"10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2653","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2653","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Menorrhagia, characterised by menstrual blood loss exceeding 80 mL per cycle, is a common issue in Western Kenya. However, there are insufficient data on how hormonal disorders contribute to its occurrence.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to examine the differences and associations between thyroid and reproductive hormone levels in women with menorrhagia versus those without, in Bungoma County, Kenya.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 women (214 with menorrhagia and 214 controls) aged 18-45 years, between 01 December 2022 and 31 September 2023 at Bungoma County Referral Hospital. The analysis included thyroid stimulating hormone, total and free triiodothyronine, thyroxine, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone, prolactin, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women experiencing menorrhagia had statistically significant increases in levels of FSH (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), oestrogen (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and total testosterone (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while prolactin levels had a statistically significant decrease (<i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to those without menorrhagia. There were no statistically significant differences in total triiodothyronine (<i>p</i> = 0.384), free triiodothyronine (<i>p</i> = 0.610), total thyroxine (<i>p</i> = 0.127), free thyroxine (<i>p</i> = 0.360), or thyroid stimulating (<i>p</i> = 0.118). No associations were found between menorrhagia and either thyroid or reproductive hormones.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Elevated levels of FSH, oestrogen, and testosterone, along with reduced prolactin, may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing menorrhagia in premenopausal or reproductively aged women. A screening tool that integrates these hormonal markers could improve the accuracy of diagnosis and optimise treatment strategies in primary healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>What this study adds: </strong>The study suggests that levels of FSH, oestrogen, total testosterone, and prolactin differ significantly between women with and without menorrhagia, indicating their potential use in predicting the condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":45412,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Laboratory Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2653"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067019/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144033644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Gamma gap and albumin-globulin ratio show poor sensitivity for monoclonal gammopathy screening in South Africa. 在南非,伽马间隙和白蛋白-球蛋白比值对单克隆丙种球蛋白病筛查的灵敏度较低。
IF 1
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine Pub Date : 2025-03-26 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2505
Njabulo Khumalo, Cameron A Francis, Siphiwe M Baloyi, Jody A Rusch
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