[en] Indium-111-hydroxyquinoline labelled platelets, though useful in the detection of thrombus, have not gained widespread use owing to the time and technical skill required for their preparation. A study was therefore conducted evaluating a new method of imaging thrombus with platelets radiolabelled with a ¹¹¹In labelled monoclonal antibody, P₂₅₆, directed to the platelet surface glycoprotein complex IIb/IIIa. When the number of receptors occupied by P₂₅₆ was less than 3% of the total available on the platelet surface platelet function, as assessed by platelet aggregometry, was undisturbed. P₂₅₆ was radiolabelled with ¹¹¹In using diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid, which achieved a specific activity of 185 MBq (5 mCi)/mg. No impairment of immunoreactivity was detected at this specific activity. Platelets were labelled with radiolabelled monoclonal antibody in vitro in two patients at a receptor occupancy of 6% and in vivo - that is, by direct intravenous injection of P₂₅₆ - in six patients at a receptor occupancy of 1%. In vivo recovery and biodistribution kinetics suggested that after in vitro labelling platelets were minimally activated. The ¹¹¹In kinetics recorded after intravenous P₂₅₆ suggested rapid and efficient radiolabelling of platelets and gave no indication of platelet activation. Of the six patients who received intravenous P₂₅₆, three had documented thrombus, tow of whom gave positive results on P₂₅₆ platelet scintigraphy. The third subject had chromic deep venous thrombosis and was scintigraphically negative. Imaging thrombus using a radiolabelled monoclonal antibody directed to platelets appears to offer great potential as a simple, non-invasive approach to the diagnosis of thrombosis. 3 refs. (Author)

[en] Short communication. 3 tabs

[en] Although tumor dormancy is highly prevalent, the underling mechanisms are still mostly unknown. It is unclear which lesions will progress and become a disseminated cancer, and which will remain dormant and asymptomatic. Yet, an improved ability to predict progression would open the possibility of timely treatment and improvement in outcomes. We have recently described the ability of platelets to selectively uptake angiogenesis regulators very early in tumor growth, and proposed their use as an early marker of malignancy. In this review we will summarize current knowledge about these processes and will discuss the possibility of using platelet content to predict presence of occult tumors

[en] Platelet adherence to Neutrophilic leucocytes or so called 'Platelet satellitism' is an infrequent phenomenon. This finding was observed in a healthy person undergoing routine checkup. Multiple blood smears prepared from peripheral blood collected in Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic Acid (EDTA) showed evidence of platelet satellitism with the Neutrophils only. Adherence was not observed with any other cell type. Platlet satellitism totally disappeared when samples were collected in heparin or tri-sodium citrate. (author)

No abstract available

[en] To assess the blood transfusion support requirements in mass disaster and trauma situations. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Quetta from, Jan 2013 to Dec 2015. Material and Methods: Nature of injuries, triage details, details of surgical procedures and duration of hospital stay were noted. Data was analyzed with respect to cross match to transfusion ratio and the number of units of each component transfused. Patients requiring massive transfusion and any associated complications were also studied. Results: A total of 2228 casualties were received during the study period, of these, males were 18 (75%) and 6 (25%) were females. Mean age was 29.7 years. 1636 (73.4%) casualties had sustained major injuries. Mean hospital stay was 6.31 days. Only 199 (12.2%) patients required blood transfusion with a mean of 2.9 units of RCC, 8.7 bags of FFP and 4.6 bags of platelets. Fifteen (7.5%) patients received massive transfusion. Following massive transfusion, one case of metabolic acidosis and two cases of coagulopathy were reported. Conclusion: Mass disasters and trauma casualties pose a serious challenge to any healthcare facility in general and the blood transfusion services in particular. Only a well-organized blood transfusion center and blood transfusion emergency preparedness can result in better patient care and outcome. Not all patients need transfusion and a delicate balance between demand and supply has to be maintained. (author)

No abstract available

[en] The morphologic and functional properties of platelets after irradiation with 2500 rads and storage, in first-generation containers, for 48 h in a liquid phase at 20⁰C with continuous horizontal agitation have been analyzed and compared with a control group of the same platelets which were not irradiated. The preservation technique induced changes in the morphology and aggregation stimulated by ADP and collagen. However, no significant differences were found between the irradiated and non-irradiated groups. Irradiation is not a conditioning factor to add to the hazards of preserving platelets in a liquid phase. 30 refs.; 5 tabs

No abstract available

[en] Full text: After giving first dose of radionuclide pain palliation therapy in 20 patients, re-therapy was considered again in these patients. 2nd therapy was done in 20 patients followed by 3rd therapy in 11 of them which was subsequently followed by 4th therapy in 4 patients (total 35 re-therapy doses). Phosphorus-32 was used in a mean dose 6.15 mCi (4.5-7 mCi) in 15 pts. and Samarium-153, 60 mCi (45-95 mCi) in 20 therapies. Strict follow up data was available in all patients. Mean follow up duration was 13.75 months (6 month - 20 months). Re-therapy was done after an interval of 4.7 months on an average. Pre-treatment pain score and narcotic score were 6.8 and 3.5. Average Hemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet count was 11.2, 8,600 and 1,89,000 respectively. After administration of radionuclide therapy there was a predictive but fully recovered fall in platelet counts only. It decreased to a mean 1,63,000 at around 4-5 weeks. Post-treatment pain score and narcotic score were 4.1 and 2.5 (P<0.005 as compared with pretreatment level). No serious toxicity was noted in any patient. Radionuclide pain palliation remains a very safe and effective option. Retherapy can be done very easily will equally good effects. No hematological toxicity was seen in any of the patient