Articles: anemia-etiology.
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Although demodicosis caused by Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis is widely seen throughout the world, the pathogenic mechanisms are not fully known. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of Demodex mites in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is not known. SCA is a genetic disease characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production and suppression of the immune system. ⋯ A statistically significant correlation was found between Demodex mite positivity and the number of SCA symptom attacks experienced by the patients within the last 1 yr (P ≤ 0.001). No significant relationship was determined between Demodex mite positivity and age or gender (P = 0.56 and P = 0.11, respectively). Demodex mites are seen more often in SCA patients who suffer from a compromised immune system, and the presence of Demodex mites could be a risk factor in the appearance of SCA symptom attacks.
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Ovarian teratoma is a rare cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) by warm antibodies, resistant to corticosteroid therapy. This also implies that ovarian teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of AIHA, whether or not associated with pregnancy. We present a case of a primigravida who presented with ovarian dermoid cysts and AIHA at 24 weeks of gestation. ⋯ Hemoglobin levels returned to normal only after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by dermoid cyst is a rare condition especially in pregnancy. However, in light of similar case reports and review of the existing literature, we conclude that surgical excision should be considered when AIHA and ovarian teratoma coexist.
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The increased incidence of anemia in patients with hiatal hernias (HH) and resolution of anemia after HH repair (HHR) have been clearly demonstrated. However, the implications of preoperative anemia on postoperative outcomes have not been well described. In this study, we aimed to identify the incidence of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing primary HHR at our institution and sought to determine whether preoperative anemia had an impact on postoperative outcomes. ⋯ In this study, anemia had a prevalence of 27% in patients undergoing primary HHR. Anemic patients had 2.6-fold greater odds of developing postoperative complications. Anemia is common in patients undergoing primary HHR and warrants consideration for treatment prior to elective repair.