Effect of dipotassium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or lithium-heparin treatments and storage times on selected clinicopathologic analytes in equine synovial fluid

BACKGROUND

Sample processing methods and storage time affect the outcome of biochemical analysis.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the effects of dipotassium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2-EDTA) and lithium-heparin treatments and storage times on selected analytes in equine synovial fluid (SF).

METHODS

Approximately 2 mL of SF from each horse (n = 7) were collected via femoropatellar joint arthrocentesis into K2-EDTA-treated bottles (K2-EDTA group), lithium-heparin-treated bottles (heparin group), and plain bottles (control group). The pH was determined using an electronic bench pH meter. The total nucleated cell count (TNCC) of samples was determined by hemocytometer method, while total protein (TP) concentrations, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of the samples were determined spectrophotometrically at 2, 8, 24, 48, and 168 hours postcollection while being maintained at approximately 4°C.

RESULTS

TP concentrations in the anticoagulant-treated groups remained stable for 48 hours. TNCCs were stable for 8 hours. However, after 2 hours, ALP, LDH, and pH varied significantly (P < 0.05). At 2  hours, mean ALP and LDH activities were significantly elevated in the lithium-heparin treatment samples, while the activity of these analytes was similar in the K2-EDTA and control groups. At 8  hours, the TNCC and pH were significantly elevated in K2-EDTA treated groups, while values were similar in lithium-heparin and control groups. No significant variation was seen in TP values at 2  hours, irrespective of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The analytes-except for TP-became unstable within a few hours postcollection. Lithium-heparin and K2-EDTA treatments significantly altered ALP, LDH, TNCCs, and pH but not the TP concentrations of equine SF. Studies establishing reference intervals for these analytes based on the anticoagulant used are warranted to limit misinterpretations in clinical or research settings.

Dental Caries, Traumatic Dental Injuries and Gingivitis among Street-Children in Kano, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Street-children (Almajirai) constitute a significant proportion of the adolescent population in northern Nigeria. They face health challenges, especially oral health, from being inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries, dental trauma, gingivitis and oral hygiene scores in street-children.

METHODOLOGY

Three hundred and sixty-six school-aged children were selected through a multi-stage sampling of 10 to 12-year-old children from four modern and traditional qur'anic schools, and examined for oral conditions using the WHO protocol. The DMFT index, the modified Ellis criteria, the Gingival Bleeding Index and the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) were used to assess dental caries, traumatic dental injuries, gingivitis and oral hygiene scores respectively. Chi-squared tests and Odds Ratio were used to compare the difference and test the association between Almajirai groups. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty eight (45.9%) traditional Almajirai and 198 (59.4%) modern-type Almajirai, participated in the study. Their mean age was 10.8(±0.8) years. The prevalence of dental caries was 25.4% with mean DMFT and SiC scores of 0.6 (±1.3) and 1.7 respectively. DMFT scores ranged from 0 to 12. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries and gingivitis were 8.7% and 82.2% respectively, while the OHI-S score was 3.0. The odds for traumatic dental injuries were 41% less in the modern-type Almajirai (p=0.02); the modern-type Almajirai were twice as likely to develop gingivitis (aOR 95%CI =2.0, p=0.01). OHI-S scores showed poorer oral hygiene levels in the modern Almajirai (p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Dental caries, traumatic dental injuries, gingivitis and poor oral hygiene were prevalent among street-children in Kano. There is a high level of untreated dental disease in the study population.