Browsing by Author "Coetzee, M. J."
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- ItemGuidelines for lupus anticoagulant testing in South Africa(The Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa, 2020) Bailly, J.; Louw, S.; De Koker, A.; Potgieter, J. J. C.; Coetzee, M. J.; Chapanduka, Z. C.; Opie, J. J.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The lupus anticoagulant (LA) refers to the prolongation of certain coagulation tests due to the action of heterogenous autoantibodies. However, the LA is a misnomer since it is associated with thrombosis in vivo, and most commonly is detected as an incidental, transient laboratory finding associated with conditions such as autoimmune diseases, infections and even in healthy individuals. Repeatedly positive LA testing in the setting of thrombotic and/or obstetric complications is required to diagnose the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This review intends to provide clarity on LA testing in the South African context and to provide a national guideline in order to standardise LA testing, interpretation and reporting of results.
- ItemRecommendations for the management of sickle cell disease in South Africa(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2014-11) Alli, N. A.; Patel, M.; Alli, H. D.; Bassa, F.; Coetzee, M. J.; Davidson, A.; Essop, M. R.; Lakha, A.; Louw, V. J.; Novitzky, N.; Philip, V.; Poole, J. E.; Wainwright, R.The spectrum of sickle cell disease (SCD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders that include: (i) homozygous SCD (HbSS), also referred to as sickle cell anaemia; (ii) heterozygous SCD (HbAS), also referred to as sickle cell trait; and (iii) compound heterozygous states such as HbSC disease, HbSβ thalassaemia, etc. Homozygous or compound heterozygous SCD patients manifest with clinical disease of varying severity that is influenced by biological and environmental factors, whereas subjects with sickle cell trait are largely asymptomatic. SCD is characterised by vaso-occlusive episodes that result in tissue ischaemia and pain in the affected region. Repeated infarctive episodes cause organ damage and may eventually lead to organ failure. For effective management, regular follow-up with support from a multidisciplinary healthcare team is necessary. The chronic nature of the disease, the steady increase in patient numbers, and relapsing acute episodes have cost implications that are likely to impact on provincial and national health budgets. Limited resources mandate local management protocols for the purposes of consistency and standardisation, which could also facilitate sharing of resources between centres for maximal utility. These recommendations have been developed for the South African setting, and it is intended to update them regularly to meet new demands and challenges.