ئەز   Basheer Ali Abdi

Abstract Objective: This study explores the impact of inadequate sleep on blood pressure levels among the population of Zakho district’s, Kurdistan Region, highlighting the unique cultural, economic, and geographical factors contributing to these conditions. Methods: This case-control study involved 1038 participants aged 18–65 years, divided into two groups. 527 cases, who have inadequate sleep <7 hours (n = 262), <6 hours (n = 194), <5 hours (n = 71). and 511 control who have an adequate amount of sleep of 7-9 hours. The study assessed sleep quantity through self-reported sleep duration using an interview questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured three times (with at least a one-minute interval between each reading) using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer and a properly sized cuff. The American Heart Association defines healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine the relationship between sleep duration and hypertension. Results: The prevalence of all stages of hypertension was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.0001) (Table 5). Stage I: 151(58.3% case), 108(41.7% control). Stage II: 106(60.92% case), 68(39.08% control). Hypertensive crisis: 5(100% case), 0(0% control). With the Exception of elevated blood pressure which was more prevalent among the control group: 129(60), than case group 86(40%). Among those with normal blood pressure, the prevalence was also higher in the control group; 206(53.51% control), 179(46.49% case). Conclusion: The study indicates that inadequate sleep durations increase the risk of hypertension. Improving sleep habits could prevent hypertension. Further research is needed in Zakho district to establish the relationship between sleep duration and hypertension. Addressing sleep disturbances can improve public health, especially among high-risk populations. Keywords: Sleep, hypertension, cardiovascular, systolic BP, diastolic BP

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which organs and cells undergo damage initially mediated by tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes. Lymphopenia is a common hematological feature in patients with untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).It has been associated with disease activity and has both prognostic and diagnostic implications. Lymphopenia may be caused by factors other than SLE. Medications including cytotoxic agents, infections and hospital setting can also contribute to reduction in lymphocyte count, which may not be a direct reflection of disease activity. The aim of our study is to determine association of lymphopenia with clinical manifestation and laboratory abnormality as well as disease activity. Methods: Cross sectional prospective Study was performed based on the clinical and laboratory records. A total of (40) patients who already diagnosed as SLE in Rheumatology Center in Duhok city) participated and all from duhok governorate. Full history and clinical examination done for them in addition to laboratory investigation .Lymphocytes count was expressed in two groups: ​1-Normal: count 1500/cmm or more. ​2-Lymphopenia: count less than 1500/cmm The association of lymphopenia with different clinical and laboratory manifestation was examined first and then association of lymphopenia with disease activity index done . Resutls : Lymphopenia was significantly association with both (arthralgia and/or arthritis, and anemia). andstrongly associated with disease activity ( i.e high SLEDAI). Conclusion: Lymphopenia is a common laboratory manifestation in patients with SLE and have significant clinical value. It has several associations with clinical/laboratory features. Lymphopenia significantly associate with disease activity index (SLEDAI), and it’s an indicator of disease activity.