The remaining blood sample in the EDTA test tube was used to determine Hgb concentration, RBC, total WBC, and PLT counts using an automated hematology analyzer UniCel DxH 800 Coulter (Beckman Coulter, Inc, Miami, FL), following the protocol of the manufacturer. Major blood cells such as Hgb, RBC, total WBC count, and PLT were recorded. To define anemia in the patients, hemoglobin values of <12 g/dl for women and <13g/dl for men were used. Anemia was further classified as mild (Hgb 10.0–10.9 g/dl), moderate (Hgb 7–9.9 g/dl), and severe (Hgb <7g/dl).27 (link),28 A WBC count of >10,000 cells/μL was classified as leukocytosis, while leucopenia was defined as a WBC count <4000 cells/μL.29 (link) A PLT count <150, 000 cells/µL was used to define thrombocytopenia. It was further classified as mild (PLT between 100,000 and 150,000 cells/µL), moderate (PLT between 50,000 and 100,000 cells/µL), severe (PLT <50, 000 cells/µL).30 (link),31 (link)