Published on: August 10, 2024
The Department of Pathology at Swami Rama Himalayan University hosted a guest lecture by Dr. (Col) Jyoti Kotwal, a renowned hematologist from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, on August 10, 2024. Dr. Kotwal, also serving as the President of the Delhi Society of Haematology, delivered an insightful session titled “Hematology Insights: From Coagulation to Cytometry.”
Addressing an audience of around 120 delegates, Dr. Kotwal shared her vast clinical expertise in coagulation diagnostics and management. Her lecture focused on the critical role of D-dimer testing, a key biomarker in assessing fibrin degradation and evaluating the duration of anticoagulation therapy, especially in cases of unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE).
A significant highlight of her talk was the emphasis on the timing of thrombophilia testing to avoid misleading results. She urged clinicians to opt for comprehensive thrombophilia panels and appropriate diagnostic assays when dealing with complex conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome.
In a particularly relevant segment, Dr. Kotwal discussed the heightened risk of thrombosis among individuals at high altitudes, such as Indian soldiers. She explained how increased hemoglobin concentration, platelet activation, and elevated PAI-1 levels collectively contribute to a hypercoagulable state in such settings. This underscores the need for context-specific therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Kotwal advocated for personalized anticoagulation strategies, noting that a one-size-fits-all model does not always prevent thrombosis or bleeding complications in patients with diverse clinical profiles.
The guest lecture was met with enthusiastic participation and thoughtful engagement from attendees. It served as a valuable opportunity for postgraduate students, faculty, and clinicians to deepen their understanding of hematological disorders and evolving diagnostic tools.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment and a vote of thanks, marking a day of enriched academic discourse and practical learning.
