Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Disease Severity and Length of Stay in Patients with Hyponatremia.","authors":"Yogesh Chavan, Virendra C Patil","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_116_26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_116_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities in hospitalized patients and is associated with increased mortality.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The study aimed to determine the prevalence of hyponatremia, risk factors and aetiology in elderly people.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in hospital settings between March 2023 and November 2024 in 69 male and female participants with hyponatremia. Patients' blood samples were tested for predicted factors (creatinine, blood sugar and hypervolemia). Statistical analysis was performed and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the participants was 66.10 years, with 36 (52.2%) male and 33 (47.8%) female patients, while the mean age of severe hyponatremia patients was 59.5 years ( P = 0.04). Hyponatremic patients displayed a depressed serum sodium level (117.35 mEq/L), creatinine level of 0.94 mg/dL and blood sugar level of 140.29 mg/dL. Mean hospital stay duration was 5.96 days, 37 (47.8%) patients had mild hyponatremia, 24 (34.8%) patients had moderate hyponatremia and 8 (17.4%) patients had severe hyponatremia. Patients with severe hyponatremia had significantly higher blood sugar levels, 174.25 mg/dL ( P < 0.001), with no significant correlation with creatinine. A significant association was observed between aetiology and severity of hyponatremia, particularly for the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and cardiac causes. Severe hyponatremia (β =0.08, P = 0.83), serum creatinine (β =0.68, P = 0.58) and cirrhosis (β = -0.04, P = 0.73) were not significantly associated with length of hospital stay.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Aetiological factors, especially the SIADH and cardiac causes, demonstrated a significant association with hyponatremia severity. Multivariable logistic regression did not identify any independent predictors of severe hyponatremia.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"612-616"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148795658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Ultrasound versus Combined Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Plus Ultrasound-guided Supraclavicular Blocks of Brachial Plexus for Upper Limb Surgeries.","authors":"B V Sunil, Aanchal Garg, Kavya Prabhu, K Vasanth Madhava Kamath","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_570_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_570_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ultrasound (USG)-guided supraclavicular blocks are an asset in the realm of regional anaesthesia. Newer approaches, such as USG plus peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS), have often been indicated for better outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to compare USG versus combined PNS plus USG-guided supraclavicular blocks of brachial plexus for upper limb surgeries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective, comparative study was conducted among 82 participants undergoing upper limb surgeries guided via USG (Group A; n = 41) and guided via USG plus PNS (Group B; n = 41) under supraclavicular brachial plexus block using 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with 10 mL of 2% lignocaine plus adrenaline. Both the groups were assessed for procedure time, onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and success rate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The procedure time for the block, onset of motor and sensory block was significantly less for USG-guided block ( P < 0.05). The duration of the block was comparable between the groups. In addition, USG plus PNS-guided blocks had a higher success rate.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>USG plus PNG-guided blocks experienced a higher success rate than USG-guided blocks. USG-guided supraclavicular blocks had shorter procedure time with faster onset of motor and sensory block, highlighting its potential advantages.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"585-589"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148795944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimising Anaesthesia Care for Open Abdominal Myomectomy: A Decade-Long Retrospective Analysis from a Nigerian Hospital.","authors":"Chimaobi Tim Nnaji, Chinonso Chibuike Mokwe","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_689_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_689_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anaesthesia for open abdominal myomectomy is customised to provide a comfortable and pain-free surgical experience for the patient, taking into consideration their medical history, personal preferences and the results of the pre-anaesthesia assessment.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this audit is to assess our current anaesthesia protocols, identify any improvements made since the previous audit and examine the factors that may have contributed to these changes.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>An analysis was conducted on the various types of anaesthesia techniques administered during open abdominal myomectomy surgeries, based on operating theatre records from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2023. Patients undergoing gynecological procedures other than open abdominal myomectomy were excluded from the study. The findings were presented in the form of figures, proportions and percentages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our institution provided anaesthesia for 559 open abdominal myomectomies. The predominant technique utilised was Combined Spinal-Epidural Anaesthesia (CSEA), which constituted 44% of the cases, followed by spinal anaesthesia (SA) at 29%, GA at 19% and EA at 8%. Furthermore, as the proportion of the Senior Anaesthesia Registrars and Consultant Anaesthetists increases, the proportion of highly skilled anaesthesia techniques like CSEA and EA increases, while GA and SA techniques reduce.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study reveals a notable evolution in anaesthesia techniques for open abdominal myomectomy at our institution, driven by post-graduate medical training, advances in medical research and the strategic use of available resources to enhance safety and care quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"567-573"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging Resource Gaps in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Management: A Case Report Highlighting Innovative Care.","authors":"Uchenna Chiagoziem Nnajekwu, Chinwe Vivian Achike, Ikechukwu Obiorah Okongwu, Munachimso Chidubem Ezeagu, Ogochukwu Nneka Iloh, Obianuju Ojinika Igbokwe, Emmanuel Douglas Nnadi","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_121_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_121_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but potentially life-threatening dermatological condition. It is characterised by diffuse exfoliation of >30% of the skin and mucous membranes due to immune-mediated destruction of the epidermis. It is thought to be due to a hypersensitivity reaction to a variety of medications. The mainstay of treatment involves withdrawal of the potential offending agent, supportive care and use of non-adherent dressings. Pre-packaged dressings are expensive or not readily available in our locality; hence, the need for improvisation, to manage the condition and improve outcomes. We report a case of TEN in a 2-year old female who presented with a 6-day history of fever and a rash on the trunk, for which mother applied topical calamine lotion, gave an oral herbal concoction for 3 days, with no improvement, after which she commenced amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Twenty-four hours later, the rash progressed to involve the whole body. On presentation, she had extensive exfoliation of >70% of the body surface area, with multiple bullae, intraoral ulcers and excoriation of the eyelids and genitals. She was admitted into the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, where she received intravenous hydration and antibiotics, micronutrients, nasogastric feeds and eye care. The skin was cleaned daily with 0.9% saline and dressed with petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze prepared at the Central Sterilising Services Department of the hospital. Skin ulcers resolved, and she was discharged after 6 weeks. In resource-poor settings such as ours, cheaper, sterile locally available materials could be used for dressing to improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"672-677"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148795644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Luteinising Hormone-to-follicle-stimulating Hormone Ratio for Predicting Unexplained Infertility in Patients with Hypovitaminosis D.","authors":"Walid Hassene Hamri, Fatima Zohra Chenni, Chahnez Hadj Slimane Mirali","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_638_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_638_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypovitaminosis D critically influences reproductive hormones in women of reproductive age. The luteinising hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio predicts poor ovulatory response.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the correlation between the LH/FSH ratio and hypovitaminosis D as a predictor of unexplained infertility in women.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection spanning 2 years, from January 2023 to December 2024, conducted in the Fertility and Gynecology of El Assrar Center of Oran (Algeria). Patients were segregated into the following groups (deficient group vs. insufficient group vs. sufficient group).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the study period, 200 patients were admitted. Hypovitaminosis D status was observed in 44.5%. The mean age was 32.24 ± 6.39 years (range: 18-47). In the deficient group, serum LH concentrations were markedly lower compared to the insufficient and sufficient groups (LH = 5.80 ± 3.31 UI/L vs. 8.83 ± 6.90 UI/L vs. 6.48 ± 4.00 UI/L, P = 0.018; respectively). In contrast, the LH/FSH ratio was statistically higher in the deficient group compared to the insufficient and sufficient groups (LH/FSH ratio = 1.67 ± 1.88 vs. 0.94 ± 0.59 vs. 1.02 ± 0.64, P = 0.018; respectively). In addition, the results revealed that the 4th quartile (odds ratios = 11.37 [4.13-22.00], P = 0.021) of LH/FSH ratio was statistically higher in patients with Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. The LH/FSH ratio was a significant predictor for unexplained infertility with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.724.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Elevated LH/FSH ratio in women with hypovitaminosis D is significantly linked to unexplained infertility. Therefore, the LH/FSH ratio can serve as a reliable clinical marker for predicting successful pregnancy when evaluated alongside Vitamin D levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"574-578"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148765212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Meniscal Ramp Lesions and their Association with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Severity: A Retrospective Observational Study.","authors":"Lokesh Rana, Dileep Chowdary, Anupama Dhiman, Pooja Gurnal, Narvir Chauhan, Ramesh Kumar","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_131_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_131_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Meniscal ramp lesions are frequently associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and are often overlooked on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Their relationship with the severity of ACL injury remains incompletely understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study is to determine the association of meniscal rupture of the posterior meniscocapsular attachment (RAMP) lesions in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and evaluate the different grades of RAMP lesions with the severity of ACL tear.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>This retrospective study included 252 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) knee examination with a history of trauma to the knee while playing sports between April 2024 and April 2025. The two experienced radiologists reviewed the MRI examinations of these patients and reached a consensus regarding various MRI findings of different grades of ACL tears and their association with RAMP lesions. The Cohen's kappa (k) and Fisher's exact test statistics were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 252 patients with a sports injury to the knee and clinical suspicion of an acute ACL injury, 109 (43.3%) had an ACL injury and 27 had a RAMP lesion, with a prevalence of 10.7%. The RAMP lesion was seen only in patients with ACL injury and higher grades of ACL injury, i.e., Grade 2 and 3 were associated with RAMP lesion 11 (40.7%) and 10 (37.0%), respectively, although statistically not significant ( P = 0.291).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Out of 252 patients with sports-related injuries to the knee with clinical suspicion of ACL injury, only 43.3% had ACL injuries and RAMP lesions have a prevalence of 10.7% (27) of all the patients with acute ACL injury. The strong association with ACL injury and having a potentially important role in knee stabilisation, their injuries need to be given due importance by radiologists and should not be underreported.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"651-656"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prostatic Androgen Receptor Expression in Men with Prostate Cancer.","authors":"Emmanuel Abayomi Animashaun, Rufus Wale Ojewola, Odubanjo Mosebolatan Olatokunboh, Moses Adebisi Ogunjimi, Emmanuel Ajibola Jeje, Kehinde Habeeb Tijani, Charles Chidozie Anunobi","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_32_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_32_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. There has been a stage migration among the population with PCa in developed countries since the introduction of the tumor marker, prostate-specific antigen. It has also been found that patients respond differently to androgen deprivation therapy. A large proportion of PCa arises from androgen-dependent secretory epithelial cells.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study quantified prostatic androgen receptor (AR) expression in men with prostate cancer (PCa) and evaluated the possible association of the AR expression with various prognostic parameters in patients with PCa.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study is a cross-sectional, observational and prospective hospital-based study of patients diagnosed with PCa. All the study participants had clinical evaluation, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a prostate biopsy for histological confirmation and staging. The histologically proven adenocarcinoma specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry for AR status. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (R) version 22. AR expression and its relationship to the clinical and histological stages were analysed using the paired t -test, Chi-squared test and Pearson's correlation as appropriate. Significance level ( P -value) was set at 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty men (aged 38-87 years) were enrolled in the study. Thirty-three (64.0%) patients had positive immunoreactivity with a median intensity of 30.00%. There were a significant association between the AR expression and the serum PSA and a weak positive correlation between AR intensity and PSA (both P- values were 0.025). There was also a significant correlation between the intensity of AR expression and the clinical stage ( P = 0.038); however, no correlation was observed between the AR expression and the Gleason score.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The expression of ARs in men with PCa in our study was 66%, and this showed a correlation with PSA levels. A positive correlation was observed between the intensity of AR expression, PSA and clinical stage. Pre-treatment determination of prostatic AR expression exhibits potential for clinical application as a prognostic biomarker.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"623-629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hemoglobin-Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Ratio (HRR) and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk: A Population-Based Study from the NHANES.","authors":"Qifan Chen, Jiaxing Zeng, Bingyuan Chen, Yumin Meng, Mao-Lin He, Jinzhou Luo","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_149_26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_149_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease with a substantial health burden. The Hemoglobin-red cell distribution width ratio (HRR) is a novel inflammation-related biomarker, yet its association with RA risk remains unexplored.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to investigate whether HRR is independently associated with RA risk, given the lack of prior evidence on this relationship.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This population-based study included 34,483 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database, comprising 2403 RA patients. Weighted logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were employed to examine the relationship between HRR and RA risk, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HRR levels were significantly lower in RA patients compared to non-RA individuals. A significant inverse, approximately linear association was observed between HRR and RA risk. Subgroup analyses showed that this relationship was modified by gender, education level, smoking and drinking status (all P for interaction <0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Lower HRR is independently associated with increased RA risk. These findings highlight HRR as a potential protective factor and provide new insights for RA risk stratification in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"657-664"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety of Day Case Percutaneous Liver Biopsies at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.","authors":"Olusegun Adekanle, Olawumi Janet Kolawole, Oluwasegun Ijarotimi, Ibukunoluwa John Enesi, Dennis A Ndububa","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_324_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_324_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is a procedure through which liver tissue is obtained for making the diagnosis of liver diseases. Most PLBs are performed as a day case procedure, and complications can occur.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study assessed the safety of PLBs as a day case procedure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study of participants aged 18 years and above who had a day case PLB from January 2021 to June 2024. Standard precautions were observed, and eligible participants after the procedure were observed for 4-6 h. Post-biopsy complications were looked for and their time duration was recorded. Data obtained were collated and entered into SPSS version 20 and analysed using simple and inferential statistics. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 125 participants comprising 71 (56.8%) females and 54 (43.2%) males, with an age range of 18-70 years, with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 44.4 (13.0) years. A total of 161 complications amongst 101 (80.8%) participants occurred, with some participants having two or more complications. The most common were pain at the shoulder tip, 41 (32.8%) and pain at the biopsy site, 93 (74.5%), with mean ± (SD) time duration of 58.9 (47.3) and 96.6 (71.7) min, respectively. Participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, those aged > 40 years and participants with echogenic liver on ultrasound had more post-biopsy complications than others, P < 0.05. There was no death or post-biopsy admission.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Day case PLB is safe, and the most common complications are pain at the shoulder tip and biopsy site.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"561-566"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hepatic Artery Doppler Haemodynamic Indices as Imaging Biomarkers of Disease Activity in Adults with Chronic Hepatitis B: Correlation with Viral Load and Serum Alanine Transaminase.","authors":"Abbas Rabiu Muhammad, Mohammed Abba Suwaid, Yusuf Lawal, Anas Ismail","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_141_26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_141_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatitis B is a common cause of chronic liver disease. Early features of fibrosis are detectable using ultrasound and Doppler imaging.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study evaluated relationships between hepatic artery Doppler parameters, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) quantification (viral load) in seropositive adults with hepatitis B compared with matched healthy controls.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comparative cross-sectional study assessed grayscale liver ultrasound, hepatic artery Doppler indices, ALT and viral load among 143 asymptomatic hepatitis B-positive adults and matched controls. Liver size, echotexture, resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), ALT and HBV DNA levels were measured. Data were summarised using mean, median and standard deviation. Chi-square and t -tests compared groups, while Pearson correlation assessed relationships among ALT, RI and PI, with significance at P < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study compared 143 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with 143 healthy controls. No significant differences were observed in liver span (13.0 vs. 12.8 cm) or echogenicity, but hepatic artery Doppler indices were significantly elevated in hepatitis B patients (0.69 vs. 0.61 for RI and 1.25 vs. 0.98 for PI). Elevated ALT levels and detectable viral loads were more common in patients on treatment. Doppler indices correlated significantly with ALT and the viral load, suggesting their potential role in monitoring hepatitis B progression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Doppler ultrasound remains a valuable non-invasive tool for assessing hepatic vascular changes among asymptomatic CHB-positive patients with RI and PI revealing those changes. Doppler indices correlated significantly with abnormal serum ALT and elevated viral load levels among hepatitis B-positive patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 5","pages":"605-611"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}