West African journal of medicine最新文献

{"title":"Psychological and Somatic Challenges Identified in a Menopause Rating Scale Assessment of Women Living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria.","authors":"A P Okwuraiwe, O Shodipe, M Uwandu, C K Onwuamah, O C Ezechi, L Flowers","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a global health challenge disproportionately affecting women. Women living with HIV (WLWH) may experience earlier and more intense menopausal symptoms than others, which may influence their retention in therapy and treatment response. A standardized life quality assessment scale, the menopause rating scale (MRS), is a health-related quality-of-life tool for symptoms evaluation and is valuable in diagnosing menopause challenges.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the menopausal psychological and somatic challenges of WLWH on antiretroviral therapy using the MRS, and evaluate occurrence of menopausal symptoms, in comparison with women free from the infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study was adopted. Adult WLWH (n=344), 35 to 65 years (encompassing the pre-, peri- and post-menopausal stages) on ART for at least two years were surveyed using the MRS questionnaire (psychological, somatic and urogenital) including socio-demographic queries. A control group (n=90) composed of age-matched women were also assessed for the same. Frequency distribution and p-values were calculated using Epi info (version 7).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 344 WLWH, 157 (45.6%), 12 (3.4%) and 175 (51%), were pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal, respectively. Median age of menopause onset was 48 (IQR 42-52) and 49.3 (IQR 45-55) years. Somatic and psychological challenges were more experienced by the WLWH, comprising joint/muscle complaints, sleeping disorders, anxiety, depression, irritability and exhaustion at rates of 59.4%, 29.2%, 27.4%, 26.5%, 23.5%, and 22.3% respectively. Controls had somewhat similar levels of challenges, at 52.2%, 31.1%, 27.7%, 23.3%, 21.1%, and 18.8% respectively. Participants with severe symptoms were 3.2%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>WLWH had major psychological and somatic challenges indistinctive from uninfected women, which included joint/muscle complaints, depression and anxiety. Menopausal WLWH experience unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions. To enhance clinical care, it is essential to prioritize these factors that improve their quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"693-700"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782570","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":"Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Species in Well Water in Ife East Local Government Area, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.","authors":"B O Olopade, C O Apata, B W Odetoyin, A O Onipede","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cryptosporidium is a water-borne protozoal parasite that infects humans and causes water-borne diarrhoea outbreaks.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in wells in Ile-Ife, and assessed the risk factors associated with its presence in well water in Ile-Ife.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Water samples were collected from 316 wells in the 10 wards that make up Ife East Local Government Area (LGA). A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information on the wells from users. Modified acid-fast staining was used for the phenotypic identification of Cryptosporidium. Nested Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was carried out on the samples positive by staining. Cryptosporidium was confirmed by PCR and sequenced for species identification. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 21.0). Descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that 11 (3.5%) of the 316 sampled wells were positive for Cryptosporidium by acid-fast staining, however only one was positive for Cryptosporidium by Nested PCR and was confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum by sequencing. However, none of the risk factors investigated were significantly associated with the presence of Cryptosporidium in the well (p>0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concluded that Cryptosporidium has low prevalence in wells in Ife East LGA. Cryptosporidium parvum was the species identified in the study area.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"718-723"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782589","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":"Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, and Road Traffic Accidents Among Nigerian Truck Drivers.","authors":"A O Adeoti, O O Desalu, J O Fadare, T Elebiyo, A A Faramade","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are recognized contributors to road traffic accidents (RTAs). However, the association between OSA, EDS, and RTAs remains underexplored among Nigerian truck drivers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 adult male long-distance truck drivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The Berlin Questionnaire was used to assess the risk of OSA while the Epworth Sleepiness Scale evaluated excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and self-reported previous RTAs were adapted in the questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age (SD) of the truck drivers was 42.3±9.1 years. The prevalence of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and dozing off while driving among the participants was 57%, 46.7% and 21% respectively. Overall, 43.5% of truck drivers were identified as having high risk for OSA. The risk factors associated with OSA were advanced age (50 years and above), self-reported systemic hypertension, obesity and increased neck circumference. In the three years preceding the study, approximately one-third of truck drivers reported being involved in RTAs which was associated with the use of stimulants aOR 11.63(95%CI 3.73 to 36.24, p=0.001), sleeping pills aOR 5.26(95%CI 1.50 to 18.40, p=0.001), high OSA risk aOR 2.21 (95%CI 1.60 to 4.80, p=0.03), EDS aOR 2.75(1.60 to 4.80, p=0.001) and extended working hours aOR 1.02(95%CI 1.00 to 1.04, p=0.03). More than 90% of the drivers were unaware that EDS constitutes a medical concern.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, and obstructive sleep apnoea among truck drivers highlights the underrecognized contributors to road traffic accidents. This underscores the need for targeted sleep disordered screening and regulatory interventions by policymakers to improve road safety in Nigeria.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"747-754"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147783003","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":"Outcome of the Management of Patients with Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome.","authors":"A J Akintayo, S J Yiltok, J D Choji, A Egga, S S Kaffi, S O Akubuko, A Idrisu, F Wodung, J O Edah, G Odoh, F H Puepet","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome (TDHS) is an acute, rapidly progressive hand infection affecting patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), often following trivial trauma. Unlike those with diabetic foot disease, neuropathy and vasculopathy play a minor role, while poor glycaemic control, delayed presentation, and minor injuries are key risk factors. TDHS is often not recognised in Nigeria despite its potential for disability and mortality. This study reviews the management outcomes of patients presenting with TDHS at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A retrospective review was conducted of all patients with DM managed for TDHS at the Jos University Teaching Hospital from 2015 to 2024. Data were extracted on socio-demographics, type and duration of diabetes, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were applied using SPSS version 25.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen patients were included: mean age 45.4 ± 11.2 years, with a female predominance (61.5%). Most (92.3%) had type 2 diabetes of a median duration of 6 years, and poor glycaemic control was observed in 86.6%. Abscesses (53.8%) and ulcers (30.8%) were the commonest presentations, predominantly affecting the digits (61.5%). Incision and drainage with dressings (that included the use of povidone iodine) was the main surgical treatment, while flap cover was rarely required. The mean hospital stay was 26.5 ± 23.9 days. Outcomes were favourable in 86.6% (discharged), with one death (7.7%) and one patient leaving against medical advice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>TDHS remains a preventable but serious complication of diabetes in Nigeria, predominantly affecting middle-aged women with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Prompt surgical and medical management yielded favourable outcomes, but prolonged hospitalisation and mortality highlight its burden. Strengthening diabetes care, patient education, and clinician awareness are vital to reducing incidence and improving outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"733-738"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782576","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":"Prevalence and Correlates of Depression among Non-Parturient, Pregnant, and Postpartum Women in Ibadan, Nigeria.","authors":"F Omokhodion, A M Adebayo, O O Bello, Y O John-Akinola, T Ilori, T T Bella-Awusah, E O Cadmus, C M Ndikom, O A Ojengbede","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression among women of reproductive age (WRA) is a major public health challenge because of its impact on mothers, children, and family members.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study determined the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among women of reproductive age at the three levels of healthcare in Ibadan, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted to compare the prevalence and correlates of depression among 991 pregnant, 662 postpartum, and 674 non-pregnant women using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with and predictors of depression at p<0.05%.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of respondents was 29.9±6.3 years. Prevalence of depression was highest among pregnant women (38.5%), followed by non-pregnant (32.9%) and postpartum women (29.6%) (X2=14.93; p-value=0.001). Women whose husbands had primary education or below and those with financial problems were twice as likely to be depressed as those who did not. The presence of family problems and money-related issues were the predictors of depression across the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Depression was common in women across the reproductive age lifespan. There is a need for screening for depression during routine health care to identify the women most at risk and for prompt intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"708-717"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782581","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":"Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Integrated Patient-Centred Care: Implications for Clinical Practice and Health Systems.","authors":"G E Erhabor, T O Olajubu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"689-691"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782583","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":"Zinc Deficiency Among Children Living with HIV on Antiretroviral therapy in Lagos, Nigeria.","authors":"U O Fakile, A M Akinsete, P E Akintan, E E Oyenusi, K S Abdulraheem, E O Temiye","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Zinc is an essential micronutrient vital for immune function and growth. HIV infection commonly leads to zinc deficiency due to increased demand, malabsorption, and reduced intake, potentially worsening disease progression. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves overall health, its specific impact on zinc levels in HIV-positive children, particularly in Nigeria where ART is now widespread, remains under-researched. This study aims to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in HIV-positive children on HAART in Lagos, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This study was a subgroup analysis of the HIV arm of a comparative study conducted over 11 months. A total of 170 HIV-positive children were assessed. Although the eligibility criteria spanned 6 months to 18 years, the actual age range of the recruited cohort was 9 months to 18 years, as no eligible children aged 6-8 months were enrolled during the study period. Serum zinc levels were measured using a conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometer, with normal values defined as 70 to 125 µg/dL.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants aged 9 months to 18 years (mean 10.9±3.4 years) had been on ART for an average of 7.8 years, with 60.0% on first-line medication. Zinc deficiency prevalence was 69.4% (118/170). While no associations were found with sociodemographic, anthropometric, or clinical variables (all p>0.05), longer ART duration was significantly associated with normal zinc levels (9.1±3.4 vs 7.3±3.6 years, p=0.002; OR=0.860, 95% CI: 0.770-0.960, p=0.007).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found high zinc deficiency prevalence among HIV-positive children in Lagos, Nigeria, despite ART participation. Longer HAART duration may protect against zinc deficiency. Routine zinc assessment is needed, and randomized controlled trials should explore zinc supplementation benefits for improving HIV outcomes in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"724-732"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782736","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":"Effect of Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy on the Control of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Institution in Nigeria.","authors":"O M Adewole, O A Onabanjo, M T Ogunwemimo, T Ogundiran, B A Ogunleye, O A Oguntoye, S O Nwhator, O O Adewole","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>The links between periodontal disease and a number of systemic diseases including respiratory diseases have been widely reported in the literature. The burden and prevalence of periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing globally. Periodontitis is now recognised as an independent risk factor for COPD. In addition, these two chronic diseases have similar pathogenic mechanisms. Despite these facts, the role of prevention of periodontitis in the management of COPD had not been fully explored. The aim of the study was to look at the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on the control of symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in our resource-limited settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty-nine COPD patients with concurrent periodontitis, who were at least 40 years old, were recruited from the Chest clinic of a tertiary institution in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria between July 2021 and January 2023. Using GraphPad software, the participants were randomly categorised into two groups (control and intervention). The intervention group received non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) and oral hygiene instructions (OHI) while the control group received oral hygiene instruction (OHI) only after the initial determination of the aMMP-8 assay and oral examinations. However, they had their non-surgical periodontal therapy after the three months follow-up. Clinical parameters such as COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, probing pocket depths (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and a biomarker active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) were recorded at baseline and after 3 months. Independent t-test was used for normally distributed variables for the two groups while Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed variables. Paired t-test was used for the intra-group comparisons of the mean values and p value set at <0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 69 participants comprising 35 participants in the intervention group and 34 participants in the control group were enrolled in this study. The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the CAT scores from 18.66 to 15.06 (p<0.04), aMMP-8 from 26.28ng/ml to 18.66ng/ml (p<0.001), mean PPD from 2.78mm to 2.64mm (p<0.05) and mean CAL from 4.64mm to 4.50mm (p<0.001) in comparison to the control group ( CAT scores from 18.91 to 17.59 p=0.07, aMMP-8 from 30.80ng/ml to 27.11ng/ml p=0.11, mean PPD from 2.82mm to 2.84mm p=0.37, and mean CAL from 4.88mm to 4.89mm p=0.69).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study emphasize the possible advantages of incorporating periodontal care into strategies for managing COPD.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"739-746"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782982","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":"Relationship between Refractive Error and Ocular Biometry in Secondary School Students.","authors":"I A Okorie, S A Badmus, B O Adegbehingbe, O H Onakpoya, B Adewara, O Awe","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exploring the relationship between refractive error and ocular biometry in young African school children is essential for early detection, prevention, and management of visual impairments.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to profile the distribution of ocular biometry parameters and to identify correlates of spherical equivalent refraction (SE) among school children in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 295 secondary school students aged 10-19 years in Ife Central Local Government Area. Ocular measurements, including axial length, corneal radius of curvature, keratometric readings, anterior chamber depth, and horizontal corneal diameter, were obtained using the IOL Master. Refractive error was assessed with an autorefractor, and subjective refraction was also performed on all participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the total participants, 109 students (37.0%) had refractive errors, comprising 43.1% males and 56.9% females. Astigmatism was the most common type of refractive error, found in 75 students (68.8%), followed by myopia in 22 (20.2%) and hypermetropia in 12 (11.0%). The median (IQR) axial length was 23.4 (0.8) mm. The average keratometric reading and average corneal radius of curvature were 43.5 ± 1.4 diopters and 7.8 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. The median (IQR) anterior chamber depth, horizontal corneal diameter and spherical equivalent refraction were 3.3 (0.3) mm, 12.2 (0.8) mm and -0.8 (1.3) diopters, respectively. Myopic students had longer axial lengths, deeper anterior chambers, and lower average keratometric readings. Spherical equivalent refraction was significantly negatively correlated with axial length (r = -0.147, p < 0.011), anterior chamber depth (r = -0.130, p < 0.026), and horizontal corneal diameter (r = -0.119, p < 0.042). A positive but non-significant correlation was observed with average keratometric reading (r = 0.009, p = 0.872).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Axial length, anterior chamber depth, and horizontal corneal diameter showed significant inverse relationships with spherical equivalent refraction.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"701-707"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782605","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":"Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome in Diabetic Patients: A Case Series from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.","authors":"A O Adeleye, I O Okpe, F Bello, S Abubakar, M B Mathew","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>One of the complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) - both type 1(T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) is Tropical diabetic hand syndrome (TDHS). The initiating event ranges from trivial trauma to overt injury to the hand in the presence of hyperglycaemia, usually aggravated by poorly treated wounds, superimposed infection and peripheral neuropathy. This case series aims to highlight the different forms of presentation of TDHS and their outcomes.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This is a case series that reviewed four cases of TDHS managed at the Endocrine Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, over an 11 months period from August 2023 to June 2024. Out of seven identified cases, four with complete treatment records were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Case 1: A 24-year-old female single lady with a 2-week history of a stick injury to the left hand presented with a random blood sugar (RBS) of 22.2 mmol/L, swelling, ulcers, and pus discharge. Staphylococcus spp. was cultured from the wound. She was treated with antibiotics and underwent debridement. Case 2: A 20-year-old female trader presented with a 2-weeks history of spontaneous blisters on the right hand with an RBS of 22.5mmol/L, she exhibited similar symptoms as case 1. Staphylococcus spp. was also cultured. She had antibiotics and debridement. Case 3: A 44-year-old male butcher presented with a 3-weeks history of a knife injury to the left hand, along with swelling, ulcers, pus, and gangrene with an RBS of 18.5mmol/L. He required debridement and subsequent amputation. Case 4: A 49 year-old widow, a known T2DM, and Hypertensive heart failure patient who presented with left hand swelling and ulceration from the cannula site. She eventually died from multiple organ failure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TDHS remains a serious and preventable complication among diabetic patients in tropical regions. This case series underscores the importance of educating patients on hand care in addition to other forms of diabetic education to prevent severe outcomes such as gangrene and amputation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"755-759"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147783032","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}