Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Hepatoprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds on Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Damage in Wister Rats","authors":"S. Bazabang, Nwankwo Monday, S. Adebisi, Wusa Makena, I. Iliya","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_18_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_18_18","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a roundish or ovoid fruit rich in antioxidant supplements that prevent oxidative stress in hepatic tissues due to generation of reactive oxygen species following exposure to alcohol. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of watermelon seed on ethanol-induced oxidative damage in liver of Wister rats. Methods: Twenty-five adult Wister rats of both sexes were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Rats in group I were administered distilled water for 8 days. Group II were administered distilled water for 7 days followed by 20 mL/kg body weight of 40% ethanol per body weight on day 8. Groups III and IV were administered 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, of the extract for 7 days followed by 20 mL/kg of 40% ethanol on day 8. Group V received 100 mg/kg body weight of silymarin for 7 days followed by 20 mg/kg of 40% ethanol on day 8. Animals were sacrificed on day 8. Liver was excised and then processed for histopathological examination. Biochemical assay for the following hepatic marker enzymes was carried out: alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), and protein concentration. Results: The results showed that watermelon treatment leads to increase in body weight. Furthermore, pretreatment with watermelon seed extract lead to significant decrease (P < 0.05) in plasma AST, ALT, ALP, and protein concentration, compared to ethanol treatment group. Conclusion: Watermelon seed extract demonstrates hepatoprotective effect in ethanol-induced oxidation in the liver of Wister rats, which might be linked to various antioxidant phytochemical content present in the extract.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128293030","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":"Value of computed tomography scan in evaluation of adult onset seizures in north-central Nigeria","authors":"D. Ukamaka, U. Felix, J. Aiyekomogbon","doi":"10.4103/SSAJM.SSAJM_11_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/SSAJM.SSAJM_11_18","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Seizure is a sudden onset of paroxysmal event from abnormal excessive neuronal activity in the brain. Computed tomography (CT) is a veritable tool for evaluation of seizures in view of the relationship between the age of onset, clinical presentation, and radiologic findings. Aim: This article highlights common brain computed tomographic findings among patients with adult-onset seizures in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective study of the imaging records of 115 patients referred to the Radiology Department of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital for brain CT on account of adult-onset seizures from January 2014 to June 2017. Results: The mean age of the 115 adult patients studied was 41.2 ± 19.4 years with male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. Sixty-five (56.5%) patients were less than 40 years whereas 50 patients (43.5%) were above 40 years. Majority (56.5%) of the patients had abnormalities in their cranial CT with 50 cases (43.5%) reported as normal. Patients with abnormal CT scan findings were older (49.9 ± 20.4 years) than those with normal CT scan (29.9 ± 9.9 years) with a higher incidence of abnormal CT findings in males (63.95%). Abnormal CT scan was seen in 21 (32.3%) of cases in 40-year age group. The most common structural abnormalities were brain atrophy (13.9%), intracranial tumors (12.2%), and brain infarction (10.4%). Conclusion: A single institutional study in Abuja, Nigeria, showed a high frequency of structural abnormalities on brain-computed tomograms of patients with adult-onset seizures with a significant increase with age.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122291268","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":"Platelet indices in healthy pregnant and nonpregnant Nigerian women","authors":"O. Babah, A. Oluwole, L. Amaeshi","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_16_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_16_18","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Though hematological changes occur in pregnancy, changes in platelet indices have not been widely studied, and we do not have reference ranges for use in pregnancy. Objective: To assess effect of pregnancy on platelet indices and establish reference values for these parameters in pregnancy. Methodology: A prospective descriptive study involving 161 consenting healthy HIV seronegative women: 80 pregnant and 81 nonpregnant. Information on their sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric, and past medical histories were obtained. Full blood count was determined by Mindray BC3200-automated hematological analyzer, and their platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, and platelet distribution width (PDW) were retrieved. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 3.5.1. Results: Platelet count that is most commonly used in clinical practice has a mean (±SD) value of 217.32 × 109 (± 64,990) cells/L in nonpregnant women and 205.48 × 109 (±57,226) cells/L in pregnant women. Only PDW showed statistically significant increase across the three trimesters as pregnancy advances (p = 0.02). The population reference ranges for PLT was 85.74–348.90 × 109 cells/L in nonpregnant women and 90.31–320.65 × 109 cells/L in pregnant women. Conclusion: Platelet indices are affected by pregnancy, and there is a need to redefine thrombocytopenia in pregnancy in our setting in order to minimize the risk of unnecessary interventions or denial of necessary treatment.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134556530","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":"Nigerian healthcare organization: A mirror to Africa’s conundrum?","authors":"U. Omeje, J. Adeoye","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_29_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_29_18","url":null,"abstract":"Nigeria, the world’s largest congregation of black Africans and the most populous country in Africa, is a plural country with multiple cultures, languages, and religions. Its centrality to the African context, its huge, teeming population, and its vast untapped potential make it crucial for a discussion on organization of healthcare in Africa. Unfortunately, despite its enviable appellate, “Giant of Africa,” it has a checkered history of political instability, civil strife, and socioeconomic upheavals that have hindered all spheres of human endeavors, especially the health sector.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"104 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122590993","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":"Lip lesions: A 10-year retrospective analysis from a Nigerian tertiary healthcare institution","authors":"B. Fomete, R. Agbara, E. Adebayo, D. Adeola","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_3_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_3_18","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Lip lesions can be acquired or congenital, benign, or malignant. They can also form as a result of systemic manifestation or infection such as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis. Lesion can affect the upper, lower, or both lips together. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of patients attending the oral and maxillofacial clinic of a tertiary health institution between January 2006 and December 2015 was undertaken. Results: The majority of the patients were from 2nd to 5th decades of life with a ratio of 1.54:1. The age ranged from 1.5 to 78 years. The lower lip (64%) was the most affected, and the unspecified represented 7.8%. The upper-to-lower lip ratio was 1:2.85. Conclusion: Acquired lesions formed the bulk of the lesions seen.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131459762","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":"Validation of the role of retrograde urethrogram in the management of urethral strictures","authors":"N. Oyelowo, Muhammed Ahmed, A. Bello, L. Tijani, Maitama Bola Bilyaminu, M. Tolani, Adetola Tolani, S. Abdullahi, A. Mudi, J. Olagunju","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_3_19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_3_19","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Urethral stricture is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in the middle aged and elderly men in our environment. Its diagnosis and management is hinged mainly on a retrograde urethrogram (RUG) that is associated with variable lengths and sites with that found intraoperatively due to difference in magnification (source patient as well as source image distance), penile stretch, and positioning during the procedure. We hereby sort to validate this tool in defining urethral strictures. Materials and Methods: Adult patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suspected to be due to urethral strictures who presented to the outpatient department and emergency departments of the hospital between January 2016 to December 2016 were recruited into the study. This was followed by obtaining an informed consent from the patient and ethical clearance from the institution. Patients who were not fit or not willing to have a urethroplasty were excluded from the study. The recruited patients had RUG to characterize the strictures. The intraoperative findings at urethroplasty were compared with that found on RUG. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23 to determine sensitivity specificity of the test. Results: A total of 84 patients were studied during the period. The mean age of the patients was 44.1 years. Bulbar strictures accounted for 65% of the strictures. Most of the strictures were single (72%) and long segment (52%). Sensitivity and specificity of RUG in determination of the length of stricture were 76.9% and 74.6%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of RUG in determination of site of stricture were 92.9% and 96.4%, respectively. The determination of number of stricture on RUG has a sensitivity of 94.2% and specificity of 90.8%. Conclusion: RUG is a valuable tool in the management of urethral strictures with a higher sensitivity and specificity for the determination of site and number of strictures as compared to length of stricture that is more affected by magnification and techniques in contrast administration. This should be considered during procedure as well as during interpretation of images.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123394782","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":"Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: Case Report and Review of Literature","authors":"Y. Abubakar, H. Ahmad, J. Faruk","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_27_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_27_18","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Giant congenital melanocytic nevus is defined as a melanocytic lesion present at birth that reaches a diameter of more than 20 cm in adulthood. Its incidence is estimated as below 1:500,000 newborns. These lesions have a major psychosocial impact on the patient and the family because of its unsightly appearance in addition to neurological complications and high risk of malignant transformation into a melanoma. Case: A 6-month-old girl presented with hyperpigmented skin lesions over the back, gluteal regions, perineum, thighs, and scalp since birth with a progressive increase in number and sizes of satellite lesions all over the body. A clinical diagnosis of giant cell melanocytic nevi was made because of the sizes, location, and color of the lesions. Although she was planned to have a thorough neurological assessment due to the number and sizes of the lesions, she was lost to follow-up because of financial constraints and the perception that no medical/surgical intervention could be offered to her. Conclusions: Giant congenital melanocytic nevi are rarely seen or reported. It is however worthy to note that adequate investigation, proper and effective communications between physicians and the parents/patient, and monitoring for neurological complications are essential in ensuring satisfaction in the quality of life of these patients.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129996971","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":"Knowledge of antibiotic resistance among healthcare workers in primary healthcare centers in Kaduna North local government area","authors":"M. Garba, F. Giwa, A. Abubakar","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_23_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_23_18","url":null,"abstract":"86 ABSTRACT The use of antibiotics has had an unparalleled impact on public health resulting in drastic falls in death rates and increased longevity but the emergence of antibiotic resistance (AR) poses a significant risk of reversing the gains made. The knowledge of AR among health care workers (HCW) is essential to instill confidence among health facility users, ensure public safety, slow down the rate of AR and reduce health costs. Aims: To assess the knowledge of antibiotic resistance among of Health Care Workers (HCW) in primary health care settings in Kaduna North L.G.A.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 14 public PHC’s in Kaduna North L.G.A. Kaduna North L.G.A. Self-administered close ended questionnaires were administered to 74 HCW who prescribe antibiotics. Statistical analysis: Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 (SPSS INC., Chicago, IL., USA). Frequency of responses were computed as proportions while Chi square was used to compare the relationship between knowledge and categorical variables. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: Seventy-three per cent of HCW were knowledgeable of AR with higher cadre staff having more knowledge (p=0.034). There was no statistically significant relationship between the age, sex and number of years prescribing of respondents and knowledge of AR. Two thirds (66.2%) agree that it was acceptable to use antibiotics for cough and catarrhal symptoms while 33.8% consider antibiotics necessary for all cases of diarrhoea. About half (54.1%) of the respondents consider the observation of hand hygiene to prevent infections over-rated.Conclusions: Although HCWs are knowledgeable about antibiotic resistance, the factors that contribute to it as well as its impact on morbidity and mortality are not fully appreciated.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115463001","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":"Obituary: Dr. Fatai Kunle Salawu","authors":"A. Abba","doi":"10.4103/SSAJM.SSAJM_20_19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/SSAJM.SSAJM_20_19","url":null,"abstract":"Dr. Fatai Kunle Salawu, born July 3, 1969 in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria, had his early education at Shehu Garbai Primary School (1974–1980) and Federal Government College (1980–1985) both in Maiduguri. He graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 1992 with a gold medal having won the MKO Abiola Prize for the best student in Neuro-Psychiatry. He obtained the Fellowship of both the Nigerian Medical College (2003) and the West African College of Physicians (2005). Thereafter, Dr. Salawu briefly worked at a Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri as a Consultant Neurologist before relocating to the Federal Medical Center as a Consultant Physician and Neurologist. He was elected fellow of the American College of Physicians and held a European Certificate of Epileptology. He served as the Associate Editor of the Open Access Journal of Neurology and NeuroSciences and as a reviewer for our journal, Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"252 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122484141","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":"Central corneal thickness measurement of non-glaucomatous adults in Ahmadu Bello University Sick Bay, Samaru, Zaria","authors":"K. Oladigbolu, H. Abdullahi, H. Abdulsalam, Olutayo Gana, Nachafiya Kadala, V. Pam","doi":"10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_30_18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ssajm.ssajm_30_18","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Central corneal thickness (CCT) is the measurement of the center of the cornea and also a parameter for assessing the corneal health status. Normal mean values for CCT range between 521 μm and 554 μm due to racial and age differences; this is an important factor to consider when measuring intraocular pressure (IOP). The CCT is supposed to influence the IOP measurement in the cornea with overestimation of IOP in thicker corneas and an underestimation in thinner corneas. Objectives: To determine the mean CCT of nonglaucomatous adults in the Eye Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Sick Bay Samaru, Zaria, and the correlation between CCT and IOP, age, gender, and refractive error. Materials and Methods: Consenting adults who met the inclusion criteria were selected using simple random sampling. The participants had visual acuity assessment for both distance and near and detailed ocular examination. IOP and CCT were measured with Perkins handheld applanation tonometer and PacScan 300AP ultrasonic pachymeter, respectively. Data were entered in a pretested questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: More female participants were recorded in the study, 55 (67.9%). The mean age of all participants was 40.01 years (SD ± 13.86). The combined mean CCT for both eyes was 531.18 µm (95% CI, 522.65–539.71). A moderate inverse correlation shows the CCT decreases with increasing age (r = –0.42, P < 0.001) and a weak linear correlation with presbyopia was significant (r = 0.23, P = 0.03). No significant correlation was found between CCT and IOP, gender, and other types of refractive error. Conclusion: The mean CCT of nonglaucomatous adults in this study is comparable to those of other Nigeria and African figures. There is a very significant inverse correlation between CCT and age.","PeriodicalId":422598,"journal":{"name":"Sub-Saharan African Journal of Medicine","volume":"450 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114302789","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}