Effects of Cucumis metuliferus (Cucurbitaceae) fruits on enzymes and haematological parameters in albino rats

The effects of the powdered fruits of Cucumis metuliferus on enzymes and haematological indices were evaluated in adult albino rats. The study revealed a significant (

Prescription patterns and treatment outcomes of hypertension in urban hospitals of Jos, Plateau State

Hypertension has today assumed a public health status, causing extensive mortality and morbidity with cost of treatment worldwide, running into billions of dollars annually as direct and indirect costs. In Africa and particularly Jos, Nigeria, the resources of government (especially the health sector) and individuals are very limited in meeting health care needs. New drugs are daily being introduced to the pharmaceutical market for the management of hypertension inparticular and other diseases in general. Therefore, any drug eventually chosen for pharmacotherapy of any disease should be cost effective. The objective of this study was to investigate patterns of drug treatment and costs of antihypertensive drugs in the four secondary and tertiary hospitals in Jos city. The study was a qualitative retrospectivesurvey, employing structured questionnaires based on W.H.O methods of drug utilization studies to collect data from patients' case folders. Results of this study revealed several rational and non-rational prescription practices in the hospitals investigated. The use of brand names and injections were high based on WHO-ISH standards but the use of diuretics and calcium channel blockers were seen to be in line with recommendations and similar to patterns observed in other studies within and outside Nigeria. Cost effectiveness in the hospitals studied was averaged at fifteen naira (15.00) per 1 mmHg-1 reduction in diastolic blood pressure. Educational interventions to improve prescription habits will lead to better drug utilization and further enhance cost effectiveness of drug treatment