Left ventricular structure and function in black normotensive type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background: Relationship between type 2 DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well known, with CVD being the most common cause of mortality in diabetics. Significant myocardial injury before overt CVD in DM can be identified early using echocardiography. This study therefore aimed at evaluating left ventricular structure and function of patients with type 2 DM.Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty adult type 2 DM patients were recruited with 150 age- and sexmatched controls. Patients and subjects with systemic hypertension, pregnancy, sickle cell disease and structural heart disease were excluded from the study. Participants were evaluated clinically; had anthropometric parameters and electrocardiogram taken. Echocardiograms were obtained according to the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) recommendations.Results: Mean age of the patients (55.4±11.6 years) was similar to that of the control (54.2±9.6 years) (P=0.348) and the duration of DM was 4.53 years. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function was normal in both groups but was higher in patients than controls (ejection fraction=70.3±10.7% and 64.4 ± 9.4%, P =0.001 respectively). The prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was 72% in the patients compared with 6% in controls (P=0.001). Patients’ age, body weight, duration of DM, LV mass index and left atrial dimension were positive correlates of LVDD while patients’ age, weight and left atrial dimension were independent predictors of LVDD.Conclusion: There is high prevalence of alterations in LV structure and function in normotensive type 2 DM; and there is a need for early intervention to prevent overt LV dysfunction

Neonatal infections caused by Escherichia coli at the National Hospital, Abuja: a three-year retrospective study

Background: Escherichia coli (E.coli) has been implicated as a common cause of both early and late onset neonatal infections. The emergence of different strains of E.coli that are multiply resistant to commonly used antibiotics has made continuous antibiotics surveillance relevant. Knowledge about common infections caused by E.coli as well as its antibiotics susceptibility pattern will guide paediatricians in choosing appropriate antibiotics for empirical treatment of neonatal infections.Methods: A retrospective study of E.coli neonatal infections in NHA was conduct for the period 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2012. The records of all specimens submitted to the Medical Microbiology laboratory within the neonatal period (first 28 days of life) were examined and data about E.coli isolates and their antibiotics susceptibility pattern were retrieved and evaluated.Results: 251(33.2%) bacteria were isolated out of a total of 757 specimen submitted for analysis within the period under review. 17(6.8%) were E.coli; 16 were from soft tissue specimen and one from blood. There was no isolate of E.coli from CSF. Most of the isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics for treatment of neonatal infections. Three isolates were resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and ceftriaxone. One isolate was resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftriaxone and imipenem. 100% and 80% of the strains tested were susceptible to amikacin and imipenem respectively.Conclusion: E.coli is third among the gram negative bacteria isolated within the period under review. Most of them were resistant to commonly used antibiotics for treating neonatal infections but, susceptible to amikacin and imipenem. There is need for regular antibiotics resistance surveillance and stewardship.Keywords: Neonates, E.coli Infections, Antibiotics Resistance, Abuja

Urine culture contamination: a one-year retrospective study at the national hospital, abuja

Background: Urine culture contamination is a significant cause of delay in treatment of patients being investigated for urinary tractinfection. Though contamination is not completely avoidable, several measures have been proven to decrease contamination rates.There are few studies detailing urine contamination rates in laboratories in Nigeria.Aim: To determine the frequency and factors associated with urine culture contamination in samples submitted to the MedicalMicrobiology Laboratory in National Hospital Abuja (NHA).Method: Retrospective study of urine culture contamination in which data from Medical Microbiology Laboratory from January 1 toDecember 31 2012 at National Hospital Abuja were reviewed. Patients’ age, gender, location and urine culture result were assessed.Contamination rates for different genders, age groups and departments were assessed and results presented in simple averages andpercentages.Results: Overall contamination rate was 13.1%. Females had a contamination rate of 16.9%, which was significantly higher than thecontamination rate of 6.8% in males. The Gynaecology and Antenatal clinics had the highest contamination rates amongst departmentswith 22.5% and 21.3% respectively. Lowest contamination rates were in Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) and intensive Care Unit (ICU)with rates of 5.9%and 9.5% respectively. The female gender was found to be the most significant predictor of higher contamination rate.Conclusion: Contamination rate of urine cultures in this study is unacceptably high. Appropriate interventions need to be instituted toreduce the current urine culture contamination rate in National Hospital Abuja.Key Words: Urine, Contamination, National Hospital, Abuja