Effect of Hepatitis-B Virus Co-Infection on CD4 Cell Count and Liver Function of HIV Infected Patients

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission, making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naïve patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function.Study design: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy- naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Serum albumin, total Protein, and liver  enzymes were determined using standard techniques.Results: The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37%. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co- infected patients (P-values <0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of mono and coinfected patients with CD4 count<200/μl were significantly higher than those with count ≥ 200 cells/μl. (pvalue of <0.01). The mean ALT and  AST of the co - infected patients and all patients with CD4 count <200 cells/μl were higher than the normal reference range.Conclusion: Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Coinfection and CD4 count <200 cells/μl are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend those co-infected patients and those with CD4 count <200 cells/μl should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug.Keywords: HIV, Hepatitis B, CD4 count, liver function, co-infectio

Reference values of haematological parameters of healthy adults in the north central zone of Nigeria

Background: Haematological parameters differ from one population to another due to several factors. To determine the clinical implication of the blood parameters of an individual in the state of health or disease, we need to have the knowledge of the normal reference range for that locality.Objectives: To determine the reference values of haematological parameters of apparently healthy adults in Ilorin.Design: A descriptive cross sectional study.Setting: Ilorin, North Central zone of NigeriaSubjects: Nine hundred and ten (443 males and 467 females) randomly selected normal, HIV negative individuals aged 18-65 yearsResults: The red blood cell count, Haemoglobin concentration, PCV and MCHC were significantly higher among males than females while the platelet count, total WBC count and absolute neutrophil count were significantly higher in females than in males. There was however no significant gender difference in the values of MCV, MCH and absolute lymphocyte count. The normal reference values obtained in this study were notably different from those that are used currently in the hospital.Conclusion: The normal reference value obtained in this study was notable different from those that are currently used in the hospital. These findings will have clinical implications regarding the adjustment of our current reference values and definitely add value to the management of patients in this part of the country

Knowledge And Perception Of Sickle Cell Disease Among Senior Secondary School Students In Ilorin Metropolis

Click on the link to view the abstract.The Tropical Journal of Health Sciences Vol 20 No 2 (July 2013

Haemostatic Parameters During Pregnancy In Ilorin, Nigeria

The objective of this study was to document the effect of pregnancy on some haemostatic parameters (Prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], fibrinogen concentration, euglobin clot lysis time [ELT], and platelet count) in different trimesters of pregnancy. One hundred and eighty women with non-complicated pregnancy within the age range of 17-40 years (mean± SD 27.1±3.9years) were recruited for the study and sixty non-pregnant, normotensive apparently healthy age-matched women were used as control. All haemostatic parameters evaluated were determined using standard techniques. Significant differences were observed between the haemostatic parameters studied and controls except for platelet count. Prothrombin time was significantly shorter (p<0.001) and fibrinogen significantly higher (p<0.001) as pregnancy advanced but, other parameters were not influenced by the gestational age. There was a significant difference between the fibrinogen level in older subject compared with subject of younger age group with a mean of 5.5g/l and 4.0g/l (p<0.05) respectively. There was no significant relationship in the haemostatic parameters with parity and educational level of all the subjects. In conclusion, the results of haemostatic screening tests in this study suggest some degree of activation in pregnant women. Keywords:  Haemostasis, Pregnancy, Nigeri

Clinico-Pathologic Features and Outcome of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia In Ilorin, North Central Nigeria.

A retrospective analysis of all patients that were diagnosed and managed for Chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in the Department of Haematology of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin between 1st January 2005 and 31st December 2018 was carried out with the aim of characterizing the clinical, haematological and prognostic features as well as outcome in the patients. A total of 39 patients were reviewed consisting 25 (64.1%) males and 14 (35.9%) females giving a M:F ratio of 1.6:1. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 65.5 years and the highest prevalence was found in the 60 – 69 years age group. The commonest symptoms at presentation were night sweats (59.0%), Body weakness (51.3%), fever (41.0%), and weight loss (41.0%) while the commonest signs included lymphadenopathy in all patients (100%), splenomegaly (87.2%), pallor (53.9%) and hepatomegaly (46.2%). The mean values of haematological parameters were: Packed cell volume (28.6%), Haemoglobin concentration (9.4g/dL), Total white blood cell count (87.6 x 109/L), Absolute lymphocyte count (55.8 x 109/L) and platelet count (134.8 x 109/L). The majority of the patients (94.9%) were diagnosed with advanced disease (Rai stage III and IV) while only 2(5.1%) had Rai stage II and none in Rai stage 0 – I. Chlorambucil-based regimen was used in 71.8% of patients, and only 2 patients had Rituximab as part of their treatment regimen. The clinical presentation, haematological features and disease outcome observed in our study was similar to what had been reported in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Keywords: Clinical, Haematological, Features, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Ilori

Prevalence Of Anaemia Among Pregnant Women At Antenatal Care Booking In Ilorin, North Central Nigeria

Anaemia is a global health problem which commonly affects women and children most especially in the developing countries. Anaemia in pregnancy is the most common haematological condition encountered among pregnant women in most developing countries including Nigeria. This prospective study was carried out to determine the red blood cell indices (PCV, Hb, RBC, MCH, MCV, MCHC) and the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. A total of 298 women who presented for booking at the antenatal clinic at different trimesters of pregnancy were enrolled in the study. There were 64 (21.5%) women in first trimester, 146 (49.0%) women in second trimester and 88 (29.5%) in third trimester. The mean age of the women was 25.8±3.2 years, and their ages ranged between 18-42 years. One hundred and eighty pregnant women had haemoglobin concentration < 11.0g/dl giving a prevalence rate of anaemia of 60.4%. Mild anaemia was found in 105 (58.3%), moderate anaemia in 72 (40.0%) and severe anaemia in 3(1.7%) of the pregnant women. There was significant correlation between anaemia and gestational age, parity and level of education at booking. This study indicated presence of high prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy and there is need for appropriate interventional strategies to be put in place so as to reduce prevalence of anaemia and improve pregnancy outcome in our environment.Keywords: Prevalence, Anaemia, Pregnancy, Booking, Antenata

Risk Factors and Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Blood Donors in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Availability of safe blood and blood products for transfusion is increasingly difficult globally, especially in developing countries because of high prevalence of Transfusion Transmissible Infections.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HBsAg among blood donors and to evaluate the socio-economic, demographic and medical factors associated with its infection.Design: A prospective study.Subjects: Three hundred and fifty consecutive blood donors were recruited. 2 ml of venous blood was collected aseptically from the ante-cubital vein and subjected to serological test for HBsAg.Results: High prevalence rate 10.9% was recorded. All the donors reactive to HBsAg were males (38,100%) with a mean age of 30.7±8.02 years, while 55.3%, 44.7%, 5.3%, 42%, 47.4%, 5.3% of them were single, married, primary school graduate, secondary school graduate, tertiary school graduate and illiterate respectively with 36.8%, 23.7%, 39.5% and 0% been unemployed, civil servants/professionals, skilled artisans andbusiness/petty traders. The most common risk factor was multiple sexual partners 55.3%, followed by extra marital affairs 13.2%, tattooing 10.5%, previous blood transfusion 5.2%, previous surgery 2.6% and sex trading 2.6%.Conclusion: Active public enlightenment programmes and strict blood donation selection criteria need to be put in place in order to provide safe blood and blood products for transfusion