Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected subjects in aresource - limited setting in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Since the early days of antiretroviral therapy, adherence has emerged a milestone to success. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors militating against adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected individuals in the resource - limited setting of the Niger Delta of Nigeria. A structured interviewer- administered questionnaire from consecutively recruited 187 HIV-infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy of two-nucleoside analogue; stavudine and lamivudine and one non-nucleoside (nevirapine) was used. Association between the independent variables and adherence were analyzed using chi square analysis. This study observed an adherence level of 49.2% and identified the following as factors associated with nonadherence: cost of antiretrovirals, educational status, medication adverse effect, occupational factors, and high pill burden of prescribed regimen (p < 0.05). There is an urgent need for universal access and sustainability of antiretroviral therapy particularly in resource - limited settings. There is need for supervised medication delivery. Efforts should be made towards simplifying the therapeutic regimen to reduce the pill burden and substitution with treatment combination and strategies that minimize negative adverse effects, coupled with the re-intensification of patient\'s education and counseling. African Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 13 (3-4) 2006: pp. 13-1

A Survey Of The Status Of Common Rhesus Phenotypes In Port Harcourt

AIM:To generate requisite data of the common Rhesus phenotypes that would assist in the provision of safe and efficient blood transfsion service in the Niger Delta. METHOD:Random sampling of adult blood donors and pregnant women presenting to the UPTH using potent commercially prepared Rhesus antisera (Anti-CD,anti-DE,anti-C,anti-anti-c and anti-E). RESULTS:65 samples (35 pregnant women and 30 blood donors) were screened .The commonest Rhesus phenotype was c(100%),followed by D,C,E with 95.38%,21.53% and 16.92%.The prevalence of Rh D negative in this study was also found to be 4.6%. CONCLUSION:The finding that the c phenotype is the most common Rhesus phenotype is at variance with previous studies which indicate that the D phenotype is the most common subtype.This may be attributed to the small size of the sample poulation,increased inter-tribal marriages,rural-to-urban migration and the heterogeneous population of the cosmopolitan city of Port Harcourt. Key words: Survey, Common, Rhesus, Phenotype, Port Harcourt Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.2(1) 2004: 22-2

Rhesus Immunization in Nigeria: Current Status

No Abstract Available Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.6(2) 2003: 107-11

Amodiaquine – Induced Thrombocytopenia

We present a case of Amodiaquine induced severe thrombocytopenia in male 30 year old Nigerian accountant who has had previous episodes of bleeding diathesis associated with Amodiaquine ingestion. He was managed with prednisolone therapy and did not receive any blood or blood products since platelet concentrate was unavailable. This report highlights the probable direct toxic effect of Amodiaquine on bone marrow megakaryocytes and the role of phamacogenomics and pharmacogenetics in identifying the subpopulation at risk of developing untoward reactions to drugs such as Amodiaquine. Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.2(1) 2004: 81-8

Red Cell Antigens and the Practice of Transfusion Medicine in Nigeria - A review

OBJECTIVE: To generate data and information that would assist in the implementation of the recently enacted National blood transfusion policy METHOD: In the Worlledge series which was carried on amongst 31050 blood donors in Ibadan and other cities in the mid 1960s and 1970s, the following blood group systems were studies: ABO, Rhesus and MNSs. The other systems analysed include Kell, Duffy, Lutheran and P1. RESULTS: Amongst the 16 ethnic groups studied, the findings for the ABO systems shows that blood group O was the most common with a value ranging from 45.9 – 64.5% and an average of 53.5%, the highest and lowest contributions coming from the Ijaws (Ogonis) and Fulanis respectively. The next common was blood group A with a range of 12-30% and an average of 21.9% and the highest contribution of 30% was from the Efiks and the lowest value of 12% emanated from the Nupes. Blood group B is next with a value ranging from 11.9-30% with an average value of 21.5%, the highest contributors being the Busus (Katsina State) 30% and the lowest value of 11.9% was from the Ijaws (Ogonis). The least common blood group is AB with a value ranging from 0-4.9% with an average of 2.98%; the highest contribution of 4.9% coming from the the Fulanis while the Efiks recorded the lowest value CONCLUSION: In conclusion, red cell antigens obviously occupy a pivotal position in transfusion medicine in Nigeria. We recommend that further intensive research in this very important field be encouraged as this would not only provide the much needed epidemiological data but also help in uplifting blood bank practice in this environment as well as helping to ensure the effective implementation of the National blood transfusion policy. Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(2) 2003: 68-7

The effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the haemotological profile of HIV-infected Africans: the Nigerian perspective

No Abstract.Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(2) 2005: 25-2

DU phenotype in Nigeria: a review

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol. 4(1&2) 2005: 16-2

Rhesus D - Negative status in females of reproductive age in the Niger - Delta area of Nigeria

To evaluate the status of Rhesus-negative in females of reproductive age in the Niger-Delta area of Nigeria, and to briefly discuss some recent advances in the molecular biology of the Rhesus blood group, particularly the weak D or Du phenotype. Consecutive sampling of a total of 1108 subjects attending the ante-natal and out-patient clinics was done in three health facilities in the Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. 1003[90.5%] of the 1108 subjects were Rh-D positive while 105[9.5%]were Rh- D negative.This finding of 9.5% Rh-negativity amongst females of reproductive age in Port Harcourt is consistent with other published data in Nigeria which recorded a low trend of Rh- D negativity of 1-6%. This finding highlights the high risk of Rh-D iso-immunization in this environment and validates the previous position that Rh-D iso-immunisation is the leading cause of haemolytic disease of the newborn and haemolytic transfusion reactions especially in pregnant mothers. This brings into focus the need to uplift the care given to Rh-negative mothers and the urgent establishment of the National blood transfusion service. Key Words: Rhesus D negative, Status, Females, Reproductive, Port Harcourt. Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(2) 2004: 64-6