Parity May Determine Levels of Some Antioxidant Minerals in Pregnancy: An Experience From Rural South‑Eastern Nigeria

Background: Maternal micronutrient and antioxidant status is critical to fetal growth and survival. Poor socioeconomic conditions in the rural areas portend undernutrition with inevitable micronutrients deficiencies. Presently, there are conflicting reports on the serum levels of some mineral antioxidants during pregnancy. Aim: To determine the serum concentrations of some antioxidant minerals - copper and manganese, in rural pregnant women of different parities. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study, involving 195 rural pregnant women, in different trimesters and parities. They were recruited from antenatal clinics of some rural health centres in south‑eastern Nigeria. The controls were 50 age‑matched, nonpregnant, nulliparous, and apparently healthy women, who were not menstruating at the time of sample collection. Results: The results showed that copper was nonsignificantly lower (P = 0.14), while manganese was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in pregnant women than nonpregnant women. Over gestation, there was no significant changes (P = 0.081; F = 2.268; r2 = 0.028) in copper concentrations as pregnancy progressed while manganese increased significantly (P < 0.001; F = 18.370; r2 = 0.195), and remained relatively so, throughout gestation. However, both antioxidants increased progressively and significantly as parity increased (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Parity influences the levels of these antioxidant minerals in pregnancy and therefore should play significant role in the determination of the actual dose of supplements, if need be, of these antioxidants during pregnancy. Indeed assessment and supplementation of copper and manganese during pregnancy should be individualized to avoid deleterious fetomaternal consequences.Keywords: Copper, manganese, parity, pregnancy, rural are

Benefit incidence analysis of free insecticide treated nets distribution in urban and rural communities of Enugu state, South East Nigeria

Background: Malaria is a leading cause of mortality as well as a barrier to economic and social development in developing countries. The use of insecticide‑treated nets (ITNs) for malaria vector control is effective in controlling malaria attacks in pregnant women and under‑5 children. The Nigerian government, in its bid to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 and 5 distributes free ITNs to pregnant mothers and under‑five children in the Roll Back Malaria programme (RBM).Aim: This study compared the benefit incidence analysis of this government program between urban and rural areas.Materials and Methods: Pretested, semi‑structured questionnaires were administered to 150 pregnant women and also 150 mothers of under‑5 children, who were randomly selected from each of the two communities (rural and urban) from a local government area (LGA) in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study was conducted within the rainy season periods (March–August) of 2008. The information obtained included some socio‑economic variables, accessibility, usage and benefits of usage of ITNs. Data entry and analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0(Chicago IL, USA). Student’s t‑test and Chi‑square were used for comparison where appropriate. Significant values were taken as P value. Value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The respondents’ mean monthly expenditures on food utilities and anti‑malarials in the rural area and urban areas were N266.1 (74.02), range (143.3-395) and N473 (90) range (380-495.7) respectively (P < 0.001). Within each socio‑economic stratum (SES), the average monthly expenditure in the urban community was higher than that of the rural community except for least poor SES (P < 0.05). For the urban community, 106 (71.6%) respondents used ITNs as against 99 (66.9%) in the rural community [P = 0.778, OR = 1.3 (95% CI: 0.76, 2.05)]. Also, ITNs were always accessible to 112 (75.7%) and 54 (36.5%) respondents in the urban and rural communities respectively [P < 0.001, OR = 5.4 (95% CI: 3.28, 8.96)]. In the urban community, 130 (87.7%) respondents expressed some benefit from ITNs as against 123 (83.1%) respondents from the rural community [P = 0.258, OR = 1.5 (95% CI: 0.76, 2.28)].Conclusion: Most pregnant women and mothers of under‑five children in the rural study area belong to the poorest socio‑economic classes and they spend less on anti‑malarial treatment. Majority of the free ITN’s beneficiaries in both urban and rural study areas have used and benefitted from themKey words: BIA, ITNs, nigeria, pregnanc

The role of some micronutrients (eldervit) in the management of anaemic pregnant Nigerian women: A preliminary report

CONTEXT: Anaemia continues to be a leading contributor to adverse reproductive outcomes in the developing countries. Although, the commonest cause of anaemia in pregnancy is iron deficiency, the enormous contributions of other micronutrients have been underestimated. As a result, the need to identify relevant micronutrients, whichcomplement iron, in haematopoiesis cannot be over emphasized.OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of some micronutrients  (Cyanocobalamin, {B12}2500ìg, folic acid 0.7mg, niacin12mg and ascorbic acid 150mg; Eldervit-12) on some haematological parameters of anaemic pregnant women.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: ONE hundred and sixty two (162) anaemic pregnant women aged between 18-38 years were recruited into the study, and randomly divided into two groups. The test group was given two weeklyEldervit-12 injections intramuscularly, and the control group was given placebo (water for injection). Packed cell volume (PCV), reticulocyte count, white cell count and platelet count were estimated before and at the end of the injections using established methods. Student t-test was used to determine test for significance between the groups.RESULTS: The PCV increased significantly from 25.9± 2.2% and 26.2± 2.2% to 37.3% ± 2.6% and 32.4%± 1.9% respectively for test and control (P< 0.001). The PCV increase was however, significantly higher in the test when compared with the control (P< 0.001). The reticulocyte count also increased significantly from 2.2% ± 0.7% and 2.3%± 0.7% to 4.7%V 0.8 % and 2.9% ± 0.7 % respectively for test and control (P<0.001). But the test showed a more significant increase than the control (P< 0.001). There were no significant differences in the WBC and platelet counts (P> 0.05).CONCLUSION: Additional micronutrients play a vital role in the management of anaemia in pregnancy. Efforts should be made to qualify and quantify these in other to obtain the actual daily requirements.Key words (Anaemia, Pregnancy, Micronutrients, Haematological parameters.

Increased Prevalence of Activated Protein C Resistance During Pregnancy may Implicate Venous Thrombo Embolic Disorders as a Common Cause of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria

Background: Acquired resistance to protein C in pregnancy has been established as one of the factors associated with thromboembolic phenomenon, an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity.Objectives: To establish the mean levels of PCA ratio (measure of protein C resistance) of among our pregnant women since maternal mortality rate of the country is on the increase despite efforts to reduce this trend.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out in a tertiary institution in Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria over the 7 months period from May 2010 to November 2010. Two hundred pregnant women and 50 non pregnant female controls were recruited and PCA ratio, (coagulometric assay) were determined. Results: There was a non significant difference between the mean and standard deviation PCA ratio of the female non pregnant controls and pregnant women in 2nd trimester 4.32±0.4 and 4.30±0.4 respectively. A significant difference was noted between the controls and pregnant women in 3rd trimester 4.32±0.4 and 3.87±0.5 respectively also between the pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimester 4.30±0.4 and 3.87±0.5 respectively.Conclusion: There is increased protein resistance C in our pregnant women. This may implicate thromboembolic disorders as one of the leading causes of increase maternal mortality despite a downward trend in the prevalence of post partum haemorrhage.Keywords: Acquired protein C resistance, maternal mortality, pregnancy, post partum hemorrhage, thromboembolic disorder

Copper and selenium status of healthy pregnant women in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria

Background: Copper and selenium are important trace elements in man. They function as antioxidants and play roles in oxido-reductase reactions. Several imported multivitamin preparations are given to our women during pregnancy and lactation to correct possible deficiencies.Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the serum level of these micronutrients (selenium and copper) in a cross section of pregnant women in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.Materials and Methods: A cross section of 130 healthy pregnant women at different trimesters of pregnancy and 30 non-pregnant controls were selected from two health facilities in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria. Serum from the samples collected was assayed for copper and selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results: The mean copper level increased (P = 0.018), while the selenium level decreased (P < 0.0001) as pregnancy advanced.Conclusion: High copper levels indicate that supplementation should not be undertaken during normal pregnancy. Dietary intake should be modified to ensure optimal selenium levels during pregnancy

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among females in a university community in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Female sexual dysfunction is a common, condition that significantly reduces the quality‑of‑life of the affected persons. Unfortunately, because of the veil of secrecy that shrouds discussions on human sexuality, there has been limited research on this topic in some sociocultural settings.Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence and some sociodemographic factors associated with sexual dysfunction in females in a university community at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.Subjects and Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study involving 500 females recruited randomly in a tertiary institution in Nigeria. A self‑administered structured pretested questionnaire on sexual activity was administered (the Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software package (Version 17.0, Chicago, IL, USA). Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic factors, and the total FSFI scores dichotomized as normal and reduced sexual function. In addition, multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the six different domains scores and the continuous values of the total score. For all, calculations, P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSFI score ≤ 26.50) was 53.3%. The highest prevalence occurred in the 41-50 years age group (73.3%; 66/90), married and living together 56.4% (123/218) and had postsecondary education (56.1%; 137/244). Only age significantly predicted female sexual function (P = 0.007; 95% CI; 0.691–0.943). Marital status, religion, ethnic group, and educational qualification had no significant effect (P < 0.05). The total FSFI significantly increase as desire increases (P = 0.002; 95% CI = 0.817–3.573).Conclusion: Female sexual dysfunction is common in the university environment, with the highest prevalence occurring in 41-50 years age group.Key words: Hypoactive, Nigeria, sexual dysfunction, university communit

Evaluation of some anthropometric indices for the diagnosis of obesity in pregnancy in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background: Obesity in pregnancy is a global health problem which is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. The use of weight and height, measured at about ten weeks of gestation, to produce pre-gestational body mass index is recommended for the diagnoses of the condition but limitations abound in under resourced settings.Objectives: To measure anthropometric indices such as mid upper arm circumference, calf circumference, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio, for identification of obesity in pregnancy.Methods:Anthropometric measurements were carried out on cohorts of pregnant women from 4 hospitals in Enugu, South-eastern Nigeria.Results: There were no significant difference in the mean mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and calf circumference (CC) across the trimester groups. The mean values of waist circumferences, hip circumference and waist to hip ratios changed significantly across the trimesters. The 75th percentile of MUAC (33 cm) and CC (39 cm) in all trimesters, had sensitivity and specificity of more than 70% for identifying obesity in pregnancy.Conclusion: MUAC and CC values of 33cm and 39cm respectively might be reliable cut off points for diagnoses of obesity throughout pregnancy in Enugu, NigeriaKeywords: Anthropometric indices, Body mass index, obesity, oregnancy, NigeriaAfrican Health Sciences 2013; 13(4): 1034 - 104

Parity related changes in obesity and some antioxidant vitamins in non-pregnant women of South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: The delivery of many children at short interval is associated with micronutrient depletion and weight gain. However, the relationship between the levels of the micronutrients and the body weight is yet to be ascertained.Objectives: To determine the relationship between parity, body weight and some antioxidant vitamins in non-pregnant Nigerian women.Patients and Methods: Randomly recruited 200 non-pregnant women, comprising 82 primiparous and 118 multiparous women completed the study. Their age, parity, mid-arm circumference (MAC), waist circumference (WC), weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were determined. The serum levels of vitamins A, C and E were assayed using standardmethods.Results: The mean BMI, WC and MAC of the multiparous subjects (parity = 3.0 ± 0.58) were significantly higher than that of the primiparous subjects (parity = 1), (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively). Furthermore, there were statistically significant decrease in the vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E in multiparous compared with the primiparous women (P < 0.005, P < 0.05 and P < 0.005), respectively.Conclusion: Multiparty enhances weight gain, but depletes antioxidant vitamin micronutrients in non-pregnant Nigerian women

Parity‑related Changes in Body Weight May Influence the Zinc and Copper Status of Urban Pregnant Women: A Report from South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Micronutrient replacement is done indiscriminately, without recourse to peculiar socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables. Particularly, the relationship between parity, body weight, and some micronutrients has received minimal attention in Nigeria.Aim: To determine the relationship between parity, body weight, and some micronutrients during pregnancy.Subjects and Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study involving 130 pregnant women and 30 nonpregnant control. They were recruited from two health care facilities in Nigeria and grouped into nulliparous and multiparous. After a 24‑h dietary recall, the weight (W) and height (H) were measured. The body mass index (BMI) (W in kg/H in m2) was calculated. Serum copper and zinc were estimated using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results: Multiparous nonpregnant subjects parity=3.0 (0.58) had higher weight (P=0.037) and BMI (P=0.035) than their nulliparous counterparts (parity=0). In addition, there were no significant difference in Cu and zinc levels between the two groups (P=0.243 and 0.402, respectively). Expectedly, weight and BMI increased as pregnancy progressed. There was no significant difference in Cu levels between the three trimesters in the nulliparous pregnant and multiparous pregnant subjects. In the pregnant nulliparous subjects, the Zn levels of the 2nd and 3rd trimesters were significantly lower than that of the nonpregnant nulliparous subjects (P<0.001 and 0.039, respectively). However, in multiparous pregnant subjects, only the 3rd trimester Zn level was significantly lower than that of the nonpregnant controls (P=0.017). Conclusion: Pregnancy weight gain is more pronounced in multiparous than nulliparous women. This parity‑related pattern only affects the serum zinc levels, a situation that should be taken into consideration when formulating policies for nutritional replacement.  Keywords: Africa, body mass index, copper, parity, pregnancy, zin

The Effect Of Potassium Bromate On Some Haematological Parameters Of Wistar Rats

Summary: Potassium bromate used widely in foods has been associated with various complications in humans. However there is paucity of literature on adverse effects on haematological parameters. Thus we decided tocarry out an experimental study to determine the effects of potassium bromate on some blood indices using Wister rats. Twenty (20) male Wister rats aged 2-3 months obtained from the department of VeterinaryMedicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka were acclimatized for two weeks. They were divided into five groups and fed with graded doses of potassium bromate solution for six weeks. One of the groups served as the control.Pre and post administration blood samples were collected and analyzed the same day using standard methods. The results revealed significant decrease in the platelet count when compared with the controls (