The Prevalence of Malaria Antigen In The Serum of HIV Seropositive Patients In Port Harcourt.

Background: Malaria and HIV infections are now endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. The morbidity and mortality of each infection is high in tropical Africa. Therefore, a co-infection of both will be expected to present a gloomy picture. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of adult HIV seropositive patients with malaria antigen.Methodology: 300 adults who were HIV seropositive were randomly selected and screened for malaria antigen, using the rapid diagnostic test technique on blood obtained through a finger prick, in the clinic.Results: A total of 79 patients were positive, with a prevalence of 26.5%.Conclusion: The prevalence of 26.5% obtained is similar to that obtained in Jos, Nigeria (21%).There seems to be no difference in the prevalence rate of HIV infected patients with malaria and those that are seronegative for HIV.Key Words: Malaria, HIV, seropositive, prevalence

The Clinical and Laboratory Features of Plasma Cell NeoplasiaIn the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and laboratory features of Multiple Myeloma at presentation in a tertiary centre in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria.METHODS: The medical records of all patients diagnosed for plasma cell neoplasia within a 10 year period at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical presentation, investigation results, support and specific therapy used were documented.RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma, 70% were males, the mean age was 61.30 + 8.8 years, 50% of them had pathological fractures. The mean duration before presentation was11.89 + 11.7 months (Median = 7 months) and associated with poor outcome. The most common method of treatment was chemotherapy with Melphalan and Prednisolone.CONCLUSION: MM is a disease of the elderly that can negatively impact on the quality of life due to the complications associated with it. A long duration of symptoms before presentation is a common problem andit has been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in this study

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

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

ABO and Rhesus blood groups in mothers and their newborns in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Blood groups are inheritable red cell antigens passed on to the next generation in a simple Mendelian pattern. The distribution of blood group antigens is fairly constant in a given population. They are therefore important in the planning of blood transfusion services and anthropology.Aim: To ascertain the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) red cell antigens in mothers and their newborns, and examine the risk of ABO and Rh incompatibility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.Methods: A total of 103 women in their immediate post-partum state and their newborns were randomly recruited into the study. The study was conducted between October and December 2004. Blood samples from mothers and babies were analyzed for ABO and Rh D red cell antigens.Results: ABO antigens were distributed as follows: Mothers, group O 58.2%, group A (22.3%), group B (16.5%) and AB (2.9%). In babies:  group O (65.1%), group A (19.4%), group B (13.6%) and group AB (1.9%). Rh D antigen was positive in 95.2% of mothers and 94.2% of babies. Eight (7.7%) of the maternal-cord blood pairs had a possible risk of ABO incompatibility. Only two babies had haemoglobin concentration (Hb) less than 10.0g/dl. Three (2.9%) of the maternal-cord blood pairs had a possible risk of Rh D incompatibility, but all three babies had Hb≥ 14.0g/dl.Conclusion: This study  shows that blood group O was by far the commonest ABO blood group in mothers and their babies in the Port Harcourt area. Rh D positivity was about 95% in both groups. Therefore, blood group O, Rh positive blood should constitute the main group in the blood banks in this area. The overall risk of ABO and Rh D incompatibility between mother and child was low in this study.Keywords: ABO, Rhesus, Blood groups, Mothers, Newborn

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

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in a neonate: management challenges

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 16 (2) 2007: pp.177-18

Homosexuality amongst migrant oil workers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Aims: To determine the prevalence of homosexuality among migrant oil workers in Niger Delta. Methods: A prospective questionnaire – based study was conducted among migrant oil workers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The design was to determine the prevalence of homosexuality in the workers in oil workers. The questionnaire was administered to 314 subjects. Results: Out of 314 subjects, only 5.14% of the subjects practice homosexuality. There was no case of Lesbianism. There was a 70.6% used of condom in those who were homosexual, while 29.4% did not use condom. All the subjects who practice homosexuality are below the age of 45years. The synagestic behaviour profile thus reported points to a problem trigger that may fuel an already high sero-prevalence of HIV and STI in the region. Conclusion: The emergencies of homosexuality in oil workers may worsen the existing problems of HIV and other STI in the community of Niger Delta region. Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4(1) 2006: 53-5