Patterns of drug use among type 2 diabetic patients with comorbidities attending a tertiary centre in Lagos Nigeria

Introduction – Diabetes care involves the use of drugs to control hyperglycaemia and treatment of comorbid disorders in order to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and other complications. This study investigated patterns of comorbidities and drug use among diabetic patients at a tertiary centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Method – This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 216 patients with type 2 DM attending Diabetes Clinic of a tertiary centre. Data was captured by using a questionnaire which documented biodata, number of comorbidities, number and combination of drugs for each participant and analysed using SPSS version 18. Results – Comorbidities were present among 215 out of 216 (99.54%) participants and hypertension and dyslipidaemia were the most common comorbid disorders. The number of pills consumed per patient ranged from 1 to10 with a mean of 4.78± 1.73 and 57.4% were on 5 pills or more. Fixed-dose combination was used in 37 (17.1%) of the patients. Majority of the patients were on metformin as monotherapy or in combination therapy. Antihypertensive most prescribed were renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers which was prescribed in 73% of participants. Antiplatelet drugs were used for both primary and secondary prevention of CVDs. Statin was used in less than 50% of the population. Double RAS blockade was also observed in 6% of participants. Conclusions – Comorbidities were common in the diabetic population. Pill load was high but appropriate in most patients. Statin uptake was suboptimal while there was increased uptake of antiplatelet drugs among participants

Prospective assessment of the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in patients attending a tertiary health facility in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: The impact of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in worsening outcomes is profound,  especially in the presence of comorbid conditions. This study aimed to describe the proportion of patients at a high risk of OSA in our practice setting.Methods: The STOP BANG questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness scale were used to assess for OSA  risk and excessive daytime sleepiness respectively. Hospitalized patients and out-patients were  recruited. Intergroup differences in continuous variables were compared using the analysis of variance. The proportion of patients with high risk of OSA and excessive daytime sleepiness was presented as frequencies and group differences compared with the Pearson χ2 test. Independent risk predictors for OSA were assessed in  multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 1100 patients (53.4% females) participated in the study. Three hundred and ninety nine  (36.3%) had a high risk of OSA, and 268 (24.4%) had excessive daytime sleepiness. Of the participants with high OSA risk, 138 (34.6%) had excessive daytime sleepiness compared to 130 (18.5%) of those with low OSA risk (p). Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients attending our tertiary care center are at high risk of OSA.Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea, excessive day time sleepiness, tertiary hospital, Nigeria

Screening for diabetes mellitus and humanimmunodefiency virus infection in personswith tuberculosis

Introduction. Nigeria is a country saddled with a high tubercu- losis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden but the possible combination of these communicable diseases with diabetes mellitus (DM) has been overlooked. We undertook to determine the burden of HIV and DM in persons with TB by docu- menting the prevalence rates of these disorders. Methods. This is a cross-sectional Study that was conducted within 54TB/DOT centers in Lagos State. A total of 3,376 persons with TB who were on antiTB drugs were screened for HIV and DM using standardized tests. Statistical analysis was performed using Students t test and chi square. Results. The frequency of occurrence of DM in TB and that of HIV in TB were comparable (4.8% Vs 3.5%). The Study subjects with DM were older, had higher waist circumference measure- ments and had higher proportions of hypertension compared to the subjects without DM. The combination of HIV and DM in TB was found in (0.3%). We also noted that DM in TB and HIV in TB occurred more frequently in the third and fourth decades of life. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the potential co existence of HIV, DM and Tuberculosis. It is therefore important that these two diseases are sought for in patients with TB considering the changing epidemiology of these diseases particularly in develop- ing countries like Nigeria

Knowledge of diabetes mellitus in tuberculosis amongst healthcare workers in Nigeria

Background: There is a World Diabetes Foundation funded research on detection of diabetes mellitus (DM) in tuberculosis (TB) which is currently being carried out in 56 TB centers in Lagos State Nigeria and against this background, we decided to evaluate the knowledge of DM and (TB) amongst the health workers from these facilities. Materials and Methods: We employed the use of self-administered questionnaires comprising questions to determine participant′s knowledge on risk factors, clinical presentation and complications of DM, diagnosis, management of DM, and presentation and management of TB. We documented and also compared responses that differed in a statistically significant manner amongst the various cadres of health worker and the three tiers of healthcare facilities. Results: A total of 263 health care workers responded, out of which medical doctors constituted 72 (27.4%) while nurses and other categories of health care workers constituted 191 (72.6%). All the respondents knew that TB is a communicable disease and a large majority- 86% knew that DM is a chronic disorder that as of now has no cure. One hundred and eighty one (71%) respondents gave a correct response of a fasting plasma glucose level of 9mmol/L, which is in the range for diagnosis of DM. About a third-90-of the health workers, however, stated that DM may be diagnosed solely on clinical symptoms of DM. However, 104 (46%) of the Study participants stated that urine may be employed for objectively diagnosing DM. All respondents had hitherto not had patients with TB who had been routinely screened for DM. There was insufficient knowledge on the non-pharmacological management with over half of the respondents, irrespective ofstatus, maintained that all persons diagnosed with DM should be made to lose weight and carbohydrate should make up less than 30% of the component of their meals. Conclusion: There remains largely inadequate knowledge on diagnosing and non-pharmacological management of DM among the health workers in our TB facilities

Association of body mass index and abdominal adiposity with atherogenic lipid profile in Nigerians with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension

Background: We explored the relationship between anthropometric indices (obesity and abdominal adiposity) and the presence of an atherogenic lipid profile in Nigerians with major cardiovascular risk factors (type 2 diabetes mellitus-T2DM, hypertension-HBP, and concomitant disease). Materials and Methods: Using a prospective design, 278 patients with T2DM, HBP, or concomitant disease, attending out-patient diabetes and hypertension clinics at a tertiary institution in Nigeria were evaluated. All patients were cholesterol-lowering oral medication naοve. Demographic and clinical data and anthropometric measurements were documented. Fasting lipid profiles were measured in all cases. The cut-off points for defining dyslipidaemia were: Elevated total cholesterol (TC) (mg/dL) ≥200, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholestrol (LDL-C) (mg/dL) ≥100, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (mg/dL) <40 for men and <50 for women, and high triglycerides (TG) (mg/dL) ≥150 mg/dL. Results: We found a significantly higher mean BMI (kg/m [2] ) in the HBP group (30.5 ± 6.0) compared to T2DM (28.1 ± 5.9) and concomitant HBP and T2DM groups (29.4 ± 5.2) (ANOVA; P = 0.02). The most frequent dyslipidaemia was elevated LDL-C in 92 (96.8%) HBP, 73 (85.9%) T2DM and 79 (80.6%) concomitant disease. The frequency of low HDL-C was highest in T2DM (68.2%) compared to the other 2 groups (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Only TG levels were found to relate with any anthropometric index (waist circumference (WC) in this case) in Nigerians with major cardiovascular risk factors in this study. Routine anthropometric indices do not appear to be reliable surrogates for atherogenicity measured by abnormalities in TC, LDL-C and HDL-C

CD4 count as a predictor of adrenocortical insufficiency in persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection: How useful?

Objective: To determine the usefulness of CD4 count in predicting adrenocortical insufficiency (AI) in persons with HIV infection. Design: Experimental study involving people with HIV infection and healthy people. Participants: The participants were recruited from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Forty-three newly diagnosed, treatment naive persons with HIV (23 males and 20 females) and 70 (35 males and 35 females) HIV negative subjects completed the study. Intervention: One microgram Synacthen® was given intravenously to stimulate the adrenal glands. Main Outcome Measures: Blood was collected for cortisol at 0 and 30 min after the injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and CD4 count. Results: Mean basal cortisol was 154.9 ± 27.2 nmol/L and 239.9 ± 31.6 nmol/L (P < 0.001); the 30-min post ACTH test, cortisol level was 354.8 ± 19.9 nmol/L and 870.9 ± 163.5 nmol/L (P < 0.001); the increment was 100.0 ± 17.2 nmol/L and 588.8 ± 143.4 nmol/L (P < 0.001) in HIV and healthy subject group; respectively. Using the diagnostic criteria for diagnosis of AI in this study, fifteen (34.8%) persons with HIV had AI. There was no significant correlation between basal cortisol levels and CD4 count in patients with HIV infection (r = -0.2, P = 0.198). There was no significant correlation between stimulated cortisol level and CD4 count in patients with HIV infection (r = -0.09, P = 0.516). Conclusion: CD4 count does not predict the presence or absence of AI. ACTH stimulation of the adrenal gland remains the acceptable standard

The adrenal gland and the patient with pulmonary tuberculosis infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Background: The adrenal gland is not spared from the involvement by tuberculosis. One of the recognized causes of adrenal insufficiency (AI) is tuberculosis. AI, mostly at the subclinical level, is common in persons with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection, occurring in about 23% of patients. Coinfection with PTB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may compromise adrenocortical function and produce significant adrenocortical insufficiency. Objective: To determine if coinfection with tuberculosis and HIV have a compound effect on adrenocortical function in persons with HIV and PTB coinfection. Materials and Methods: Persons with sputum-positive PTB, treatment naive, who met our inclusion criteria, were selected. All the recruited patients were screened for HIV and those positive for HIV infection had confirmatory test. A baseline blood samples for cortisol, fasting plasma glucose, full blood count, and electrolytes were collected between 8.00 h and 9.00 h immediately before administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The persons received an intravenous bolus injection of 1 μg ACTH (Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2BB) and blood sample was drawn for cortisol level at 30 min. Results: Forty-four people with PTB infection and forty people with PTB and HIV coinfection met the inclusion criteria of the study. The adrenal response to 1 μg ACTH stimulation in participants with PTB and PTB and HIV coinfection showed that the mean basal cortisol level in the 2 groups was not statistically significant; however, 30-min post-ACTH stimulation cortisol level was 630.84 ± 372.17 and 980.36 ± 344.82 nmol/L (P < 0.001) and increment was 367.79 ± 334.87 and 740.77 ± 317.97 nmol/L (P < 0.001), respectively. Fourteen persons (31.8%) with PTB has subnormal adrenal response to ACTH stimulation while only 2 (5%) persons with PTB and HIV coinfection has subnormal response. Conclusion: AI, at subclinical level, was less frequent in those with PTB and HIV co-infection

Pattern of complications and comorbidities among diabetic patients in a tertiary healthcare center in Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among Nigerian adults is increasing. Besides the well-recognized microvascular complications of diabetes, there is also a growing epidemic of macrovascular complications. Patients with diabetes may not only have diabetes-related complications but may also have nondiabetes-related comorbidities. Aim: To determine the pattern of chronic diabetic complications and coexisting morbidities in patients attending the diabetic outpatient clinic of a tertiary health care center in Nigeria and the factors associated with the presence of complications. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey carried out among patients attending the follow-up diabetic clinic of a tertiary health care center in Nigeria over a 3-month period. A systematic random sampling method was used and 422 eligible patients were selected and interviewed using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires, after written informed consent was obtained. Data were analyzed using  Epi Info statistical package version 3.5.1. developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta Georgia (USA). Results: Of the 422 patients interviewed, 400 (247 females and 153 males) had complete data for analysis. Eighty-eight patients had comorbidities, and the commonest was hypertension in 63 (71.6%). Out of the 61 patients who had complications, the majority, that is, 39 (63.9%) had eye complications. Factors significantly associated with the presence of diabetic complications were the duration of diabetes, marital status, and the presence of diabetic comorbidities. Conclusion: The frequency of diabetic complications and comorbidities is quite high in the patients studied. There is a need to improve the standard of care of patients and to ensure optimal blood glucose control. This will go a long way in reducing the frequency of complications and comorbidities

Thyroid autoimmunity in pregnant Nigerians

Context: Thyroid autoimmunity is a recognized disorder in pregnancy and is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Aim: This study set out to determine the relationship between pregnancy and thyroid autoimmunity in Nigerian women. Settings and Design: This was an analytical cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria with a total study population of 108 pregnant and 52 nonpregnant women. Subjects and Methods: Serum thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were quantitatively determined using enzyme linked immuno-assays. Pregnant women were grouped into three categories (<14 weeks, 14-28 weeks and > 28 weeks). The relationship between pregnancy and thyroid autoimmunity was determined using Spearman correlation. Analysis of variance was used in comparison of means, Chi-square test used in analyzing proportions while P ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women was 30.4 ± 6.0 years while the mean gestational age of all pregnant women was 20.6 ± 9.6 weeks. The mean TPO-Ab of 11.58 IU/ml in the pregnant was significantly higher than that of the controls of 7.23 IU/ml (P < 0.001). Out of 108 pregnant women, 27 (25%) had elevated TPO-Ab as against about 2% of the nonpregnant women levels P < 0.001. The number of pregnant women with elevated TPO-Ab levels decreased from 33.3% in the first group to 25.6% and 15.2% in the second and third groups. Conclusion: Thyroid autoimmunity expressed by the presence of TPO-Ab is high among pregnant Nigerian women and the frequency of autoimmunity appears to decline with advancing gestational age

Frequency of neuropathic pain in type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital: A questionnaire-based outpatient survey

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The frequency of NP in population living with type 2 DM is unclear. Objective: To determine the frequency of NP symptoms in patients with type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 250 type 2 DM patients attending the outpatient diabetes clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over a period of 4 weeks. Demographic data and data regarding current DM treatment, prior diagnosis of NP, and current treatment of NP were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Glycaemic status of the patients was assessed measuring fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level. Presence of NP was documented using the painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ). Results: NP was present in 54 out of the 250 type 2 DM patients studied giving a frequency of  21.6%. Out of 54 patients 36 (66.7%) were females and 18 (33.3%) were males giving a male: female ratio of 1:2 (P < 0.05). The mean age of type 2 DM patients with NP was significantly higher than the mean age of type 2 DM patients without NP (62.4 ± 10.9 years vs 58.9 ± 11.7 years; P = 0.05). Glycaemic status and disease duration did not differ among DM patients with or without NP. Only 10 out of 54 (18.5%) patients were treatment naοve at the time of study; however, out of the 44 patients receiving treatment only 9 (20.5%) were on appropriate treatment compared to international guidelines on treatment of diabetic NP. Conclusion: NP was present in 21.6% of type 2 DM patients attending the LUTH