Electrolytes concentration patterns in the three trimesters of pregnancy

The physiologic adaptations of the pregnant woman involve the renal, cardiovascular and other systems of the body. This study aimed at evaluating electrolyte concentrations in the three trimesters of pregnancy. Blood samples were collected by aseptic techniques and the concentrations of electrolytes were determined using standard laboratory methods such as titration for chloride and bicarbonate and flame photometry for sodium and potassium. Eighty healthy volunteers consisting of 20 non-pregnant control and 20 pregnant women in each of the three trimesters of pregnancy participated in the study. The sodium concentrations in mmol/L were 135.91 ± 3.00, 136.42 ± 3.11, 135.70 ± 2.90, and 136.30 ± 2.52, for control, first trimester, second trimester and third trimester subjects respectively. The potassium concentrations in mmol/L were 3.51 ± 0.18, 3.49 ± 0.11, 3.53 ± 0.20, and 3.50 ± 0.21, for control, first trimester, second trimester and third trimester subjects respectively. The chloride concentrations in mmol/L were 103.50± 3.21, 103.60± 2.92, 104.70 ± 3.10, and 105.0 ± 3.02, for control, first trimester, second trimester and third trimester subjects respectively. The Bicarbonate concentrations in mmol/L were 25.75 ± 1.51, 26.11 ± 1.17, 25.69 ± 1.72, and 26.10 ± 1.13, for control, first trimester, second trimester and third trimester subjects respectively. This study revealed that the electrolytes sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate remained unchanged (p>0.05) as pregnancy advanced. This suggests that the kidneys are well adapted to the handling of electrolytes during pregnancy.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, kidne

Evaluation of Serum Anion gap in the three trimesters of pregnancy in a Christian Religious Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria

This study is aimed at determining anion gap in the three trimesters of pregnancy. The study involved a total of 80 volunteers from the St. Philomena Catholic hospital, Benin City. The volunteers comprised 20 nonpregnant control, and 20 pregnant women in each of the three trimesters of pregnancy. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Collaboration committee of the hospital. Informed consents were also obtained from the participants. With strict aseptic method blood samples were drawn from the ante cubital vein into a lithium heparin bottle for electrolyte analysis using standard laboratory methods. Anion gap was subsequently calculated using the formula; ([Na+] + [K+]) − ([Cl-] + [HCO3−]). Results were compared using the student’s t-test and p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The anion gap for the first trimester of pregnancy (11.01 ± 0.13 mmol/L) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the control group (14.90 ± 0.43 mmol/L). The anion gaps for the second (14.78 ± 0.07 mmol/L) and third trimesters of pregnancy (14.90 ± 0.11 mmol/L) were essentially the same as that of the control subjects. The results may have been due to the variation in the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the first trimester of pregnancy. However, the study indicates that pregnant women in their first trimester are more prone to abnormal serum anion gap which is a function of blood electrolyte concentration. This finding should be reflected by antenatal care givers and antenatal care policy makers to forestall untoward effect of abnormal serum anion gap.Keywords: Anion Gap, Electrolyte, Trimester, Pregnanc

Association between Health Status and Visual Functioning: A Community Based Study

High blood pressure and abnormal body mass have been observed to correlate negatively with health status. Of interest in this study, is the impact such health status have on visual function indicated by near point of convergence. In this community based cross sectional study, 250 randomly selected apparently healthy subjects had their weight, height and blood pressure measured, along with near point vision using standard laboratory procedures. The results showed that subjects within the ages of 20-30 years had the best near point vision for right eye of (8.42±2.68cm), left eye (8.68±2.54cm) and when the both eyes are opened (9.46±2.63cm). Although not statistically significant, females were more likely to have wider near point vision than males. Also, subject groups with blood pressure outside the normotensive range and normal body mass index, had wider near point vision that is significantly different from the hypertensive and obese groups. The results therefore, suggest that normal visual functioning is dependent on maintaining a healthy blood pressure and body weight.Keywords: Healthy wellbeing, Body mass index, Blood pressure, Visual functionin

Histological Effects of Xylopia aethiopica on the Kidney of Adult Wistar Rats

This study investigates the effect of Xylopia aethiopica leaves on the histology of the kidney. 24 growing rats were used. They were divided into four groups: A (n = 6) as control and B (n = 6), C (n = 6) and D (n = 6) as tests. Group A received normal feed and distilled water only, while B, C and D, received daily doses of 1.2g, 3.0g, and 6.0g / kg body weight of Xylopia aethiopica leaves respectively, for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under light chloroform anesthesia to harvest the kidney for histological studies. The kidney was excised, fixed in 10% formal saline and processed for light microscopy using H&E staining procedures. The histological studies revealed normal cells in the control group (A), while group B presented glomerular degeneration, vacuolation and haermorrhage. Group C showed tubular wall enlargement, exudation, tubular disruption and cellular infiltration, while group D showed parenchymal erosion, tubular cavity obstruction and vacuolation. The observed kidney damages were dosage and duration dependent. The histological observations suggest that Xylopia aethiopica leaves is toxic to the kidney and may induce a dose dependent renal damage; hence the need for further studies.Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, Kidney, Histology, Plant

Prevalence of Under Nutrition among Under Five Year Children in Ekpoma, Edo-Nigeria

The nutritional status of under-five children is a reflection of the health of children in the community and this forms the basis for the development of success–oriented interventional programmes. This study therefore, determines the prevalence of under nutrition among under-five’s in Ekpoma -a community in central part of Edo state, Nigeria. It is a descriptive cross–sectional study of 402 under-five year children selected by systemic sampling method. Data collection was done by physical examination and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Their height and mid– upper arm circumference were also measured using tape-rule, while weight was measured using a standard electronic scale. The study was conducted between February, 2012 and April, 2012. The results showed that the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting, was 2.5%, 12.4% and 9.5% respectively. Male under-five’s were more likely to be underweight (3.2%) and wasted (9.7%) compared to their female counterparts (2.2% and 9.4% respectively). On the other hand, female under-five’s were more stunted (12.9%) than the males (X %). Conclusively, the prevalence of under nutrition is low among under-five children in Ekpoma. However, the prevalence of stunting and its determinants require investigation.Keywords: Nutritional status, Under-five year children, Ekpoma, Nigeri

Assessment of some Hepatic Enzyme activities in adult rabbits chronically fed crude Garcinia Kola

Therapeutic potentials of Garcinia kola (G. kola) have been extensively documented and several researches have asserted its protective uniqueness against liver disorders/diseases. It is the aim of this study to assess the level of some enzyme involved in liver cellular integrity in rabbits chronically fed G. kola. To achieve this objective,  twenty-four rabbits of comparable weights were randomly divided into four groups; consisting of a control (group A) and test (group B: BT1, BT2 and BT3). For 6 weeks, the control rabbits were fed standard animal feed with water  given ad libitum, while doses of reconstituted G. kola powder (1200, 1500 and 1800mg G. kola per kg body mass) were administered daily by gavage to the respective test groups B aside from feed and water. At the end of the experiment, a dose depended significant increased in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities was observed. On the other hand, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly reduced compared to control. These results suggest that G. kola may have some biochemical influences on the liver with chronic usage and as such a need for regulation of it ingestion.Key words: Garcinia kola, Chronic, Crude, Liver, Male, Rabbits

A LONGITUDINAL COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LIPID PROFILE IN THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY AND END OF PUERPERIUM

Background: The postpartum period is associated with maternal metabolic changes geared towards returning the maternal homeostasis to the pre-pregnancy state. This study aimed at investigating the lipid profile in the postpartum period in comparison to the third trimester and control values. Methods: Blood Pressure (BP), Body Mass Index (BMI) and lipid profile were assessed using standard procedures. Results were presented in tables and graphs and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 120.1±11.3 and 77.2±10.1 mmHg, 119.4±10.3 and 78.3±11.1 mmHg, 121.5±9.2 and 79.2±9.0 mmHg for the control, third trimester and 6 weeks postpartum respectively. There were no significant difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the test subjects and control. The BMI were 22.5±3.1 Kg/m 2 , 28.4±2.1 Kg/m 2 and 29.4±2.4 Kg/m 2 for control, third trimester and 6 weeks postpartum respectively. There was a statistical difference (p<0.05) between the BMI of control and third trimester. The lipid profile in the postpartum period was higher than the control values and this was statistically significant (p<0.05) for all lipids studied except the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Conclusion: The clinically non-significant elevated lipid profile in the pregnancy period and decline in the postpartum period are physiological