SEX HORMONES CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN HIV INFECTED FEMALES AT NAUTH, NNEWI, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Background: The association of Human Immune deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and sex hormone changes may grossly affect the reproductive health in affected women. This was a prospective study done at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria to evaluate the sex hormone changes in HIV infected women of reproductive age group during menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: A total of 90 women (60 HIV positive, 30 Control) were studied. After detailed medical examination, a well-structured questionnaire was self-administered. Blood samples were collected under sterile conditions during the follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle after due informed consent had been sought and obtained. The samples were analyzed for sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: The result showed that the sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) were significantly lower at both phases of the menstrual cycle in HIV infected women when compared to the Control (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed some degree of hypogonadism in HIV infected women which may have some implication in their reproductive life

SEX HORMONES CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN HIV INFECTED FEMALES AT NAUTH, NNEWI, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Background: The association of Human Immune deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and sex hormone changes may grossly affect the reproductive health in affected women. This was a prospective study done at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria to evaluate the sex hormone changes in HIV infected women of reproductive age group during menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: A total of 90 women (60 HIV positive, 30 Control) were studied. After detailed medical examination, a well-structured questionnaire was self-administered. Blood samples were collected under sterile conditions during the follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle after due informed consent had been sought and obtained. The samples were analyzed for sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: The result showed that the sex hormones (Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) were significantly lower at both phases of the menstrual cycle in HIV infected women when compared to the Control (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed some degree of hypogonadism in HIV infected women which may have some implication in their reproductive life

CYTOKINES CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN HIV INFECTED FEMALES AT NAUTH, NNEWI, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Background: HIV infection is characterized by hormonal and immunological changes which may grossly affect the reproductive cycle in affected women. Aim: To evaluate Cytokine changes in HIV infected women during menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: A total of 90 women aged between 15 and 45 years were randomly recruited for the study. 30 of the women were normal healthy seronegative for HIV and served as control. Blood samples were collected under sterile conditions during the follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle after due informed consent had been obtained and the samples were analyzed for Cytokines (IL-8, IL-6, IL-4, and TNFα) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: The Cytokines (IL-8, IL-6, IL-4 and TNFα) were significantly higher at both phases of menstrual cycle in HIV infected women when compared with the Control (P<0.05). Interpretation and Conclusion: The study showed significant cytokine changes with some degree of inflammatory reactions in HIV infected women. The implication of these changes within reproductive life of the women is discussed

Epidemiology and pattern of limb amputations at a private hospital in Owerri, Imo State, South-East Nigeria

Background: Amputation of either the upper or lower extremities in man presents a special public health challenge due to the problems associated with patients’  rehabilitation.Objective: To determine the epidemiology and pattern of limb amputations in a private medical setting in Owerri, Imo State.Methodology: This was a 5-year retrospective epidemiological study of a total of 251patients who had amputations between 2006 and 2010.Results: Out of 251 patients studied, 166 (66.14%) were males while 85 (38.86%) were females. Lower limb amputations (LLA) occurred more frequently (189) than upper limb amputations (ULA) (62) in the ratio of 3:1. The age group with the  highest rate of amputation (LLA) in both sexes was 41-60 years (64%). Trauma was the most common reason for upper limb amputations (75.8%), while peripheral  vascular disease was the most frequent indication for lower limb amputation  (49.8%). The occupational group with the highest rate of amputation was the commercial motor cyclists (33.9%), followed by commercial drivers (21.5%). The pattern of amputation showed that digits/toes amputations were the most frequent procedures (35.1%) followed by below knee/below elbow amputations (27.2%).Conclusion: Amputations were more in the males of the productive age range, and most of them were in the lower limbs. Trauma was the most frequent indication for limb amputations. This has a far-reaching effect on family and state economy.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, trauma, peripheral, vascular diseas