Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Research Articles

Assessment of some biochemical parameters in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), inadequate and poor nutrition are important factors affecting the outcome and recovery from disease and injury. This study was designed to assess some nutritional indices of patients with CKD attending UDUTH Sokoto. Seventy-five CKD patients and twenty-five controls were recruited, parameters such as serum albumin, total protein, haemoglobin, vitamin D, zinc and copper were determined using standard methods. A significant (P<0.05) increase in Urea, Creatinine, Uric acid, phosphate, copper and potassium was observed in the patients as compared to the controls. There was a significant (P< 0.05) decrease in sodium, chloride, calcium, bicarbonate and albumin of the patients when compared to the control. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the total protein levels of the patients and the control. Therefore, these assessed parameters plays important role for the screening of malnutrition in CKD patents and if this is established, nutritional intervention can be made to these patients to minimize or prevent the advances of malnutrition problems in the CKD patients.

Prevalence of Proteinuria among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus has been reported to be the primary cause of end-stage renal disease in some Asian and American countries. However, no such data were available among type 2 diabetic patients in North-Western Nigeria. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of proteinuria among type- 2 diabetic patients by measuring the total protein-to-creatinine ratio (TPCR) and to provide some possible recommendations to enhance the level of health care rendered to the patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Spot urine TPCR was performed on 182 diabetic patients who attended the diabetic clinic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, from January 2018 to December 2018. Other relevant parameters were extracted from the Chemical Pathology Department register, and the patients' case folders. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 23.0 (Chicago IL). Results: Among the total of 182 diabetic patients recruited during the study period, 66(36.3%) were males and 116(63.7%) were females. Out of the patients, (82)45.1% had hypertension; and (105)57.7% of the study population were obese. The overall prevalence of pathological proteinuria (TPCR ≥ 150 mg/mmol creatinine) was found in 116 (63.7%) of the study population. Conclusions: The prevalence of proteinuria is high in the study subjects (63.7%). The high prevalence observed might be a result of kidney disease in a primary healthcare setting. However, this study is a hospital-based finding with a small sample size, therefore, a larger study population size is recommended for future studies. Keywords: prevalence, proteinuria, type 2 diab

Influence of seasonal changes on asthma exacerbation in a sudan savanna region: An analysis of 87 cases

Background:Asthma accounts for 1 out of every 250 deaths worldwide. Many of these deaths are preventable as they occur as a result of suboptimal long-term medical care and delay in seeking help during severe exacerbation. It is believed that increased concentrations of dust, high winds, low temperatures, and low humidity may cause exacerbation of asthma.Objective:The aim of this study is to assess seasonal variation in asthma exacerbation among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.Materials and Methods:Eighty-seven patients aged 16 years and above with physician-diagnosed asthma were selected by systematic random sampling. Clinical information was obtained from each participant about history of asthma exacerbation and health-care utilization. Meteorological data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency corresponding to period of patient's recruitment.Results:Eighty-seven patients comprising 60 females and 27 males aged 32.1 ± 10.8 years participated in the study. Among the study participants, 50.6%, 28.7%, and 20.7% had exacerbation during harmattan, rainy, and dry (hot) seasons, respectively. Correlation analysis shows a significant negative relationship between temperature and asthma exacerbation (r = −0.372, P < 0.01).Conclusion:This study shows that asthma exacerbation is most frequent during the harmattan season and low temperature is associated with its exacerbation.

Chest X-Ray Findings Among Adult Patients Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Chest x-ray is the most frequently performed diagnostic examination particularly in patients with respiratory and cardiac diseases and for routine medical checkup and planning for surgery. A study on the image quality of chest x-rays had been conducted but the findings on the chest x-rays have not been studied in this tertiary health institution. This study aimed at revealing the most common pathologies and sex distribution of the pathologies on chest x-rays of adult patients attending the hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 190 adult (aged 18 and above) patients’ chest x-ray reports was conducted using the existing reported documents of chest x-rays from the archives of Radiology Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto from January 2018 - October 2019 using data capture sheet as instrument for data collection. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel version 2010. Results: Out of the 190 chest x-rays, 54% were for male while 46% were for female patients with the highest number of patients in the 29-38 years age group. Most of the radiographs studied were normal examinations (38.95%). Moreover, the most common pathology was hypertensive heart failure (26.84%) with male preponderance (13.68%). Conclusion: Hypertensive heart disease is the most common pathologic finding of adult chest x-ray in the study area with elderly male preponderance.

Prevalence of Carbapenem-Resistance among Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Patients Attending Uduth Sokoto, North West Nigeria

The major problem threatening the continued success of antimicrobial drugs is the development of resistant organisms. This study was designed to determine the occurrence and prevalence of carbapenem resistance among enterobacteriaceae isolated from in-patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, and also to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the organisms isolated. The Methodology involves the use of trypticase soy broth containing 10 μg of carbapenem (imipenem) for primary isolation. The secondary isolation involves the use of MacConkey agar and biochemical (Simmon citrate Agar) for identification, and then antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the disk diffusion method. A total of 191 stool samples from male and female in-patients within the range of 2-60 years were screened for the gastrointestinal colonization of Carbapenem Resistance Enterobacteriacea (CRE). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows version 21. The overall prevalence was 15.7% The prevalence rate was found exclusively in males. The highest prevalence was found within the age group of 30-40 years. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas species and salmonella species were the bacteria isolated. The most predominant bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, accounting for 85 (9.4%) resistant strains, Klebsiella species accounting for 50 (8%) resistant strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 21% and Salmonella species accounting for 42 (0%) no resistant strain isolated. The misuse of antibiotics is a major factor responsible for the high rate of bacterial resistance. Improvement on the management and personal hygiene, as well as the appropriate use of antibiotics would reduce the prevalence of Nosocomial Carbapenem Resistance (NCR) especially among prolonged hospitalized patients.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Vitamins Status of Diabetic Subjects Supplemented with Antioxidant Rich Supplement (Alphabetic) Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion / insulin action or both which could leads to increase level of oxidative stress and decrease in antioxidant defense system and may play role in the development of diabetic complications. The present study examines the effects of antioxidant rich supplements (Alphabetic) on antioxidant status of one hundred (100) diabetic subjects attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) for at least one year and the results were compared with those of fifty (50) diabetes mellitus non-supplemented and fifty (50) apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects. Standard analytical procedures were used for all the parameters measured including the effects of supplementation on Fasting Blood Glucose, oxidative stress marker (MDA), Reduced gluthathione and antioxidant vitamins (C, E and β-carotene) parameters were evaluated. The results revealed that the supplementation significantly (P˂0.05) reduce Serum glucose and Malondialdehyde and also significantly (P˂0.05) increases Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Reduced glutathione compared with the non-supplement group. The findings suggests that supplementation with Alphabetic might reduce the risk of oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus leading to diabetic complications and might be beneficial in the routine treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Transaminases and Alkaline Phosphatases Activities in HIV/AIDS Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

Background: HIV/AIDS causes life threatening opportunistic infections with increased morbidity and mortality. HAART intervention in HIV/AIDS patients has not only reduce morbidity and mortality but also cause hepatic injury and elevation of the liver enzymes.&#x0D; Aim: To measure the liver enzymes in HIV/AIDS patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV/AIDS negative subjects.&#x0D; Methodology: Seventy patients aged 20-50 years with asymptomatic HIV seropositive infection on HAART, 39 of whom are on first line drug and 31 on second line drug were assessed and 30 apparently healthy subjects (control) that tested negative for HIV 1 and 2 were recruited into this study. Venous blood was collected to determine the plasma levels of ALT, AST and ALP using kinetic method. Data were statistically analyzed using paired t-tests, P&lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant.&#x0D; Result: The activities of serum ALT and AST observed in HIV infected asymptomatic patients on HAART (first line and second line drug) were significantly higher (P&lt;0.001) than in the HIV negative (control) group. No significant difference was observed in ALP of HIV infected asymptomatic patient on HAART (those on second line drug) P&gt;0.05 while there was a significant difference in those on first line drug (P=0.0058) when compared with the control.&#x0D; Conclusion: Management of HIV/AIDS patients with HAART should be done with caution because hepatic injury may ensue due to the HAART.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Patients Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major health issue in developing countries particularly in Sub -Saharan Africa. It has been estimated to affect about 3.5 billion people globally and 450 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children.&#x0D; Aims: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto state, between May to November 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 245 participants were enrolled in the study. Standard parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples using microscopic examination.&#x0D; Results: Finding revealed that 29 (11.8%) were positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Males recorded higher prevalence than the females with 19 (11.9%) and 10 (11.7%), respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Low level of education, occupational status, poor water supply were among the significant risk factors for these infections. Prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections among the study community could be reduce by Creating awareness, level of sanitation, water supply and deworming programme among school children.

Some Antioxidant Enzymes among Children with Sickle Cell Disease Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world. It is associated with oxidative stress which occurs as a result of HbS unstable character causing a rise in the formation of free radicals. The aim of this study was to determine some antioxidant enzymes activities among patients with SCD. We investigated the superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidases (GPx) levels among 60 children aged 1 - 14 years with SCD. Twenty-two age-matched non-SCD children served as control. The study subjects were divided into two groups; steady state A (n = 30) and vaso- occlusive crisis (VOC) B (n = 30). The SOD, and GPx levels were significantly lower among the SCD subjects compared to controls (p = 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels between sickle cell disease patient in steady state (A) and those in crisis (B) (p = 0.998 and 0.555) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the SOD and GPX levels between sickle cell disease patient in steady state (A) and non-sickle cell controls (p = 0.005 and 0.000) respectively as well as between sickle cell disease patient in VOC (B) and non-sickle cell controls (p = 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels of sickle disease subjects based on age, gender, maternal level of educational attainment, occupational group and income (p = 0.629 and 0.476; p = 0.382 and 0.417; p = 0.450 and 0.314 and p = 0.397 and 0.762 and p = 0.553 and 0.929) respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels of sickle disease subjects of Hausa/Fulani extraction versus Yoruba (p = 0.714 and 0.856), between Hausa/Fulani extraction versus Igbo (0.917 and 0.486) and between Yoruba extraction versus Igbo (p = 0.740 and 0.965) respectively. This study confirms that SCD children have lower values of antioxidant enzymes compared to controls. SOD and GPX levels in sickle cell disease patient in steady state and vaso-occlusive crisis are significantly lower compared that of non-sickle cell controls. Patients with SCD may benefit from substances with antioxidant properties which can potentially reduce the complications associated with the disease.

ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES AND MINERALS STATUS OF DIABETIC SUBJECTS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ANTIOXIDANT RICH SUPPLEMENT (Alphabetic).

The manuscript reported the effects of antioxidant rich supplement (Alphabetic) on antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, Superoxidedismutase and Glutathione peroxidase) and minerals (Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Manganase and Chromium) status of one hundred (100) diabetic subjects attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) for at least one year and the results were compared with those of fifty (50) diabetes mellitus non-supplemented and fifty (50) apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects.

Sickle Cell Anaemia: A Prevalence Study among the Children Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Sickle Cell Anaemia: A Prevalence Study among the Children Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Ferritin Level in Pre and Postmenopausal Women Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto

Ferritin Level in Pre and Postmenopausal Women Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto

Determination of some haematological parameters in malaria infected subjects in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, Nigeria

Since malaria parasites are able to attach to receptors on the red blood cell surface, it is expected that malaria parasites may have effect on some haematological parameters. Haematological parameters are often needed to assist in the management of malaria infection. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of malaria parasites on some haematological parameters in Sokoto Nigeria. To investigate the effects of malaria infection on red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, 100 malaria positive adults (15-60 years) attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria were enrolled into the study for a period of seven months; April through October 2009. Malaria parasitaemia was determined microscopically by stained thick film, packed cell volume (PCV) by microhaematocrit method, while total white blood cell count (TWBC) and platelet count (PLC) by manual methods. The total of 100 malaria infected patients and 50 apparently healthy malaria non-infected students were compared against PCV, TWBC and PLC values using student’s t-test. The results of PCV and PLC showed statistically significant decrease among malaria infected patients (p 0.05). These findings indicate that malaria infection has an impact on some haematological parameters, therefore, malaria infection in this community contributes to the severity of anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Key words : Malaria infection, packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell count (TWBC), platelet count (PLC), anaemia.

Prevalence of malaria infection in children attending emergency paediatrics unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching hospital, Sokoto - Nigeria

Background: Malaria infection in children has been of concern in this part of the world - the sub-Saharan Africa. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of this deadly infection in children attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto.Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty four (124) capillary blood samples were collected from patients attending the Emergency Pediatrics Unit side laboratory. The 'gold standard' method was applied using Giemsa stain to carry out the investigation. Both thick and thin blood films were investigated for malaria parasite concentration and specie identification respectively.Results: Out of the 124 samples collected, 82 (66.13%) tested positive and 42 (33.87%) were negative for malaria infection. A total of 49 (39.52%) males and 33 (26.61%) females were positive for the infection. Of all the positive samples children within the age range of 0 – 5 years had the highest prevalence of 72 (58.06%) while the other age group of 6 – 10 years had a relatively lower prevalence of 10 (8.07%). However, using Chi-square test of independence, statistical analyses suggest that there is no statistically significant association between the distribution of malaria infection and age or gender.Conclusion P. falciparum accounted for about (84.15%) of the cases of malaria infection in the study area.Keywords: Malaria, children, prevalence, UDUTH, Chi-Square.

Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Patterns, ABO and Rhesus D Blood Groups Distribution among Antenatal Women in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: This study was carried out to determine the haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns and distribution of ABO and Rhesus D blood group among antenatal women attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. Method: Three hundred consecutively-recruited and consenting pregnant women aged 18 – 45 years (mean age 27.62 ± 3.6 years) constituted the subjects for this study. Standard method involving cellulose acetate electrophoresis was carried out using Tris EDTA borate at alkaline pH of 8.6. Hemoglobin S was confirmed using sickling test involving sodium metabisulphite. Standard tile method using potent antisera was used for the determination of ABO and Rhesus D blood group. Results: Among the 300 pregnant women studied, 221 (73.7%) were HbAA, 67 (22.3%) were HbAS, 11 (3.7%) were HbAC and 1 (0.3 %) was HbSC (p=0.01). HbAA was more prevalent among group O subjects followed by A, B and AB. HbAS was more prevalent among group A followed by B, O and AB. HbAC was more prevalent among group A and O followed by B and AB. The prevalence of HbSC was concentrated among blood group O subjects. There was no homozygous S and C haemoglobinopathies. The ABO blood group distribution indicated that blood group O was the predominant blood group followed by group A, B and AB (p=0.01). The ABO distribution among the subjects followed the pattern O>A>B>AB. A significant number of subjects were Rhesus D positive (94%) compared to 6% who were Rhesus D negative (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates that haemoglobinopathies is prevalent among pregnant women in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. The results from this study also show that blood group O is the predominant ABO blood. Evidenced based data obtained from this study will facilitate optimum stocking of blood and blood products in blood banks in the area and the management of Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction and Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn.