Connective Tissue Diseases: Challenges of management among Nigerians

Contrary to previous assumptions, Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) are increasingly being reported among Africans, Nigerians inclusive. The clinical presentations are mostly similar to patterns described in other parts of the world, though with few differences. The management is patterned, as universally done, but drugs such as the biologics are infrequently used because of the prohibitive cost. The challenges of management arise mainly from a poor understanding of the spectrum, presentation and management of CTD as well as the non-affordability of the required drugs. The superstitious belief that these poorly-understood conditions are due to 'spiritual attacks' further compounds the problem of late presentation and sometimes accounts for the high morbidity and mortality. Continuing training of rheumatologists will enhance the understanding and management of rheumatological diseases

Oruvail in the treatment of Nigerians with osteoarthritis"

"An open; non-comprative study was carried out in 144 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee; spine; hip and shoulder to determine the efficacy and tolerence with ""oruvail""; a controlled-release pellet-formulation of ketoprofen. The results of the subjects and objective assessments before and during 6 weeks treatment showed improvement in all parameters. The trial also showed that oruvail is well tolerated; producing minimal side effects. We conclude that oruvail is a useful addition to the therapeutic armamentarium against osteoarthritis in Nigerians"