Women and epilepsy: Sudanese experience

Epilepsy is equally prevalent in men and women. However; for women there are unique concerns related to hormone effects on seizures and the effects of seizures and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on reproductive health. Some AEDs reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptive agents; increasing the probability of unplanned pregnancies. Seizure frequency may change during pregnancy; seizures may cause pregnancy complications; and the treatment of a woman with epilepsy must consider all these issues. Objective: To study the clinical presentation of epilepsy among adult Sudanese females and to verify aspects of epilepsy specific to women. Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive non intervention clinical based study; it was carried out in Elshaab Teaching Hospital and El-shiekh Mohamed Kheir charity clinic; from February-2008 to June- 2008. 630 female patients with epilepsy were included in the study. Results: The study showed that 72of the patients had generalized epilepsy and 28had partial epilepsy; primary epilepsy is more common than secondary epilepsy; 54of our patients had warning symptoms and 39.7had triggering factors; irregular menstrual cycle was observed in 28; 22of our patients had catamenial seizures; 7.1had increased frequency of seizures during pregnancy. Obstetric complications were common among our studied group. The incidence of infertility increased among our studied group. Conclusion: Women had differences in presentation and control of epilepsy that must be understood and considered when treating women with epilepsy

Prevalence of Diabetes in a Semi-Urban Community in Northern Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health problem both in developing and developed nations. The prevalence of diabetes globally is projected to rise from 2.8in 2000 to 4.4in 2030.This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of diabetes in Dakace village; near Zaria Method: This study was part of a larger study to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults in Dakace village; near Zaria. Out of a total of 492 eligible respondents for the study; a subsample of 199 persons was recruited using a systematic sampling technique had their fasting blood glucose levels determined. Body mass indices of the participants were also determined. Results: A total of 199 subjects (94 males and 105 females) participated in this segment of the study. Three subjects had fasting blood glucose (FBG) of more than 7.0mmol/L; one participant a previously known diabetic on medication had a good glycaemic control. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 2.0.Five participants (2.5) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Among the diabetics; one was overweight (BMI= 27.43Kg/m2) and one was obese (BMI=31.55Kg/m2); while among those with impaired fasting glucose two were overweight. Fortythree subjects (21.6) were overweight and 15 (7.5) were obese. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in this semi-urban community is keeping with what had been reported earlier from across the country