Implementation of maternal guidelines for gravid teenagers with hypertensive disorders in KwaZulu-Natal

Background: The worldwide phenomenon of teenage pregnancy among 13­9-year-olds is complicated by obstetric conditions. Among the top three causes of maternal mortality, hypertension is the third in South Africa. Quality maternal care is assured by obstetric practitioners (OPs) implementing guidelines specific for management of hypertension in pregnancy. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate implementation of maternal guidelines for hypertension in pregnancy among teenagers. Methods: As a retrospective quantitative research design was used, 173 maternal records of pregnant teenagers from 13 to 19 years were sampled from six district hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs) between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 to undergo systematic random sampling. A pretested structured checklist was used to record data from sampled maternal records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for data analysis, and results were presented using simple descriptive statistics. Results: Research results indicated that teenagers who suffered from hypertension intrapartum and postpartum did not receive maternal care according to the guidelines for maternity care in South Africa. Blood pressure was not measured of six (3.47%) intrapartum and five (2.9%) postpartum teenagers. Seventeen (9.8%) hypertensive postpartum teenagers received their antihypertensives. Conclusion: Public health institutions (PHIs) compromised provision of quality maternal care among teenagers, evidenced by incomplete intrapartum and postpartum assessment, diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP).

Insuffisance rénale chronique: aspects épidémiologique, diagnostique, thérapeutique et évolutif au CHU de Bouaké de 2016 à 2020 / Epidemiological aspects, diagnosis features and therapeutic outcome of chronic kidney disease at the Teaching Hospital of Bouake from 2016 to 2020

Le profil épidémiologique de l'insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) varie d'un pays à un autre et d'une région à une autre dans un même pays. L'objectif de la présente étude était de décrire les cas d'IRC observés dans la ville de Bouaké. Méthodes : il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective réalisée dans le service de Médecine Interne du CHU de Bouaké durant la période allant du 1er Janvier 2016 au 31 Décembre 2020. L'IRC était définie par un DFG inférieur à 60 ml/minute évoluant depuis plus de trois mois et/ou une atrophie rénale. Résultats : nous avons recensé 150 cas donnant une prévalence hospitalière de 3,6%. L'âge moyen était de 38,8±10 ans avec une prédominance masculine. Les antécédents étaient dominés par l'automédication traditionnelle et l'hypertension artérielle dans 68% des cas chacun. Dans 91% des cas, l'IRC était classée grade 5. Les étiologies étaient dominées par l'hypertension artérielle (34%). Le traitement symptomatique était la transfusion dans 73% et l'usage des antihypertenseurs dans 73%. Le traitement de suppléance était indiqué dans 91% et réalisé dans 3%. La mortalité était de 25%. Les facteurs associés à la survenue du décès étaient une altération de l'état général, une hypercréatininémie, une hyperphosphorémie, des reins atrophiés et le recours à la transfusion sanguine. Conclusion: l'IRC était diagnostiquée à un stade sévère. La principale cause était l'hypertension artérielle. La mortalité demeure élevée, faute d'accès au traitement de suppléance. L'accent doit être mis sur la prévention de l'IRC au cours des pathologies à risque.

Background: The epidemiological profile of chronic kidney disease (CKD) varies from country to country and from region to region within, even in the same country. The objective of this study was to describe the cases of CKD found in the city of Bouake (Ivory Coast). Methods: We proceeded to a retrospective study carried out in the Internal Medicine department of the Bouake University Hospital from January 1, 2016 till December 31, 2020. CKD was defined by a GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) at less than 60 ml/ minute and small kidneys. Results: In all , we identified 150 cases corresponding to 3.6% as hospital prevalence . The mean age was 38 .8 ± 10 years with a male predominance. The history was dominated by traditional self-medication and high blood pressure (HBP) for respectively 68% of cases. In 91% of cases , the CKD was classified as grade 5. The etiologies were dominated by HBP (34%). The care was a symptomatic one using transfusion in 73% and antihypertensive medication was prescribed for 73% of the patients. The substitution treatment was indicated in 91% of cases and carried out in 3%. The rate of mortality was 25 % and factors associated with death were a deterioration of the general condition, increased of blood level of creatininemia, hyperphosphatemia, small size of kidneys and the use of blood transfusion. Conclusion: CKD was diagnosed at a severe stage. The main cause was high blood pressure. Mortality remains high due to lack of access to replacement therapy . Emphasis should be placed on the prevention of CKD in high-risk pathologies

Drug adherence among adult hypertensives attending medical out-patient clinic in a tertiary hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria

Objective: The research aimed to estimate the level of drug adherence, to determine the reasons for non-adherence, and identify risk factors associated with non -adherence among adult hypertensive clients attending an out-patient clinic in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of adults with hypertension at a medical outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital. Four hundred and four (404) respondents were selected from November 2015 to April 2016, a validated questionnaire by Morisky Green was adapted and distributed by trained research assistants. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables like sex, marital status, and clinic attendance among the two groups of adherent and non-adherent hypertensive. Information was summarized using frequency tables and cross-tabulations. Binary logistic regression analysis was done. The level of significance was set at 5% Results: Optimal adherence was observed in 281(69.0%) of the respondents. Being a female (OR: 1.833; 1.048 -7.205, p=0.034), being employed (OR: 2.099; 1.097-4.096, p=0.03) and regular clinic attendance (OR: 22.26; 12.647 ­ 39.107, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with optimal adherence. Forgetfulness (23, 9.9%), use of traditional medicines (42, 18.1%), lack of funds (59, 25.4%), and feeling well (60, 25.9%) were some of the reasons for suboptimal adherence Conclusion: The level of drug adherence among the respondents was good, especially among those that attend clinics regularly, those that are employed, and female respondents. Suboptimal adherence among the few respondents was due to forgetfulness, the use of traditional medicine, lack of funds, and stopping the use of drugs when they felt better

Antidiabetics and antihypertensive medications use in Morocco: a pharmacoepidemiological descriptive study

Background: In Morocco, and many other African countries, there is a paucity of antihypertensive and antidiabetics use amongst the general population. Aim: To investigate the epidemiological profile of antihypertensive and antidiabetics use and analysis their adverse reactions. Setting: This study was conducted in the prefecture of Figuig, Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire about their pharmacological treatment and presented using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Sample of 244 subjects, predominantly women 58.15% (p < 0.03) composed of diabetic patients 56.96% (n = 139) and hypertensive patients 43.03% (n = 105). After adjustments, 60.24% of all patients were under monotherapy. The diabetics were being treated using the Biguanide class (26.92%), insulin (20.0%) and sulfonylureas (10.0%) while hypertensive patients were treated by Calcium Channel Blockers (27.36%), Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (21.05%), Angiotensin T-Blockers (16.84%), Diuretics (7.36%) and ß-adrenergic receptors blockers (3.15%). In total, 23.00% of all subjects have experienced negative side-effects, mostly, reported (90.38%) to health professionals and 23.52% of them have interrupted temporarily or try to change their treatment. Gastro-intestinal problems were the most adverse reactions reported (11.11%) followed by headache, dizziness and tinnitus (6.66%) and asthenia, feeling sick and feeling of faintness (5.33%). Conclusion: Managing diabetes and hypertension entails a lot of public challenges and requires more focus and interest, especially amongst the illiterate population in remote areas. Some of the suggested ways to help face the problem include the introduction of new innovative measures, systems of fellow-up and adverse reactions

Lifestyle counselling and behavioural change: role among adult hypertensives in a rural tertiary institution

Background: In spite of the availability of myriads of antihypertensive medications, the control of high blood pressure is still low.Studies on effect of lifestyle behavioural changes through counselling on blood pressure control are scant in Nigeria. Therefore,this study set out to determine the role of lifestyle counselling on behavioural change among hypertensive patients attending the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti.Methods: A total of 322 adult hypertensive participants who had been on treatment for at least three consecutive months were randomised into two groups. Relevant data were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and clinical parameters were measured pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group was counselled on lifestyle behaviours, namely regular exercise, eating adequate fruits and vegetables, moderate alcohol intake and cessation of smoking. Results: Post-intervention, among the intervention group 22.4%, 71.4% and 100%, as compared with the control group at 6.2%, 41.0% and 87.6%, met recommendations for physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and alcohol consumption respectively. The difference in each category was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, the difference in smoking habits between the two groups (83.9% vs. 79.5%) was not statistically significant (p = 0.313). There was a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) in the difference in mean arterial pressure (96.4 ± 8.1 vs 106.2 ± 7.6 mmHg) between the intervention and control group post-intervention.Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications form part of an important and effective treatment modality for hypertension. It is desirable that primary care physicians devise and implement clinical and public health strategies that promote and maintain a combination of pharmacologic interventions and lifestyle modifications

Comparison of the effect of nitroglycerin, magnesium sulphate and dexmedetomidine as hypotensive agents in lumbar spine surgery

Background: in orthopedic procedures more blood is lost from raw bone and muscle surface than from identifiable blood vessels. Moderate hypotensive anesthesia was found to significantly decrease the average blood loss by nearly 40%, reduce the need for transfusion by 45% and shorten the average operating time by nearly 10%. Objective: The aim of the current study was to compare magnesium sulphate and dexmedetomidine with nitroglycerin as regard hypotensive effect as primary outcome, volume of blood loss, blood substitution and pattern of recovery as secondary outcome during lumbar spine surgery. Patients and Methods: This prospective, controlled, comperative, randomized, double blind study included a total of ninty patients aged 21-50 years of both sex, ASA I-II scheduled for elective lumber spine surgery, attending at Department of Orthopedic, AL-Azher university Hospital in Assuit as single center study. Patients have received either dexmedetomidine, magnesium sulfate or nitroglycerine. Results: There were highly significant difference (P <0.000) with duration of surgery between different study groups with duration of surgery shortest in dexmedetomidine group followed by magnesium sulfate group and then nitroglycerine group. There were highly significant differences between different study groups with fluid maintenance with higher volume in nitroglycerine group then magnesium sulfate group and then dexmedetomidine group. There were highly significant differences (P <0.000) with systolic blood pressure between study groups at A1 and hypotensive agent discontinuation with lowest systolic blood pressure in dexmedetomidine group followed by magnesium sulfate group and then nitroglycerine group. Conclusion: nitroglycerine, magnesium sulfate and dexmedetomidine could induce hypotension, but dexmedetomidine showed more favorable hemodynamic profile as regard blood pressure and heart rate

Therapeutic drug monitoring of amlodipine and the Z-FHL/HHL ratio: Adherence tools in patients referred for apparent treatment-resistant hypertension

Background. Non-adherence to antihypertensives is a cause of 'pseudo-treatment-resistant' hypertension.Objective. To determine whether monitoring plasma amlodipine concentrations and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) can be adjunct adherence tools.Methods. Patients with hypertension who were prescribed enalapril and amlodipine were enrolled. Blood pressures (BPs) were monitored and an adherence questionnaire was completed. Steady-state amlodipine was assayed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and degree of ACE inhibition using the Z-FHL/HHL (z-phenylalanine-histidine-leucine/hippuryl-histidine-leucine) ratio.Results. One hundred patients (mean (standard deviation) age 50.5 (12) years, 46% male) were enrolled. Based on plasma assays, 26/97 patients (26.8%) were unsuppressed by enalapril and 20/100 (20%) were sub-therapeutic for amlodipine. There were significant BP differences based on plasma levels of the medication: 21/20 mmHg lower in the group with suppressed ACE and 26/20 mmHg in the group with steady-state amlodipine concentrations.Conclusions. Monitoring antihypertensive adherence by assaying plasma medication concentrations is a feasible option for evaluating true v. pseudo-resistant hypertension

Physician and Patient Preferences for Sustained Release Antihypertensive Preparations in the Kumasi Metropolis; Ghana

Background: Non-adherence to therapy is a major reason for the low control rate of hypertension in Ghana today. Sustained release (SR) antihypertensive preparations are useful in promoting adherence to therapy because of the reduced daily dosing frequency; stable drug levels and reduced toxicity which enhances compliance. One major concern about SR antihypertensives is whether they can be substituted with one another to produce the same effect. Objectives: This study sought to determine the preferences of physicians and patients for various SR antihypertensive medications in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. The views of the respondents on whether the brands of the most used SR antihypertensive were therapeutically equivalent and interchangeable were ascertained. Methods: Seventy-three (73) community pharmacies; 66 doctors and 150 patients in 50 public; private and mission hospitals and clinics within the Kumasi metropolis were purposively sampled. Respondents were interviewed via interviewer administered structured questionnaires and the information gathered was coded; entered into SPSS software version (16) and analysed. The results were presented as frequencies and proportions; and in tables as well as in figures.Results: SR nifedipine was the most stocked and used SR antihypertensive drug while Nifecard XL (30 mg) was the preferred brand of patients and doctors. Clinicians considered effectiveness and compliance as two major reasons for their preference for SR nifedipine while patients considered affordability and availability. Sixty percent of prescribers and 41% of patients were of the opinion that all brands of SR nifedipine were interchangeable. Conclusion: There is a gap between prescribers and patients about SR nifedipine brands interchangeability which needs to be bridged to optimize their use to attain better treatment outcomes in Ghana. There is need for continuous education on concepts of therapeutic equivalence and generics substitution for all stakeholders to address the problem of non-adherence to hypertension therapy in Ghana

South African Hypertension Practice Guideline 2014 : Review Article

Outcomes : Extensive data from many randomised; controlled trials have shown the benefit of treating hypertension (HTN). The target blood pressure (BP) for antihypertensive management is systolic 140 mmHg and diastolic 90 mmHg; with minimal or no drug side effects. Lower targets are no longer recommended. The reduction of BP in the elderly should be achieved gradually over one month. Co-existent cardiovascular (CV) risk factors should also be controlled. Benefits : Reduction in risk of stroke; cardiac failure; chronic kidney disease and coronary artery disease. Recommendations : Correct BP measurement procedure is described. Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors and recommendations for antihypertensive therapy are stipulated. Lifestyle modification and patient education are cornerstones of management. The major indications; precautions and contra-indications are listed for each antihypertensive drug recommended. Drug therapy for the patient with uncomplicated HTN is either mono- or combination therapy with a low-dose diuretic; calcium channel blocker (CCB) and an ACE inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Combination therapy should be considered ab initio if the BP is ? 160/100 mmHg. In black patients; either a diuretic and/or a CCB is recommended initially because the response rate is better compared to an ACEI. In resistant hypertension; add an alpha-blocker; spironolactone; vasodilator or ?-blocker

Hypertension and Sexual Dysfunction

Hypertension is a major independent cardiovascular risk factor; and also a marker of survival risk. Quality of life during the treatment of hypertension is an important health issue; as one in every five treated patients with hypertension will discontinue their therapy due to sideeffects.1 Discontinuation of therapy; and poor compliance with therapy; will eventually lead to a poorer outcome. The appearance of treatment-related side- effects may actually make patients feel worse than they did prior to treatment; when most hypertensive patients are asymptomatic. Sexual dysfunction is a potential side-effect of therapy; and may lead to poor therapy compliance

Antihypertensive Treatment in the Elderly

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; but it is also very prevalent in the community. These two factors combined prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to report that high blood pressure is the first cause of death worldwide.1 The prevalence of hypertension has been estimated to be approximately one in four; and this increases with age to such an extent that almost two-thirds of people over the age of 60 years have hypertension.2

Management Issues in Hypertensive Diabetics

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are common clinical conditions that often co-exist. This combination has been called the deadly duet to emphasise the increased cardiovascular risk when the two conditions co-exist. Hypertension occurs more commonly in diabetics than in comparable non-diabetics; as the prevalence of hypertension in diabetics is about two times higher than that of hypertension as observed in the general population. In type 2 diabetes mellitus; hypertension is often present as part of a possible common underlying metabolic abnormality; such as insulin resistance. However; in type 1 diabetes mellitus; hypertension is often due to the onset of diabetic nephropathy

Orthostatic hypertension: profile of a Nigerian population

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, age, sex distribution and blood pressure (BP) pattern of patients with orthostatic hypertension in a cohort of hypertensives. Method: A total of 179 patients on follow-up treatment in a hypertension clinic were assessed for age, sex and BP in the seated position, and after two minutes in the erect position, on three consecutive visits. Orthostatic hypertension was defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥ 20 mmHg on more than one occasion in the erect position. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decrease in BP on more than one occasion, between the seated and erect SBP, of ≥ 20 mmHg. The mean ages of the participants with and without orthostatic hypertension were compared by t-test for any significant difference. The means of the seated SBP of participants with and without orthostatic hypertension were also compared with the t-test. The effect of gender on orthostatic hypertension was tested with a chi-square (χ²). The differences between the mean seated and mean erect SBPs of participants with and without orthostatic hypertension were compared with the paired t-test. Results: Thirty-eight (21.23%) of the participants had orthostatic hypertension. The mean age of those with orthostatic hypertension was not significantly different from that of the participants without orthostatic hypertension (p-value = 0.789). There was no significant effect of gender on orthostatic hypertension (p-value = 0.795). The mean of the seated SBP was significantly lower in the participants with orthostatic hypertension (p-value = 0.008). The mean seated SBP was significantly different from the mean erect SBP for those with orthostatic hypertension, compared to those without orthostatic hypertension (p-value = 0.000 vs. p-value = 0.169). Five (2.79%) of the participants had orthostatic hypotension. Conclusion: Orthostatic hypertension, a form of BP dysregulation, may be more common among treated hypertensives than what is presently known

Hypertensive Crisis

Hypertension is a common medical problem. It affects approximately one in four adults worldwide; with evidence that the prevalence is rising. In the USA; approximately 30 of adults have some form of hypertension.1 It is estimated that 1-2 of the hypertensive population will present with an acute and severe elevation of blood pressure at some stage; i.e. hypertensive crisis: systolic blood pressure 180 mmHg; or diastolic blood pressure 120 mmHg.2

Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy with Strain Pattern : Prevalence; Mechanisms and Prognostic Implications : Review Article

Background: Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy with strain pattern has been documented as a marker for left ventricular hypertrophy. Its presence on the ECG of hypertensive patients is associated with a poor prognosis. This review was undertaken to report the prevalence; mechanism and prognostic implications of this ECG abnormality. Materials and methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases to identify studies relating to the title of this review. The search criteria were related to the title. Two of the reviewers independently screened the searches. Results: Results were described qualitatively. The data were not pooled because there were no randomised studies on the topic. The prevalence of ECG strain pattern ranged from 2.1 to 36. The highest prevalence was reported before the era of good antihypertensive therapy. The sensitivity as a measure of left ventricular hypertrophy ranged from 3.8 to 50; while the specificity was in the range of 89.8 to 100. Strain pattern was associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors as well as increased all-cause and CV morbidity and mortality. ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion on the ECG was recognised as the strongest marker of morbidity and mortality when ECG-LVH criteria were utilised for risk stratification in hypertensive subjects. Conclusion: Electrocardiographic strain pattern identifies cardiac patients at higher risk of cardiovascular-related as well as all-cause morbidity and mortality

Abnormal Cation Exchange in Insulin-Resistant Patients with Essential Hypertension : Cardiovascular Topics

Objectives: To identify important factors that may contribute to abnormal glucose tolerance in elderly patients with treated hypertension with primary reference to changes in the following parameters: calculated insulin resistance; endogenous insulin processing and secretion; platelet cation concentration and membrane ATPase activity. Design: Thirty-nine patients receiving antihypertensive therapy (including low-dose thiazide treatment) were compared to 13 normotensive; normoglycaemic control subjects. Total platelet cation concentration and membrane ATPase activity were measured and; following a 75-g oral glucose test; serum insulin; proinsulin and 31-32 des-proinsulin responses were measured in prospectively defined hypertensive patients with normal glucose tolerance (NG); impaired glucose tolerance (iGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Results: of the total patient cohort; seven patients manifested newly diagnosed DM; 18 had iGT and 14 NG. Among the three groups; no difference in duration of drug use (thiazides and beta-blockers) was noted; BMi and waist-to-hip ratio increased progressively from NG to iGT to overt DM. Compared to NG patients; serum insulin responses were significantly greater in the iGT (all time points) and DM (two-hour measurements) subjects. Proinsulin and 31-32 des-proinsulin serum responses were likewise significantly higher in the iGT and DM groups. The derived measure of insulin resistance in the hypertensive patients showed a significant increase in the progression from NG to iGT and DM. Mean total platelet potassium concentration was reduced in the DM compared to the iGT and the control groups; while platelet sodium; calcium and magnesium concentrations showed no Significant differences. Platelet membrane magnesium ATPase activity was significantly higher in the normotensive control versus the hypertensive group. Sodium; potassium and calcium ATPase activity showed no significant differences among the subgroups. Conclusion: our findings support the strong link between essential hypertension; insulin resistance / hyperinsulinaemia and regional adiposity. Beta-cell dysfunction (hypersecretion and abnormal insulin processing) is manifest in the progression from normality to overt diabetes. The use of antihypertensive therapy (low-dose thiazides and cardioselective beta-blockers) possibly added diabetogenic effect(s). The reduction in platelet total potassium concentration paralleled the diabetic state while a reduced membrane magnesium ATPase activity correlated with the hypertensive state