Efficacy of garcinia Kola 0.5 aqueous eye drops in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

PURPOSE:To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of Garcinia kola 0.5% aqueous solution eye drops in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (POAG/OH).MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-masked, multicenter, active-controlled prospective study. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive Timolol 0.5% eye drops as a control medication (A = Group 1 eyes) or Garcinia kola 0.5% eye drops as the study medication (B = Group 2 eyes). All drops were instilled at 6 am and 6 pm daily. Goldman applanation tonometry was performed at 9 am, 12 pm and 3 pm at baseline, week-6, week-12 and week-24 visits. Voluntary and actively elicited reports of adverse events were documented. The mean change in IOP over 24 weeks was the primary outcome measure. Both groups were compared for statistically significant differences at all visits. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:A total of 178 patients were randomly assigned to G. kola and Timolol groups. At baseline there were no differences in mean IOP between groups, based on age, sex, or diagnosis. At the end of the study period (24(th) week), the mean (+/- SD) reduction in IOP was 12.93 +/- 2.3 mmHg (47.8% +/- 0.8% reduction) in G. Kola group and 13.09 +/- 2.8 mm Hg (48.2% +/- 1.03% reduction) in the Timolol group (P > 0.05). Adverse events were mild in nature with no statistically significant differences between groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Garcinia kola ophthalmic solution significantly reduces IOP as compared to baseline. The IOP lowering effect of both treatments was equivalent

Predictive factors for birth trauma in southwestern Nigeria

Birth trauma is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This prospective study determined the predictive factors for birth trauma as seen in a Nigerian university teaching hospital. This was a prospective descriptive evaluation of birth trauma at Wesley Guilds Hospital, Ilesa over three years. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the age, gender, pattern of presentation, place and mode of delivery, level of birth attendants, and treatment offered. Outcome measures were factors predisposing to birth trauma. A total of 137 neonatal hospital admissions with birth related complaints were recorded between 10th December, 2002 and 9th December 2005, out of which 119(86.8%) patients had 121 birth injuries (Males: Females= 1.4: 1). The mean age was 6 ± 4.1 (range: 1-31) day. Non skeletal injuries included cephalohaematoma 30(24.8%), genital bruises/abrasion 4(3.3%), subconjuctiva haemorrhage 2(1.7%), subdural haemorrhage 1 (0.8%), nasal necrosis 1(0.8%), Erb`s`palsy 31(25.6%) and Klumpke`s palsy 2(1.7%). Skeletal injuries were mainly bone fractures 50(41.3%)with 2(1.7%)mortality. Ante natal care/delivery, level of birth attendants, mode of delivery, fetal distress, and emergency caesarian section were among the factors that determined birth trauma. The prevalence of birth trauma is high in southwestern Nigeria. The predictive factors are easily identifiable in the perinatal period; early recognition could reduce significantly birth trauma

Blindness and visual impairment among the elderly in Ife-Ijesha zone of Osun State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: To provide information on the prevalence of visual impairment, blindness and the leading causes of visual changes among the elderly in Ife-Ijesha zone of Osun state in Nigeria. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive community based study. METHODS: All people aged 60 years or older were gathered at various centres in Ife-Ijesha zone of Osun State, Nigeria. They were all screened for various medical problems including eye ailments and blindness according to World Health Organisation (WHO) definition. Information was retrieved and clinical examination conducted by the ophthalmologist in the team. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS: Out of the 681 elderly who presented for medical check up, 445 had eye problems. A few 25 (5.6%) were bilaterally blind while 202 (45.4%) were visually impaired according to the WHO definition of blindness and visual impairment. Blindness was twice as common in men as in women and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.0001). Cataract (42.3%), glaucoma (32.4%) and uncorrected aphakia (9.9%) were the leading causes of blindness in 69 eyes while 80% of visual impairment was due to cataract alone. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in this study population is high. These findings in a community where most of the elderly are fast losing traditionally accorded attention due to civilization and urban movement call for a great concern.