Human Papilloma Virus, Risk Factors and Sequelae: How much do Female Adolescents in Port Harcourt Metropolis know?

Background: Human Papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common viral infection of the genital tract; is sexually transmitted with the highest rates observed in young women. This study assessed the level of knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer among adolescent girls in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey among 328 in-school female secondary school students aged 9 - 19 years, selected via multi-stage sampling. Information on socio-demographics, knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer and sexual history were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Chi square test was used to establish associations. Results: Only 38.2% and 30% had heard of cervical cancer and HPV respectively; the media being the most common source. Knowledge of transmission, risk factors, sequelae and prevention of infection was poor (75%). About 20.2% were aware of the causal association between HPV infection and cervical cancer. Some (3.1%) were sexually exposed and practiced unprotected sexual intercourse. Median age at sexual debut was 11 years. Older and private school students (15-19years) had better knowledge Conclusion: The level of knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, their association and risk factors, among adolescent girls in Port Harcourt metropolis is poor. Some adolescents engage in sexual practices that put them at risk for HPV infection. Social media and upper primary and secondary school-based approach to HPV health promotion should be explored to provide detailed adolescent-friendly information to guide in prevention of HPV infection and cervical cancer.

Care-recipient perspectives on the responsiveness of Orthopedic surgical services in a tertiary center in Nigeria

Responsiveness optimisesthe system-based approach to meeting legitimate demands by healthcare recipients. This study assessed the responsiveness of orthopaedic services at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) from the perspectives of the care recipients. Methods:Descriptive cross-sectional study among 442 consecutively recruited recipients of orthopaedic services at UPTH from March to June 2020. Close-ended questionnaire with responsiveness conceptualised by five constructs: dignity, autonomy, confidentiality, quality of basic amenities and choice of care provider, each measured along 4-point response scale. The internal consistency reliability of the responsiveness scale was determined by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Descriptive (frequency, percentages, bar charts) and inferential (ordinal logistic regression) statistics were conducted and p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Response rate was 97.3% and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the responsiveness scale was 0.83. Participants' mean age was 38.5±14.8years with more being males (55.8%), privately employed (34.9%) and completed secondary education (82.5%). Proportion of respondents who gave excellent ratings across responsiveness domains were dignity (32.8%), autonomy (34.2%), confidentiality (26.3%), amenities (25.8%) and no excellent rating for choice of provider. Marital, employment and visit status were the most consistent factors associated with feedback on autonomy, choice of providers, confidentiality domains.Conclusion: More orthopaedic patients were pleased with the level of autonomy and dignity than choice of providers and quality of basic amenities. There is the need for enhanced responsiveness of orthopedic services to meeting the unique needs of patients and achieving improved quality of care and patient outcomes

A comparative cross-sectional assessment of the preventive and healthy life style practices of doctors in port Harcourt, Rivers State

Lifestyle modification in relation to disease prevention and outcome has recently received increasing awareness around the world and in Nigeria. Poor lifestyle choices make people susceptible to many chronic illnesses including thirteen cancers. Medical doctors are gate keepers and educators of health.Objectives:The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of healthy living and preventive health among doctors in Port-Harcourt and ascertain the practices and to investigate the barriers and facilitators of healthy living among doctors in Port-Harcourt.Methods: It was a comparative cross-sectional study with purposive sampling method. The tool used was an online questionnaire. MS Excel and SPSS was used for data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from UPTH ethical committee. Results: A total of 201 doctors participated. With 54.7% being females and 53.2% within the 30-40 years age group. Resident doctors accounted for 42.8%. 92% received some form of lifestyle education; seminars (48.1%), CME's (47.0%), and social media (44.9%) were the top three. Just 15.2% knew what the daily portion of fruit was and 82.6% knew the cut off for obesity. 50% were aware of the recommended exercise frequency. 60% concluded that adults should sleep for 7-9 hours, however, 61.2% slept for 4-6 hours a day. 84.6% of respondents did not have a dedicated physician.Conclusion: There is a knowledge gap among doctors which impacts everyday lifestyle choices regarding, diet, exercise and rest. More doctors need their own personal physicians and hospital management should establish strong lifestyle policies.

Detection and Quantification of Gastrointestinal Parasites among Inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socio-economic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt

Background: Detection and quantification of gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GIPIs) causing public health problems among poorer layers of the society are still one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in developing countries. Objective: The aim of the study was to detect gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socioeconomic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out for the evaluation of all the 1500 participants for GIPs among residents of social welfare homes and low socioeconomic areas in Rivers State, Nigeria for a period of one year (July 2019- June 2020). Stool samples were collected from each participant for isolation of GIPs in stool sample. Formol-ether concentration methods and Modified Ziehl-Neelson Staining techniques was used for the isolation and identification of gastrointestinal parasites. Descriptive and Chi square statistical analysis was applied. Results: Out of 1500, 1,381 (92.1%) participants showed negative report, while 119(7.9%) participants were positive for GIPs. Females account for 839 (55.9%) while males were 661 (44.1%). Positivity in males accounted for 9.8% (65/661) and the females had 6.4% (54/839). Age group with high prevalence occurred among 11-15yrs (13.5%)/340. Both variables were statistically significant (p<0.05). Seasonal distribution of GIPs was high during the wet season (p<0.05). Overall, A. lumbricoides was the most predominant gastrointestinal parasites, accounting for 35.3% of the total identified. Others were as follows; T. Trichiura 26.1%, hookworm 21.9%, C. sinensis and S. mansoni 2.5%, tapeworm 1.7%, while H. nana and H. diminuta had 0.8% each. Co-infection of A. lumbricoides + hookworm and hookworm + T. Trichiura recorded 4.2% each. Protozoa species were not identified. Risk factor of the use of toilet papers was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) among others. Conclusion: We recommend that knowledge of epidemiology and transmission routes of C. sinensis and H. diminuta needs to be improved and effective health education on personal hygiene and mass treatment should be sustainable to control the spread of gastrointestinal parasites.

Commonness and Risk Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of Port Harcourt Children’s Home

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites are important health problems among most societies. Objectives: Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Port Harcourt children home. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in August and September 2019 at the Port Harcourt children home. Fecal samples were collected from 63 healthy looking inmates and examined macroscopically and microscopically (using normal saline and iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining) methods. Finally, data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X2) test. Results: Result showed that 74.6% (47/63) of the female and 25.4% (16/63) of the male tested positive for GIPs. Age group 11-15 years had prevalence of 17(44.8%). The common parasites identified were A. lumbricoides 10(15.9%), T. trichiura 7(11.1%) and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) 2(3.2%). The educational level prevalence of 10(52.6%) was observed among the primary level (p<0.05). The risk factors such as: the use of drug in the last three months, hand washing with soap after using the toilet and washing of hands after contact with soil had significance of p<0.05 while putting on foot wear outside the house p>0.05. Conclusion: The distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections is high among the children. Necessary treatment intervention safety measures should be routinely carried out to reduce the spread to zero tolerance.

Folic acid usage and associated factors among pregnant women attending a tertiary health facility in Nigeria

Background: Folic acid (FA) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that cannot be synthesized in the human body; hence its major source is from diet. It plays a key role in embryonic development. FAsupplementation in pregnancy reduces the risk of megaloblastic anaemia, preterm delivery and neural tube defects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the use of FAand factors associated with uptake amongst pregnant women at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 451 antenatal attendees at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from 1 January to 31 March 2020.After consent was obtained, a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the women. Data was entered into a spread sheet and analyzed with SPSS version 25. The results are presented in means and percentages. The confidence interval was set at 95% and a pvalue of <0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Chisquare test and Pearson’s correlation were used to determine association between usage of FAand variables.Results: Most of the women, 258 (57.21%) were between the ages of 30 and 39 years and were primarily nulliparous 122 (27.1%). Moreover,two-thirds of them 330 (73.2%) had post-secondary education and nearly all 409 (90.7%) of the women were married. Majority 370 (82.0%) of the pregnant women were currently taking folic acid but only 109 (24.2%) commenced before pregnancy. Use of FAwas significantly associated with socio-demographic characteristics such as age, marital status, level of educationandoccupation (p<0.05). In addition, parity, planned pregnancy, history of having a child with neural tube defect, and timing of commencement of folic acid were all significantly associated with folic acid usage (p<0.05). Conclusions:Only a small proportion of pregnant women have used FAbefore their pregnancies. A public health policy or strategy to increase the pre-conceptional use of folic acid is needed.

Assessment of Coagulation and Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Port Harcourt

Background:Pregnancy is the fertilization and development of an embryo or fetus in a woman's uterus. Itis a critical stage of development during which maternal nutrition can strongly influence obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy on some coagulation and haematological parameters of pregnant women residing in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Method: This case-control study investigated 80 pregnant subjects and 20 non-pregnant controls. Haematological parameters were determined using a fully automated The SysmexXP-300, while the coagulation parameters (PT and INR) were determined with the automated method. Results:The mean PT (s), HB (g/dl), PCV (%), PLT (x109/L), RBC (mcL), LYMPH (%), BASO (%) and EOSIN (%) counts were significantly lower among the pregnant subjects (5.02±5.82, 11.00±1.13 g/dl and 33.81±3.89%, 189.6±52.93 × 109/L, 3.95±0.50, 43.93±10.10 %, 0.9385±1.08 %and 1.12±1.32 %) compared to the non-pregnant controls (1.68±2.37, 12.01±1.29 g/dl, 37.31±3.39 %, 235.6±72.37 × 109/L, 4.45±0.35, 43.24±9.06, 2.11±0.94 and 2.15±1.47) respectively. There were no significant differences in the INR, MONO (%), MPV (fl), MCV (L/C), and MCH (g/c) between the pregnant subjects (0.92±0.11, 5.41±2.59 %, 11.67±4.848, 84.26±3.77 and 28.06±3.54) and non-pregnant controls (0.88±0.11, 5.58±2.65, 11.14±5.45, 82.52±10.45 and 26.96±1.85). The NEUT (%), PDW (%) and WBC (x109/L) were significantly higher among the pregnant subjects (44.90±11.24 %, 13.26±2.56 % and 8.35±2.982 x109/L) compared to the non-pregnant controls (46.63±9.96 %, 10.78±1.80 % and 4.71±0.81 x109/L). Conclusion:This study has shown that pregnancy has a significant effect on some haematological and coagulation parameters of pregnant women in Port Harcourt. The result of this research work indicates the need to routinely monitor the complete blood count, thrombocytopenia and hyper-coagulative activity among pregnant women of African descendant.

Prevalence of incidental dental anomalies seen on pre-treatment digital panoramic radiographs of a group of Nigerian orthodontic patients: A retrospective study

Background: Radiographs are used by orthodontists in the diagnosis of malocclusion, treatment planning and monitoring. These usually reveal presence of dental anomalies that may require further assessment and management. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, types and distribution of dental anomalies seen on the orthopantomograms (OPGs) of orthodontic patients at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional radiographic study of a cohort of orthodontic patients who presented to the Department of Child Dental Health, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria. The data gathered from digital orthopantomograms of the patients was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows version 25.0. Results: The study comprised 249 patients with an age range of 5-44years (mean age of 14.6±7.7years) comprising 108 (43.4%) males and 141 (56.6%) females.Seventy (28.1%) [(29, 41.4% males), (41, 58.6% females)] of the patients had at least one dental anomaly. Dental anomalies were commonest (48, 68.6%) within 10-19 years age bracket followed by the 0-9 years age bracket (11, 15.7%). The most frequent dental anomaly was taurodontism (43, 61.4%), followed by congenitally missing teeth (8, 11.4%), supernumerary teeth (5, 7.1%), odontoma (4, 5.7%), peg shaped lateral incisors and transposition (2, 2.9%) respectively. Dental anomalies were more frequent in the maxilla (43, 61.4%). Conclusion: The most common dental anomaly was taurodontism. Anomalies were more frequent in female than male patients and in the maxilla than in the mandible

Knowledge, attitude and practice of laparoscopic surgery among medical doctors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: The use of minimal access techniques to achieve similar objectives as in open surgical procedures has witnessed a steady progress in the last two decades. The efficacy and safety of this mode of surgery has long been established. Medical doctors are not only members of the society; with their level of knowledge, their opinion is a strong mirror image of the pulse of the patients they treat. Aim of the study was to ascertain the knowledge, attitude, extent of practice, and factors affecting laparoscopic surgery among medical doctors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.Methods: A cross sectional study of four hundred and fourteen (414) practicing medical doctors was conducted. Using stratified sampling method, self-administered semi-structured questionnaires was distributed to respondents in Port Harcourt in 2018. Data obtained was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.Results: Knowledge of laparoscopic surgery among respondents was 89.6% (371). Three hundred and twelve respondents (75.4%) were willing to pay if such surgery is necessary and offered in Port Harcourt. Only 2.4%. of respondents asserted that laparoscopic surgery services are offered regularly in their hospital. Only 1 respondent (0.2%) was willing to pay ₦151,000.00 - 200,000.00 ($430 - $570) for commonly performed laparoscopic abdominal surgical procedures.Conclusions: Willingness to accept and knowledge of laparoscopic surgery was relatively high among medical doctors, hence a high prospect for laparoscopic surgery practice in Port Harcourt is therefore likely. The practice of laparoscopic surgery seems low and willingness to pay, even among doctors seem to be a challenge.

Revisiting Puerperal Sepsis in Obsteric Referal Centres in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria

Background: As the frontier of knowledge expands, surgicalskills improve;and with the advent of increasingly potent antibiotics, it is expected that puerperal sepsisand itscomplications as captured in the literature of studieswill be on the down turn. With this in mind,we decided to find out what is current as par risk factors and complications of puerperal sepsis in these obstetric referral centres in Port Harcourt.Objective:To determine the risk factors and complications of puerperal sepsis at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital(UPTH), Port Harcourt and the River State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria.Methods: The case notes of these patients were retrieved from the medical records departments and relevant data extracted using a well-structured proforma. Data collected included the demographic characteristics, booking status, background immune suppression (HIV/AIDSor DM) abour characteristics, place and mode of delivery, fetal outcome, length of hospital stay. Morbidities like septicaemia, pelvic abscess, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy among others; and the presence of mortality was also noted.The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Statistical analysis of data was done by Chi-square test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The result is presented in tables of frequencies and percentages.Results: The prevalence of puerperal sepsis was 1.7%. Risk factors were low parity,unbooked status (84.35%) and wound infection (29.9%),among otherintrauterine foetal death (22.8%), obstructed labour (14.2%)and perineal tear (11.0%). The main complications of puerperal sepsis noticed were prolonged hospital stay (58.3%) and septicaemia (13.4%); pelvic abscess (10.2%) and intestinal obstruction (4.7%) while (1)3.1% ended in mortality.Conclusion:Complications of puerperal sepsis were still high in these centres. Worrisomely, a huge number of these patients wereunbooked.

Hepatotoxic Effect of Port Harcourt Eliozu Landfill Leachate in Wistar Rats

Studies have reported deleterious effect of landfill leachate and their surrounding water sources around the world. None has been reported on the Port Harcourt (Eliozu) landfill. This therefore necessitates this study that evaluated the hepatotoxiceffects of Port Harcourt (Eliozu) landfill in wistar rats. 25 wistar rats were grouped into five of five rats each. Group 1 served as the control and received 1ml of commercial non-carbonated bottled water; Group 2 served as negative control and received 1ml of water obtained from borehole about 1km from the landfill; while Groups 3,4 and 5 received 1ml of 10% of leachate concentration, 1ml of 50% of leachate concentration and 1ml of 100% of leachate concentration respectivelyonce daily for90 days. After the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed and 5ml of blood was collected via cardiac puncture. The blood samples were prepared and used for the determination of serum concentrations of liver enzymes. The rats were also dissected and the liver harvested for histochemical analysis using the periodic acidSchiff stain. Result showedthe serum concentrations liver enzymes significantly increased in the rats exposed to the leachate and water from a nearby borehole. Also histochemistry examination showed a marked distortion of the hepatic cells and cirrhotic changein the test groups compared to control. This study therefore concludes that exposure to Port Harcourt Eliozu landfill leachate (PELL) may cause significant hepatotoxicity in rats

Clinicopathological features and management of gastric cancer in Port Harcourt

Background: Gastric cancer is a relatively common cancer and has been documented as the 5th commonest cancer worldwide and the 3rd leading cause of cancer death. Surgery is the treatment of choice for operable cases while chemotherapy. It has a poor prognosis with a relative overall 5-year survival rate of 18%.Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients that presented with gastric cancer to University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2017. Data were extracted and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: There were 14 males and 12 females seen within the study period making a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Their ages ranged from 35 to 75 years with a mean of 54.7±4.8 years. The peak age incidence is in the 61-70-year age range. Four patients had curative surgery (D2 sub total gastrectomy) while 6 patients (23.1%) had D1 sub total gastrectomy. Post-operative complications occurred in 7 patients (26.9%). And the commonest was surgical site infection, seen in 4 patients (15.4%). Three patients died giving a mortality rate of 11.5%.Conclusions: Most patients with gastric cancer present with advance disease. The choice of treatment should be based on patient’s fitness, survival benefit and after an accurate assessment of extent of disease.

Prevalence and Pattern of Pneumonia among Children Admitted into University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Two Year Review

ntroduction:Pneumonia is the leading cause of death amongchildren, it accounts for 17.0% of under-five deaths in Nigeria yearly. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of pneumonia among children in Port Harcourt.Materials and Methods:A 2year retrospective descriptive study was done; the admission and discharge records at the children emergency ward (CHEW) and folders of patients admitted for pneumonia were used to retrieve information.Results:A total of 2169 children were admitted into CHEW from 2017-2018, this comprised of 1089(50.2%) males and 1080(49.8%) females. Of the 2169 children, 286(13.2%) of them had pneumonia. More males (16.9%) compared to females (9.4%) had pneumonia, with a significant gender difference. (2= 26.29, p = < 0.001) Males were twice more likely to have pneumonia compared to the females (OR = 1.95, CI= 1.51-2.54). The highest prevalence of Pneumonia (27.1%) was amongst children < 1 year old (P = <0.001). Thirteen (4.6%) of those that had Original ResearchArticle pneumonia died. Mortality was highest (9.2%) among those who presented late (> 5 days after onset of symptoms.) (2=10.73, p = 0.03).Conclusion:Childhood pneumonia is still a burden among children in Port Harcourt. Early presentation to the hospital may reduce the mortality

Oral Contraceptive Pills: Socio-demographic Characteristics of Acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background:Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) are the most widely prescribed form of hormonal contraception both in developed and developing countries. They are also the most popular non-surgical method of contraception.Objective:To determine the prevalence rate and socio-demographic characteristics of oral contraceptive pills acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt.Methods:A 10 year review of all clients who accepted oral contraceptive pills in the family planning clinic of the hospital from 1stJanuary, 2008 to 31stDecember, 2017. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Results:There were 1893 contraceptive acceptors during the study period, out of which 86 (4.5%) accepted the oral pills. Majority of the clients 66 (76.8%) were between the age range of 20 to 34 married 82 (95.3%), multiparous 48 (55.8%), Christians 82 (95.3%) and 82 (95.3%) had formal education. Clinical personnel were the commonest source of information on the use of oral contraceptive pills, accounting for 36 (41.8%).Conclusion:Oral contraceptive pills are methods of contraception used by young, multiparous and educated women. Only 4.5% of the women accepted OCPs during the study period therefore concerted efforts should be made to improve its uptake in the family planning clinic

The Effects of an Industrial Wastewater Effluent on the Seasonal Variations of Ekerekana Creek, Rivers State Nigeria

The effects of industrial wastewater from Port-Harcourt Refinery Company Limited on Ekerekana Creek, Rivers state were studied. This study was carried out in July and December 2015. Analyses focused on Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Chromium, pH, Phosphate, Nitrate, Temperature, Dissolve Oxygen, BOD5 and Total Hydrocarbon Content as some of the parameters of interest. Sterilized yellowish-brown bottles were used to collect samples from each location and fixed with concentrated HNO3 before transporting to the laboratory in iced coolers. Water samples from the different stations were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM- SPSS(C)) version 19.0, statistical package for windows and MS Excel was used in the analysis of data. The test of homogeneity of variance in Means of the variables was carried out using the one way ANOVA. Results obtained showed that for heavy metals concentrations, Cadmium varied between 0.03 mg/L and 0.70 mg/L (0.39 ±0.06), Lead varied between 0.09 mg/L and 0.65 mg/L (0.29 ±0.04), Chromium between 0.04 mg/L and 0.46 mg/L (0.23 ±0.03) and Copper 0.10 mg/L and 0.90 mg/L (0.45 ±0.06) respectively. Others include pH which varied between 5.7 and 6.8 (6.15 ±0.07), Dissolved Oxygen 3.40 mg/L and 6.40 mg/L (4.75 ±0.22). BOD and Turbidity varied between 6.20 mg/L and 9.90 mg/L (7.77 ±0.29) and 8.60NTU and 11.20NTU (9.80 ±0.20) respectively. General results show that station 2 (discharge point) had maximum concentrations of heavy metals and other contributory parameters, and their values were higher than World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) standards. The test of homogeneity of variance in means of the physical and chemical parameters revealed significant spatial inequality F(161.45)>Fcrit(4.49) at P = .05 across the sampling stations.

Soluble transferrin receptor levels among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is one of the medical problems that affect pregnant women in developing countries. It contributes considerably to the morbidity and mortality in pregnancy especially in areas where malaria is endemic. The concentration of soluble transferrin receptor is a reflection of body iron status. It is therefore, a valuable tool for assessing bone marrow erythropoetic activity and can also be a marker of iron deficiency.Methods: This study evaluated the levels of soluble transferrin receptor in pregnant subjects. A total of 275 pregnant subjects of age 20 to 45 years and 88 age-matched apparently healthy control subjects were involved in this study. Individuals who had severe anaemia, HIV infection, sickle cell disease or Hookworm infestation were excluded from this study. Five millilitres (5ml) of blood were collected from each consenting subject for the analysis of soluble transferrin receptor, haematological parameters and iron parameters using appropriate methods.Results: The mean value of parameters for the study subjects were sTfR( 21.16±9.11 nmol/L), Hb(9.05±1.22 g/dl), TIBC(332.61±80.87 µg/dl), Serum Iron(97.91±39.44 µg/dl), LIBC(239.36±80.52 µg/dl), TS(30.24±11.00 %) while for control subjects were sTfR(18.21±3.77 nmol/L), Hb(12.19±0.66 g/dl), TIBC(261.94±52.49µg/dl), Serum Iron(107.10±34.77 µg/dl), LIBC(155.52±61.25 µg/dl), TS(42.81±18.03 %). The mean sTfR levels in pregnant women was significantly lower (p<0.001) than in control subjects. The pregnant women also had significantly lower values of Hb (p<0.001), serum iron (p=0.038) and TS( p<0.001) values, and significantly higher values of TIBC(p<0.0001) and LIBC(p<0.0001). There were also increases in soluble transferrin receptor levels from first to third trimesters. The sensitivity of sTfR as against Serum iron parameters from this study was 76% while the specificity was 50%. The positive predictive value was 60% while the negative predictive value was 50%.Conclusions: sTfR may be a useful supplementary diagnostic tool in the management of anaemia in pregnancy.

Determination of Arsenic Content in Different Brands of Rice Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Arsenic, a naturally occurring element seen in the environment and cycled by water has been seen to be a pollutant in soil, water and air. The inorganic form of arsenic is associated with major health problems and cancer mainly arising due to its anthropogenic activities. The content of arsenic was assayed in six rice brands sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The rice samples were ground to powdered forms and subjected to acid digestion before analysis. The Agilent Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MP-AES) was used to analyze the digested samples. Results showed mean arsenic concentration in Vico Rice, the highest as 1.0073. This was followed by Local Rice 0.9420, Marori Benz 0.9140, Golden Stallion Rice 0.861 and the Cap Rice 0.8077 while the least mean concentration of arsenic was recorded in African Princess Rice 0.6417, all in mg/kg. The mean concentration was significantly different in the six brands of rice (P<0.05). The arsenic content in the different rice brand was within the tolerable concentration of 1.4 mg/kg as in cereals and vegetables. This concentration did not exceed the Maximum Permissible Limit of 1 mg/kg hence considered safe for consumption except Vico rice with a higher concentration above 1 mg/kg. This shows that rice brands sold in Port Harcourt pose no health risk for consumers with respect to arsenic content.

Abnormal Changes in Some Haemostatic Parameters in First-ever Stroke Patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Preliminary Findings

Background and Purpose: Cellular component and clotting factors are involved in thrombotic events such as stroke, but the type and nature of alteration of those haemostatic parameters remain unclear. Our objective was to identify possible abnormal changes in some haemostatic parameters in established stroke patients.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case-control study conducted at Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Standard operating procedures were adopted to assayfibrinogen, antithrombin, tissue plasminogen activator, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time as well as the determination of platelet count and platelet indices.The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0 software Results: A total of 108 individuals comprised of 54 stroke patients aged between 45 and 73 years(mean, 59± 13.04 years), 20 (37.04%) men and 34 (62.96%) women and another 54 age-and sex-matched healthy control subjects were studied. Significantly (p<0.05) higher mean values of mean platelet volume (MPPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), Platelet larger cell ratio (PLCR), antithrombin, tissue plasminogen activator and fibrinogen were observed in the stroke patients when compared to those of the control subjects. Whereas, significantly lower (p<0.05) mean values of platelet count, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were observed in the stroke patients than in those of the control subjects. Conclusion: Several haemostatic parameters were found to be altered in stroke patients and have the potential to be risk factors but have not been demonstrated as being causative. Further work is needed to establish where they begin to contribute to stroke prognosis

Toxicological effects of prolonged exposure of soot-polluted air on some haematological and biochemical parameters of residents of Port Harcourt

Background: Soot is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon derived from substances that contains carbon like hydrocarbons, which is associated with various human diseases. The objectives of the studies are to evaluate the toxicological effects of prolonged exposure of soot polluted air on some haematological and biochemical parameters.Methods: One hundred apparently healthy residents of Port Harcourt residing in soot polluted environment for a minimum of 12 months and one hundred apparently healthy subjects residing in non-soot polluted environment outside Port Harcourt were recruited for this study. 5ml of venous blood was collected from each subject after 10hours of overnight fast to estimate the PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, bicarbonate, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein using automated autoanalyzer.Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the PCV, Hb, RBC and increase in WBC, Lymphocytes and neutrophils. There was also a significant increase in the bicarbonate, total cholesterol and LDL with a decrease in HDL cholesterol as compared to the control.Conclusions: It is concluded that prolong exposure to soot polluted air is harmful and associated with deterioration of haematological parameters and also induces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation which may increase morbidity and mortality.

Tuberculosis-Candida Co-Infection in Patients having Pulmonary Tuberculosis Attending DOTs Clinic in Rumuigbo Model Primary Health Centre in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

occurrences ofCandidasp. isolated were C. albicans which was thepredominant species 10(21.5%),C. tropicals 5(5.4%),C. krusei 4(4.3%) andC. Parapsilosis3(3.2%) respectively.Conclusion:Candida albicansremains the most predominant species of Candidain patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and colonizationby Candidaspshould not be ignored.The presence of Candida sp.might contribute to in one way totheprogression of the disease