RESUMO
The global burden of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) has a negative impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.WhenHIV, HBV and HCV co-exist, they become life threatening and with high fatality rate particularly in gestation in which transmission occurs vertically, causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis. The study aimed at examining the occurrence rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) co -infection among expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).The study population comprised of one hundred and fifty (150) pregnant women. Venous blood was used in the study and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies using commercially available immunoassay test kits. The prevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg among the pregnant subjects in relation to agegroup 21-30 and 31-40 in the study revealed a seropositive percentage of 0.7% and 1.3%. The other groups, however, showed no positive result among the three viruses.Furthermore, 0.7% of the pregnant women in their first, second and third trimester were co-infected with HCV and HBsAg while 1.3% out of 36.7% and 0.7% out of 61.3% of pregnant women within the age groups21-30 and 31-40 respectively were seropositive for HIV. In relation to gestational age, it was seen from the study that 0.7% of the pregnantwomen in their first, second and third trimester were seropositive for HCV and HBsAg respectively, while 2% of the HIV seropositive pregnant women were in their first trimester. The overall seroprevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg as revealed in the study showed that infection was found to be 2% respectively among the pregnant women. The reduced prevalence of hepatitis B (HBsAg), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection observed in the study among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital may be attributed to the increase in the awareness amongst the general populace in Port Harcourt especially couples about the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B as wellas Hepatitis C.In other words, there is reduction in seroprevalence of HBsAg, HCV and HIV which is premised on the efficacy of sensitization particularly on HBV vaccination and preventive protocols for HIV.
RESUMO
Haemostatic parameters constitute measurable indices in the haemostatic system used to assess the functionality of the coagulation system of an individual to establish a state of health or disorder. This studyevaluated haemostatic parameter such as platelets count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelets distribution width (PDW), prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in 22 Male Albino Rats grouped and orally treated daily for three weeks with Sildenafil (4mg/200g.bwt), Tramadol(6mg/200g.bwt) and Sildenafil/Tramadol combination (4+6mg/220g.bwt). Rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture and 5mls of blood collected for the analysis of the parameters using Sysmexhaematologyanalyser and Agape Diagnostic reagents kits. Results obtained shows a statistically significant increase in platelet count, PT and APTT compared with control across the various groups (p<0.05). A statistically significant decrease was observed in MPV, PDW inSildenafil+tramadol group, significant decrease in platelets distribution width for Tramadol group when compared with control (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the mean platelets volume and platelet distribution width in Sildenafil group. A comparison of Sildenafil+tramadol and Sildenafil groups shows no statistically significant difference in all the parameters analysed. There was also no significant difference in the mean platelets count, PDW, PT and APTT when Sildenafil+tramadol and Tramadol groups were compared (p<0.05). However, a statistically significant increase was seen in platelets count when Sildenafil+tramadol and tramadol were compared (p<0.05). Sildenafil and tramadol causes significant increase in platelets count, prolonged PT and APTT following single/combined daily administration in rats. Further research on these parameters, assessment of liver function, and measurement of intrinsic and extrinsic pathway coagulation factors in human taking this medication is recommended
RESUMO
Aim: This study assessed the level of plasma haemoglobin concentration in CPDA-1 stored blood with a view to determine the extent of haemolysis during the 35 days storage period. Study Design: This is an observational and comparative case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted using healthy male donors residing in Port Harcourt. Analysis was carried out at the Blood Bank of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, formerly Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from February 1st to March 8th, 2017. Methodology: Blood for transfusion was collected from prospective male blood donor found to be in good health, aged between 18 and 52 years, with haemoglobin level within the range of 13.5 g/dl – 16 g/dl, body weight within 55 kg – 75 kg, and body temperature within 37.0 to 37.50C / 99.50F, into plastic bags containing anticoagulant CPDA-1, and handled under strict sterile condition to prevent bacterial contamination. The blood was stored in a blood bank refrigerator with a constant temperature of +2 to +60C under proper inspection at intervals for colour, turbidity, haemolysis and clot formation. Two milliliters of the sample was collected aseptically at different interval days of collection from the blood bag and analyzed using the HemoCue photometer. Results: Results showed no significant changes in plasma haemoglogin from day 1, 5, and 10, while significant increase in haemolysis occurred from day 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 (p = 0.000), a significant increase (p<0.05) in plasma haemoglobin was observed from day 15 to day 35 of storage. Conclusion: It is pertinent therefore to note that the use of CPDA-1 does not completely stop the changes that occur in RBC as there are several changes occurring in stored blood collectively called “storage lesions”. Therefore, it is advisable that blood should be transfused within 14 days of storage to avoid transfusion of blood products that has lost most of its benefits to recipients, and where possible whole blood should be processed and components separated before storage to reduce the level of non-viable red blood cells.