Plasma Glucose in a Reference Population in Port Harcourt; Nigeria

Background: Reference intervals are important in the analysis of results obtained for patients in the Hospital. These intervals tend to change as population demographics change. Globally; there has been an increase in the prevalence of diabetes and a change in the criteria set in diagnosing this disease. Since we have used the same reference intervals since 1984; it became imperative to review the reference intervals in use in our Hospital; the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital; Port Harcourt; Nigeria. Methods : A total of 605 patients from the Out-Patient department and the Hospital community randomly following informed consent. Five milliliters (5mls) of blood was collected into fluorides oxalate bottles between 9.00-11.00 a.m. after an overnight fast for the determination of plasma glucose. The samples were assayed daily within two hours of collection. Serum glucose was determined using the glucose oxidase method (Randox Laboratories-Antrim UK). Results: The reference interval covering the central 95th centile as determined by non-parametric methods was 3.0-5.7 mmol/L (95confidence interval-2.7-3.2 and 5.6-5.8 mmol/L) for the entire study population; while that for males was 2.9-6.3 mmol/L and that for females was 3.3-5.6 mmol/L. Conclusion : It is essential to review reference intervals periodically as changes may occur due to changes in population demographics

Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis C Antibodies in Pregnant Women in Port Harcourt; Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now a pandemic; with most of those infected thought to be in developing countries; including sub-Saharan Africa. HCV has emerged as the most important cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and an important cause of acute hepatitis and jaundice in pregnancy; with its attendant serious complications. Aim: To provide some preliminary data on HCV epidemiology in pregnant women in Port Harcourt; Nigeria. Methods: Serial recruitment of 600 patients attending the ante-natal clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital; Port Harcourt; Nigeria was carried out. HCV testing was done using a rapid ELISA kit. The results are reported as percentages of the total study population. Differences between the groups were compared using the chi-squared test and p0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Of the 600 subjects; 26 (4.3) tested positive to anti-HCV. Previous histories of blood transfusion; dental manipulations; tattooing and circumcision did not appear to be important modes of transmission of HCV in this locality. Conclusion: HCV infection is fairly common among pregnant women in Port Harcourt; Nigeria. It is sug- gested that in addition to improved compliance with universal safety precautions; ante-natal patients and healthcare staff should be routinely screened for their HCV status in order to reduce vertical transmission of HCV and transmission between patients and health staff

Sero-prevalence of HIV antibodies in pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the Sero-Prevalence of HIV antibodies in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.METHOD:Serial recruitment of 600 women who attended the antenatal clinic. HIV screening was done by rapid ELISA technique. Positive samples were re-tested with a second rapid ELISA kit, with only samples sero-positive with both kits being taken as trulysero-positive.RESULTS:The sero-positivity rate was 7.3%, sixty-nine point seven percent (69.7%) of all sero-positive cases were primiparae, with 84% in advanced stages of pregnancy (2nd and 31rd trimesters). History of blood transfusion, dental manipulations, tattooing and circumcision did not contribute significantly to increased HIV sero-positivity.CONCLUSION:There is high HIV sero-positivity rate among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Port Harcourt. The implications of this finding in relation to vertical transmission, transmission of nosocomial infection and increased occupational exposure of laboratory and hospital staff to HIV infection is discussed. Compulsory routine screening of all pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Sub-Saharan Africa is advocated