Prevalence and Determinants of Endothelial Dysfunction among Adults Living with HIV in Northwest Nigeria.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction constitutes an early pathophysiological event in atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants, and degree of endothelial dysfunction in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated people living with HIV (PLWH) in northwestern Nigeria using brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Methods: This was a comparative, cross-sectional study. A total of 200 ART-treated adults living with HIV with no evidence of kidney disease were compared with 200 HIV-negative participants attending a tertiary hospital in Kano, Nigeria, between September 2020 and May 2021. Endothelial function was evaluated by measuring FMD with a high-resolution vascular ultrasound transducer. FMD was calculated as the ratio of the brachial artery diameter after reactive hyperemia to baseline diameter and expressed as a percentage of change. Blood and urine samples were obtained from participants in both arms. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) was calculated using the 2021 CKD-EPI estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) creatinine-cystatin C equation without the race variable, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was measured using enzymatic method. Results: The overall mean age (± standard deviation) of the study participants was 42 ± 11 years. Participants in the comparison arm were younger than PLWH (38 ± 11 versus 46 ± 10 years, respectively). The median (interquartile range) uACR was 41.6 (23.2-162.9) mg/g for the ART-treated PLWH versus 14.5 (7.4-27.0) mg/g for healthy controls. PLWH had a significantly lower mean percent FMD when compared to HIV-negative participants (9.8% ± 5.4 versus 12.1% ± 9.2, respectively). Reduced FMD was independently associated with HIV infection (ß = -2.83%, 95% CI, -4.44% to -1.21%, p = 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (ß = -0.04%, 95% CI, -0.07% to -0.01%, p = 0.004) and LDL cholesterol (ß = -1.12%, 95% CI, -2.13% to -0.11%, p = 0.029). Conclusion: HIV-positive status, lower estimated GFR, and higher LDL cholesterol levels were independently associated with endothelial dysfunction. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts of persons living with HIV (and age- and sex-matched HIV-negative controls) are needed to gain further insight into these important findings. In the interim, aggressive management of modifiable risk factors is warranted.

High risk APOL1 genotypes and kidney disease among treatment naïve HIV patients at Kano, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Racial disparities are known in the occurrence of kidney disease with excess risks found among people of African descent. Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene variants G1 and G2 are associated with kidney disease among HIV infected individuals of African descent in the USA as well as among black population in South Africa. We set out to investigate the prevalence of these high-risk variants and their effects on kidney disease among HIV infected patients in Northern Nigeria with hitherto limited information despite earlier reports of high population frequencies of these alleles from the Southern part of the country. METHODS: DNA samples obtained from the whole blood of 142 participants were genotyped for APOL1 G1 and G2 variants after initial baseline investigations including assessment of kidney function. Participants comprised 50 HIV positive patients with no evidence of kidney disease, 52 HIV negative individuals with no kidney disease and 40 HIV positive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) evidenced by persistent proteinuria and/or reduced eGFR, who also had a kidney biopsy. All the HIV positive patients were newly diagnosed and treatment naïve. RESULTS: The distribution of the APOL1 genotypes among the study participants revealed that 24.6% had a G1 risk allele and 19.0% a G2. The frequency of the High Risk Genotype (HRG) was 12.5% among those with CKD compared to 5.8% in the HIV negative group and zero in the HIV positive no CKD group. Having the HRG was associated with a higher odds for developing HIV Associated Nephropathy (HIVAN) (2 vs 0 risk alleles: OR 10.83, 95% CI 1.38-84.52; P = 0.023; 2 vs 0 or 1 risk alleles: OR 5.5, 95% CI 0.83-36.29; P = 0.07). The HRG was also associated with higher odds for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (2 vs 0 risk alleles: OR 13.0, 95% CI 2.06-81.91; P = 0.006 and 2 vs 0 or 1 risk alleles: OR 9.0, 95%CI 1.62-50.12; P = 0.01) when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high population frequency of the individual risk alleles of the APOL1 gene with higher frequencies noted among HIV positive patients with kidney disease. There is high association with the presence of kidney disease and especially FSGS and HIVAN among treatment naive HIV patients carrying two copies of the HRG.

The V-RAMP Program: Building Research Administration and Management Capacity in Nigeria.

The increasing volume and complexity of research activities in Nigeria necessitates urgent measures to improve research infrastructure in grants administration and management. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Research Administration and Management Training Program (V-RAMP) seeks to build infrastructure capacity in research administration and management and research ethics at a major teaching hospital in Nigeria. We will perform a mixed methods needs assessment of the administrative and management environment and develop an action plan to address infrastructure needs, prioritize processes, and guide program implementation. We will capacitate a newly established Office of Research Administration and improve the knowledge and skills of research administrators and grant managers via short term in-person trainings in Nashville, Tennessee and in Kano, Nigeria and through remote learning opportunities. We will enhance local administrative efficiency and performance of research ethics operations through training and mentoring of members and staff of the ethics review committee. Systematic processes to streamline protocols, including a REDCap protocol tracking database and standard operating procedures in the responsible conduct of research and rigor and reproducibility will also be developed. V-RAMP will enable the creation of a high-quality research administration environment that is knowledgeable, efficient, and compliant regarding the fiscal, management and ethical standards of sponsored research.

The CircumVent Project: a CPAP/O2 helmet solution for non-invasive ventilation using an implementation research framework.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory failure, a major cause of death in COVID-19, is managed with high-flow oxygen therapy via invasive mechanical ventilation. In resource-limited settings like Nigeria, the shortage of ventilators and oxygen supply makes this option challenging. Evidence-based non-invasive alternatives to mechanical ventilation such as the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices exist, but there have been concerns that non-invasive ventilation may expose healthcare workers to infection from aerosolized dispersion of SARS-CoV-2. We propose to evaluate the feasibility, adaptability and acceptability of a CPAP/O2 helmet solution for non-invasive ventilation among patients with COVID-19 and health workers in eight COVID-19 treatment and isolation centers in Nigeria. METHODS: The study will occur in 4 stages: (1) convene a Steering Committee of key stakeholders and recruit implementation sites; (2) use the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARiHS) framework to guide a needs assessment of treatment centers' capacity to use high-flow oxygen therapy to treat COVID-19 patients and utilize the findings to develop an implementation strategy for the use of a CPAP/O2 helmet solution; (3) build infrastructure to support training and data monitoring processes and to develop implementation protocols to evaluate the adaptability of the strategy for the use of the CPAP/O2 helmet; and (4) train health workers, distribute a CPAP/O2 helmet solution for non-invasive ventilation, pilot test the implementation strategy, and assess feasibility of its use and acceptability that includes monitoring altered risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers. DISCUSSION: The CPAP/O2 helmet solution for non-invasive ventilation in Nigeria can serve as a scalable model for resource-poor countries, and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, has the potential to be deployed for the treatment of pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04929691. Registered June 18, 2021-retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04929691.

Strategies for Successful Clinical Trial Recruitment of People Living with HIV in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Lessons Learned and Implementation Implications from the Nigeria Renal Risk Reduction (R3) Trial.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Clinical trials represent a bedrock for measuring efficacy of interventions in biomedical research, but recruitment into clinical trials remains a challenge. Few data have focused on recruitment strategies from the perspective of clinical trial teams, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where HIV is most prevalent. RECENT FINDINGS: We summarized data from the literature and our experience with recruitment for the Renal Risk Reduction trial, aimed at reducing risk of kidney complications among people living with HIV in Nigeria. Using an implementation science framework, we identified strategies that contributed to successful clinical trial recruitment. For strategies that could not be categorized by this framework, we summarized key features according to selected action, actor, target, context, and time. We identified how these identified strategies could map to subsequent implementation outcomes at the patient and provider/health system level, as well as capacity-building efforts to meet needs identified by LMIC partners, which is a priority for success. Our experience highlights the importance of considering implementation outcomes, and the strategies necessary to achieve those outcomes early, in the planning and execution of clinical trials. Clinical trial recruitment can be optimized via methodologies grounded in implementation science.

Histopathological Pattern of Kidney Diseases Among HIV-Infected Treatment-Naïve Patients in Kano, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney biopsy in patients with HIV-associated kidney diseases allows for histopathologic diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment as well as proper prognostication. There is a paucity of data on the histopathological pattern of HIV-associated kidney diseases in most sub-Saharan African countries. This study was aimed at evaluating the histopathologic patterns of kidney diseases seen among HIV-infected treatment-naive patients in our center as this will allow for proper diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients who satisfied inclusion criteria and consented to participate were recruited. Percutaneous kidney biopsies were carried out as day procedures under real-time ultrasound guidance using an automatic spring-loaded biopsy gun as per our unit protocols. Baseline investigations including urea, creatinine, electrolytes, CD4 count, complete blood count, and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculations, urinalysis and urine protein creatinine ratios were done on all the participants. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were studied. The mean age of the study population was 38.34± 9.26 years, with 32% females. Mean serum creatinine was 249.6±164.6 µmol/L, and mean CD4 count was 238 ±210 cells/mL. The commonest histological type was FSGS seen in 20 patients (37.7%), followed by HIVAN seen in 17 (32.1%) patients; chronic interstitial nephritis in 7 patients (13.2%) and 6 (11%) had no significant pathological finding. Compared to non-HIVAN, HIVAN patients tended to have higher systolic BP (p= 0.05); higher serum creatinine levels (p= 0.05); lower eGFR (0.03) and higher urine protein to creatinine ratio [uPCR; p= 0.02]. CONCLUSION: Kidney involvement is still a form of presentation among HIV-infected treatment-naïve patients and though a wide range of glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions may be seen, FSGS and HIVAN are still the most common. We recommend assessment of kidney function, including urinalysis, as part of the routine evaluation of newly diagnosed HIV patients and biopsy where indicated to prognosticate and institute appropriate early treatment.

International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas: structures, organization, and services for the management of kidney failure in Africa.

Despite positive economic forecasts, stable democracies, and reduced regional conflicts since the turn of the century, Africa continues to be afflicted by poverty, poor infrastructure, and a massive burden of communicable diseases such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal illnesses. With the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure worldwide, these factors continue to hinder the ability to provide kidney care for millions of people on the continent. The International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas project was established to assess the global burden of kidney disease and measure global capacity for kidney replacement therapy (dialysis and kidney transplantation). The aim of this second iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas was to evaluate the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of kidney care worldwide. We identified several gaps regarding kidney care in Africa, chief of which are (i) severe workforce limitations, especially in terms of the number of nephrologists; (ii) low government funding for kidney care; (iii) limited availability, accessibility, reporting, and quality of provided kidney replacement therapy; and (iv) weak national strategies and advocacy for kidney disease. We also identified that within Africa, the availability and accessibility to kidney replacement therapy vary significantly, with North African countries faring far better than sub-Sahara African countries. The evidence suggests an urgent need to increase the workforce and government funding for kidney care, collect adequate information on the burden of kidney disease from African countries, and develop and implement strategies to enhance disease prevention and control across the continent.

Apolipoprotein-1 risk variants and associated kidney phenotypes in an adult HIV cohort in Nigeria.

HIV-positive adults are at risk for various kidney diseases, and apolipoprotein 1 (APOL1) high-risk genotypes increase this risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and ethnic distribution of APOL1 risk genotypes among a cohort of HIV-positive Nigerian adults and explore the relationship between APOL1 risk variant status with albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2 458 persons living with HIV who attended an HIV clinic in northern Nigeria and had received antiretroviral therapy for a minimum of six months. We collected two urine samples four-eight weeks apart to measure albumin excretion, and blood samples to measure eGFR and determine APOL1 genotype. The frequency of APOL1 high-risk genotype was 6.2%, which varied by ethnic group: Hausa/Fulani (2.1%), Igbo (49.1%), and Yoruba (14.5%). The prevalence of microalbuminuria (urine/albumin creatinine ratio 30- 300 mg/g) was 37%, and prevalence of macroalbuminuria (urine/albumin creatinine ratio over 300 mg/g) was 3%. The odds of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were higher for participants with the APOL1 high-risk genotype compared to those carrying the low-risk genotype ([adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.37-2.82] and [3.96, 1.95-8.02] respectively). APOL1 high-risk genotype participants were at higher risk of having both an eGFR under 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and urine/albumin creatinine ratio over 300 mg/g (5.56, 1.57-19.69). Thus, we found a high proportion of HIV-positive, antiretroviral therapy-experienced, and largely virologically suppressed adults had microalbuminuria. Hence, although the high-risk APOL1 genotype was less prevalent than expected, it was strongly associated with some level of albuminuria.

Clinical, morphologic and histological features of chronic pyelonephritis: An 8-year review.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI), especially pyelonephritis when inadequately treated may culminate in end-stage renal disease. The study aims to evaluate the risk factors for and clinico-pathologic features of chronic pyelonephritis (CPN) among patients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, in North-Western Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on cases diagnosed as CPN between 2010 and 2017 in the study centre were retrieved from archives and analysed for risk factors and clinic-pathologic features. RESULTS: Forty-three cases of CPN were diagnosed in the study period and comprised 24 males and 19 females, with a male: female ratio of 1.3:1. The ages ranged from 3 to 80 years with a mean age of 37.0 ± 19.6 years. Urinary tract obstruction, poorly treated UTI, HIV infection and polycystic kidney disease were the risk factors in 21 (49%), 15 (35%), 6 (14%) and 1 (2%) cases, respectively. Proteinuria was seen in 10 (23.3%) of the patients, hypertension in 7 (16.3%) and haematuria in 3 (7.0%) of cases. Nephrectomy was done in 17 (39.5%) of the 43 CPN cases, indications for surgery were pus-filled, non-functioning kidneys. The diameters of the removed kidneys ranged from 10 to 28 cm and they weighed between 140 g and 2500 g. Scarring, reported in 79.0% of patients, was the most common pathological finding, followed by pus casts in 48.8% and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 27.9%. No statistically significant difference was found between age or gender and aetiology or risk factors of the disease (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CPN with pus-filled and non-functioning kidneys is a common indication for nephrectomy. Urinary tract obstruction, poorly treated UTI, and HIV infection were major risk factors seen in this environment. To prevent this complication there is a need for better training of clinicians in the diagnosis and adequate treatment of UTI.

Prevalence and pattern of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorders among hemodialysis patients in kano, northwest nigeria.

Introduction: Mineral and bone disorders (MBD) are among the important complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) including end-stage renal disease. In addition to the higher rate of all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality, MBD is also a cause of significant morbidity in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of all consenting patients on hemodialysis at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, between December 2011 and June 2012. With the aid of an interviewer-administered questionnaire, the demographic profile and clinical features of the patients were obtained. After a general physical examination, blood sample was taken for the determination of calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone, 25 hydroxy (25[OH]) Vitamin D3, packed cell volume, serum creatinine, and potassium. Results: Forty-eight patients on maintenance hemodialysis were recruited for the study, 39 (81.3%) were male and 9 (18.8%) were female. The age range was 40-59 years, with a mean of 45.96 ± 13.7 years. Chronic glomerulonephritis was the predominant cause of CKD (25%). Hyperphosphatemia was noted in 19 (39.5%) of the patients, whereas 22 (46%) had hypocalcemia. In 26 (54.1%) of the patients, the calcium-phosphate product was >4.55 mmol2/L2. We found that 58% of the patients had CKD-MBD, of which 15 (31%) had secondary hyperparathyroidism, whereas 13 (27%) had features suggestive of adynamic bone disease. None of the patient had normal serum 25(OH) Vitamin D3(mean: 43.79 ± 21 ng/ml). Conclusion: CKD-MBD is common among patients on hemodialysis in our center. Screening for CKD-MBD and appropriate use of phosphate binder and Vitamin D when indicated are highly recommended.

RésuméIntroduction: Les maladies minérales et osseuses comptent parmi les complications importantes de la néphropathie chronique, notamment: phase terminale de la maladie rénale. Outre le taux plus élevé de mortalité toutes causes confondues et liée à la cardiopathie, la MBD est également une cause de morbidité chez les patients atteints d'IRC. Matériels et Méthodes: Ceci est une étude transversale de tous les patients consentants sous hémodialyse à Aminu Hôpital universitaire de Kano, entre décembre 2011 et juin 2012. À l'aide d'un questionnaire administré par un intervieweur, le le profil et les caractéristiques cliniques des patients ont été obtenus. Après un examen physique général, un échantillon de sang a été prélevé pour la determination de calcium, de phosphate, d'hormone parathyroïde intacte, de 25 hydroxy (25 [OH]) vitamine D3, de volume de globules rouges, de créatinine sérique et de potassium. Résultats: Quarante-huit patients sous hémodialyse d'entretien ont été recrutés pour l'étude, 39 (81,3%) étaient des hommes et 9 (18,8%) des femmes. La tranche d'âge était comprise entre 40 et 59 ans, avec une moyenne de 45,96 ± 13,7 ans. La glomérulonéphrite chronique était la principale cause de néphropathie chronique (25%). Une hyperphosphatémie a été notée chez 19 (39,5%) des patients, alors que 22 (46%) présentaient une hypocalcémie. Dans 26 (54,1%) des patients, le le produit de phosphate de calcium était> 4,55 mmol2 / L2. Nous avons constaté que 58% des patients étaient atteints de MRC, dont 15 (31%) avaient une atteinte secondaire. hyperparathyroïdie, alors que 13 (27%) présentaient des signes évocateurs d'une maladie osseuse adynamique. Aucun patient ne présentait un taux sérique normal de 25 (OH) Vitamine D3 (moyenne: 43,79 ± 21 ng / ml). Conclusion: La MPC est fréquente chez les patients hémodialysés de notre centre. Dépistage de CKD-MBD et l'utilisation appropriée du liant de phosphate et de la vitamine D lorsque cela est indiqué sont fortement recommandés.

Optimal management of HIV- positive adults at risk for kidney disease in Nigeria (Renal Risk Reduction "R3" Trial): protocol and study design.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with two copies of the apolipoprotein-1 (APOL1) gene risk variants are at high risk (HR) for non-diabetic kidney disease. The presence of these risk variants is highest in West Africa, specifically in Nigeria. However, there is limited availability of dialysis and kidney transplantation in Nigeria, and most individuals will die soon after developing end-stage renal disease. Blocking the renin angiotensin aldosterone system with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) is a well-recognized strategy to slow renal disease progression in patients with diabetes mellitus with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy. We propose to determine whether presence of the APOL1 HR genotype alters or predicts responsiveness to conventional therapy to treat or prevent CKD and if addition of an ACEi to standard combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the risk of kidney complications among non-diabetic Nigerian adults. METHODS/DESIGN: We will screen 2600 HIV-positive adults who have received ART to (1) determine the prevalence of APOL1 risk variants and assess whether APOL1 HR status correlates with prevalent albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and/or prevalent CKD; (2) assess, via a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) in a subset of these participants with microalbuminura (n = 280) whether addition of the ACEi, lisinopril, compared to standard of care, significantly reduces the incidence or progression of albuminuria; and (3) determine whether the APOL1 HR genotype is associated with worse kidney outcomes (i.e. eGFR slope or regression of albuminuria) among participants in the RCT. CONCLUSIONS: This study will examine the increasing prevalence of kidney diseases in HIV-positive adults in a West African population, and the relationship between these diseases and the APOL1 high-risk genotype. By evaluating the addition of an ACEi to the care of individuals with HIV infection who have albuminuria, our trial will provide definitive evidence to guide strategies for management and clinical care in this population, with the goal of reducing HIV-related kidney complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03201939 . Registered on 26 August 2016.

Cognitive function assessment in patients with end- stage renal disease in Nigeria: A single center experience.

AIM: The purpose of this comparative study was to evaluate cognitive function in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in comparison with age, sex, and level of education-matched control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 80 ESRD patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis treatment and recruited conservatively at the nephrology unit of our hospital. Eighty apparently healthy control, that were matched with the patients for age, sex and education, were also recruited. Following exclusion of depression and severe functional disability, a computer-assisted neuropsychological test, the FePsy, was used to assess  memory, psychomotor speed, concentration and attention using simple auditory and visual reaction time tasks, recognition memory tests (RMTs), finger tapping task, and binary choice task (BCT) for both the ESRD patients and controls. RESULTS: ESRD patients performed worse on simple auditory and visual reaction time tasks (P < 0.05), RMTs (P < 0.05), finger tapping task (P < 0.05), BCT, and computerized visual search task (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Performance in memory, psychomotor tasks, concentration, and attention tasks were found to be reduced among patients with ESRD compared with age, sex and level of education-matched control.

Related Factors and Predictors of Cognitive Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest a high frequency of cognitive impairment (CI) in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, factors associated with CI and predictors of CI in persons with CKD remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with CI and predictors of CI in CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The first stage of the study included recruitment of 100 apparently healthy participants aimed at determining the reference values. The second stage of the study included eighty CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The iron psychology (FEPSY) was used to assess the memory, psychomotor speed, concentration, and attention using simple auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) tasks, recognition memory tests (RMT), finger tapping task (FTT), and binary choice task (BCT). RESULTS: Using normative values generated in this study, 41 (51.3%) and 43 (53.8%) CKD patients had abnormal scores on ART dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) sides, respectively. Forty (50%) and 42 (52.5%) patients had abnormal scores on VRT D and ND sides, respectively. Twenty-one (26.3%) and 68 (85%) had abnormal scores on BCT and computer-assisted visual scanning task, respectively. Sixty-four (80%) and 65 (81.3%) had abnormal scores on RMT (words) and RMT, respectively. Fifty-two (65%) and 48 (60%) patients had abnormal scores on D and ND sides of (FTT), respectively. Factors associated with psychomotor speed impairment were duration of CKD from diagnosis (P = 0.0001 and 0.043 in D and ND ART, respectively), duration on dialysis (P = 0.0001 across board in D and ND ART as well as in D and ND VRT, respectively), and plasma urea (PU) and plasma creatinine (PCr) (P < 0.05). Factors found to be associated with memory impairment included age (P = 0.045 and 0.025 on words and figures RMT, respectively), PU (P = 0.002 and 0.005 on words and figures RMT, respectively), and PCr (P = 0.012 and 0.040 on words and figures RMT, respectively). Duration on dialysis (P = 0.032) and PCr (P = 0.001) were associated with attention and concentration. Only psychomotor speed was independently predicted by duration of CKD. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with psychomotor speed impairment were duration of CKD, duration on dialysis, and PU and PCr while age, PU, and PCr were associated with memory. Duration on dialysis and PCr were associated with attention and concentration. Only psychomotor speed was independently predicted by duration of CKD.

Solute clearance measurement in the assessment of dialysis adequacy among African continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.

Solute clearance measurement is an objective means of quantifying the dose of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Despite continued debate on the interpretation and precise prognostic value of small solute clearance in PD patients, guidelines based on solute clearance values are common in clinical practice. There is limited information on the solute clearance indices and PD adequacy parameters among this predominantly low socioeconomic status PD population. We investigated the solute clearance among continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and its relationship with other parameters of PD adequacy. Seventy patients on CAPD were studied in this cross-sectional study. Solute clearance was assessed using urea clearance (Kt/V). Linear regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with solute clearance, while analysis of variance was used to test the influence of weekly Kt/V on blood pressure (BP), hemoglobin (Hb) and other biochemical parameters. The mean age of the study population was 37.9 ± 12.4 years, 43% were females and 86% were black Africans. The mean duration on CAPD was 19.7 ± 20.8 months. Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 144 ± 28 and 92 ± 17 mm Hg, respectively. The mean Hb was 11.1 ± 2.2 g/dL and the mean weekly Kt/V was 1.7 ± 0.3. Factors like systolic BP, Hb level, serum levels of cholesterol, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone and albumin were not significantly associated with the weekly Kt/V. We conclude that the dose of PD received by the majority of our patients in terms of the weekly Kt/V is within the recommended values and that this finding is significant considering the low socioeconomic background of our patients. There is no significant association between Kt/V and other indices of dialysis adequacy.

Peritoneal dialysis vs. haemodialysis in the management of paediatric acute kidney injury in Kano, Nigeria: a cost analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost of the dialytic management of paediatric acute kidney injury in a low-income country. METHODS: All children under the age of 15 years, who had either peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis for acute kidney injury in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a 1-year period, were studied. The average cost of each dialysis modality was estimated. RESULTS: Of 20 children, who had dialysis for acute kidney injury, 12 (60%) had haemodialysis and 8 (40%) had peritoneal dialysis. The mean cost for haemodialysis exceeded that of peritoneal dialysis ($363.33 vs. $311.66, t = 1.04, P = 0.313) with the mean cost of consumables significantly accounting for most of the cost variation ($248.49 vs. $164.73, t = 2.91, P = 0.009). Mean costs of nephrologist visit and nursing were not found to be significant. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal dialysis is the less costly alternative for managing acute kidney injury in children in our environment.

Out-patient percutaneous renal biopsy among children in Northern Nigeria: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: The safety of percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) has been debated. The primary aim of this study was to review the procedure and secondary aim is to evaluate the safety of PRB in children in a developing nephrology unit in Northern Nigeria. METHODS: Renal biopsies carried out in the renal unit of a teaching hospital in northern Nigeria between November 2011 and April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. All biopsies were carried out electively and under real-time ultrasound guidance using an automatic spring-loaded biopsy gun. Risk factors for complications were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 24 biopsies were carried out in 20 children with nephrotic syndrome during the period under review. Mean age was 8.3 ΁ 3.0 years. Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome was the most common indication for biopsy in 11 (55%) cases. Adequate tissue was obtained in 91.7%. Complications occurred in 2 (8.3%) cases. One required hospitalization with blood transfusion. Pre-biopsy hemoglobin concentration of <10 g/dL was found to be a significant predictor for the development of complications (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of complications between the in-patient biopsies and day case biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: PRB can be safely carried out as an out-patient procedure in children. Low hemologlobin concentration was the major risk factor for complication.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing post solid organ transplant tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of infection as a result of immunosuppression caused inadvertently by medical treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) is a challenging infection to manage among organ transplant recipients that can be transmitted from infected people or triggered from latent infection. Organ transplant recipients have been reported to be up to 300 times more likely to develop TB than the general population. Consensus about the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent post solid organ transplant TB has not been achieved. OBJECTIVES: This review assessed the benefits and harms of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent post solid organ transplant TB. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register up to 30 April 2013 through contact with the Trials' Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. Studies contained in the Specialised Register are identified through search strategies specifically designed for CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE and handsearching conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared antibiotic prophylaxis with a placebo or no intervention for recipients of solid organ transplants were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. We derived risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data and mean differences (MD) for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Methodological risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. MAIN RESULTS: We identified three studies (10 reports) that involved 558 kidney transplant recipients which met our inclusion criteria. All studies were conducted in countries that have high prevalence of TB (India and Pakistan), and investigated isoniazid, an oral antibacterial drug. Control in all studies was no antibiotic prophylaxis. Prophylactic administration of isoniazid reduced the risk of developing TB post-transplant (3 studies, RR 0.35 95% CI 0.14 to 0.89), and there was no significant effect on all-cause mortality (2 studies, RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.78). There was however substantial risk of liver damage (3 studies, RR 2.74, 95% CI 1.22 to 6.17).Reporting of methodological quality parameters was incomplete in all three studies. Overall, risk of bias was assessed as suboptimal. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Isoniazid prophylaxis for kidney transplant recipients reduced the risk of developing TB post-transplant. Kidney transplant recipients in settings that have high prevalence of TB should receive isoniazid during the first year following transplant. There is however, significant risk of liver damage, particularly among those who are hepatitis B or C positive. Further studies are needed among recipients of other solid organ transplants and in settings with low prevalence of TB to determine the benefits and harms of anti-TB prophylaxis in those populations.

Thyroid hormone levels in apparently euthyroid subjects with essential hypertension in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (BP) is a major health problem in Nigeria and the involvement of thyroid hormones in this condition has not been evaluated in this center. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients with an essential hypertension who had abnormal thyroid hormone levels and the type of thyroid disorders commonly observed in this group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 94 patients (30 males, aged 30.4 ± 2 years and 64 females, aged 43.4 ± 1.3 years) with essential hypertension was carried out between January 2005 and December 2007. Demographic and other medical information were obtained from the health records. Analysis of laboratory results of triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were made. RESULTS: Of the 94 patients evaluated, 26 (27.7%) had abnormal thyroid hormone levels, with 23.4% having hyperthyroidism, 4.3% had sub-clinical hypothyroidism and none had overt hypothyroidism. Of the 26 subjects with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, 18 (69.2%) were females while 8 (30.8%) were males. Out of the 18 female subjects with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, 16 had hyperthyroid levels while 2 had sub-clinical hypothyroid levels. Out of the 8 male patients, 6 had hyperthyroid hormone levels while 2 had sub-clinical hypothyroid levels. CONCLUSION: Thyroid hormone abnormalities are common in patients with essential hypertension. Hyperthyroidism was the most common thyroid disorder observed. Young patients presenting with essential hypertension should be screened for thyroid hormone abnormalities since they can best be managed by treating the underlying causes.

Serum uric acid levels among Nigerians with essential hypertension.

There is an ongoing debate on the role of serum uric acid as an independent risk factor for hypertension and renal disease. This study determined the serum uric acid levels of Nigerians with essential hypertension and also evaluated the association between serum uric acid levels and blood pressure of these patients. A retrospective case-control study of three hundred and fifty one patients with essential hypertension seen at the hypertension clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between January 2004 and December 2008. The control group comprised of one hundred apparently healthy non hypertensive subjects. The clinical characteristics including blood pressure measurement, serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, lipid profile and glucose were evaluated.The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the male patients were 156mmHg and 101mmHg respectively, while those of the male controls were 120 ± 6.0 and 80 ± 5 respectively. The mean serum uric acid, fasting blood glucose, urea and creatinine were 483umol/L, 5.7mmol/L,6.61mmol/L, 93umol/l respectively compared to those of the male controls which were 326 ±10µmol/l, 5.0± 0.5mmol/l, 4.2± 0.12mmol/l, 5.16mmol/l ± 0.12 and 69±2.71µmol/l respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the female patients were 158mmHg and 101mmHg, while those of the female controls were 101±2 and 62±9 respectively. The mean serum uric acid, fasting blood glucose, urea and creatinine of the female patients were 434umol/L, 5.3mmol/L 6.20mmol/L, and 88umol/L respectively while those for the female controls were 290±9µmol/l, 4.8±0.5mmol/l, 5.02±0.28 mmol/l, 62±0.36µmol/l respectively. Hyperuricaemia was observed in 59.3% of the male study patients and 62% of the female study patients. Serum uric acid correlated positively with both systolic blood pressure (r=0.192, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.216; p<0.001). Hyperuricaemia is common among Nigerian patients with essential hypertension and there is an association between serum uric acid level and blood pressure. Further studies on the pathophysiologic significance of hyperuricaemia in these patients are recommended.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein level is higher in hepatitis C than hepatitis B infected chronic liver disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of raised serum alpha-fetoprotein may vary in relation to hepatitis B or C infection in chronic liver disease (CLD). The study evaluated the frequency of hepatitis B and C in patients with chronic liver disease and correlated the levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein with hepatitis B and C infection in the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients with CLD were recruited for the study. Fifty subjects, with no CLD were used as control. Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique (Human diagnostics, Germany and HCV Murex 40 Anhet laboratories, USA) while liver function tests were evaluated using express plus chemistry auto analyzer. Alpha-fetoprotein was assayed using ELECSYS 1010 auto analyser. RESULTS: There were 60 males and 26 females, with a mean age of 46 + 6.5 years, while the controls were 25 males and 25 females with a mean age of 41 ± 2.5 years. Thirty-six subjects (41.7%) were seropositive for HBsAg while 24 (27.9%) were seropositive for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibody. The mean alpha fetoprotein level was 359 ± 9.9 ng/mL while mean control value was 1.93 ± 0.24 ng/mL. Liver function test parameters were elevated compared with control subjects (P < 0.001). The increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein was higher (P < 0.001) in HCV than HBsAg positive patients. CONCLUSION: Serum alpha-fetoprotein level was highest in HCV compared to HBsAg positive and hepatitis negative patients with CLD.