Examining Socioeconomic Status of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Attending Renal Clinic in Southeast Nigeria: A Single Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports on socioeconomic status (SES) of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigeria and indeed Africa, South of the Sahara. Identifying SES as an important factor for disability in people with CKD would provide a means for early identification of those at risk and, possible intervention. OBJECTIVE: To determine the SES of CKD patients attending renal clinic in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted using pretested questionnaire to elicit data on SES (age, place of residence, household asset ownership, source of drinking water; source of cooking energy; and type of toilet facility) from one hundred and forty-five (145) CKD patients attending renal clinic in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. Principal component analysis was used to classify the SES into five quintiles. RESULTS: Majority of the respondents (patients) in stages 4 and 5 CKD, constituting 17.2% and 39.3% respectively were from the lower SES. There was significant correlation between SES and age of the patients; place of residence; hypertension history; ownership of some household assets; source of drinking water; source of cooking energy; and type of toilet facility. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that many of our patients were from the lower SES. It is recommended that both governmental and non-governmental agencies should help these patients with some form of health insurance to alleviate their healthcare cost burden.

Predictors of autonomic dysfunction among predialysis chronic kidney disease patients in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem with increasing incidence and mortality in Africa. Autonomic dysfunction (AD) has been implicated as a major contributor to the disease morbidity and mortality, but little is known about the predictors of this dysfunction in African populations. Understanding the predictors of this condition is necessary for early detection and management of CKDs. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the predictors of AD in CKD patients in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study of CKD patients at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. The CKD patients with AD were compared with those without AD and a normal control group. Autonomic function was assessed through noninvasive cardiovascular tests: measurement of resting tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, heart rate response (HRR) to standing, HRR to Valsalva maneuvre, and HRR to respiration. Data on symptoms of CKD and AD were obtained using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of the CKD patients was 41.3 ± 1.5 (range: 21-69) years. Early hospital presentation is associated with significantly less risk of the development of AD (P < 0.001). Dizziness, nocturnal diarrhea, and impotence are the major markers/predictors of AD in CKD patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AD is common among predialysis CKD patients in Nigeria, and best predicted by the presence of postural dizziness, nocturnal diarrhea, and impotence in men. Physicians should, therefore, be on the lookout for these features for prompt and adequate management of cases.

Prevalence and predictors of chronic kidney disease in newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus patients in Owerri, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims at identifying the prevalence and predictors of CKD in newly diagnosed HIV patients in Owerri, South East Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study consisting of 393 newly diagnosed HIV-seropositive subjects and 136 age- and sex-matched seronegative subjects as controls. CKD was defined as 24-hour urine protein (24-HUP) ≥0.3 g and/or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min. Subjects were recruited from the HIV clinic and the Medical Outpatient Department of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. Clinical and anthropometric data were collected. Relevant investigations were performed, including HIV screening and relevant urine and blood investigations. The mean age of the HIV subjects was 38.84 ± 10.65 years. CKD was present in 86 (22.9%) HIV subjects and 11 (8.l %) controls. Low waist circumference (WC), high serum creatinine, high spot urine protein/creatinine ratio (SUPCR), high 24-HUP/creatinine Ratio (24-HUPCR), high 24-HUP/osmolality Ratio (24-HUPOR) predicted CKD in HIV subjects. CKD prevalence is high (22.9%) among newly diagnosed HIV patients in South East Nigeria. The predictors of CKD included WC, serum creatinine, SUPCR, 24-HUPCR, and 24-HUPOR.

Reference intervals for serum cystatin C and creatinine of an indigenous adult Nigerian population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is important for the evaluation of patients with kidney disease. Some studies suggest that GFR estimated from serum cystatin C (Cys C) is more accurate than that from serum creatinine (SCr). For Cys C to be used for this purpose, normal values need to be determined for various populations. This study determined the serum Cys C levels and reference intervals (RIs) of a Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and four healthy adult subjects were analysed. Serum Cys C and SCr were determined by particle enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay and modified Jaffe kinetic method respectively. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 (SPSS for Windows Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Estimation of RIs was done as per the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry guidelines. RESULTS: The RIs for Cys C were 0.65-1.12 mg/L (median 0.86) for males, 0.62-1.12 mg/L (median 0.85) for females and 0.64-1.12 mg/L (median 0.86) for all the subjects. The RIs for SCr were 73-110 µmol/L (median 89) for males, 65-102 µmol/L (median 82) for females and 66-106 µmol/L (median 86) for all the subjects. There was no significant gender difference in the RIs for serum Cys C, (P > 0.05). The SCr levels and RI were significantly lower in females than in males (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study has determined the serum Cys C levels and RI of an indigenous healthy adult black population in Nigeria.

Reference Intervals for Serum Cystatin C and Creatinine of an Indigenous Adult Nigerian Population

Background and Aim: Estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is important for the evaluation of patients with kidney disease. Some studies suggest that GFR estimated from serum cystatin C (Cys C) is more accurate than that from serum creatinine (SCr). For Cys C to be used for this purpose; normal values need to be determined for various populations. This study determined the serum Cys C levels and reference intervals (RIs) of a Nigerian population.Materials and Methods: Three hundred and four healthy adult subjects were analysed. Serum Cys C and SCr were determined by particle enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay and modified Jaffe kinetic method respectively. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 (SPSS for Windows Inc.; Chicago; IL; USA). Estimation of RIs was done as per the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry guidelines.Results: The RIs for Cys C were 0.65-1.12 mg/L (median 0.86) for males; 0.62-1.12 mg/L (median 0.85) for females and 0.64-1.12 mg/L (median 0.86) for all the subjects. The RIs for SCr were 73-110 ?mol/L (median 89) for males; 65-102 ?mol/L (median 82) for females and 66-106 ?mol/L (median 86) for all the subjects. There was no significant gender difference in the RIs for serum Cys C; (P 0.05). The SCr levels and RI were significantly lower in females than in males (P 0.001).Conclusion: This study has determined the serum Cys C levels and RI of an indigenous healthy adult black population in Nigeria

Seizure disorder among chronic kidney disease patients in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Seizures are the commonest neurological condition presenting in Africa. The pattern of non- epileptic seizures in systemic diseases including chronic kidney disease is unknown in South East Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the pattern of seizures in chronic kidney disease patients in Enugu, South East Nigeria. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of chronic kidney disease patients who presented to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu (UNTH) from January 2007 December 2008. Data from subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria were reviewed and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 13.5. Ethical clearance was obtained from the UNTH Ethics Committee. RESULTS: There were 145 patients, 95 males and 50 females. Mean age was 35 years. Only 5 patients (3,4%) had seizures (mostly generalized tonic-clonic) associated with severe hypertension. None had hypocalcaemia. Three patients (60%) received dialysis with benefit while 2 patients (40%) died before dialysis could be done. CONCLUSION: Seizures are infrequent in chronic kidney disease patients in Enugu; are commoner in males and those with severe disease. Dialysis improved survival in those with seizures. Larger multicentre studies are needed to further elucidate the spectrum of Nigeria.

Pattern of cancer deaths in the medical wards of a teaching hospital in South East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Cancers are emerging public health problems in developing countries like Nigeria. The epidemiological shift and aging population make cancers a challenge. OBJECTIVE: We set out to describe the pattern of death due to cancer in our medical ward. The hospital is one of the premier hospitals covering the South East zone of Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the case notes and death certificates of all who died of cancer in our adult medical wards for 16 years (January 1995 to December 2010). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL) version 17.0 was used. RESULTS: Twenty seven thousand, five hundred and fourteen patients were admitted into the medical wards. Six thousand, two hundred and fifty died. Out of the 6250 deaths, cancers accounted for 7.6%. Male to Female ratio was 2.4:1. The mean age at death was 43.7 ± 17.4 years. The mean age at death in both sexes was similar (42.9 ± 17.5 for men and 45.7 ± 17.0 years for women), P = 0.109. Primary liver cell carcinoma was the most common cause of death among men (40.8%), while cancer of hematopoietic organ was the most common in women (48.7%). The overall fatality rate was 1.7% (477/27 514) of medical admissions. Younger and middle age groups were most commonly affected in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Since the most productive age groups were affected, governments in developing countries should as a matter of urgency put in place adequate cancer preventive and curative services.

Efficacy of newer versus older antihypertensive drugs in black patients living in sub-Saharan Africa.

To address the epidemic of hypertension in blacks born and living in sub-Saharan Africa, we compared in a randomised clinical trial (NCT01030458) single-pill combinations of old and new antihypertensive drugs in patients (30-69 years) with uncomplicated hypertension (140-179/90-109 mm Hg). After ≥4 weeks off treatment, 183 of 294 screened patients were assigned to once daily bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide 5/6.25 mg (n=89; R) or amlodipine/valsartan 5/160 mg (n=94; E) and followed up for 6 months. To control blood pressure (<140/<90 mm Hg), bisoprolol and amlodipine could be doubled (10 mg per day) and α-methyldopa (0.5-2 g per day) added. Sitting blood pressure fell by 19.5/12.0 mm Hg in R patients and by 24.8/13.2 mm Hg in E patients and heart rate decreased by 9.7 beats per minute in R patients with no change in E patients (-0.2 beats per minute). The between-group differences (R minus E) were 5.2 mm Hg (P<0.0001) systolic, 1.3 mm Hg (P=0.12) diastolic, and 9.6 beats per minute (P<0.0001). In 57 R and 67 E patients with data available at all visits, these estimates were 5.5 mm Hg (P<0.0001) systolic, 1.8 mm Hg (P=0.07) diastolic and 9.8 beats per minute (P<0.0001). In R compared with E patients, 45 vs 37% (P=0.13) proceeded to the higher dose of randomised treatment and 33 vs 9% (P<0.0001) had α-methyldopa added. There were no between-group differences in symptoms except for ankle oedema in E patients (P=0.012). In conclusion, new compared with old drugs lowered systolic blood pressure more and therefore controlled hypertension better in native African black patients.

Left ventricular diastolic function in a predialysis patient population.

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) accounting for 40%-66% of cardiovascular complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in adult Nigerians with CKD at presentation and to compare findings with those of hypertensive patients with normal renal function. METHODS: Eighty-six consecutive patients with CKD were studied, comprising 43 hypertensives and 43 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects as controls. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables were measured. RESULTS: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was present in 62.8% of CKD patients, 79.1% of hypertensive patients and 25.6% of normal controls (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), severity of SBP, severity of DBP in CKD patients but not in hypertensive patients. There was a negative correlation between LVDF and age in CKD patients and hypertensive patients. Linear multiple regression analysis showed age as the only predictor of LVDD. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in CKD patients at first presentation to a nephrologist in Nigeria.

Left ventricular systolic function in a Nigerian pre-dialysis patient population with chronic kidney disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates left ventricularsystolic function (LVSF) and factors affecting it in CKD patients at first presentation, using two dimensional echocardiography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients with CKD who were presenting to the medical outpatient and renal clinics of university of Nigeria teaching hospital, Enugu for the first time, who satisfied the study criteria were screened. Eighty six patients completed the study. Forty-eight sex matched hypertensive patients with normal renal function and forty-six age and sex matched subjects (with normal blood pressure and renal function) were selected as controls. Clinical and laboratory parameters and echocardiographic indices were measured. RESULTS: Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was present in 13 (15.1%) of CKD patients and 4 (8.3%) of hypertensive patients (p < 0.001). The mean fractional shortening in CKD patients (35.1 +/- 10.4%) was significantly lower than the hypertensive patients (40.1 +/- 9.8), p = 0.008. Positive correlation was found between fractional shortening (FS) and estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemoglobin level, CKD stage, diastolic blood pressure, serum albumin and systolic blood pressure.(r = 0.281, P < 0.001; r = 0.277, p < 0.001; r = 0.270, p = < 0.001; r = 0.237; P = 0.001; r = 0.230, p = 0.002; and r = 0.199, p = 0.007) respectively. Left ventricular mass index and mean arterial blood pressure, correlated negatively with LV systolic function (r = -0.315, P < 0.001; and r = -0.223, P Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that of all the factors that correlated with LVSF. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that LVSF is impaired in a significant number of our CKD patients at presentation.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in a Predialysis Patient Population

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) accounting for 40-66of cardiovascular complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in adult Nigerians with CKD at presentation and to compare findings with those of hypertensive patients with normal renal function. METHODS: Eighty-six consecutive patients with CKD were studied; comprising 43 hypertensives and 43 age- and sexmatched healthy subjects as controls. Clinical; laboratory; and echocardiographic variables were measured. RESULTS: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was present in 62.8of CKD patients; 79.1of hypertensive patients and 25.6of normal controls (p 0.001. There was a positive correlation between left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) and systolic blood pressure (SBP); diastolic blood pressure (DBP); mean arterial pressure (MAP); severity of SBP; severity of DBP in CKD patients but not in hypertensive patients. There was a negative correlation between LVDF and age in CKD patients and hypertensive patients. Linear multiple regression analysis showed age as the only predictor of LVDD. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in CKD patients at first presentation to a nephrologist in Nigeria

The prevalence of radiological markers of renal osteodystrophy in patients with chronic renal failure in Enugu.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of renal osteodystrophy in Chronic renal failure patients in Enugu, using radiological methods. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety adult patients (56 male and 34 female) were recruited from the renal clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu over a period of twelve consecutive months. A structured questionnaire was administered and a physical examination carried out at the initial interview. This was followed by other investigations including renal ultrasonography, plain radiographs and laboratory investigations including serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine, calcium and phosphate, total alkaline phosphate and creatinine clearance estimation. RESULTS: There was no obvious relationship between bone pain (a symptom of renal osteodystrophy) and the presence ofradiological features of renal osteodystrophy. The findings of the study showed that renal osteodystrophy, demonstrable by radiography is relatively uncommon, existing in only 3 subjects (3.35%). Among the 3 subjects, 2 showed radiological features of osteitis fibrosa cystica (one male and one female), while the other subject (one female) had radiological features of osteoporosis. All these subjects belonged to group 3 and had been on maintainance haemodialysis for more than 6 months. Other forms of renal osteodystrophy were not demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Renal osteodystrophy is probably not as common in Nigerian patients as in Caucasians and there may be reasons for this.

Current clinical presentation of malaria in Enugu, Nigeria.

This study examined the malaria situation in a malarial endemic area of Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was applied to 300 doctors practising in Enugu urban, Nigeria and confirmation of the clinical diagnosis by laboratory technique was done using 468 patients. The result shows a high prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection (96.4% in children, 87.0% in adults). Malaria positivity rate was 51.9% in children and 42.8% in adults. Fever, vomiting and anorexia were the commonest malaria symptoms in children, while headache, fever, chills and rigors were the commonest malaria symptoms in adults. The diagnostic practice of the doctors was clinical. Fever, vomiting and cough were found to be more associated with malaria parasitaemia in children, while in adults fever was found to be more associated with malaria parasitaemia. Chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine were the commonest drugs used for treating uncomplicated malaria, while quinine was the commonest drug used for treating severe malaria.

A case of fractured internal jugular catheter.

We report a case of fractured internal jugular catheter, a rare but life threatening complication of the use of intravascular catheter in a 73 year-old man. He had an internal jugular catheter in-situ for nine months, much longer than the manufacturer's recommended duration.

Combined ascitic--fluid and furosemide infusion: a therapeutic option for massive diuretic-resistant ascites and severe oliguria of hepatic cirrhosis.

We describe the successful use of combined ascitic-fluid and furosemide infusion as a therapeutic option in the management of massive diuretic-resistant ascites and severe oliguria of hepatic cirrhosis in a 30-year-old Nigerian male farmer. It is simple, safe, convenient and effective treatment modality. The mechanics of this procedure seen against the backgroup of the pathogenesis of sodium retention and renal dysfunction in hepatic cirrhosis is discussed.

Adult polycystic kidney disease: a Nigerian family study

A 48-year old Nigerian male patient with adult polycystic kidney disease (PCK); chronic renal failure and hypertension is presented. Abdominal ultrasound confirmed the presence of multiple bilateral renal cysts together with extrarenal cysts in the liver and spleen. He was subsequently admitted with a cerebrovascular accident. All five of his junior siblings screened were shown to have the disease. His mother was also shown to have PCK; hypertension and renal impairment. The patient had a second fatal cerebrovascular accident five weeks into admission. The presentation of the disease and the implications of the autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with virtual 100 percent penetrance are discussed. A case is made for anti-marriage counselling; and possibly sterilization in subjects with adult polycystic kidney disease