Association of SARS-CoV-2 viral load with biochemical profile of COVID-19 patients: A nigerian experience.

Background: Kidney involvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathology has been supported by high frequency of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression on renal cells and reports of acute kidney injury. However, the association between host viral load and kidney function is not clear. Aim: In this study, plasma levels of renal markers (urea nitrogen, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chlorine, and bicarbonate) were assessed in relation to SARS-CoV-2 viral load of COVID-19 patients. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 144 consenting COVID-19 patients admitted to the Ogun state COVID-19 isolation center between May and December 2020. All participants presented with mild respiratory symptoms and did not require ICU admission or ventilation support. Data included reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) cycle threshold (CT) value, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium, potassium, chlorine, bicarbonate measurements, and glomerular filtration rate. Reference intervals were used as comparators, and multiple linear regression model was fitted. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: BUN level and creatinine were elevated in 4 (2.8%) and 42 (29.2%) patients, respectively, with lowered eGFR observed in 37 (25.7%) patients. Hyponatremia and hypokalemia were observed in 35 (24.3%) and 21 (14.6%) patients, respectively, while hypochloremia was observed in 21 (14.6%) patients. Lowered bicarbonate was observed in 29 (20.1%) patients. Linear regression showed statistically significant association (R2 = 0.340, P = 0.032) between RT-PCR CT value and eGFR (ß = 0.006, P = 0.017) as well as HCO3 (ß = -0.262, P = 0.036). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with mild respiratory symptoms exhibited renal abnormalities, electrolytes, and acid-base imbalances which were partly associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load.

Proximal femoral geometry analysis of igbos of South East Nigeria and its clinical application in total hip replacement and hip surgeries: A dry bone study.

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral geometry(PFG) plays a role in the biomechanics of the hip. During total hip replacement detailed efforts are made to restore this biomechanics in other to ensure patients satisfaction and implant survival. There are variations in these parameters. Ethnicity is one of the most influential factors accounting for these variations. AIM: To determine the values of the parameters of the proximal femoral geometry among the ethnic Igbos of the South Eastern Nigeria, determine any correlation between these parameters, and compare these values with known populations as well as discuss the clinical application in total hip replacement and other hip surgeries. Materials and Method: Seven hundred and sixteen (716) femoral bones taken from the osteology unit of department of anatomy of University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) were screened and proximal femoral parameters measured using Vernier calipers. Results: There were 356 right and 360 left femoral bones with the following values: Femoral Neck Anteversion Angle (FNAVA): M=19.04°, SD=2.075°, Proximal Femoral Length(PFL): M=73.24mm,SD=7.622, Femoral Head Vertical Diameter(FHVD):M= 44.64mm, SD=3.134, Femoral Head Transverse Diameter(FHTD),M=44.55mm, SD=3.379mm, Femoral Head Diameter(FHD),M=44.60mm, SD=3.119mm, Femoral Neck Anterior Length(FNAL), M=31.86mm, SD=5.383mm, Femoral Posterior Neck Length(FPNL):M=22.23mm, SD=3.520mm, Femoral Neck Diameter (FND), M=32.71mm,SD= 3.315mm, Proximal Femoral Width Head to Side (PFWHS), M=89mm.80,SD= 10.331mm, Proximal Femoral Width Side to Side (PFWSS), M=31.47mm, SD=2.812mm, Femoral Neck Shaft Angle(FNSA), M=132.15°, 7.305°. CONCLUSION: The parameters of the proximal femoral geometry of the ethnic Igbos of the South East of Nigeria, differed from other populations and exhibited laterality.

The morphology of proximal tibia geometry amongst the Igbos of South East Nigeria and its implication in total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: The morphological parameters of the proximal tibia play a major role in total knee replacement and there are ethnic and gender variations to these parameters. AIM: To evaluate parameters of the proximal tibia geometry amongst the Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria and discuss the clinical implications in total knee replacement. METHODS: The proximal tibia parameters of 558 adult tibiae bones, 300 right-sided and 258 left-sided, collected from the osteological unit of the department of anatomy University of Nigeria Enugu campus were measured using a Venier calipers. RESULTS: The values of the determined parameters are as follows: anterior posterior dimension (APD): 5.50 cm, medial lateral dimension (MLD):7.53 ± 5.56 cm, proximal length (PL): 7.32 ± 0.67 cm, proximal width (PW) CM: 4.10 ± 0.30 cm, medial tibia posterior slope (MTPS):11.36 ± 4.15° and lateral tibia posterior slope (LTPS):5.65 ± 2.72°. The correlation test between these parameters of the proximal tibia shows a strong significant correlation between LPTS and MPTS (r =0.814, P < .001). The comparison of the means of the MPTS of both sides using independent samples t test shows a mean difference that is not significant (p =0.628). A comparison of the values with other populations shows significant mean difference for MLD with that of Chinese and American populations (p < .05). The mean difference between the APD of this study and the Chinese is significant (p =0.007). A comparison of MPTS and LPTS for Malaysian, Chinese, and white Americans shows a significance difference for all the three populations (p <.05). CONCLUSION: These determined values should be taken into consideration during tibia surface coverage in total knee replacement amongst the Igbo population.