Global variations in funding and use of hemodialysis accesses: an international report using the ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of contemporary data describing global variations in vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). We used the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to highlight differences in funding and availability of hemodialysis accesses used for initiating HD across world regions. METHODS: Survey questions were directed at understanding the funding modules for obtaining vascular access and types of accesses used to initiate dialysis. An electronic survey was sent to national and regional key stakeholders affiliated with the ISN between June and September 2022. Countries that participated in the survey were categorized based on World Bank Income Classification (low-, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income) and by their regional affiliation with the ISN. RESULTS: Data on types of vascular access were available from 160 countries. Respondents from 35 countries (22% of surveyed countries) reported that > 50% of patients started HD with an arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF or AVG). These rates were higher in Western Europe (n = 14; 64%), North & East Asia (n = 4; 67%), and among high-income countries (n = 24; 38%). The rates of > 50% of patients starting HD with a tunneled dialysis catheter were highest in North America & Caribbean region (n = 7; 58%) and lowest in South Asia and Newly Independent States and Russia (n = 0 in both regions). Respondents from 50% (n = 9) of low-income countries reported that > 75% of patients started HD using a temporary catheter, with the highest rates in Africa (n = 30; 75%) and Latin America (n = 14; 67%). Funding for the creation of vascular access was often through public funding and free at the point of delivery in high-income countries (n = 42; 67% for AVF/AVG, n = 44; 70% for central venous catheters). In low-income countries, private and out of pocket funding was reported as being more common (n = 8; 40% for AVF/AVG, n = 5; 25% for central venous catheters). CONCLUSIONS: High income countries exhibit variation in the use of AVF/AVG and tunneled catheters. In low-income countries, there is a higher use of temporary dialysis catheters and private funding models for access creation.

Capacity for the management of kidney failure in the International Society of Nephrology Africa region: report from the 2023 ISN Global Kidney Atlas (ISN-GKHA).

The burden of chronic kidney disease and associated risk of kidney failure are increasing in Africa. The management of people with chronic kidney disease is fraught with numerous challenges because of limitations in health systems and infrastructures for care delivery. From the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas, we describe the status of kidney care in the ISN Africa region using the World Health Organization building blocks for health systems. We identified limited government health spending, which in turn led to increased out-of-pocket costs for people with kidney disease at the point of service delivery. The health care workforce across Africa was suboptimal and further challenged by the exodus of trained health care workers out of the continent. Medical products, technologies, and services for the management of people with nondialysis chronic kidney disease and for kidney replacement therapy were scarce due to limitations in health infrastructure, which was inequitably distributed. There were few kidney registries and advocacy groups championing kidney disease management in Africa compared with the rest of the world. Strategies for ensuring improved kidney care in Africa include focusing on chronic kidney disease prevention and early detection, improving the effectiveness of the available health care workforce (e.g., multidisciplinary teams, task substitution, and telemedicine), augmenting kidney care financing, providing quality, up-to-date health information data, and improving the accessibility, affordability, and delivery of quality treatment (kidney replacement therapy or conservative kidney management) for all people living with kidney failure.

Capacity for the management of kidney failure in the International Society of Nephrology Western Europe region: report from the 2023 ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA).

Western Europe boasts advanced health care systems, robust kidney care guidelines, and a well-established health care workforce. Despite this, significant disparities in kidney replacement therapy incidence, prevalence, and transplant access exist. This paper presents the third International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas's findings on kidney care availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality in 22 Western European countries, representing 99% of the region's population. The known chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence across Western Europe averages 10.6%, slightly above the global median. Cardiovascular diseases account for a substantial portion of CKD-related deaths. Kidney failure incidence varies. Government health expenditure differs; however, most countries offer government-funded acute kidney injury, dialysis, and kidney transplantation care. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are universally available, with variations in the number of dialysis centers. Kidney transplantation is available in all countries (except for 3 microstates), with variable transplant center prevalence. Conservative kidney management (CKM) is increasingly accessible. The region's kidney care workforce is substantial, exceeding global averages; however, workforce shortages are reported. Barriers to optimal kidney care include limited workforce capacity, lack of surveillance mechanisms, and suboptimal integration into national noncommunicable disease (NCD) strategies. Policy recognition of CKD as a health priority varies across countries. Although Western Europe exhibits strong kidney care infrastructure, opportunities for improvement exist, particularly in CKD prevention, surveillance, awareness, and policy implementation. Efforts to improve CKD care should include automated detection, educational support, and enhanced workflows. Based on these findings, health care professionals, stakeholders, and policymakers are called to act to enhance kidney care across the region.

Genes, environment, and African ancestry in cardiometabolic disorders.

The past two decades have been characterized by a substantial global increase in cardiometabolic diseases, but the prevalence and incidence of these diseases and related traits differ across populations. African ancestry populations are among the most affected yet least included in research. Populations of African descent manifest significant genetic and environmental diversity and this under-representation is a missed opportunity for discovery and could exacerbate existing health disparities and curtail equitable implementation of precision medicine. Here, we discuss cardiometabolic diseases and traits in the context of African descent populations, including both genetic and environmental contributors and emphasizing novel discoveries. We also review new initiatives to include more individuals of African descent in genomics to address current gaps in the field.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor Burden and Association With CKD in Ghana and Nigeria.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the burden of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD in Africa is not well characterized. We determined the prevalence of selected cardiovascular risk factors, and association with CKD in the Human Heredity for Health in Africa Kidney Disease Research Network study. Methods: We recruited patients with and without CKD in Ghana and Nigeria. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and/or albuminuria as albumin-to-creatinine ratio <3.0 mg/mmol (<30 mg/g) for ≥3 months. We assessed self-reported (physician-diagnosis and/or use of medication) hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol; and self-reported smoking as cardiovascular risk factors. Association between the risk factors and CKD was determined by multivariate logistic regression. Results: We enrolled 8396 participants (cases with CKD, 3956), with 56% females. The mean age (45.5 ± 15.1 years) did not differ between patients and control group. The prevalence of hypertension (59%), diabetes (20%), and elevated cholesterol (9.9%), was higher in CKD patients than in the control participants (P < 0.001). Prevalence of risk factors was higher in Ghana than in Nigeria. Hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.69 [1.43-2.01, P < 0.001]), elevated cholesterol (aOR = 2.0 [1.39-2.86, P < 0.001]), age >50 years, and body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 were independently associated with CKD. The association of diabetes and smoking with CKD was modified by other risk factors. Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent in middle-aged adult patients with CKD in Ghana and Nigeria, with higher proportions in Ghana than in Nigeria. Hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and underweight were independently associated with CKD.

Increasing African genomic data generation and sharing to resolve rare and undiagnosed diseases in Africa: a call-to-action by the H3Africa rare diseases working group.

The rich and diverse genomics of African populations is significantly underrepresented in reference and in disease-associated databases. This renders interpreting the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data and reaching a diagnostic more difficult in Africa and for the African diaspora. It increases chances for false positives with variants being misclassified as pathogenic due to their novelty or rarity. We can increase African genomic data by (1) making consent for sharing aggregate frequency data an essential component of research toolkit; (2) encouraging investigators with African data to share available data through public resources such as gnomAD, AVGD, ClinVar, DECIPHER and to use MatchMaker Exchange; (3) educating African research participants on the meaning and value of sharing aggregate frequency data; and (4) increasing funding to scale-up the production of African genomic data that will be more representative of the geographical and ethno-linguistic variation on the continent. The RDWG of H3Africa is hereby calling to action because this underrepresentation accentuates the health disparities. Applying the NGS to shorten the diagnostic odyssey or to guide therapeutic options for rare diseases will fully work for Africans only when public repositories include sufficient data from African subjects.

Functional iron status of chronic kidney disease patients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Background: Functional iron deficiency has been found to be a common cause of poor response to erythropoiesis stimulating agents in anaemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: Assess the functional iron status of patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study. The study subjects were chronic kidney disease patients with age and sex matched healthy controls. Full blood count, serum ferritin, soluble transferring receptor, C-reactive protein, serum iron and total iron binding capacity were measured in the patients and healthy controls.Data was analyzed with statistical package for the social sciences software version 22.0. And the level of statistical significance was set at p. value < 0.05. Results: The mean ± SD of the age of patient with CKD was 55.0 + 15.4 years, while that of controls was 52.7 + 13.6 years. The mean serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and CRP were significantly higher in patients compared with controls (p<0.001, 0.023, <0.001 and 0.001) respectively. Functional iron deficiency was seen in 19.5% of patients with CKD. Conclusion: The predominant form of iron deficiency in our study was functional iron deficiency.

Functional iron status of chronic kidney disease patients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Functional iron deficiency has been found to be a common cause of poor response to erythropoiesis stimulating agents in anaemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: Assess the functional iron status of patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study. The study subjects were chronic kidney disease patients with age and sex matched healthy controls. Full blood count, serum ferritin, soluble transferring receptor, C-reactive protein, serum iron and total iron binding capacity were measured in the patients and healthy controls. Data was analyzed with statistical package for the social sciences software version 22.0. And the level of statistical significance was set at p. value < 0.05. Results: The mean ± SD of the age of patient with CKD was 55.0 + 15.4 years, while that of controls was 52.7 + 13.6 years. The mean serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and CRP were significantly higher in patients compared with controls (p<0.001, 0.023, <0.001 and 0.001) respectively. Functional iron deficiency was seen in 19.5% of patients with CKD. Conclusion: The predominant form of iron deficiency in our study was functional iron deficiency

HIV Viremia Is Associated With APOL1 Variants and Reduced JC-Viruria.

Variants in the Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene (G1-rs60910145, rs73885319, G2-rs71785313) are common in Africans and in individuals of recent African ancestry and are associated with an increased risk of non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in particular of HIV associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In light of the significantly increased risk of HIVAN in carriers of two APOL1 risk alleles, a role in HIV infectivity has been postulated in the mechanism of APOL1 associated kidney disease. Herein, we aim to explore the association between HIV viremia and APOL1 genotype. In addition, we investigated interaction between BK and JC viruria, CKD and HIV viremia. A total of 199 persons living with HIV/AIDS (comprising 82 CKD cases and 117 controls) from among the participants in the ongoing Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Kidney Disease Research Network case control study have been recruited. The two APOL1 renal risk alleles (RRA) genotypes were associated with a higher risk of CKD (OR 12.6, 95% CI 3.89-40.8, p < 0.0001). Even a single APOL1 RRA was associated with CKD risk (OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.49-13.15, p = 0.007). The 2 APOL1 RRA genotypes were associated with an increased probability of having HIV viremia (OR 2.37 95% CI 1.0-5.63, p = 0.05). HIV viremia was associated with increased CKD risk (OR 7.45, 95% CI 1.66-33.35, P = 0.009) and with a significant reduction of JC virus urine shedding (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.98, p = 0.046). In contrast to prior studies, JC viruria was not associated with CKD but was restricted in patients with HIV viremia, regardless of CKD status. These findings suggest a role of APOL1 variants in HIV infectivity and emphasize that JC viruria can serve as biomarker for innate immune system activation.

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.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Nigeria in 1995 and 2020: A systematic analysis of current evidence.

Improved understanding of the current burden of hypertension, including awareness, treatment, and control, is needed to guide relevant preventative measures in Nigeria. A systematic search of studies on the epidemiology of hypertension in Nigeria, published on or after January 1990, was conducted. The authors employed random-effects meta-analysis on extracted crude hypertension prevalence, and awareness, treatment, and control rates. Using a meta-regression model, overall hypertension cases in Nigeria in 1995 and 2020 were estimated. Fifty-three studies (n = 78 949) met our selection criteria. Estimated crude prevalence of pre-hypertension (120-139/80-89 mmHg) in Nigeria was 30.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.0%-39.7%), and the crude prevalence of hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) was 30.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-34.0%). When adjusted for age, study period, and sample, absolute cases of hypertension increased by 540% among individuals aged ≥20 years from approximately 4.3 million individuals in 1995 (age-adjusted prevalence 8.6%, 95% CI: 6.5-10.7) to 27.5 million individuals with hypertension in 2020 (age-adjusted prevalence 32.5%, 95% CI: 29.8-35.3). The age-adjusted prevalence was only significantly higher among men in 1995, with the gap between both sexes considerably narrowed in 2020. Only 29.0% of cases (95% CI: 19.7-38.3) were aware of their hypertension, 12.0% (95% CI: 2.7-21.2) were on treatment, and 2.8% (95% CI: 0.1-5.7) had at-goal blood pressure in 2020. Our study suggests that hypertension prevalence has substantially increased in Nigeria over the last two decades. Although more persons are aware of their hypertension status, clinical treatment and control rates, however, remain low. These estimates are relevant for clinical care, population, and policy response in Nigeria and across Africa.

Trends in the epidemiology of childhood nephrotic syndrome in Africa: A systematic review.

Background: Childhood nephrotic syndrome, if left untreated, leads to progressive kidney disease or death. We quantified the prevalence of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, and histological types as the epidemiology of nephrotic syndrome in Africa remains unknown, yet impacts outcomes. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, African Journals Online, and WHO Global Health Library for articles in any language reporting on childhood nephrotic syndrome in Africa from January 1, 1946 to July 1, 2020. Primary outcomes included steroid response, biopsy defined minimal change disease, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) by both pooled and individual proportions across regions and overall. Findings: There were 81 papers from 17 countries included. Majority of 8131 children were steroid-sensitive (64% [95% CI: 63-66%]) and the remaining were steroid-resistant (34% [95% CI: 33-35%]). Of children biopsied, pathological findings were 38% [95% CI: 36-40%] minimal change, 24% [95% CI: 22-25%] FSGS, and 38% [95% CI: 36-40%] secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome. Interpretation: Few African countries reported on the prevalence of childhood nephrotic syndrome. Steroid-sensitive disease is more common than steroid-resistant disease although prevalence of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome is higher than reported globally. Pathology findings suggest minimal change and secondary causes are common. Scarcity of data in Africa prevents appropriate healthcare resource allocation to diagnose and treat this treatable childhood kidney disease to prevent poor health outcomes. Funding: Funding was provided by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) for the H3 Africa Kidney Disease Research Network. This research was undertaken, in part, from the Canada Research Chairs program.

Kidney care in low- and middle-income countries.

Optimal kidney care requires a trained nephrology workforce, essential healthcare services, and medications. This study aimed to identify the access to these resources on a global scale using data from the multinational survey conducted by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) (Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA) project), with emphasis on developing nations. For data analysis, the 125 participating countries were sorted into the 4 World Bank income groups: low income (LIC), lower-middle income (LMIC), upper-middle income (UMIC), and high income (HIC). A severe shortage of nephrologists was observed in LIC and LMIC with < 5 nephrologists per million population. Many LIC were unable to access estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria (proteinuria) tests in primary-care levels. Acute and chronic hemodialysis was available in most countries, although acute and chronic peritoneal dialysis access was severely limited in LIC (24% and 35%, respectively). Most countries had kidney transplantation access, except for LIC (12%). HIC and UMIC funded their renal replacement therapy (RRT) and renal medications primarily through public means, whereas LMIC and LIC required private and out-of-pocket contributions. In conclusion, this study found a huge gap in the availability and access to trained nephrology workforce, tools for diagnosis and management of CKD, RRT, and funding of RRT and essential medications in LIC and LMIC.

Effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on Renal Function and Renal Phosphate Handling in African Adults with Advanced HIV and CKD.

BACKGROUND: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has been implicated in renal dysfunction with hypophosphataemia. OBJECTIVE: We prospectively evaluated renal phosphate excretion during HAART use. METHOD: Newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals were treated with Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/Emtricitabine/Efavirenz (TDF/FTC/EFV), n=33; Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Nevirapine (ZDV/3TC/NVP), n=53; and Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Efavirenz (ZDV/3TC/EFV), n=16. Creatinine and phosphate were assayed in blood and urine simultaneously at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), fractional phosphate excretion and reabsorption (FEPi % and TRP), and the ratio of tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate (TmP) to GFR (TmP/GFR) were estimated. RESULTS: At baseline, eGFR showed moderate chronic kidney disease (mean: 35.50 ± 2.02, 33.14 ± 1.63, and 39.97±1.84 ml/min/1.73m2 in the 3 groups respectively); 54 (52.9%) patients had hyperphosphataemia (>1.4mmo/L); 43 (42.2%) had normophosphataemia (0.6-1.4mmol/L); 5 (4.9%) had hypophosphataemia (<0.6mmol/L). eGFR improved significantly from 1 month (≥60, 58.65 ± 1.11, and 51.76 ±1.59 ml/min/1.73m2; p=0.04, <0.001, 0.67 respectively), with a relapse at 9 months in TDFtreated subjects (50.10 ± 1.89 ml/min/1.73m2). TDF/FTC/EFV resulted in significantly greater reduction in plasma phosphate than ZDV/3TC/NVP (p=0.031), but not significantly different from ZDV/3TC/EFV (p=0.968). Similarly, ZDV/3TC/EFV resulted in significantly greater reduction in plasma phosphate than ZDV/3TC/NVP (p=0.036). FEP% progressively increased with HAART duration, more in TDF-treated and ZDV/3TC/EFV-treated groups than ZDV/3TC/NVP (p=0.014); TRP was elevated (>0.86), implying non-maximal phosphate reabsorption. TmP/GFR values were elevated, (>1.35mmol/l). CONCLUSION: HIV causes kidney dysfunction with reduced phosphate excretion resulting in hyperphosphataemia but HAART improves renal function. Prolonged use of TDF can cause renal toxicity with hypophosphataemia as fractional excretion progressively increased with duration of therapy unlike ZDV/3TC/NVP. The use of different third agents (either NVP or EFV) in zidovudine-based therapy results in significantly different plasma phosphate levels; ZDV/3TC/EFV, like TDF/FTC/EFV, resulted in significantly greater decline in plasma phosphate than ZDV/3TC/NVP. Thus, Evafirenz (EVF) may have similar or synergistic adverse effects with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

Chronic renal failure in a patient with bilateral ureterocele.

Ureterocele is a congenital anomaly, in which there is mal-development of the caudal segments of the ureter. There is a female preponderance with most cases seen in Caucasians. Among the reported complications of this condition, chronic renal failure occurring in the setting of ureterocele has not been well documented. We report a case of a young girl with bilateral ureterocele presenting with chronic renal failure, whose management presented a diagnostic failure and inadequate treatment.

Challenges of hemodialysis in a new renal care center: call for sustainability and improved outcome.

BACKGROUND: Nephrologists are faced with enormous challenges in the management of patients with end-stage renal disease, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where hemodialysis is the most common modality of renal replacement therapy in the region. Therefore, we reviewed our 3 years of experience with hemodialysis services in a tertiary hospital located in a rural community of South West Nigeria. This was with a view to presenting the profile of hemodialysis patients and the challenges they face in sustaining hemodialysis. METHODS: We reviewed the case records and hemodialysis registers for 176 patients over the 3 years from November 2010 to December 2013. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 software. RESULTS: Of the 176 patients, 119 (66.9%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 44.87±17.21 years. Most were semiskilled or unskilled (111; 63.5%) and 29 (16.5%) were students. Twenty-six (14.8%) had acute kidney injury in the failure stage. Chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertensive nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy accounted for 45.3%, 23.3%, and 12.1%, respectively, of patients with end-stage renal disease. Only 6.8% of patients could afford hemodialysis beyond 3 months. CONCLUSION: Sustainability of maintenance hemodialysis is poor in our environment. Efforts should be intensified to improve other modalities of renal replacement therapy, in particular kidney transplantation, which is cost-effective in the long-term. Also, preventive measures such as education for affected patients and the general population would assist in reducing the prevalence and progression to end-stage renal disease.

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in sickle cell anaemia and its correlation with QT parameters.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of QT parameters together with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) confer significant risks of cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. We questioned whether or not CAN influences occurrence of QT interval prolongation and dispersion in patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty stable adult sickle cell patients with 44 healthy haemoglobin AA controls were studied. Baseline electrocardiograms were obtained and cardiovascular autonomic function tests were performed using standard protocols. RESULTS: Mean corrected QT (QTc) in sickle cell patients was significantly higher (P = 0.001) than the mean of controls. Similarly, mean QT dispersion (QTcd) was higher (P = 0.001) in the former than in the latter. Mean QTc in patients with CAN was longer than patients with normal autonomic function (461 ± 26 ms versus 411 ± 23 ms), P = 0.001 (OR of 17.1, CI 3.48-83.71). Similarly, QTcd was higher (P = 0.001) in patients with CAN than those with normal cardiac autonomic function. Positive correlations were found between CAN with QTc and QTcd (r = 0.604, P = 0.001, r = 0.523, P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: CAN is a risk factor for abnormalities of QT parameters in SCA and both may be harbinger for cardiac death.

Profile and causes of mortality among elderly patients seen in a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Old age is one of the factors associated with increased risk of dying when admitted to hospital. Therefore, aim of this study was to examine causes and pattern of death among elderly patients managed in a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria with scanty mortality records. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was on deaths that occurred in patients 60 years and above admitted to University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, between January 2005 and June 2007. Excluded were all brought-in-dead during the study period. Information obtained included demographic data, duration on admission, and diagnosis. Causes of death were determined from clinical progress notes and diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 1298 deaths occurred during the study period, of which 297 occurred in persons 60 years and above with crude death rate of 22.8%. The mean age at death was 68 ± 9 years (ranged 60-100 years). This consisted of 59% males and 41% females. Mean age at death for females was 69.7 ± 8.7 years and for males 68.1 ± 9.8 years (P = 0.05). Mean values of serum chemistry were sodium 137 ± 8 mMol/l, potassium 3.6 ± 1 mMol/l, urea 11 ± 8 mMol/l, and creatinine 126 ± 91 µmol/l. The value of mean haemogram concentration was 10.5 ± 3 gm/dl and white cell count was 12 ± 2 × 10(9)/mm3. The three most common diagnoses at deaths were stroke (19.8%), sepsis (16.5%), and lower respiratory tract disease (8.1%). Infectious diseases accounted for 38.2% of all diagnoses. Collective mean length of hospital stay (LOS) at death was 6.8 ± 8.6 (ranged 15 minutes-60 days). Close to 27.4% of the deaths occurred within 24 hours and neurological disorder had shortest hospital stay (4.6 ± 6.3 days), followed by endocrine disorders (6.8 ± 8.4 days) and respiratory diseases (8.4 ± 5.6 days) [P = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Hospital mortality is high amongst older people. Stroke and infectious diseases are leading causes of death. Efforts should be geared toward reducing risk for cardiovascular diseases and improvement on level of personal and community hygiene.

Interest in neurology during medical clerkship in three Nigerian medical schools.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to ascertain perception of Nigerian medical students of neurology in comparison with 7 other major medical specialties. To also determine whether neurology was the specialty students consider most difficult and the reasons for this and to appraise their opinion on how neurosciences and neurology were taught in their different universities. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information from randomly selected clinical students from 3 medical colleges in Nigeria (University of Ibadan, Ibadan; University of Ilorin, Ilorin; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo). RESULTS: Of 320 questionnaires sent out, 302 were returned given 94% response rate. Students felt they knew neurology least of all the 8 medical specialties, and were not confident of making neurological diagnoses. About 82% of the students indicated they learnt neurology best from bedside teaching, followed by use of medical textbooks. Close to 15% found online resources very useful for learning neurology and 6% indicated that group discussion was quite useful in the acquisition of knowledge on neurology. Histology and biochemistry were the preclinical subjects participants opined were least useful in learning neurology. The most frequent reasons students felt neurology was difficult were problems with understanding neuroanatomy (49%), insufficient exposure to neurological cases (41%), too many complex diagnoses (32%) and inadequate neurology teachers (32%). CONCLUSIONS: Nigerian medical students perceived neurology as the most difficult medical specialty and are not interested in specializing in it. Neurology education could be improved upon by provision of more bedside tutorials and increased availability of online resources to enhance learning. There is need to emphasize increased frequency of small group discussions amongst students so that they will be used to teamwork after graduation.

Pattern of urinary sediments and comparison with dipstick urinalysis in hypertensive Nigerians.

BACKGROUND: Urinary sediment examination and dipstick urinalysis are an integral part in evaluating hypertensive patients. This study aims to determine the prevalence of urinary sediment abnormalities and compare this result with dipstick urinalysis in hypertensive Nigerians. METHODS: 138 newly diagnosed, adult, hypertensive Nigerians were studied. They were compared with an age- and sex-matched non-hypertensive control group from the general population. The subjects' urine samples were analyzed by dipstick test and microscopy (bright field), enhanced by Sternheimer's stain. Significant sediments were defined as =3/hpf and dipstick proteinuria or hematuria as =1+. RESULTS: Mean age was 43.21±9.64 yrs and 43.19±9.55 yrs in patients and controls respectively with 76 (55%) males in the patients and 80 (58%) in controls. Microscopic hematuria (=3/hpf) was detected in 15.2% of the patients and 3.6% of the control group (p=0.0009).Other elements present in insignificant quantities in patients and controls, respectively, were: leukocytes (7.2%, 9.4%, p=0.513); hyaline casts (5.8%, 8%, p=0.476), granular casts (1.4%, 0%) and crystals (6.5%, 5.1%, p=0.606). Dipstick proteinuria with hematuria was found in 6.55% and proteinuria alone in 1.45% of cases, while the control group showed 2.2% and 1.45% of hematuria and proteinuria, respectively; 47.6% of hypertensive patients with urinary sediment hematuria were not detected by dipstick test. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertensive Nigerians showed a high prevalence of microscopic hematuria which may be suggestive of sub-clinical kidney damage at diagnosis. There is a high false-negative rate with dipstick urinalysis, underscoring the need for routine examination of urinary sediment in the assessment of hypertensive patients.