Salt intake in first degree relations of hypertensive and normotensive Nigerians.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the salt taste threshold (STT) and salt threshold (STT) and salt intake(SI) in first degree relations of hypertensive and normotensive Nigerians. Hence to determine the relevance of STT in the genesis of hypertension in the Nigerian Africans. The relevance of salt to the development of systemic hypertension continues to attract researchers. DESIGN: A comparative study of STT and salt intake in the first degree offspring of hypertensive and normotensive Nigerians. SETTING: University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Edo state of Nigeria. SUBJECTS: Fifty three normotensives youths (31 males and 22 females) whose parents were undergoing treatment at the university of Benin Teaching Hospital and 42 age and sex matched normotensive youths (22 males and 16 females) of normotensive parents from similar socio-economic background were recruited for the study. METHODS: Salt intake was determined with Corning clinical flame photometer using 24 hour urine sample produced by each participants. STT was determined by a double blind method which employed the forced stimulus drop technique. RESULTS: STT and UNa+ were significantly higher in OH than in ON (p < 0.001). There was strong positive correlation between STT and UNa+ (r = 0.77); diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.61); systolic blood pressure (SBP) (rg = 0.54) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (r = 0.69) respectively (P < 0.001). UNa+ also strongly correlated with DBP (r = 0.59); MAP r = 0.60, and SBP (r = 0.36) respectively P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that OH probably consume more sodium than the ON. This tendency to increased sodium (salt) consumption is most likely genetically determined. There is a suggestion that alteration in STT and change in blood pressure tend to occur simultaneously.

Aspects of microbial contamination of tablets dispensed in hospitals and community pharmacies in Benin City, Nigeria

PURPOSE: A research was carried out to investigate the incidence of microflora in tablets dispensed from large container packages used in hospitals and community pharmacies. It was designed to provide baseline data on the common biodegrading microorganisms associated with tablets in retail containers and to highlight the health implications of such observations and roles for pharmacists in self medication phenomenon in Nigeria. METHODS: The protocol for the study involved structured selection of representative named tablets from some public hospitals and community pharmacies within Benin metropolis. Constitutive microorganisms were elaborated and enumerated using standard microbiological protocols. RESULTS: Our results showed that all the tablets sampled had some form of microbial growth. However; aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fungi observed were within standard numerical limits. It was additionally observed that ascorbic acid and folic acid tablets; particularly from the community pharmacies failed the exclusive criteria for Enterobactereacea and Staphylococci. Tablets from public hospitals in general have lower incidence of exclusive microbial contamination; compared with community pharmacies. CONCLUSION: Tablets packed in large containers in retail pharmacies in Benin City are often contaminated with microbial growth. This has possible adverse consequences for those who obtain drugs stored in large containers