Ocular disorders in adult patients with tuberculosis in a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria

Objectives:

To determine the ocular disorders in adult tuberculosis (TB) patients in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methods:

A prospective study of adult TB patients presenting at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, between March 2006 and October 2006 was undertaken. The patients were interviewed and examined by the authors and the ocular findings recorded.

Results:

There were 92 patients (45 males and 47 females) with mean age 37.9 years (SD±15.6). Only one (1.1 percent) was HIV positive. Among the ocular findings in patients with TB, 8 patients had monocular blindness that included cataracts in 3 (37.5 percent), glaucoma in 2 (25 percent), optic atrophy, retinal vasculitis and maculopathy accounting for one case each (12.5 percent). Ocular disorders due to TB occurred in 9 patients (9.8 percent). These include cataract in 2 cases (2.2 percent), phlyctenular conjunctivitis in 2 cases (2.2 percent), glaucoma, anterior uveitis, chorioretinitis, retinal vasculitis, maculopathy, and optic atrophy each occurring in 1 case (1.1 percent).

Conclusion:

Tuberculosis is a cause of ocular morbidity, visual impairment and blindness. Prevention, early diagnosis and early treatment of TB may prevent avoidable visual loss.

The electrical axis of the heart in nigerian patients with chronic obstructive lung disease in Benin City

BACKGROUND

Of the electrocardiographic changes in chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) patients, a shift of the P wave axis greater than 900 which is highly characteristic, is said to be due to hyperinflation and does not occur in interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the electrocardiographic changes in chronic obstructive lung disease patients.

METHODS

The electrical axis of the various waves of the ECG using the hexiaxial reference system in 92 Nigerian patients with COLD were examined, 39 of whom had associated cor pulmonale. P wave axis greater than 900 was present in 2(19.1%) of 17 patients with COLD alone and 15(41.7%) out of 36 with development of corpulmonale (p<0.001). The mean P wave axis was 64.7 ± 10.6 0 in those without cor pulmonale while it was significantly shifted to the right (83.90) in those with cor pulmonale. The mean QRS axis was 53.50 ± 21.20 and 89.0 ±12.40 in those without and with cor pulmonale respectively (p=0.7716). The QRS axis was normal in all but one of those without cor pulmonale while there was a right axis deviation in 51.7% of those with it. ST and T wave changes were mainly present in those with associated cor pulmonale.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that a shift of the electrical axis of the heart occurs in COLD patients mainly with the development of right ventricular hypertrophy (cor pulmonale), rather than the hyperinflation.

Epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Central Hospital, Benin City

BACKGROUND

Poverty, overcrowding, homelessness, malnutrition and the AIDS pandemic has worsen the problem of tuberculosis in the developing countries, Nigeria inclusive with Nigeria being the fifth among the twenty-two high tuberculosis burden countries.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the epidemiological factors associated with the distribution of tuberculosis in Benin City, Nigeria.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional and descriptive one and carried out in two major public hospitals in Benin City, Nigeria, namely University of Benin Teaching Hospital (a tertiary hospital) and the Central Hospital (a secondary hospital) within one year period.

RESULTS

The results of study revealed more males were affected than females (1.7:1). The mean age was 39.9 +/- 16.7 years with the largest number of patients (71.5%) being in the age groups 21 - 30 years. The major defaulters to anti-tuberculosis drugs were those with primary education and no formal education, which together constituted 80%.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculosis was seen to be more common in males than females and the age group mostly affected was between 21 and 30 years. It still remains a disease of the low socio-economic status and those living in overcrowded environment. Compliance was poor amongst the uneducated and the poor.

Contact tracing/pre-employment screening for pulmonary tuberculosis: should positive Mantoux test necessitates routine chest X-ray?

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a scourge in most developing countries. Mantoux skin test and more commonly chest radiography are some of the methods of diagnosing the disease, especially with regard to contact tracing and pre-employment screening. Regular use of radiography has both safety and cost implications. This study aimed at establishing if any justification exists in requesting for chest radiographs in asymptomatic subjects with a positive Mantoux skin test reaction.

METHODS

174 adults comprising PTB contacts and newly employed/admitted university staff/students were recruited into the study. They were 89 males (51.1%) and 85 females (48.9%). All subjects had Mantoux test (using purified protein derivative, PPD). Patients who had positive Mantoux reaction subsequently were subjected to posteroanterior chest radiographic examination. Mantoux test and chest radiographic findings were then correlated with each other.

RESULTS

102 subjects (59.2%) had positive Mantoux reactions, while 27 subjects (31.1%) had abnormal chest radiographs. There was no significant correlation between Mantoux readings and chest radiographic findings (P=0.106).

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that other ancillary tests like sputum examination and/or, where available, Interferon and ESAT tests should be carried out before chest radiograph is requested in subjects with positive Mantoux reaction.

The prevalence, management and burden of asthma - a Nigerian study

Inadequate attention given to the management of asthma and ways of improving treatment could be a significant factor for the increase morbidity and mortality from asthma despite major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. There seems to be paucity of data concerning the management pattern and burden of asthma in Africa. This study was under taken to determine the prevalence, management pattern and the burden of asthma. This study was a cross sectional design involving clinical and lung function assessment. The diagnosis of asthma was made using the clinical features of asthma and lung function parameters (Forced expiratory volume in one second, Peak expiratory flow rate, Reversibility tests). Totally, 120 asthma patients participated in this study. All subjects completed the clinical asthma control questionnaires. All items were rated with the calculation of their mean and percentages. Student t-test was used to calculate the difference between the mean of the lung function tests for subjects and control. The prevalence of asthma among respiratory unit patients was 6.6% and higher in the first three decades of life with female preponderance (F:M=1.5-1).There is a strong family history of asthma(81.7%). Associated allergies include rhinitis (75%), pharyngitis (54%), conjunctivitis (54%) and dermatitis (30%). Percentage of asthma patients treated with bronchodilators alone (70%), combined inhaled bronchodilators and steroid (28.3%). Impaired daily activities include sports (84%), Job career (60%), Physical activity (55%), Social activity (54%), Household chores (61%), Disturbed sleep (53%), Daytime symptoms (51%), Hospitalized(50%). Subjects had significant low lung function values when compared with control (P < 0.05). The burden of asthma is very high despite the advanced knowledge of the pathophysiology and management of asthma.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus in ophthalmic surgical patients

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus in one hundred and sixteen (116) ophthalmic patients who had surgery over a two year period (July 2003 to June 2005) in the Department ofOphthalmology of the University ofBenin Teaching Hospital, Benin City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A two year prospective study was carried out on 116 ophthalmic patients who had surgery between July 2003 and June 2005, A total of 116 patients were screened for HIV 1 & 2. An informed consent was obtained from all the patients. Patients who did not give their consent were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

The total number of patients screened was one hundred and sixteen (116).There were 61 males and 55 females The age range was lyear to 78years with a mean age of 46 +/- 22.2 years (SD). The highest number of patients, 25 was found in the age group 61-70 years, comprising 21.6 of the total number of patients, followed by 24 patients in the 51 60 years age group. Three (3) patients comprising 2.6% were HIV positive. There were 2 females aged 25 and 50 years and a male aged 42years. The 25 year old female presented with squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva, while the 57 year old woman had panophthalmitis. The male patient had herpes zoster ophthalmicus. He developed corneal opacities as complications of herpes zoster and had a peripheral iridectomy done to improve his vision.

CONCLUSION

Although the HIV seropositivity rate of 2.6% is low, there is a need to do routine testing for HIV seropositivity in ophthalmic surgical patients who are billed for surgery as it gives them an opportunity to know their HIV status, thus enabling them to take appropriate preventive or treatment measures where necessary. HIV screening should be mandatory for high risk patients such as those with panophthalmitis, herpes zoster and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva that are markers for HIV.

Effects of breast cancer and mastectomy on fibrinolytic activity in African women

Reduced blood fibrinolytic activity (FA) has been postulated in cancer. It is good to know if this is also the case in Africans with breast cancer. Africans are known to possess enhanced fibrinolysis. This study was designed to assess the effect o breast cancer on fibrinolytic activity and the effect of mastectomy on fibrinolysis in African women. Sixty histo-patholically proven breast cancer patients aged 25 - 45 years were compared with 50 healthy age-matched controls. Plasma fibrinogen levels and euglobulin lysis time (ELT) were estimated in breast cancer patients and th controls. Patients with breast cancer had significantly increased fibrinogen levels euglobulin lysis time (P < 0.001) compare with controls. There was significant mean difference between pre and post-mastectomy fibrinogen and euglobulin lysis time values (p < 0.05). Progressive significant decrease in fibrinogen levels and euglobulin lysis time values (P < 0.05) were observed over the weeks studied respectively. African women with breast cancer have defective fibrin clearing which could predispose them to thrombotic diathesis and early mastectomy may be beneficial. We suggest that fibrinolytic components may be a prognostic marker for breast cancer.

Peripheral lymphadenopathy in Nigerian children

AIM

Peripheral lymphadenopathy remains an extremely common clinical problem in Paediatrics. To define the causes of lymph node enlargement in children in this environment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 20 year (1984-2003) retrospective study was conducted on all lymph node biopsies received from children (0-14 years) at the Department of Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Information derived from this study should serve as a diagnostic guide to clinicians.

RESULTS

A total of 126 lymph node biopsies were received from children constituting 22.8% of all lymph nodes biopsies received during the period of study. The mean age was 8.3 years (SD +/- 3.1 years). Most (66.7%) cases were males. Regional adenopathy was observed in 90.5% of cases. Overall, the cervical group of lymph nodes was most commonly affected comprising 64 (50.8%) cases. Tuberculosis was the predominant cause of peripheral lymphadenopathy constituting 61 cases (48.4%) and also the commonest cause of cervical lymphadenopathy (62.5%). Non-specific reactive changes, non Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma were seen in 32 (25.4%), 22 (17.4%), 7 (5.6%), and 2 (1.6%) cases respectively. Kaposi sarcoma and sarcoidosis constituted one case each.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the pattern of disease is similar to that of other developing countries. The triad of symptoms including fever, fatigue and weight loss, were recurrent in tuberculous and lymphoma patients. It is thus, imperative to commence antituberculous therapy only after histological diagnosis.

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema associated with asthma exacerbation

The case of a nineteen year old male student who presented with marked dyspnoea, dysphagia and horseness of voice is presented. Chest examination revealed bilateral polyphonic rhonchi and the chest radiograph showed the presence of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. A diagnosis of acute severe asthma complicated with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum was made and the patient was managed conservatively on nebulized salbutamol, steroids, oxygen and chest physiotheraphy. He made a remarkable improvement and has remained in a stable clinical condition.

Body fat distribution and other anthropometric blood pressure correlates in a Nigerian urban elderly population

Blood pressure (BP) has been reported to be more consistently correlated with body mass index (BMI) than with waist-hip ratio (WHR) in Blacks. We present the correlates of BP in a systematic sample of 152 (65.7 pc response rate) elderly urban Nigerians, with a mean age of 72.7 yrs. +/- 12.1 for males and 73.2 yrs, +/- 11.9 for females. There were 12.3 pc and 22.3 pc obesity rates in the males and females respectively, with an equivalent mean BMI of 22.8 kg/m2 and 23.4 kg/m2 and WHR of 0.97 and 0.94. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) correlated with BMI, r = 0.26; p < 0.01 and r = 0.42; p < 0.001, only in females. WHR did not correlate with BP in either sex, but waist and hip measurements correlated significantly with BP in both sexes. The most important predictor of BP is BMI for females and waist measurement for men. Although smoking and alcohol were not related to BP in either sex, the data suggests that alcohol enhanced, while tobacco inhibited weight gain significantly in males, who on the whole indulged more than the females. Fasting or two hour whole blood glucose were not related to BP. The findings are in support of the adverse effects of weight on BP in the elderly. There is need to study attitudes to adult weight gain as expressed in body shape, and to use the findings in the development of weight control programmes as part of blood pressure control in the elderly.