scholarly journals Evaluation of Vitamin D in Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients at Steady State

Author(s):  
Umar Aminu Abdullah ◽  
Mohammed Bashir AbdulRahman ◽  
Bello Aminu ◽  
Abubakar Umar Musa ◽  
Isah Balarabe

Background: Sickle cell anaemia is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa with high morbidities like bony alterations and bone fragility especially in those with vitamin D deficiency. There is paucity of research data on bone biomarkers in patients with sickle cell anaemia especially in Northern Nigeria. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D in adult sickle cell anaemia patients at steady state. Materials and Methods: Seventy-seven patients with sickle cell anaemia and equal number of apparently healthy matched controls were recruited for the study. Various biochemical parameters of bone metabolism were measured. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: The mean age of SCA adult patients and controls wer

2012 ◽  
Vol 141 (8) ◽  
pp. 1764-1771 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. AGIER ◽  
M. STANTON ◽  
G. SOGA ◽  
P. J. DIGGLE

SUMMARYMeningococcal meningitis is a major public health problem in the African Belt. Despite the obvious seasonality of epidemics, the factors driving them are still poorly understood. Here, we provide a first attempt to predict epidemics at the spatio-temporal scale required for in-year response, using a purely empirical approach. District-level weekly incidence rates for Niger (1986–2007) were discretized into latent, alert and epidemic states according to pre-specified epidemiological thresholds. We modelled the probabilities of transition between states, accounting for seasonality and spatio-temporal dependence. One-week-ahead predictions for entering the epidemic state were generated with specificity and negative predictive value >99%, sensitivity and positive predictive value >72%. On the annual scale, we predict the first entry of a district into the epidemic state with sensitivity 65·0%, positive predictive value 49·0%, and an average time gained of 4·6 weeks. These results could inform decisions on preparatory actions.


Thorax ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 604-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Arigliani ◽  
Robert Kitenge ◽  
Luigi Castriotta ◽  
Pathy Ndjule ◽  
Vincenzo Barbato ◽  
...  

Lung function in patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) living in sub-Saharan Africa is largely unknown. Anthropometry and spirometry were cross-sectionally evaluated in patients with SCA (HbSS) aged 6–18 years and in schoolchildren from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Global Lung Initiative 2012 spirometry reference values were used. A total of 112 patients and 377 controls were included. Twenty-six per cent of patients with SCA had spirometry findings suggestive of a restrictive pattern and 41% had a FEV1 z-score <5th percentile. Wasting, increasing age and female sex were independently associated with increased risk of restrictive spirometry pattern in patients with SCA. Longitudinal studies could clarify the prognostic meaning of these findings.


Parasitology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 137 (13) ◽  
pp. 1937-1949 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. STANDLEY ◽  
N. B. KABATEREINE ◽  
C. N. LANGE ◽  
N. J. S. LWAMBO ◽  
J. R. STOTHARD

SUMMARYIntestinal schistosomiasis continues to be a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, and is endemic in communities around Lake Victoria. Interest is growing in the molecular evolution and population genetic structure of Schistosoma mansoni and we describe a detailed analysis of the molecular epidemiology and phylogeography of S. mansoni from Lake Victoria. In total, 388 cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) sequences were obtained from 25 sites along the Ugandan, Tanzanian and Kenyan shorelines of Lake Victoria, and 122 unique barcodes were identified; 9 corresponded to previously discovered barcodes from Lakes Victoria and Albert. A subset of the data, composed of COI sequences from miracidia from 10 individual children, was used for population genetics analyses; these results were corroborated by microsatellite analysis of 4 isolates of lab-passaged adult worms. Overall, 12 barcodes were found to be shared across all 3 countries, whereas the majority occurred singly and were locally restricted. The population genetics analyses were in agreement in revealing high diversity at the level of the human host and negligible population structuring by location. The lack of correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance in these data may be attributed to the confounding influence of high intra-individual diversity as well as human migration between communities.


Author(s):  
Barinaaziga S. Mbeera ◽  
Susanna O. Akwuebu ◽  
A. C. U. Ezimah ◽  
Nancy C. Ibeh ◽  
Evelyn M. Eze

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess some haemostatic parameters in sickle cell anaemia subjects in Rivers and Bayelsa States. Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, and the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, between the months of February and August, 2020.  Methodology: A total of four hundred and fifty (450) subjects with age range of 1-50 years were randomly selected. There were about 200 registered patients (adults and children alike) at the sickle cell clinics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, with an average of 4 new patients per month. The sample size was obtained using a prevalence of sickle cell anaemia of 2% and the sample size was calculated using Cochran sample size formula. Five milliliters (5ml) of venous blood sample was withdrawn from the peripheral vein in the upper limb of subjects using a standard venipuncture technique. The sample was rocked gently to mix and kept at room temperature and the haemostatic parameters (vWF, FVIII, D-dimer, L-arginine, fibrinogen, ADAMTS13) were assayed quantitatively with Bioassay Technozym kit using Microplate Reader (Labtech microplate auto ELISA plate reader, an IS0 13485:2003 CE and WHO compliance Co., Ltd. Shanghai International Holding Corp. GmbH; Europe) calibrated to a wavelength of 450 nm with strict adherence to the manufacturer's instructions, while PT and APTT were analysed with Fortress reagent and Uniscope SM801A Laboratory using water bath.Data management and statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Analyses System SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA) and p values less than .05were considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed the mean comparison of haemostatic parameters in sickle cell anaemia and control subjects. The comparison of haemostatic parameters showed significant(p<.05) increasesand decreases inVaso-Occlusive Crisis (VOC) and steady state respectively compared with the control group. There was statistically significantreduction in the mean comparison of L-Arginine (p<.01) in VOC) condition than steady state in relation to the control group in our study population, while D-Dimer, ADAMTS13 were also significantly reduced statistically (p<.01) in VOC condition than steady state compared with the control group. However, the mean FVIII inhibitor, Fibrinogen, PT (INR) and APTT were significantly higher (p<.01) in VOC than steady state when compared to controls with normal haemoglobin (HbAA).Correlations of haemostaticparameters by sickle cell anaemia subjects’ condition showed more significant positive correlations in VOC than steady state. Conclusion: This study showed a heightened hypercoagulability in Sickle Cell Snaemia(SCA)subjects, and further pave way for better understanding particularly the diagnostic variables underlying SCA, specific to each subject condition (steady state and VOC). Subjects with SCA, particularly during VOC, undergo significant haemostatic alterations that increase their risk of developing coagulation activation-related complications. Thus, though selected markers of coagulation were significantly different between the subject conditions, they were often significantly higher in the SCA.


2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Collins ◽  
Geoffrey M. Jeffery

SUMMARY Humans are infected by four recognized species of malaria parasites. The last of these to be recognized and described is Plasmodium ovale. Like the other malaria parasites of primates, this parasite is only transmitted via the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The prepatent period in the human ranges from 12 to 20 days. Some forms in the liver have delayed development, and relapse may occur after periods of up to 4 years after infection. The developmental cycle in the blood lasts approximately 49 h. An examination of records from induced infections indicated that there were an average of 10.3 fever episodes of ≥101°F and 4.5 fever episodes of ≥104°F. Mean maximum parasite levels were 6,944/μl for sporozoite-induced infections and 7,310/μl for trophozoite-induced infections. Exoerythrocytic stages have been demonstrated in the liver of humans, chimpanzees, and Saimiri monkeys following injection of sporozoites. Many different Anopheles species have been shown to be susceptible to infection with P. ovale, including A. gambiae, A. atroparvus, A. dirus, A. freeborni, A. albimanus, A. quadrimaculatus, A. stephensi, A. maculatus, A. subpictus, and A. farauti. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been developed to detect mosquitoes infected with P. ovale using a monoclonal antibody directed against the circumsporozoite protein. Plasmodium ovale is primarily distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been reported from numerous islands in the western Pacific. In more recent years, there have been reports of its distribution on the Asian mainland. Whether or not it will become a major public health problem there remains to be seen. The diagnosis of P. ovale is based primarily on the characteristics of the blood stages and its differentiation from P. vivax. The sometimes elliptical shape of the infected erythrocyte is often diagnostic when combined with other, subtler differences in morphology. The advent of molecular techniques, primarily PCR, has made diagnostic confirmation possible. The development of techniques for the long-term frozen preservation of malaria parasites has allowed the development diagnostic reference standards for P. ovale. Infections in chimpanzees are used to provide reference and diagnostic material for serologic and molecular studies because this parasite has not been shown to develop in other nonhuman primates, nor has it adapted to in vitro culture. There is no evidence to suggest that P. ovale is closely related phylogenetically to any other of the primate malaria parasites that have been examined.


2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 1210-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambroise Wonkam ◽  
Cedrik Ngongang Tekendo ◽  
Huguette Zambo ◽  
Michael A. Morris

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mudathir A. Adam ◽  
Nassreldeen K. Adam ◽  
Babiker A. Mohamed

Abstract Objective It is estimated that 50% to 90% of infants born with (SCA) in sub-Saharan Africa die before 5 years old. Northern Darfur State at western Sudan region has a multiethnic population with a high frequency of sickle cell anaemia, but little about it is published. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia among children admitted to Al Fashir Teaching Hospital in Al Fashir, Northern Darfur State, Sudan. Results The prevalence of sickle cell disease by haemoglobin electrophoresis among these 400 children patients was 59 (14.8%). Sickle cell trait patients were 11.3% and Sickle cell disease positive patients were 3.5%. Individuals with SCA have consistently low blood Hb concentration, normal MCV and high mean WBC’s. Individuals with sickle cell trait had haematological parameters near to those of normal individuals.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.M. Sani ◽  
I. Bitrus ◽  
A.M. Sarki ◽  
N.S. Mujahid

AbstractHepatitis is one of the neglected infectious diseases in sub Saharan Africa and most of the available data is based on blood donors. Health care workers (HCWs) often get infected as a result of their close contact with patients. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among this group of professionals with a view to improving the quality of care to their patients. Hepatitis B and C infections pose a major public health problem worldwide. While infection is highest in the developing world particularly Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare workers are at higher risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections, particularly Hepatitis B and C which are mostly asymptomatic. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections and associated risk factors among health care workers in Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State - Nigeria. A standard rapid immuno-chromatographic technique i.e. rapid ELISA was used to screen all sera for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C viral antibody (HCVAb) respectively. Strips containing coated antibodies and antigens to HBV and HCV respectively were removed from the foil. Strips were labeled according to samples. Using a separate disposable pipette, 2 drops of the sample (plasma) were added into each test strip and allowed to run across the absorbent pad. Results were read after 15 minutes. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in 100 healthcare workers was determined by testing the plasma collected from the clients during their normal checkup using HBsAg and HCVAb test strips. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square test. The prevalence of HBV among HCWs was 19 out of 100 (19.0%) and that of HCV was 5 out of 100 (5.0%) where in both cases, higher prevalence was observed among female nurses. It was also observed that all HCV positive cases were recorded among nurses only. The study revealed that nurses are at greater risk of contracting HBV and HCV due to their frequent contact with patients. It is therefore recommended that effective vaccination and other infection control measures be encouraged among healthcare workers.


Author(s):  
S. Y. Lema ◽  
J. Suleiman ◽  
J. Ibrahim

Sickle Cell Anaemia is still considered the most common genetic disease worldwide, causing morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mediterranean areas, Middle East and India. Nigeria, being the most populous black nation in the world, bears its greatest burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of Sickle Cell Anaemia among children attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto. A total of one hundred (100) blood samples were examined for the disease. Out of the 100 children tested for the disease. (59%) were normal (HbAA), (35%) were carrier (HbAS) and (6%) were Sicklers (HbSS). The result based on gender showed that female has the highest percentage of the disease (5%) against male subjects with only (1%). A child between the age group 6-10 years has the highest rate of sickle cell anaemia (3%) while age group 11-15 years had the lowest rate of the infection. Improved knowledge regarding Sickle cell anaemia disease and its comprehensive care among Nigerian physicians will enhance quality of care for affected childrens and policy for regular genotype test by government and other stakeholders before marriage among Nigerians will help to prevent the disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Carolle Kpoumie

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited genetic disease that affects the hemoglobin chains of red blood cell hemoglobin, carrying oxygen less well through the body. It is a rare disease, however, it is the most widespread genetic disease in the world and especially widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. It causes anemia, painful seizures that affect several organs, it is also called sickle cell anemia, this disease results in a deformation of red blood cells in the form of sickle or a crescent moon, which prevents normal circulation in the blood vessels. This will cause blood flow to be blocked. It is a disease that is geographically concentrated in certain areas such as Africa, India, Brazil, the Mediterranean Basin, but it is currently found everywhere because of mass migration and has been considered since 2008 by United Nations as a public health priority. Sickle cell disease affects black people and accounts for 50% of deaths in childhood.


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