Case Report of Graves' Disease in a 45-Year-Old Woman Secondary to Herceptin Treatment for Breast Cancer.

Graves' disease is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis and is characterized by ophthalmopathy with proptosis, chemosis, or conjunctival injection; pretibial myxedema; and thyroid acropachy. It is an autoimmune disease that can be genetic or influenced by coexisting environmental factors such as exposure to anticancer drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. The incidence rate of breast cancer is increasing due to rising awareness of risk factors and screening for breast cancer, and the mortality rate is decreasing due to recent advances in cancer treatment. However, there are side effects that are attributed to these treatment modalities, manifesting in various forms in breast cancer survivors, which are reflected in the patient in this case study.

Telemedicine ready or not? A cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria.

Introduction and objective: Telemedicine has reinforced its position as a means for the continuity of healthcare services and a cost-effective approach to improving health equity as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The preparedness of health systems for telemedicine is an indicator of the scalability of their services, especially during catastrophes. We aimed to assess the maturity and preparedness of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria, to deploy telemedicine as such data are currently lacking and are required to drive improvements in health services delivery. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of thirty randomly selected federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria using the Pan American Health Organization's tool for assessing the maturity level of health institutions to implement telemedicine between 17 September 2020 and 1 September 2021. Descriptive statistics were used for overall maturity levels and non-parametric tests to compare scores for overall maturity and specific Pan American Health Organization domains per region. The level of significance was set at p-value <0.05. Results: The response rate was 77.4% (24 of 30 randomly polled federally funded tertiary health institutions responded). Overall, the median telemedicine maturity level was 2.0 (1.75) indicating a beginner level. No significant inter-zonal difference in the median overall maturity level (p = 0.87). The median maturity levels for telemedicine readiness in specific domains were organizational readiness - 2.0 (2.0), processes 1.0 (1.0), digital environment 2.0 (3.0), human resources 2.0 (1.0), regulatory issues - 1.5 (1.0) and expertise 2.0 (2.0); mostly at beginner level, with no inter-zonal differences. Most participating institutions had no initiatives in place for domains of processes and regulatory issues. Conclusions: The current telemedicine maturity level of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria is at the beginner level. This behoves policy-makers to advance the implementation and deployment of telemedicine nationwide as part of digital quality healthcare, to improve health equity and to ensure continuity of healthcare services in the event of another pandemic.

Prevalence of haemoglobin A1c based dysglycaemia among adult community dwellers in selected states in Nigeria: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease of public health importance globally with an increasing burden of undiagnosed pre-diabetes and diabetes in low- and middle-income countries, Nigeria in particular. Pre-diabetes and diabetes are established risk factors for cardiovascular complications. However, data are scanty on the current prevalence of these conditions in Nigeria, based on haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) diagnosis as recommended by the WHO in 2009. We aimed to determine the prevalence of pre-diabetes, diabetes, and undiagnosed diabetes among the adult population of Nigeria using HbA1c. Methodology: A cross-sectional, multi-site population study was carried out in selected states in Nigeria (namely, Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, and Kwara states) involving 2,708 adults (≥18 years) in rural and urban community dwellers, without prior diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes. Participants with ongoing acute or debilitating illnesses were excluded. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic, clinical (weight, height, blood pressure, etc.), and laboratory characteristics of participants including HbA1c were obtained. Data were analysed using STATA version 16. Results: The mean age of participants was 48.1 ± 15.8 years, and 65.5% were female. The overall prevalence of pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes was 40.5% and 10.7%, respectively, while the prevalence of high blood pressure was 36.7%. The prevalence of pre-diabetes was the highest in Lagos (48.1%) and the lowest in Ekiti (36.7%), while the prevalence of diabetes was the highest in Kwara (14.2%) and the lowest in Ekiti (10%). There was a significant association between age of the participants (p< 0.001), gender (p = 0.009), educational status (p = 0.008), occupation (p< 0.001), tribe (p = 0.004), marital status (p< 0.001), blood pressure (p< 0.001), and their diabetic or pre-diabetic status. Independent predictors of diabetes and pre-diabetes include excess weight gain, sedentary living, and ageing. Participants within the age group 45-54 years had the highest total prevalence (26.6%) of pre-diabetes and diabetes. Conclusion: Over half of the respondents had pre-diabetes and diabetes, with a high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes. A nationwide screening campaign will promote early detection of pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes among adult Nigerians. Health education campaigns could be an effective tool in community settings to improve knowledge of the risk factors for diabetes to reduce the prevalence of dysglycaemia.

Diabetes foot ulceration in a Nigerian hospital: in-hospital mortality in relation to the presenting demographic, clinical and laboratory features.

This prospective study assessed in-hospital mortality from diabetic foot ulcer in relation to the demographic, clinical and laboratory features at presentation. Forty-two patients admitted with diabetic foot ulcer were followed up from admission till discharge from hospital. Those who survived or died were compared for any differences in demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters at presentation. The mean age and duration of diabetes for the 42 patients were 56.1 +/- 1.9 years and 8.3 +/- 1.1 years, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate amongst the 42 subjects was 40.5%. Ulcer grade > or =4, leucocytosis and anaemia were more prevalent in those who demised in comparison with survivors.

Association between periodontal diseases and systemic illnesses: A survey among internal medicine residents in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess internal medicine residents' knowledge of associations between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, and attitudes toward patients' periodontal health. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among internal medicine residents attending the Faculty of Internal Medicine 2014 Update Course organized by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Participants came from all over the country. Data on respondents' demographic characteristics, periodontal disease knowledge, knowledge of associations between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, and attitudes toward patients' periodontal health were collected. Data were analyzed using Epi INFO software. The Pearson chi square test was used to measure significant association between categorical variables such as the knowledge of periodontal disease and gender, age group and designation of the participants (p â©½ 0.05). RESULTS: Of 150 questionnaires distributed, 123 were returned (82% response rate); 109 questionnaires were completed properly and included in the analysis. The most common source of residents' information on oral health was television (59.4%). Only 11.2% of respondents were aware that gingival bleeding was the earliest sign of periodontal disease. Respondents correctly identified periodontal disease as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (45.9%), stroke (43.5%), hospital-acquired pneumonia (53.2%), diabetes mellitus (13.8%), and preterm birth (11%). Increased age (p = 0.032) and male gender (p = 0.022) were associated significantly with knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor for stroke. Higher designation (p = 0.002) and longer duration in residency training (p = 0.004) were associated significantly with knowledge of periodontal disease as risk factor for peripheral arterial disease. The majority (90.9%) of respondents had positive attitudes toward the referral of their patients for regular periodontal care. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor for systemic illnesses among medical residents in Nigeria is inadequate. These relationships should be emphasized in continuing medical education courses.

Performance of waist circumference and proposed cutoff levels for defining overweight and obesity in Nigerians.

BACKGROUND: Waist circumference (WC) is a simple tool for measuring central obesity in routine clinic settings. Gender- and ethnic-specific optimal cutoff points for WC are encouraged for populations lacking such data. OBJECTIVES: To derive WC cutoff values, predictive of overweight and obesity in Nigerians and to evaluate the performance of currently recommended values. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Apparently, healthy urban dwellers from six cities spread across Nigeria were selected for this cross-sectional study. Biophysical profiles such as blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured according to the World Health Organization's STEPs instrument protocol. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff levels using the decision rule of maximum (sensitivity + specificity). The level of significance was set at P< 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 6089 subjects (3234 males and 2855 females) were recruited for the study. WC demonstrated a high area under the curve in both genders. Selected cutoff points ranged from 83 to 96 cm with high sensitivities and specificities. CONCLUSIONS: The currently recommended gender-specific WC cutoff values proved inappropriate in this study group, but WC remains a reliable tool for measuring obesity.

Diabetes Care in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a noncommunicable disease that has attained great significance in the sub-Saharan region, with Nigeria being the most affected. Many persons with the condition suffer a reduced life expectancy and quality of life. Diabetes places an extra burden on the individuals and families affected, especially for the majority of patients unable to access quality health care. OBJECTIVE: To describe the elements of diabetes management in Nigeria, areas for improvement, and proposed strategies to optimize care. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on diabetes in Nigeria. Local and nonindexed literature, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to source information on the subject. FINDINGS: Diabetes-related morbidity and mortality continue to increase due to population expansion, urban migration, declining physical activity, and dietary factors. The organization of diabetes care is poorly coordinated, especially at the primary and secondary tiers of the public health care system, with consequent poor outcomes. Thus life expectancy (just about 50 years), which is low in the region, is further reduced by the double jeopardy of communicable (eg, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria) and noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and its closely related comorbidity, hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The way forward is to improve maternal and child care, promote screening of at-risk populations, and develop strategies for primary prevention and early intervention to optimize glycemic control. Greater commitment to health care by the government and nongovernmental organizations and greater awareness by Nigerians should facilitate the desired improvements in disease prevention and glycemic control in those who are already affected.

Thyroid autoimmunity in pregnant Nigerians.

CONTEXT: Thyroid autoimmunity is a recognized disorder in pregnancy and is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes. AIM: This study set out to determine the relationship between pregnancy and thyroid autoimmunity in Nigerian women. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an analytical cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria with a total study population of 108 pregnant and 52 nonpregnant women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Serum thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were quantitatively determined using enzyme linked immuno-assays. Pregnant women were grouped into three categories (<14 weeks, 14-28 weeks and > 28 weeks). The relationship between pregnancy and thyroid autoimmunity was determined using Spearman correlation. Analysis of variance was used in comparison of means, Chi-square test used in analyzing proportions while P ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the pregnant women was 30.4 ± 6.0 years while the mean gestational age of all pregnant women was 20.6 ± 9.6 weeks. The mean TPO-Ab of 11.58 IU/ml in the pregnant was significantly higher than that of the controls of 7.23 IU/ml (P < 0.001). Out of 108 pregnant women, 27 (25%) had elevated TPO-Ab as against about 2% of the nonpregnant women levels P < 0.001. The number of pregnant women with elevated TPO-Ab levels decreased from 33.3% in the first group to 25.6% and 15.2% in the second and third groups. CONCLUSION: Thyroid autoimmunity expressed by the presence of TPO-Ab is high among pregnant Nigerian women and the frequency of autoimmunity appears to decline with advancing gestational age.

CD4 count as a predictor of adrenocortical insufficiency in persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection: How useful?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of CD4 count in predicting adrenocortical insufficiency (AI) in persons with HIV infection. DESIGN: Experimental study involving people with HIV infection and healthy people. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were recruited from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Forty-three newly diagnosed, treatment naive persons with HIV (23 males and 20 females) and 70 (35 males and 35 females) HIV negative subjects completed the study. INTERVENTION: One microgram Synacthen(®) was given intravenously to stimulate the adrenal glands. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood was collected for cortisol at 0 and 30 min after the injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and CD4 count. RESULTS: Mean basal cortisol was 154.9 ± 27.2 nmol/L and 239.9 ± 31.6 nmol/L (P < 0.001); the 30-min post ACTH test, cortisol level was 354.8 ± 19.9 nmol/L and 870.9 ± 163.5 nmol/L (P < 0.001); the increment was 100.0 ± 17.2 nmol/L and 588.8 ± 143.4 nmol/L (P < 0.001) in HIV and healthy subject group; respectively. Using the diagnostic criteria for diagnosis of AI in this study, fifteen (34.8%) persons with HIV had AI. There was no significant correlation between basal cortisol levels and CD4 count in patients with HIV infection (r = -0.2, P = 0.198). There was no significant correlation between stimulated cortisol level and CD4 count in patients with HIV infection (r = -0.09, P = 0.516). CONCLUSION: CD4 count does not predict the presence or absence of AI. ACTH stimulation of the adrenal gland remains the acceptable standard.

Association of body mass index and abdominal adiposity with atherogenic lipid profile in Nigerians with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension.

BACKGROUND: We explored the relationship between anthropometric indices (obesity and abdominal adiposity) and the presence of an atherogenic lipid profile in Nigerians with major cardiovascular risk factors (type 2 diabetes mellitus-T2DM, hypertension-HBP, and concomitant disease). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a prospective design, 278 patients with T2DM, HBP, or concomitant disease, attending out-patient diabetes and hypertension clinics at a tertiary institution in Nigeria were evaluated. All patients were cholesterol-lowering oral medication naοve. Demographic and clinical data and anthropometric measurements were documented. Fasting lipid profiles were measured in all cases. The cut-off points for defining dyslipidaemia were: Elevated total cholesterol (TC) (mg/dL) ≥200, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholestrol (LDL-C) (mg/dL) ≥100, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (mg/dL) <40 for men and <50 for women, and high triglycerides (TG) (mg/dL) ≥150 mg/dL. RESULTS: We found a significantly higher mean BMI (kg/m(2)) in the HBP group (30.5 ± 6.0) compared to T2DM (28.1 ± 5.9) and concomitant HBP and T2DM groups (29.4 ± 5.2) (ANOVA; P = 0.02). The most frequent dyslipidaemia was elevated LDL-C in 92 (96.8%) HBP, 73 (85.9%) T2DM and 79 (80.6%) concomitant disease. The frequency of low HDL-C was highest in T2DM (68.2%) compared to the other 2 groups (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Only TG levels were found to relate with any anthropometric index (waist circumference (WC) in this case) in Nigerians with major cardiovascular risk factors in this study. Routine anthropometric indices do not appear to be reliable surrogates for atherogenicity measured by abnormalities in TC, LDL-C and HDL-C.

Profile of Nigerians with diabetes mellitus - Diabcare Nigeria study group (2008): Results of a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus is the commonest endocrine-metabolic disorder in Nigeria similar to the experience in other parts of the world. The aim was to assess the clinical and laboratory profile, and evaluate the quality of care of Nigerian diabetics with a view to planning improved diabetes care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a multicenter study across seven tertiary health centers in Nigeria, the clinical and laboratory parameters of diabetic out-patients were evaluated. Clinical parameters studied include type of diabetes, anthropometry, and blood pressure (BP) status, chronic complications of diabetes, and treatment types. Laboratory data assessed included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h post-prandial (2-HrPP) glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), urinalysis, serum lipids, electrolytes, urea, and creatinine. RESULTS: A total of 531 patients, 209 (39.4%) males and 322 (60.6%) females enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 57.1 ± 12.3 years with the mean duration of diabetes of 8.8 ± 6.6 years. Majority (95.4%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to type 1 DM (4.6%), with P < 0.001. The mean FPG, 2-HrPP glucose, and HbA1c were 8.1 ± 3.9 mmol/L, 10.6 ± 4.6 mmol/L, and 8.3 ± 2.2%, respectively. Only 170 (32.4%) and 100 (20.4%) patients achieved the ADA and IDF glycemic targets, respectively. Most patients (72.8%) did not practice self-monitoring of blood glucose. Hypertension was found in 322 (60.9%), with mean systolic BP 142.0 ± 23.7 mmHg, and mean diastolic BP 80.7 ± 12.7 mmHg. Diabetic complications found were peripheral neuropathy (59.2%), retinopathy (35.5%), cataracts (25.2%), cerebrovascular disease (4.7%), diabetic foot ulcers (16.0%), and nephropathy (3.2%). CONCLUSION: Most Nigerian diabetics have suboptimal glycemic control, are hypertensives, and have chronic complications of DM. Improved quality of care and treatment to target is recommended to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality.

Characterization of lipid parameters in diabetes mellitus--a Nigerian report.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disorder that is often associated with cardiovascular events and underlying lipid abnormalities. Cardiovascular complications are common causes of DM deaths in Nigeria yet dyslipidaemia is one aspect of DM that is underdiagnosed and undertreated in our patients. This report seeks to determine the prevalence and pattern of lipid abnormalities in Nigerians with types I and 2 DM. METHODS: A total of 600 patients with DM aged between 22 - 79 years were evaluated for lipid abnormalities. The anthropometric indices, glycosylated haemoglobin, pattern of DM treatment and co-morbidities were noted. Total cholesterol (TCHOL), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoproteins (HDL-C), low density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the atherogenic indices levels were documented. Test statistic used included student's t test and chi2. RESULTS: Well over half (89%) of the study subjects had lipid abnormalities and there was no statistically significant difference in the proportions of subjects with type 1 and 2 DM with lipid abnormalities. Elevated LDL-C, TCHOL, TG and reduced HDL-C were noted in 74%, 42%, 13%, and 53% respectively of the study subjects. The commonly noted combined lipid abnormalities were elevated TG and reduced HDL-C. Hypertension, significant histories of smoking and alcohol ingestion were found to be potential determinants of the occurrence of dyslipidaemia. Age, sex, type of DM and anthropometric indices were found to be determinants of the the pattern of dyslipidaemia. Only a small proportion - (8%)-of the subjects with dyslipidaemia were on treatment for it. CONCLUSION: Having defined the scope of dyslipidaemia in our patients and also highlighting its gross undertreatment, we hope that our data will help sensitize health care practitioners on screening for and treating dyslipidaemia. Elevated LDL-C and reduced HDL-C should be the primary targets of treatment in our patients with dyslipidaemia.