A human calculator: a case report of a 27-year-old male with hypercalculia.

Calculation is one of the higher brain functions, which has been linked to the inferior parietal lobule and part of the frontal lobe. Cases of hypercalculia have been reported, usually in the setting of Autism-Spectrum Disorder or Savant syndrome. We report the case of a 27-year-old male undergraduate who had hypercalculia with normal clinical neurological findings. His brain MRI showed a nonspecific lesion in the right parietal lobe white matter. Further functional neuroimaging is suggested.

The Nigeria Parkinson Disease Registry: Process, Profile, and Prospects of a Collaborative Project.

BACKGROUND: Clinical disease registries are useful for quality improvement in care, benchmarking standards, and facilitating research. Collaborative networks established thence can enhance national and international studies by generating more robust samples and credible data and promote knowledge sharing and capacity building. This report describes the methodology, baseline data, and prospects of the Nigeria Parkinson Disease Registry. METHODS: This national registry was established in November 2016. Ethics approval was obtained for all sites. Basic anonymized data for consecutive cases fulfilling the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Brain Bank criteria (except the exclusion criterion of affected family members) are registered by participating neurologists via a secure registry website (www.parkinsonnigeria.com) using a minimal common data capture format. RESULTS: The registry had captured 578 participants from 5 of 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria by July 2019 (72.5% men). Mean age at onset was 60.3 ± 10.7 years; median disease duration (interquartile range) was 36 months (18-60.5 months). Young-onset disease (<50 years) represented 15.2%. A family history was documented in 4.5% and 7.8% with age at onset <50 and ≥ 50, respectively. The most frequent initial symptom was tremor (45.3%). At inclusion, 93.4% were on treatment (54.5% on levodopa monotherapy). Per-capita direct cost for the registry was $3.37. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first published national Parkinson's disease registry in sub-Saharan Africa. The registry will serve as a platform for development of multipronged evidence-based policies and initiatives to improve quality of care of Parkinson's disease and research engagement in Nigeria. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

MAPT allele and haplotype frequencies in Nigerian Africans: Population distribution and association with Parkinson's disease risk and age at onset.

INTRODUCTION: The association between MAPT and PD risk may be subject to ethnic variability even within populations of similar geographical origin. Data on MAPT haplotype frequencies, and its association with PD risk in black Africans are lacking. We aimed to determine the frequencies of MAPT haplotypes and their role as risk factors for PD and age at onset in Nigerians. METHODS: The haplotype and genotype frequencies of MAPT rs1052553 were analysed in 907 individuals with PD and 1022 age-matched healthy controls from the Nigeria Parkinson's Disease Research network cohort. Clinical data related to PD included age at study, age at onset (AAO), and disease duration. RESULTS: The frequency of the H1 haplotype was 98.7% in PD, and 99.1% in controls (p = 0.19). The H2 haplotype was present in - 1.3% of PD and 0.9% of controls (p = 0.24). The most frequent MAPT genotype was H1H1 (PD - 97.5%, controls - 98.2%). The H1 haplotype was not associated with PD risk after accounting for gender and AAO (Odds ratio for H1/H1 vs H1/H2 and H2/H2: 0.68 (95% CI:0.39-1.28); p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support previous studies that report a low frequency of the MAPT H2 haplotype in black ancestry Africans but document its occurrence in Nigerians. The MAPT H1 haplotype was not associated with an increased risk or age at onset of PD in this cohort.

MAPT allele and haplotype frequencies in Nigerian Africans: population distribution and association with Parkinson's disease risk and age at onset.

Background: The microtubule-associated protein tau ( MAPT ) gene is critical because of its putative role in the causal pathway of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the link between the main H1 haplotype and risk of PD. Inconsistencies in reported association may be driven by genetic variability in the populations studied to date. Data on MAPT haplotype frequencies in the general population and association studies exploring the role of MAPT haplotypes in conferring PD risk in black Africans are lacking. Objectives: To determine the frequencies of MAPT haplotypes and explore the role of the H1 haplotype as a risk factor for PD risk and age at onset in Nigerian Africans. Methods: The haplotype and genotype frequencies of MAPT rs1052553 were analysed using PCR-based KASP™ in 907 individuals with PD and 1,022 age-matched neurologically normal controls from the Nigeria Parkinson's Disease Research (NPDR) network cohort. Clinical data related to PD included age at study, age at onset, and disease duration. Results: The frequency of the main MAPT H1 haplotype in this cohort was 98.7% in individuals with PD, and 99.1% in healthy controls (p=0.19). The H2 haplotype was present in 41/1929 (2.1%) of the cohort (PD - 1.3%; Controls - 0.9%; p=0.24). The most frequent MAPT genotype was H1H1 (PD - 97.5%, controls - 98.2%). The H1 haplotype was not associated with PD risk after accounting for gender and age at onset (Odds ratio for H1/H1 vs H1/H2 and H2/H2: 0.68 (95% CI:0.39-1.28); p=0.23). Conclusions: Our findings support previous studies that report a low frequency of the MAPT H2 haplotype in black ancestry Africans, but document its occurrence in the Nigerian population (2.1%). In this cohort of black Africans with PD, the MAPT H1 haplotype was not associated with an increased risk or age at onset of PD.

Stroke units in Nigeria: a report from a nationwide organizational cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Nigeria. Stroke unit care is crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity in stroke. This study describes the stroke units' structure, organization, and care process in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Methods: this study is a cross-sectional descriptive organizational survey-based study using an online structured questionnaire to collect information on the stroke units. Results: five (8.6%) out of 58 hospitals had a stroke unit. The number of beds ranged between 10 and 27 with the coverage of hospital stroke patients ranging from 24% to 100%. All the centers had a multidisciplinary team for their unit. The basic required investigations like computerized tomography and electrocardiography were available in the centers. Thrombolytic therapy coverage was suboptimal in all the centers due to prolonged onset-to-arrival times and inaccessibility of thrombolytic medications. Conclusion: there has been some progress in stroke unit availability since the country´s first stroke unit was established over a decade ago. However, there is still the need to create more stroke units in Nigeria and improve reperfusion therapy coverage.

APOE E4 is associated with impaired self-declared cognition but not disease risk or age of onset in Nigerians with Parkinson's disease.

The relationship between APOE polymorphisms and Parkinson's disease (PD) in black Africans has not been previously investigated. We evaluated the association between APOE polymorphic variability and self-declared cognition in 1100 Nigerians with PD and 1097 age-matched healthy controls. Cognition in PD was assessed using the single item cognition question (item 1.1) of the MDS-UPDRS. APOE genotype and allele frequencies did not differ between PD and controls (p > 0.05). No allelic or genotypic association was observed between APOE and age at onset of PD. In PD, APOE ε4/ε4 conferred a two-fold risk of cognitive impairment compared to one or no ε4 (HR: 2.09 (95% CI: 1.13-3.89; p = 0.02)), while APOE ε2 was associated with modest protection against cognitive impairment (HR: 0.41 (95% CI 0.19-0.99, p = 0.02)). Of 773 PD with motor phenotype and APOE characterized, tremor-dominant (TD) phenotype predominated significantly in ε2 carriers (87/135, 64.4%) compared to 22.2% in persons with postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD) (30/135) and 13.3% in indeterminate (ID) (18/135, 13.3%) (p = 0.037). Although the frequency of the TD phenotype was highest in homozygous ε2 carriers (85.7%), the distribution of motor phenotypes across the six genotypes did not differ significantly (p = 0.18). Altogether, our findings support previous studies in other ethnicities, implying a role for APOE ε4 and ε2 as risk and protective factors, respectively, for cognitive impairment in PD.

Negative screening for 12 rare LRRK2 pathogenic variants in a cohort of Nigerians with Parkinson's disease.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene mutations are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). More than 300 rare LRRK2 variants have been described, with approximately 17 having confirmed or probable pathogenic role in PD. The distribution differs across ethnic groups, but no PD-related LRRK2 pathogenic variant has been described in persons of Black African ancestry within or outside Africa. We previously reported the absence of LRRK2 p.Gly2019Ser mutation in 126 PD and 55 controls from Nigeria. Using Kompetitive Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction, we screened a new cohort of 92 Nigerians with PD and 210 ethnically matched controls for 12 rare LRRK2 variants shown to be pathogenic in other ethnic populations, including p.Gly2019Ser, p.Arg1441His, p.Gly2385Arg, p.Ala419Val, p.Arg1628Pro, p.Pro755Leu, p.Ile2020Thr, and Tyr1699Cys. All were absent in PD and controls, endorsing our previous findings and confirming that rare LRRK2 pathogenic variants reported in Caucasians, Asians, and persons of mixed ancestry are absent in West Africans. Future studies applying next generation sequencing are necessary to explore novel LRRK2 variants indigenous to Black Africans.

A Cross-Sectional Comprehensive Assessment of the Profile and Burden of Non-motor Symptoms in Relation to Motor Phenotype in the Nigeria Parkinson Disease Registry Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Data on non-motor symptoms (NMS) in black Africans with Parkinson's disease (PD) are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of NMS in the Nigeria PD Registry (NPDR) cohort and explore the relationship between NMS and PD motor phenotype. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of the frequency and burden of NMS, based on the non-motor symptoms scale (NMSS) and the Chaudhuri method respectively in our cohort. Baseline demographics, disease characteristics (Hoehn and Yahr stage, MDS-UPDRS total score and Part III motor score), motor phenotype (based on Stebbin et al's algorithm), and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) were documented. RESULTS: Data are presented for 825 PD whose mean age at study was 63.7 ± 10.1 years, female sex-221 [26.8%] while median PD duration was 36 months. PD phenotypes included tremor-dominant 466 (56.5%), postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) 259 (31.4%), and indeterminate 100 (12.1%). 82.6% were on treatment (median LEDD of 500 mg/24 hours). 804 (97.5%) endorsed at least 1 NMS. The median NMSS score was 26.0 while subscores for urinary and sexual function domains were significantly higher in males (P < 0.05). PIGD-PD had more frequent NMS and higher frequency of severe/very severe NMSS burden (P = 0.000 for both). Nocturia and fatigue were the most prevalent NMS overall and across motor subtypes. PIGD phenotype and total UPDRS scores were the independent determinants of NMSS scores (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The profile and burden of NMS, and association with motor subtype in our black African cohort is largely similar to descriptions from other populations.

Clinical profile of parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Current data on the pattern of parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease in Nigerians are sparse.This database was designed to document the clinical profile of PD in Nigerians, and compare this to prior observations. METHODS: A database of patients presenting to the Neurology out-patients clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital was established in October 1996. Demographic and clinical data at presentation (disease stage using Hoehn and Yahr scale; 'off' state severity on the Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale) were documented for patients diagnosed with parkinsonism between October 1996 and December 2006. Cases were classified as Parkinson's disease or secondary parkinsonism (in the presence of criteria suggestive of a secondary aetiology). RESULTS: The hospital frequency of parkinsonism (over a 2-year period, and relative to other neurologic disorders) was 1.47% (i.e. 20/1360). Of the 124 patients with parkinsonism, 98 (79.0%) had PD, while 26 (21.0%) had secondary parkinsonism. Mean age (SD) at onset of PD (61.5 (10.0) years) was slightly higher than for secondary parkinsonism (57.5 (14.0) years) (P = 0.10). There was a male preponderance in PD (3.3 to 1) and secondary parkinsonism (2.7 to 1), while a positive family history of parkinsonism was present in only 1.02% (1/98) of PD. There was a modestly significant difference in age at onset (SD) of PD in men (60.3 (10.4)) compared to women (65.2 (7.9)) (T = 2.08; P = 0.04). The frequency of young onset PD (< or = 50 years) was 16.3% (16/98). The mean time interval from onset of motor symptoms to diagnosis of PD was 24.6 +/- 26.1 months with majority presenting at a median 12 months from onset. On the H&Y scale, severity of PD at presentation was a median 2.0 (range 1 to 4). PD disease subtype was tremor-dominant in 31 (31.6%), mixed 54 (55.1%) and akinetic-rigid 14 (14.3%). Hypertension was present as a co-morbidity in 20 (20.4%), and diabetes in 6 (6.12%). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical profile of PD in Nigerians is similar to that in other populations, but is characterized by delayed presentation as has been reported in other developing countries. Young-onset disease occurs but may be less commonly encountered, and frequency of a positive family history is lower than in western populations.

Helicobacter pylori infection among a pediatric population with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common presenting symptom in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). This may be as a result of complications of the disease, surgical problems, or Helicobacter pylori gastritis. The prevalence of H pylori infection in SCD children is not known. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and association of H pylori infection with RAP in SCD children. METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study conducted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, involving SCD children (subject, n = 118) and non-SCD children (control, n = 118) matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Seroprevalence status of the children was determined by measuring immunoglobulin G antibodies against H pylori using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that had been validated for pediatric use. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of H pylori infection was 155 of 236 (SCD, 67.8%; non-SCD, 63.6%; OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.89-1.28; p = .493). The prevalence increased with age in both SCD and non-SCD children and was significantly highest at the age of 6 to 10 years (p < .001 in each case). H pylori infection was significantly associated with socioeconomic status of the parents (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.49-12.1; p = .004) but not significantly associated with RAP in SCD children (OR, 1.21: 95% CI, 0.55-2.66; p = .632). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of H pylori infection is high in SCD and non-SCD children in Lagos, Nigeria. There was no significant association between H pylori infection and recurrent abdominal pain in SCD children.

Early-Onset Parkinson Disease Screening in Patients From Nigeria.

Introduction: Nigeria is one of the most populated countries in the world; however, there is a scarcity of studies in patients with age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson disease (PD). The aim of this study was to screen patients with PD including a small cohort of early-onset PD (EOPD) cases from Nigeria for PRKN, PINK1, DJ1, SNCA multiplication, and LRRK2 p.G2019S. Methods: We assembled a cohort of 109 Nigerian patients with PD from the four main Nigerian tribes: Yoruba, Igbo, Edo, and Hausa. Fifteen cases [14 from the Yoruba tribe (93.3%)] had EOPD (defined as age-at-onset <50 years). All patients with EOPD were sequenced for the coding regions of PRKN, PINK1, and DJ1. Exon dosage analysis was performed with a multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay, which also included a SNCA probe and LRRK2 p.G2019S. We screened for LRRK2 p.G2019S in the entire PD cohort using a genotyping assay. The PINK1 p.R501Q functional analysis was conducted. Results: In 15 patients with EOPD, 22 variants were observed [PRKN, 9 (40.9%); PINK1, 10 (45.5%); and DJ1, 3 (13.6%)]. Three (13.6%) rare, nonsynonymous variants were identified, but no homozygous or compound heterozygous carriers were found. No exonic rearrangements were present in the three genes, and no carriers of SNCA genomic multiplications or LRRK2 p.G2019S were identified. The PINK1 p.R501Q functional analysis revealed pathogenic loss of function. Conclusion: More studies on age-related neurodegenerative diseases are needed in sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria. Population-specific variation may provide insight into the genes involved in PD in the local population but may also contribute to larger studiesperformed in White and Asian populations.

Profile of Nonmotor Symptoms and the Association with the Quality of Life of Parkinson's Disease Patients in Nigeria.

CONTEXT: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Several nonmotor symptoms (NMS) are associated with the condition, affecting multiple body systems in addition to the nervous system. AIMS: The aim of the study is to describe the profile of NMS and the factors related to their severity as well as their association with the quality of life (QoL) among patients with PD in a Nigerian neurology clinic. METHODS: A total of 105 patients with PD and 105 healthy controls were assessed for various NMS using a validated NMS assessment scale. A validated PD-specific QoL assessment tool, the PD Questionnaire-39 was also administered to the study patients with PD. Analyses for correlation and difference were performed to determine the associated factors of NMS severity and their association with QoL. RESULTS: The most common NMS in the PD patients were in the domains of sleep/fatigue and mood/cognition. The total NMS score were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (median [interquartile range] 42 [13-72] vs. 20 [14-29], P < 0.001). There was a significantly higher score in the advanced Hoehn and Yahr stages (P < 0.001). The duration of PD had a positive correlation with the NMS scores (rs= 0.207, P = 0.034. The total NMS score had a strong positive correlation with the QoL (rs= 0.851, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PD is associated with significant NMS and worsens with the progression of the disease and the duration of illness. These NMS have a significant association with the QoL, necessitating the need for detailed and prompt evaluation and management.

A Nationwide Survey of Parkinson's Disease Medicines Availability and Affordability in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Limited access to medicines can impact negatively on outcomes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study objectives were to determine the availability and assess the affordability of antiparkinsonian medications in pharmacies across Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional nationwide study utilizing the World Health Organization/Health Action Initiative methodology. Strategically selected private- and public-sector pharmacies in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria were surveyed for availability of medicines for management of early and advanced PD. The nine categories were: levodopa/peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors, dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors, anticholinergics, catechol-o-methyl transferase inhibitors, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, antidementia drugs, and miscellaneous (e.g., drugs for orthostatism, urinary incontinence, and sleep disturbance). Unaffordability was defined as paying more than 1 days' wages (>N600 or > US$1.67) for a standard 30-day supply. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three pharmacies were surveyed (62 private [50.4%] and 61 public sector [49.6%]; range of 15-25 pharmacies in each geopolitical zone). Private exceeded public-sector availability across all nine categories of PD medicines (P < 0.05). The most available medicines were dopamine receptor agonists (68.3%; predominantly ergot-derived bromocriptine), anticholinergics (56.1%; mainly trihexyphenidyl), and l-dopa formulations (48%; mainly 250/25 l-dopa/carbidopa). Only two medications (trihexyphenidyl tablets and biperiden injection) were affordable. The average number of day's minimum wages for a 30-day supply of PD medicines was 41.3 days (range, 1-371). CONCLUSIONS: PD medicines access is limited in Nigeria. Strategies, including engagement of stakeholders to consider interventions to improve and prioritize PD medicines access, are urgently warranted.

Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) GLY2019SER mutation is absent in a second cohort of Nigerian Africans with Parkinson disease.

To date the LRRK2 p.G2019S mutation remains the most common genetic cause of Parkinson disease (PD) worldwide. It accounts for up to 6% of familial and approximately 1.5% of sporadic cases. LRRK2 has a kinase enzymatic domain which provides an attractive potential target for drug therapies and LRRK2 kinase inhibitors are in development. Prevalence of the p.G2019S has a variable ethnic and geographic distribution, the highest reported among Ashkenazi Jews (30% in patients with familial PD, 14% in sporadic PD, 2.0% in controls) and North African Berbers (37% in patients with familial PD, 41% in sporadic PD, and 1% in controls). Little is known about the frequency of the LRRK2 p.G2019S among populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Our group and others previously reported that the p.G2019S is absent in a small cohort of Nigerian PD patients and controls. Here we used Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) assay to screen for the p.G2019S in a larger cohort of Black African PD patients (n = 126) and healthy controls (n = 54) from Nigeria. Our analysis confirmed that all patients and controls are negative for the p.G2019S mutation. This report provides further evidence that the LRRK2 p.G2019S is not implicated in PD in black populations from Nigeria and support the notion that p.G2019S mutation originated after the early human dispersal from sub-Saharan Africa. Further studies using larger cohorts and advance sequencing technology are required to underpin the genetic causes of PD in this region.

Effect of sub-clinical hypothyroidism on clinical severity in first-ever acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypothyroidism has been documented to have a positive effect on the clinical presentation and outcome in acute ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in first ever ischemic strokes and to evaluate its effect on the clinical presentation. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, 138 patients diagnosed with first ever ischemic stroke within 7 days of onset were included in the study. Each participant had documentation of demographic data, followed by a detailed neurological examination. Stroke severity on admission was recorded using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and blood samples for free thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were taken within 24h of onset of symptoms. For analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: those who had elevated TSH level (> 2.5 mlU/L) with normal FT4 level were assigned to the sub-clinical hypothyroidism group whilst those with normal thyroid function were assigned to the control group. All values were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The study population comprised of a total number of 138 participants with mean age of 63.4 +/- 12.9 years. The females were 56 (40.6%) and the males were 82 (59.4%). A total number of 11 (7.9%) had subclinical hypothyroidism whilst 127 participants (92%) had normal thyroid functions. The mean NIHSS score of cases with SCH on admission was significantly lower than that of those with normal thyroid functions (6.73 +/- 3.6 vs. 11.1 +/- 6.3, p=0.025). A significantly higher proportion of patients in the SCH group had mild neurologic deficits on admission compared with the group with normal thyroid functions (81.8% vs 24.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study has suggested that subclinical hypothyroidism appears to confer a neuroprotective effect in acute ischemic stroke.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus-associated neuropathy with vitamin E and Eve primrose.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to assess the efficacy and safety of a combination of vitamin E, an antioxidant, and Eve Primrose in the management of painful diabetes mellitus (DM) neuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an interventional study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of vitamin E and Eve Primrose in the management of DM neuropathy. The study was conducted at the Diabetic Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. Eighty individuals with type 2 DM who had painful neuropathy were recruited for this study, which took place for a duration of 1 year. The study subjects underwent clinical and biochemical assessment at baseline and were given vitamin E in a dose of 400 mg in combination with Eve Primrose in doses ranging 500-1000 mg/day. They were afterward assessed for relief of symptoms and possible untoward effects after 2 weeks and, thereafter, monthly for 3 months. The main outcome measure was amelioration of symptoms of neuropathy. RESULTS: The mean age and age range of the study subjects were 58.2 years and 37-70 years, respectively. A total of 70 patients (88%) of the study population reported relief from neuropathic pains. Clinical parameters were comparable between the responders and non-responders. One characteristic feature of the non-responders was that they all had vibration perception threshold of ≥25 mV, which was indicative of severe neuropathy. CONCLUSION: The combination of vitamin E and Eve Primrose is beneficial in the management of mild to moderate diabetic neuropathy.

Primary headache disorders at a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria: prevalence and consultation patterns.

BACKGROUND: Primary headaches are underdiagnosed and undertreated, with a significant impact on social activities and work. AIM: To determine the last-year prevalence and health care utilization pattern of primary headaches at a tertiary centre. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst staff of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. 402 staff members were selected by simple random sampling and administered a detailed structured headache assessment questionnaire. Migraine and tension-type headache were diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Headache Society (2004). RESULTS: The participants comprised 168 males and 234 females. The mean age was 36.9 ± 7.9 years. The overall headache prevalence was 39.3% with female predominance (P < 0.0001). Tension-type headache was the most prevalent at 72.8% and migraine at 18.9%. Unclassifiable headache constituted 8.2%. Migraine headache showed female preponderance (P = 0.000). 80.4% of participants did not seek medical consultation compared with 19.6% who did (P = 0.000). Of the latter, 83.9% consulted the general practitioner (GP), whilst 16.1% consulted the neurologist. CONCLUSIONS: Primary headache prevalence is high in our population. It is not recognised as that requiring care by most of the staff of this tertiary health facility; thus education is required to increase health care utilization.

Glucose and lipid assessment in patients with acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major health issue in Nigeria and it is also a common cause of emergency admissions. Stroke often results in increased morbidity, mortality and reduced quality of life in people thus affected. The risk factors for stroke include metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus (DM). The stress of an acute stroke may present with hyperglycaemia and in persons without a prior history of DM, may be a pointer to stress hyperglycaemia or undiagnosed DM. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross sectional study carried out over a period of one year in a teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Patients with acute stroke admitted to the hospital within three days of the episode of stroke and who met other inclusion criteria for the Study were consecutively recruited. Clinically relevant data was documented and biochemical assessments were carried out within three days of hospitalization. Tests for lipid profile, glycosylated haemoglobin(HbA1c), and blood glucose at presentation were carried out. The presence of past history of DM, undiagnosed DM, stress hyperglycaemia and abnormal lipid profile were noted. Students t test and Chi square were the statistical tests employed. RESULTS: A total of 137 persons with stroke were recruited of which 107 (76%) met the defining criteria for ischaemic stroke. The mean age and age range of the Study subjects were 62.2 (11.7) and 26-89 years respectively. The Study subjects were classified according to their glycaemic status into the following categories viz; stress hyperglycaemia, euglycaemia, DM and previously undiagnosed DM. Stress hyperglycaemia occurred commonly in the fifth decade of life and its incidence was comparable between those with cerebral and haemorrhagic stroke. The commonly occurring lipid abnormalities were elevated LDL-C and low HDL. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of abnormal metabolic milieu is a window of opportunity for aggressive management in persons with stroke as this will improve outcome. Routine screening for hyperglycaemia in persons with stroke using glycosylated haemoglobin tests and blood glucose may uncover previously undiagnosed DM.

Quality of Sleep in an HIV Population on Antiretroviral Therapy at an Urban Tertiary Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Aim. To determine the prevalence of sleep disturbance and its associated characteristics in HIV-positive outpatients on HAART using the PSQI. Methods. Using a cross-sectional design, 300 patients attending the outpatient HIV/AIDS clinic at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital were recruited. Baseline data obtained included the participants' demographic data, educational qualification, and marital status. Their treatment history, including duration since HIV diagnosis, the most recent CD4 cell count, and current antiretroviral therapies, was obtained from their case records. Each participant completed the PSQI questionnaire and those with scores ≥5 were diagnosed with poor sleep quality. Results. The participants were made up of 70.7% females and 29.3% males. Their ages ranged between 18 and 74 years with a mean of 38.9 ± 10.3 years. According to the PSQI, 59.3% reported poor sleep quality. The mean score of those with poor quality sleep (9.2 ± 3.3) was comparable to that of those with good quality sleep (1.26 ± 1.4). P < 0.001. Significant differences were observed in all the individual components of the PSQI (P < 0.001). On multivariate analyses, the independent associations with sleep quality were the duration since HIV diagnosis (P = 0.29), efavirenz based regimen (P < 0.001), and lower CD4 cell count (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Sleep disturbances are quite common in the HIV population even in the era of HAART. Early recognition via routine assessment and effective treatments could prevent the resultant complications and improve quality of life.