Targeted next-generation sequencing identifies novel variants in candidate genes for Parkinson's disease in Black South African and Nigerian patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about the genetics of PD in these populations. Due to their unique ancestry and diversity, sub-Saharan African populations have the potential to reveal novel insights into the pathobiology of PD. In this study, we aimed to characterise the genetic variation in known and novel PD genes in a group of Black South African and Nigerian patients. METHODS: We recruited 33 Black South African and 14 Nigerian PD patients, and screened them for sequence variants in 751 genes using an Ion AmpliSeq™ Neurological Research panel. We used bcftools to filter variants and annovar software for the annotation. Rare variants were prioritised using MetaLR and MetaSVM prediction scores. The effect of a variant on ATP13A2's protein structure was investigated by molecular modelling. RESULTS: We identified 14,655 rare variants with a minor allele frequency ≤ 0.01, which included 2448 missense variants. Notably, no common pathogenic mutations were identified in these patients. Also, none of the known PD-associated mutations were found highlighting the need for more studies in African populations. Altogether, 54 rare variants in 42 genes were considered deleterious and were prioritized, based on MetaLR and MetaSVM scores, for follow-up studies. Protein modelling showed that the S1004R variant in ATP13A2 possibly alters the conformation of the protein. CONCLUSIONS: We identified several rare variants predicted to be deleterious in sub-Saharan Africa PD patients; however, further studies are required to determine the biological effects of these variants and their possible role in PD. Studies such as these are important to elucidate the genetic aetiology of this disorder in patients of African ancestry.

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.

Effect of Health Education on Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Nigerian In-School adolescents on Stroke and Its Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Stroke education in adolescents has been established as an effective method of creating awareness about stroke, its warning signs and risk factors. It contributes to desired behavioural change in the adolescents as well as their parents. Thus, we aimed to determine the baseline knowledge of school attending adolescents about stroke and its risk factors as well as the effect of stroke education on their stroke awareness. METHODS: This study employed a quasi-experimental study design and was conducted in secondary schools in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The schools were divided into intervention and control groups. We assessed the baseline knowledge of the students on stroke, its risk factors, warning signs, and ways of preventing it using a pre-tested structured questionnaire in both intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, health talks on stroke consisting of oral presentation and distribution of fliers were presented for 30 minutes in each selected school. Each school was visited 2 weeks after the health education intervention to assess their knowledge on stroke, its risk factors, and ways of preventing it. The control group was also visited after 2 weeks for a re-assessment of their stroke knowledge and the conduct of heath talk on other aspects of neurology such as sleep, epilepsy, etc. Results: A total of 1259 adolescents were studied with 661 in the intervention group and 598 in the control group. The mean age of the respondents was 13.56 ± 2.87 the intervention group and 13.38 ± 2.06 in the control group. There were higher mean scores on knowledge of stroke and its risk factors among the intervention group than seen in the control group after the stroke education. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke education is an effective way of creating and maintaining stroke awareness among school-attending adolescents.

Sonographic soft tissue arthritic changes associated with post-stroke hemiplegic knee pain: utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound in a resource-limited setting.

PURPOSE: Post-stroke arthritic changes that may compromise rehabilitation have been described in the upper and lower limbs. We aimed at evaluating the soft tissue arthritic changes associated with pain in hemiplegic knees of stroke patients in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees of 48 stroke patients as well as both knees of 26 apparently healthy controls were evaluated with a 7.5-12 MHz linear ultrasound probe. History of knee pain, and socio-demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were recorded for all study participants. Muscle tone and power as well as functional ambulatory category (FAC) were graded for the stroke patients. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Pain was reported more often in hemiplegic than non-hemiplegic knees (n = 16 vs. n = 6, p = 0.021). The frequencies of soft tissue arthritic changes found, which included reduced lateral and medial femoral cartilage thickness, suprapatellar effusion, and irregular cartilage-bone margin, were similar between hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees (p > 0.05). Suprapatellar effusion and reduced lateral femoral cartilage thickness were more prevalent in the hemiplegic knees compared to the healthy control knees (p < 0.05). Stroke patients with pes anserinus tendinosis had greater risk of hemiplegic knee pain (HKP) when compared to stroke patients without this lesion (OR = 10; 95% CI: 1.7-61). FAC, muscle tone, and power showed no association with HKP. CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue arthritic changes associated with knee pain are comparable between hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees of stroke patients. The risk of knee pain in stroke is higher in the presence of pes anserinus tendinosis.

Cost burden of neuroimaging during one-time admission for first-ever acute stroke in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost burden of Neuroimaging and its contribution to direct total hospitalization costs (HCs) during one-time admission for first-ever stroke. METHODS: The clinical characteristics, direct itemised costs and total HCs for 170 consecutive patients with first-ever stroke, admitted at our public tertiary health facility over a 15-month period were evaluated. RESULTS: The records of 170 stroke subjects were reviewed. The median total HCs for one-time admission per stroke patient was $183.30 with a median daily cost of $15.86. Median cost of radiological investigations was the highest among the categorized hospital costs. Among the radiological investigations, neuroimaging accounted for at least 99% of cost to patients. CONCLUSION: The financial burden of radiological investigations, particularly neuroimaging, is high during one-time admission of patients with first-ever stroke in our environment.

Awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs in Nigerian adolescents compared with adults.

BACKGROUND: Stroke, a significant health problem affecting adults, is increasing among younger age groups, particularly because of changing lifestyles. The aim of the study was to compare the awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs among students and teachers in selected secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 703 (589 students and 114 teachers) respondents in selected secondary schools in Osun, Nigeria. Information on the awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Hypertension (69.4%) was the most commonly identified stroke risk factor, with more teachers (79.8%) identifying correctly than the students (67.4%). Weakness (51.9%) was the most commonly identified warning sign of stroke with more students (53.8%) identifying correctly than the teachers (42.1%). There were significant differences in the awareness of some risk factors (age, obesity, family history, alcohol use, diet, transient ischemic attack, and hyperlipidemia) and warning signs (dizziness, weakness, and vision problems) between students and teachers. Predictors for adequate awareness of risk factors were being a teacher, not being obese and being hypertensive, whereas predictors for adequate awareness of warning signs were stroke in the family and being hypertensive. CONCLUSIONS: There was inadequate awareness of risk factors and warning signs among the respondents with students having better awareness of warning signs and teachers having better awareness of risk factors. Stroke campaigns should emphasize stroke risk factors particularly among adolescents and warning signs in adults. The use of media, particularly television, is recommended.

Awareness of risk factors and warning signs of stroke in a Nigeria university.

BACKGROUND: Rapid access to medical services which is an important predictor of treatment and rehabilitation outcome requires that there is an understanding of stroke risk factors and early warning signs. This study assessed awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs among students and staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross sectional survey involving 994 (500 students and 494 staff) respondents. Information on the awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Weakness (66.2%) was the most commonly identified warning sign of stroke with more staff (69.8%) identifying correctly than students (62.6%). Hypertension (83.4%) was the most commonly identified stroke risk factor, with more staff (91.7%) identifying correctly than students (83.2%). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the awareness of some risk factors (age, hypertension, stress and obesity), and warning signs (dizziness, numbness, weakness, headache and vision problems) between students and staff. Predictors for adequate awareness of both stroke risk factors and warning signs were younger age, smoking history and higher educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the respondents recognized individual important stroke risk factors and warning signs, but few recognized multiple stroke risk factors and warning signs. Awareness programs on stroke should be organized, even in communities with educated people to increase public awareness on the prevention of stroke and on the reduction of morbidity in the survivors.

Clinical and neuroimaging factors associated with 30-day fatality among indigenous West Africans with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a high case fatality rate in resource-limited settings. The independent predictors of poor outcome after ICH in sub-Saharan Africa remains to be characterized in large epidemiological studies. We aimed to determine factors associated with 30-day fatality among West African patients with ICH. METHODS: The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) study is a multicentre, case-control study conducted at 15 sites in Nigeria and Ghana. Adults aged ≥18 years with spontaneous ICH confirmed with neuroimaging. Demographic, cardiovascular risk factors, clinical features and neuroimaging markers of severity were assessed. The independent risk factors for 30-day mortality were determined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Among 964 patients with ICH, 590 (61.2%) were males with a mean age (SD) of 54.3(13.6) years and a case fatality of 34.3%. Factors associated with 30-day mortality among ICH patients include: Elevated mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(mNIHSS);(OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.11), aspiration pneumonitis; (OR 7.17; 95% CI 2.82-18.24), ICH volume > 30mls; OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.02-7.00)) low consumption of leafy vegetables (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15-0.85). CONCLUSION: This study identified risk and protective factors associated with 30-day mortality among West Africans with spontaneous ICH. These factors should be further investigated in other populations in Africa to enable the development of ICH mortality predictions models among indigenous Africans.

The social and economic impacts of epilepsy on women in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Persons with epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa experience stigma and social marginalization. There is paucity of data on the social and economic impacts of epilepsy in these patients and in particular, groups like women. We sought to determine the social and economic impacts of epilepsy on Nigerian women and especially how it affects their treatment and outcomes. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional survey of 63 women with epilepsy (WWE) and 69 controls matched for age, social status and site of care. A structured questionnaire was used to document information on demographic characteristics, education, employment status, economic status, health care use, personal safety and perceived stigma. The data were collated and analyzed with SPSS version 15. RESULTS: Unemployment, fewer years of formal education, lower marriage rates and higher stigma scores were more frequent among WWE than controls. Physical and sexual abuse with transactional sex was also reported among WWE. We also noted poorer environmental and housing conditions and lower mean personal and household incomes among WWE compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: WWE in this sample from Nigeria have worse social and economic status when compared with women with other non-stigmatized chronic medical conditions.

Outcome of Delayed Administration of Alteplase in a Resource-Poor Area: A Case Report.

An acute ischemic stroke, though carrying the risk of debilitating complications, is a preventable and treatable disease. Thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy are important components of its management. However, various challenges in resource-poor countries like Nigeria and other developing nations pose a great limitation in the timely intervention of ischemic stroke treatment. The challenges include late presentation, poor awareness of stroke symptoms even among health care workers, poor ambulance service/transportation network, intra-hospital delay, particularly in neuroimaging, and the unavailability of tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase/tenecteplase). We report a 32-year-old African man with an antecedent history of suspected migraine headaches with aura and a family history of hypertension and stroke, admitted 7½ hours after onset of stroke symptoms, scoring 13 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) with Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle power grades 1 and 3 on the right upper and lower extremities, respectively. Urgent non-contrast brain CT revealed only a hyperdense sign in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was administered at a lower dose of 0.6 mg/kg, 15½ hours after symptom onset, and a CT angiogram done 24 hours post-thrombolysis showed partial recanalization of the M1 segment of the MCA and intermediate collateral supply (Alberta stroke program early CT {ASPECT} score: 6). By the third day of admission, he had made a significant clinical improvement and was discharged home able to walk unsupported on the fourth day.

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.

Sleep medicine in Africa: past, present, and future.

NONE: Interest in sleep and sleep disorders in Africa dates back thousands of years, influenced by various cultural and religious beliefs. However, the practice of sleep medicine as a specialty has been inadequate compared to other regions of the world. The objective of this study was to explore the current status of sleep medicine in Africa vis-à-vis education, professional societies, and facilities, and to identify challenges of the specialty in the region. A literature search of major electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) was done. This revealed that there is a high prevalence of sleep disorders in Africa and a significant association with epilepsy, human African trypanosomiasis, human immunodeficiency virus, and other diseases. There are 6 sleep societies in Africa located in 4 countries. Forty-one sleep laboratories were identified located in 4 countries. The challenges hindering development of sleep medicine in Africa include lack of awareness, poor funding, lack of facilities, and inadequate training.

Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Nigeria: A Community-Based Study From 3 Sites.

BACKGROUND: We determined the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for epilepsy in Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a door-to-door survey to identify cases of epilepsy in 3 regions. We estimated age-standardized prevalence adjusted for nonresponse and sensitivity and the 1-year retrospective incidence for active epilepsy. To assess potential risk factors, we conducted a case-control study by collecting sociodemographic and risk factor data. We estimated odds ratios using logistic regression analysis and corresponding population attributable fractions (PAFs). RESULTS: We screened 42,427 persons (age ≥6 years), of whom 254 had confirmed active epilepsy. The pooled prevalence of active epilepsy per 1,000 was 9.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.6-11.1), 17.7 (14.2-20.6) in Gwandu, 4.8 (3.4-6.6) in Afikpo, and 3.3 (2.0-5.1) in Ijebu-Jesa. The pooled incidence per 100,000 was 101.3 (95% CI 57.9-167.6), 201.2 (105.0-358.9) in Gwandu, 27.6 (3.3-128.0) in Afikpo, and 23.9 (3.2-157.0) in Ijebu-Jesa. Children's significant risk factors included febrile seizures, meningitis, poor perinatal care, open defecation, measles, and family history in first-degree relatives. In adults, head injury, poor perinatal care, febrile seizures, family history in second-degree relatives, and consanguinity were significant. Gwandu had more significant risk factors. The PAF for the important factors in children was 74.0% (71.0%-76.0%) and in adults was 79.0% (75.0%-81.0%). CONCLUSION: This work suggests varied epidemiologic numbers, which may be explained by differences in risk factors and population structure in the different regions. These variations should differentially determine and drive prevention and health care responses.

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.

The performance of a low-cost bio-amplifier on 3D human arm movement reconstruction.

Objectives In this study, the performance of OpenBCI, a low-cost bio-amplifier, is assessed when used for 3D motion reconstruction. Methods Eleven scalp electrode locations from three subjects were used, with sampling rate of 125 Hz, subsequently band-pass filtered from 0.5 to 40 Hz. After segmentation into epochs, information-rich frequency ranges were determined using filter bank common spatial filter. Simultaneously, the actual hand motions of subjects were captured using a Microsoft Kinect sensor. Multimodal data streams were synchronized using the lab streaming layer (LSL) application. A modified version of an existing multiple linear regression models was employed to learn the relationship between the electroencephalography (EEG) feature input and the recorded kinematic data. To assess system performance with limited data, 10-fold cross validation was used. Results The most information-rich frequency bands for subjects were found to be in the ranges of 5 - 9 Hz and 33 - 37 Hz. Hand lateralization accuracy for the three subjects were 97.4, 78.7 and 96.9% respectively. 3D position reconstructed with an average correlation coefficient of 0.21, 0.47 and 0.38 respectively along three pre-defined axes, with the corresponding average correlation coefficients for velocity being 0.21, 0.36 and 0.25 respectively. The results compare favourably with a cross-section of existing results, while cost-per-electrode costs were 76% lower than the average per-electrode cost for similar systems and 44% lower than the cheapest previously-reported system. Conclusions This study has shown that low-cost bio-amplifiers such as the OpenBCI can be used for 3D motion reconstruction tasks.

The role of human immunodeficiency virus infection in infranuclear facial paralysis.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the pattern of idiopathic infranuclear facial palsy (facial neuropathy) and highlights the role of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS in its occurrence and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, assessed individuals with idiopathic facial neuropathy seen at the neurology; maxillofacial surgery; and ear, nose and throat outpatient clinics between 1994 and 2006. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients with idiopathic facial neuropathy were seen during the 13-year study period. Forty-six (52.3%) were males, and the age range was 15 to 76 years, with a median of 35.5 years and interquartile range of 24.5 to 54 years. The right side was affected in 59.1%, compared with 40.9% on the left side. Twenty-six patients (29.5%) were HIV positive at presentation: 16 males, 10 females; mean age for HIV-positive patients was 29.15 +/- 8.12 years and 44.39 +/- 18.48 years for HIV-negative patients. There was a significant relationship among the status of the patients and the severity at presentation (p = .035), treatment given (p = .019), and the occurrence of flu-like symptoms (p = .004). CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion of seroconversion is essential in patients presenting with idiopathic facial neuropathy since it has implications for management. Serological testing for HIV, especially in patients at risk and those with history of recent flu-like symptoms, is recommended.

Parkinson's disease in Nigeria: A review of published studies and recommendations for future research.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects 1-2% of individuals above 60 years amounting to over 7 million people worldwide. Thus, PD has become an important contributor to the neurological disease burden. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and alarmingly, approximately 5.25 million Nigerians are above 65 years and are therefore at risk for developing PD. We carried out a critical review of published literature on PD in Nigeria to summarize the findings and to evaluate gaps in knowledge. Seven electronic databases were searched for studies published in English before 18th July 2018. Search terms were ["Parkinson's disease" OR "Parkinson disease" OR "parkinsonian disorders" OR "Parkinsonism"] AND "Nigeria". A total of 44 articles (including eight reviews) published since 1969 were identified and reviewed. Amongst the original research articles, most (23) were on PD symptoms or prevalence. There were only two studies on genetics and two on environmental factors. The estimated crude prevalence of PD in Nigeria was lower (10-249/100 000) compared to studies published in Europe (65.6-12 500/100 000). Our findings suggest that PD is under-diagnosed in Nigeria. Possible environmental risk factors identified include blacksmithing and well-water contaminated with trace metals. Given the rising numbers of the ageing population in Nigeria, more studies to evaluate the prevalence and causes of PD in this country are urgently needed. To this end, more funding, resources and a workforce of well-trained neurologists and scientists are essential to manage the impending health burden of PD and related disorders in this country.

Treatment of cerebrospinal fluid shunting complications in a Nigerian neurosurgery programme. Case illustrations and review.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: For a century since the first cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion for the treatment of hydrocephalus has routinely been performed. A lot of common and rare complications following this procedure have been reported in 24-47% of the cases. The aim of this paper was to present our experience with the treatment of hydrocephalus in our centre and highlight our management of two unusual complications with the available resources. METHODS: Retrospective clinical review. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients with hydrocephalus were seen in our unit. There were 52 males and 34 females (male:female ratio 3:2). The age of the patients ranged from 1 day to 68 years. The majority of the patients (92%) were below 5 years of age. Sixty-five patients had shunting procedures [VP shunt: 62 (95.4%); endoscopic third ventriculostomy: 3 (4.6%)]. Of the 62 patients with VP shunts, 16 (25.8%) had complications while 2 of the 3 patients with endoscopic third ventriculostomies had complications. The complications following the VP shunts were CSF shunt sepsis (n = 12; 19.4%), abdominal complications (n = 3; 4.8%), subdural haematoma (n = 2; 3.2%) and scalp necrosis in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: VP shunt procedures have come to stay and will remain with us despite recent advances such as endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Care should be taken to prevent all complications whether common or rare by paying particular attention to patient selection, shunt selection and surgical details. The adaptation of local technology and justified use of limited facilities and resources can go a long way in the management of both common and rare complications in developing nations.

Factors implicated for late presentations of gross congenital anomaly of the nervous system in a developing nation.

BACKGROUND: Gross congenital lesions of the nervous system are obvious at birth and usually present early for management and corrective surgery. However in tropical and developing nations, late presentations are common. AIMS: To determine the factors responsible for very late presentations of gross congenital lesions. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of all cases of congenital CNS anomalies that presented very late (>6 months after birth) to our neurosurgical clinic over an eight year period (2000-2008). RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were seen during the study period. The age ranged from 6 months to 47 years. Hydrocephalus accounted for about half of the cases 37 (48.3%). The others were spina bifida 15 (18.5%), encephalocele 10 (12.4%), subgaleal inclusion dermoid cyst 7 (8.6%), and craniosynostosis 6 (7.4%), neurofibroma 4(4.9%), and anencephaly 2 (2.5%). Reasons given for late presentations were ignorance, poverty and in some the expectation that the baby would die. Other reasons for late presentation were that the patient was either about to start school or get married. CONCLUSION: Late presentations of congenital CNS lesions are associated with many complications most of which could have been avoided with early medical treatment. Health education should include issues regarding congenital malformations delivered by trained experts.