Efficacy and safety of artemisinin-based combination therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Sudan: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major public health problem in endemic countries including Sudan, where about 75% of populations are at risk. Due to widespread of chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is currently treatment of choice for malaria in the vast majority of malaria-endemic countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis is performed to obtain an overall stronger evidence of the outcomes of ACT in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria from the existing literature in Sudan. METHODS: The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement were used to select studies to be included in this review. A computerized systematic strategy was adopted to search articles from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases. Unpublished materials were also included. Open Meta-Analyst software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Random effects model was used to combine the included studies and the heterogeneity of studies was assessed using Cochrane Q and I2 (χ2 = 73.05, df (19), P < 0.001 and I2 = 73.99). RESULTS: Twenty studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria (ACT in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria) and were included in the final analysis with a total number of 4070 participants. Malaria treatment outcome was assessed using World Health Organization guidelines. Adequate clinical and parasitological response was used to assess treatment success at the 28th day. Treatment success of all combined studies was 98% [(95% CI 97.2-98.8%), P < 0.001]. Treatment success was higher in malaria patients treated with artemether + lumefantrine (AL) than patients treated with artesunate + sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS + SP) (98.9% (95% CI 98.4-99.4%) vs 97.1% (95% CI 95.5-98.6%), P < 0.001). Eleven studies reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ACT (184 participants out of 3957 (4.65%). The ADRs were mild and resolved spontaneously. There was no severe ADRs or deaths. CONCLUSION: Based on this review, the overall malaria treatment success was high (98%). AL regimen showed higher efficacy compared to AS + SP. The overall regimens were associated with mild low rates ADRs.

Malaria Parasite Density Estimation using Actual and Assumed White Blood Cells Count in Children in Eastern Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Estimating malaria parasite count is needed for estimating the severity of the disease and during the follow-up. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the malaria parasite density among children using actual white blood cell (WBC) and the assumed WBC counts (8.0 × 10(9)/l). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at New Halfa Hospital, Sudan. WBC count and count of asexual malaria parasite were performed on blood films. RESULTS: One hundred and three children were enrolled. The mean (SD) WBCs was 6.2 (2.9) cells × 10(9)/l. The geometric mean (SD) of the parasite count using the assumed WBCs (8.0 × 10(9)/l cells/µl) was significantly higher than that estimated using the actual WBC count [7345.76 (31,038.56) vs. 5965 (28,061.57) rings/µl,p = 0.042]. CONCLUSION: Malaria parasitemia based on assumed (8.0 × 10(9)/) WBCs is higher than parasitemia based on actual WBCs.

Schistosomiasis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C co-infection.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a significant health problem in more than 70 countries distributed between Africa, Asia and South America, with an infection rate of one in 30 individuals. Data on Schistosomiasis, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection are scarce; however, there is a high prevalence in countries where schistosomiasis is endemic. METHODS: A systematic search was performed on published data from 1980-2014. Published papers in the databases Google, Medline, PubMed, and MiPc library were searched using the keywords epidemiology, pathogenesis and outcomes of HBV, HCV and schistosomiasis and data were extracted from the relevant studies. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBV/schistosomiasis co-infection in countries where schistosomiasis is endemic was high, ranging between 9.6 to approximately 64% in Egypt, and a maximum of 15.8% among hospitalized patients in Brazil. Concurrent infection between HBV and schistosomiasis is often associated with countries where schistosomiasis is endemic and may lead to chronic liver inflammation. Similarly, HCV infection rates in schistosomiasis populations range from 1% in Ethiopia reaching up to 50% in Egypt. CONCLUSION: There is controversy regarding the effects of HBV and HCV on schistosomiasis and vice versa. Vaccination might be a solution to the era of schistosomiasis and co-infection with HBV and HCV.

Poor adherence to the malaria management protocol among health workers attending under-five year old febrile children at Omdurman Hospital, Sudan.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the World Health Organization recommendations for the treatment of malaria, febrile patients are still infrequently tested and erroneously treated for malaria. This study aimed to investigate the adherence to malaria national protocol for the management of malaria among under five years old children. METHODS: A cross sectional hospital-based study was conducted during the period from September through December 2013 among febrile children below the age of five years attending the outpatient department of Omdurman Children Hospital, Sudan. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data [blood film, rapid diagnostic test (RDTs), haemoglobin, WBCs and chest X ray] and anti-malarials and/or antibiotics prescription were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 749 febrile children were enrolled. The mean (SD) age was 37.51 (41.6) months. Less than a half, (327, 43.7%) of children were investigated for malaria using microscopy (271, 82.9%), RDT (4, 1.2%) or both (52, 15.9%). Malaria was not investigated for more than a half, (422, 56.3%) however investigations targeting other causes of fever were requested for them. Malaria was positive in 72 (22%) of the 327 investigated children. Five (1.6%) out of 255 with negative malaria tests were treated by an anti-malarials. Quinine was the most frequently prescribed anti-malarials (65, 72.2%) then artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (2, 27.8%). The majority of the 749 children (655, 87.4%) were prescribed an antibiotic. CONCLUSION: There is a poor adherence to malaria management protocol in Sudan among physicians treating children below five years of age. There was a high rate of antibiotic prescription needs.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections in pregnant women in Sana'a, Yemen.

BACKGROUND: Screening for Hepatitis B and C during pregnancy may help to decide on appropriate antiviral therapy and the institution of steps to minimize vertical transmission to the newborn infants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during November-December 2011 to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for markers of HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen; HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody among pregnant women at the Al-Thawra hospital in Sana'a, Yemen. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic obstetrics and medical data and sera were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV. RESULTS: Of the 400 pregnant women enrolled in the study, HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 43 (10.8%; 95% CI: 8.0-14.0%) and 34 (8.5%, 95% CI: 6.0-11.5%) women, respectively. None of the women were co-infected with HBV and HCV. Multivariate analysis showed that circumcision was significantly associated with HBsAg seropositivity (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1-10.2; p = 0.03), low parity (primigravidae and secundigravidae) and education below secondary level were significantly associated with anti- HCV seropositivity (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1-10.2; p = 0.03). No other sociodemographic or clinical characteristics (age, residence, history of home delivery, miscarriage, dental manipulation, surgery, and blood transfusion) were significantly associated with HBsAg or anti-HCV seropositivity. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that HBsAg and anti-HCV have high prevalence among pregnant women.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections among hemodialysis patients in Khartoum, Sudan.

The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is important for health planners and service providers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for markers of HBV (HBsAg) and anti-HCV among hemodialysis patients at the Ahmed Gasim hemodialysis unit, Sudan. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data and sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV). Of the 353 patients enrolled in the study, HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 16 (4.5%) and 30 (8.5%) patients, respectively. None of the patients were co-infected with HBV and HCV. Multivariate analysis showed that duration of dialysis was significantly associated with anti-HCV seropositivity [OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.2-1.3; P = 0.024]. No other socio-demographic or clinical characteristics (age, sex, level of education, history of surgery, and number of units of blood transfused) were significantly associated with HBsAg or anti-HCV seropositivity. The results of this study suggest that HBsAg and anti-HCV have low prevalence among hemodialysis patients in Khartoum. Longer duration of dialysis was a risk factor for anti-HCV.

Efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine as a treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in eastern Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the treatment of choice for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in most areas of the world, where malaria is endemic, including Sudan. However, few published data are available on the use of ACT for treatment of P. vivax malaria. METHODS: This study was conducted at a health centre in Kassala, eastern Sudan, from October to December 2011. Patients with uncomplicated P. vivax malaria received artemether-lumefantrine (AL) tablets (containing 20mg artemether and 120 mg lumefantrine) and were monitored for 28 days. RESULTS: Out of the 43 cases enrolled in this study, 38 completed the 28-day follow-up. Their mean age was 25.1 years (SD: 1.5). On day 3 following AL treatment, all of the patients were afebrile and aparasitaemic. By day 28, all 38 patients exhibited adequate clinical and parasitological responses to AL treatment. The cure rate was 100% and 88.4% for the per protocol analysis andfor the intention to treat analysis, respectively. Mild adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and/or rash) that resolved spontaneously were observed in four (10.5%) of the patients. CONCLUSION: AL combination therapy was fully effective for treatment of P. vivax malaria in the study in eastern Sudan. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial. Gov: NCT01625871.

Pattern and Trends in Adult Hospitalization/Admission and Mortality Among Medical Ward Inpatients at Gadarif Hospital in Eastern Sudan: A Four-Year Retrospective Study.

Purpose: Sub-Saharan Africa suffers from a dual impact of communicable (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There is scarce data on causes, trends of admission, and deaths among patients in Sudan. We aimed to determine the causes, trends of admission, and mortality among adult patients admitted to Gadarif Hospital in Eastern Sudan. Patients and Methods: The medical records of adult patients admitted to Gadarif medical wards from January 2017 to December 2020 were reviewed for age, gender, causes of admission, and outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to analysis factors (age, sex, years, and disease) associated with the mortality. Results: Of the 7230 patients who were admitted, 2221 (34.7%) were females and 5009 (69.3%) were males. The median age (interquartile range, IQR) was 47.0 (35.0) years. Of these 7230 patients, 3167 (43.8%) and 4063 (56.2%) patients were admitted with CDs and NCDs, respectively. Cardiovascular diseases (18.4%), snakebites (12.9%), and visceral leishmaniasis (12.0%) were the most common causes of admission. The overall in-patient adult deaths were 674 (9.3%). Cardiovascular diseases (22.3%), neurological diseases (16.9%), sepsis (15.9%), renal diseases (13.9%), and snakebites (8.3%) were the most common causes of inpatient mortality. Malignancy (20.7%), sepsis (20.9%), neurological diseases (17.4%), and cardiovascular diseases (13.8%) comprised the highest case fatality rates among the admitted patients. Using a Cox regression model (adjusted), age (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.01‒1.03) was associated with increased mortality hazard. However, the gender and years of admission were not associated with increased mortality hazard. Conclusion: Admissions and mortality rates for CDs and NCDs are high compared with other African countries. Preventive measures are required to avert the high burden of these diseases. Health care systems in Sudan need to be prepared to deal with the dual burden of the diseases.

Helicobacter pylori infection, gestational diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance among pregnant Sudanese women.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and insulin resistance among pregnant Sudanese women attending Saad Abuelela hospital (Khartoum). A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st July 2017 to 31st January 2018. One hundred and sixty-six women were enrolled and underwent testing for H. pylori IgG antibodies using specific ELISA kits. The Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was computed from the fasting insulin and glucose levels. RESULTS: Median age, gravidity and gestational age were 27 years, 2 and 26 weeks, respectively. Twenty (12%) women were found to have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). H. pylori IgG seroprevalence was 66.0% among the study population. Univariate analysis showed that H. pylori-seropositivity was significantly higher among women who have GDM while Log (Homeostatic Model Assessment-ß) HOMA-B% was lower (P value = 0.038, and 0.028) respectively. There was no difference between the GDM group and the other group in terms of demographics, body mass index, haemoglobin and QUICKI index results. In multivariate analysis, a higher prevalence of H. pylori was associated with GDM (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.5, P = 0.036). The current study concludes that an increased prevalence of H. pylori is a risk factor for the development of GDM.

No Association between 25 (OH) Vitamin D Level And Hypothyroidism among Females.

AIM: The aim was to investigate serum vitamin D (25-OH) level among females with hypothyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study (58 in each arm) was conducted in Arar Central Hospital, Kingdom Saudi Arabia. The cases were females with hypothyroidism, and healthy females were controls. TSH, thyroid hormones: Free T3 (FT3) and Free T4 (FT4) and haemoglobin levels were measured in all participants. Serum vitamin D (25-OH) level was measured using the spectrophotometry. RESULTS: While there was no significant difference in the age and haemoglobin level, body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the cases. Compared with the controls, cases had significantly higher TSH, had significantly lower T4, and there was no significant difference in FT3 and 25 (OH) vitamin D, [16.1 (8.8-26.7) vs. 14.0 (9.5-20.3 ng/ml; P = 0.577]. Linear regression showed no association between, age, BMI, haemoglobin, TSH, FT3, FT4 and the log of 25 (OH) vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in vitamin D level among females with hypothyroidism and healthy controls.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis among a Saudi Female Diabetic Population.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of osteoporosis [lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN)] among patients with type 2 diabetes at King Salman Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in the period from the 1st of January until the 1st of July 2015. Patient selection was based on self-report of the previous diagnosis by a physician, being on an antidiabetic agent, or a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dl as per the American Diabetes Association criteria. A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan with the bone mineral density (BMD) categorization based on the WHO cut of levels of T-scores and determination of vitamin D levels were performed. A detailed questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. RESULTS: Out of 170 participants, 50 (29.4%) were diagnosed as having osteoporosis, while 68 (40%) were diagnosed with osteopenia. Age was determined as a risk factor for a decreased BMD in patients with osteopenia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (1.0-1.1), p = 0.039) and osteoporosis (OR = 1.1, CI = 1.0-1.2, p < 0.001). Similarly, oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) increased the risk of decreased BMD in osteopenia (OR = 2.6; CI = 1.0-6.7; p = 0.023) as well as osteoporosis, (OR = 3.8; CI = 1.3-10.9; p = 0.013), while vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of osteopenia OR = 3.0; CI = 1.2-7.2; p = 0.012). Increased BMI decreased the risk of both osteopenia and osteoporosis (OR = 0.9; CI = 0.9-0.99; p = 0.031 vs. OR = 0.9; CI = 0.80-0.95; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Advanced age, OHA and vitamin D deficiency are determinants of decreased BMD in Saudi women with type 2 diabetes, while an increased BMI protects against low BMD.

O Blood Group as a Risk Factor for Helicobacter Pylori IgG Seropositivity Among Pregnant Sudanese Women.

The objective was to investigate the prevalence and the association between blood groups and Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivity among pregnant Sudanese women. A cross-sectional survey was carried-out at Saad Abul Ela Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan during the period of July 2014 through December 2015. Questionnaires covering socio-demographic and obstetrics information were administered. Specific H. pylori IgG antibody was analysed using ELISA. One hundred eighty six pregnant women were enrolled. The mean (SD) of the age, parity was 28.3 (2.6) years and 2.6 (3.5), respectively. Of the 186 women, 42 (22.6%), 24 (12.9%), 11(5.9%) and 109 (58.6%) had blood group A, B, AB and O, respectively. H. pylori IgG seropositivity rate was 132/186 (71.0%). There was no significant difference in age and parity between women with H. pylori IgG seropositive and seronegative. Compared with the women with H. pylori IgG seronegative, significantly higher numbers of women with H. pylori IgG seropositive had O blood group, [84/132(63.6) versus 25/54(46.3), P<0.001]. In binary logistic regression, women with O blood group (OR= 2.084, 95% CI=1.060-4.097, P=0.033) were at a higher H. pylori IgG seropositivity. The current study showed that women with blood group O were at higher risk for H. pylori IgG seropositivity.

High level of hemoglobin, white blood cells and obesity among Sudanese women in early pregnancy: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: To investigate the association between obesity and anemia/hemoglobin levels. MATERIAL & METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Khartoum, Sudan. Obstetric data were collected from 388 pregnant women at mean (standard deviation) of 10.5 (3.1) weeks of gestation using questionnaires. Weight and height were determined, and BMI was calculated. RESULTS: There were 15 (4.4%), 95 (28.1%), 127 (37.6) and 101 (29.9%) women who were underweight, normal weight, (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2), respectively. Hemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in obese than nonobese groups. Compared with normal BMI, overweight and obesity were associated with higher hemoglobin level. CONCLUSION: Obese women had higher white blood cell count and hemoglobin level.

Predictors of a follicular nodule (Thy3) outcome of thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology among Saudi patients.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was performed to evaluate predictors of thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) outcomes among Saudis with a thyroid nodule. Socio-demographic data, thyroid function status, thyroid parameters, ultrasound and cytology results were collected from 269 files of patients with thyroid nodules. RESULT: The patients' age was 40 ± 1.4 years (mean ± SD), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.3 ± 1.2 kg/m2. The thyroid statuses were euthyroid (85.5%), hypothyroidism (7.4%) and hyperthyroidism (7.1%). Young age, an absence of irradiation history, and multinodular goitre were protective against Thy3 [(OR = 0.05, CI = 003-0.6, P = 0.024), (OR = 0.4, CI = 0.2-0.8, P = 0.012) and (OR = 2.5, CI = 1.2-5.3, P = 0.016), respectively]; a lower FT3 was protective against Thy4 (OR = 0.4, CI = 0.2-0.99, P = 0.046), the absence of cervical lymphadenopathy was associated with Thy2 (OR = 2.7, CI = 1.4-5, P = 0.001), and a solid nodule was associated with Thy2 and Thy3 [(OR = 1.2, CI = 0.3-0.97, P = 0.040) and (OR = 2.2, CI = 1-4.8, P = 0.039), respectively]. In a multivariate analysis, younger age, multinodular goitre, an absence of irradiation history and cervical lymphadenopathy were protective against Thy3 [(OR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.002-0.96, P = 0.047), (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.0-5.60, P = 0.039), (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.16-0.94, P = 0.036) and (O R = 0.39, 95% CI = 1-5.6, P = 0.039), respectively]. In summary, younger age, multinodular goitre, the absence of an irradiation history and cervical lymphadenopathy were protective against Thy3 in a thyroid nodule.

Clinical Utility of Esophageal manometry in the patients with dysphagia - Experience from Sudan.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of esophageal manometry among Sudanese patients presenting to the National Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Ibn Sina Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. METHODOLOGY: Consecutive patients referred for esophageal manometry at the aforementioned center from July 2008 through January 2011 were included in the study. Manometric studies were done after stopping medicines with a known effect on esophageal motility and an overnight fast. Immediately before the manometric study, the patients' history and clinical examination were recorded using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The major referral reason was the investigation of dysphagia in 78 patients (60.5%), followed by the evaluation of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 39 patients (30%), while 11 patients (9%) were referred because of non-cardiac chest pain. The manometric diagnosis in the 78 patients with dysphagia, where 51(65.4%) had achalasia, 13(16.7%) had nonspecific motility disorder, the remaining percentage was formed by GERD diffuse esophageal spasm, connective tissue disease, Nutcracker esophagus, hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, patient manometry suggestive of myasthenia gravis, and normal manometry. CONCLUSION: GERD and Achalasia were the commonest conditions among the study group. Patients presenting with achalasia manifest the same clinical symptoms as published in the literature. The leading abnormality predisposing to GERD was hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter and weak esophageal clearance function. GERD was main cause of non-cardiac chest pain in the study population. However, it is difficult to generalize the findings of this study for the whole country since it was a single center study.

O Blood Group as Risk Factor for Preeclampsia among Sudanese Women.

AIM: To investigate blood groups and the other possible risk factors for preeclampsia among Sudanese women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case - control study was conducted at Saad Abualila Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan during the period of July 2013 through December 2014. The cases were women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women were the controls. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty pregnant women were enrolled (140 in each arm of the study). Around one-quarter of all women (280) were primiparae (74.0, 26.4%), the majority were housewives (201, 71.7%). Seventy-nine (28.2%) were illiterate or had no informal education. Around half of the women (130, 46.4%) had O blood group. Binary logistic regression showed association between preeclampsia and lack of antenatal care (OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.172-6.494, P = 0.020) as well as O blood group (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.088-2.934, P=0.022). CONCLUSION: The current study showed that women with blood group O were at higher risk of preeclampsia.

Sepsis in Buraidah Central Hospital, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: Severe sepsis is a major public health concern and a frequent cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission with a high fatality rate. Higher (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score) SOFA score and co-morbidity of acute renal failure (ARF) are risk factors contributing to fatal outcome. This work was meant to study the epidemiology of sepsis in Buraidah central hospital. METHODS: This is a descriptive study conducted in the period from January 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012 to determine the epidemiology (incidence, clinical characteristics) and the outcome of sepsis in Buraidah hospital, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Out of 387 patients admitted to ICU, 62 (16%) patients had sepsis, their mean (SD) age was 62.7 (21.3) years. Three quarters of them 47 (75.8%) presented with septic shock. The median APACHE II score was 26.5 (8 to 48) and SOFA score 11 (5 to 21). The mean of duration of hospital stay was 11.95 days. The most frequent infection site was the pulmonary (69.5%). There were 37 isolated organism, gram-negative organisms (13; 35.13%) were the predominant isolates. There were 25 (40.3%) deaths; the majority of the deaths were due to septic shock 20(80%). There was a significant difference between deaths and the survivors, in the APACHI II score, SOFA score), and whether ventilated or not. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high incidence of septic shock (and higher mortality) among the patients admitted to the ICU of Buraidah central hospital, especially among the elderly patients with respiratory infections.

Human parvovirus B19 and low hemoglobin levels in pregnant Sudanese women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for, and the seroprevalence of, parvovirus B19 (B19V), as well as the effect of B19V infection on patient hemoglobin levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Medani Hospital, Sudan between March and July, 2012. Patients with singleton pregnancies were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics were recorded and enzyme immunoassays were performed to screen for B19V IgG and IgM antibodies. RESULTS: The study enrolled 147 patients. The mean age, parity and duration of pregnancy of the patients were 27.1±5.4years, 2.1±1.3, and 28.1±6.5weeks of pregnancy, respectively. B19V IgG seropositivity was recorded in 73 (49.7%) individuals, with 1 (0.7%) patient seropositive for both B19V IgG and B19V IgM antibodies. Higher parity and residing in rural areas were associated with B19V IgG seropositivity under univariate analyses; however, no sociodemographic or obstetric characteristics were associated with B19V IgG seropositivity when multivariate analyses were performed. Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in patients who were seropositive for B19V IgG in comparison with patients who were seronegative (99.0±10.0g/L vs 104.0±10.0g/L; P=0.008). Linear regression demonstrated a significant correlation between B19V IgG seropositivity and hemoglobin level (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: B19V IgG seropositivity was 49.7% among the study group. These patients exhibited lower hemoglobin levels and a significant association was found between B19V IgG seropositivity and hemoglobin level.

Serum Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Copper Levels in Sudanese Women with Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Although the exact pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not fully understood, several elemental micronutrient abnormalities have been suggested to play a contributory role in preeclampsia. AIMS: To investigate the levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper in women with preeclampsia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan, during the period of September through December 2014. The cases were women with preeclampsia while healthy pregnant women were the controls. The medical and obstetrics history was gathered using questionnaires. The serum levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in their age, gestational age, parity and body mass index. Zinc and copper levels were not significantly different between the two groups. In comparison with the controls, women with preeclampsia had a significantly lower median (inter-quartile) serum calcium [7.6 (4.0─9.6) vs. 8.1 (10.6─14.2), mg/dl, P = 0.032] and higher levels of magnesium [1.9 (1.4─2.5) vs. 1.4 (1.0─1.9) mg/dl; P = 0.003]. In binary logistic regression, lower calcium (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56 ─ 0.95, P = 0.021) and higher magnesium (OR = 5.724, 95% CI = 1.23 ─ 26.50, P = 0.026) levels were associated with preeclampsia. There were no significant correlations between levels of hemoglobin and these trace elements. CONCLUSION: The current study showed significant associations between preeclampsia and serum levels of calcium and magnesium.