Assessing Concordance of Results: A Comparative Study of the Manual and Automated Urinalysis Methods.

Introduction: An accurate urine analysis is a good indicator of the status of the renal and genitourinary system. However, limited studies have been done on comparing the diagnostic performance of the fully automated analyser and manual urinalysis especially in Ghana. This study evaluated the concordance of results of the fully automated urine analyser (Sysmex UN series) and the manual method urinalysis at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology. Sixty-seven (67) freshly voided urine samples were analysed by the automated urine analyser Sysmex UN series and by manual examination at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Kappa and Bland-Altman plot analyses were used to evaluate the degree of concordance and correlation of both methods, respectively. Results: Substantial (κ = 0.711, p < 0.01), slight (κ = 0.193, p = 0.004), and slight (κ = 0.109, p < 0.001) agreements were found for urine colour, appearance, and pH, respectively, between the manual and automated methods. A strong and significant correlation (r = 0.593, p < 0.001) was found between both methods for specific gravity with a strong positive linear correlation observed for red blood cell count (r = 0.951, R2 = 0.904, p < 0.001), white blood cell count (r = 0.907, R2 = 0.822, p < 0.001), and epithelial cell count (r = 0.729, R2 = 0.532, p < 0.001). A perfect agreement of urine chemistry results in both methods was observed for nitrite 67 (100%) (κ = 1.000, p < 0.001) with a fair agreement for protein 46 (68.7%) (κ = 0.395, p < 0.001). A strong agreement was found in both methods for the presence of cast 65 (97.0%) (κ = 0.734, p < 0.001) with no concordance observed for the presence of crystals (κ = 0.115, p = 0.326) and yeast-like cells (YLC) (κ = 0.171, p = 0.116). Conclusion: The automated and manual methods showed similar performances and good correlation, especially for physical and chemical examination. However, manual microscopy remains necessary to classify urine sediments, particularly for bacteria and yeast-like cells. Future research with larger samples could help validate automated urinalysis for wider clinical use and identify areas requiring improved automated detection capabilities.

Health-related quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A cross-sectional study in the cape coast metropolis.

Background and Aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has in recent decades become a global pandemic, accounting for over 90% of DM cases. The study evaluated the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and identified its determinants among type 2 DM patients at the University of Cape Coast Hospital. Methods: We conducted our study at the University of Cape Coast Hospital from January to March 2022. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was administered to 68 type 2 DM patients. Data were then inputted into Microsoft Excel and analyzed accordingly using IBM SPSS statistical software version 26 and GraphPad Prism 8. Results: The mean age of the participants was 60.71 ± 12.18 with 55.9% being females. The average systolic, diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of participants were 140.99 ± 22.27, 85 ± 11.14 and 7.97 ± 2.66 respectively. With the EQ-5D-5L scale, participants reported severe to extreme problems mainly in pain/discomfort (19.1%) and mobility (8.8%) dimensions. Approximately 21% (14/68) of patients reported themselves as being in perfect health based on the EQ-5D index score with no significant difference between males and females (p ≥ 0.05). On a scale of 0 to 100, most (26.5%) of the participants rated their general health state at 80. Age was significantly associated with all five dimensions while patients with comorbidities had higher odds of experiencing pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Conclusion: The study reveals that pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression are the most experienced problems among patients with type 2 DM. The HrQoL of type 2 DM patients was also found to be affected by age, comorbidities, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, identifying these factors and developing appropriate interventions is crucial for improving patient outcomes and enhancing treatment outcomes.

Toward schistosomiasis control: Assessment of infection-associated voiding symptoms, quality of life and the impact of exercise coupled with water intake on egg recovery in an endemic community in Ghana.

Assessment of the burden of disease and techniques for clinical diagnosis could ultimately help in schistosomiasis control. This study assessed the impact of exercises and water intake on ova recovery during laboratory diagnosis and schistosomiasis-associated urinary symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among inhabitants of Dendo, an endemic community in Ghana. The clinical findings and responses of 400 randomly selected participants were used for the study. The International Prostate Symptoms Score (I-PSS) was used to collect information on participants' self-reported urinary symptoms and QOL. Finally, urine samples were collected on two consecutive days, initially without exercise and water intake and then after exercise and water intake, and about 10 ml of it were microscopically examined for the presence and quantification of ova. The data collected from the study were analyzed using IBM SPSS. Schistosoma haematobium egg recovery increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 206 (51.5%) to 220 (55.0%) after exercise and water intake with the highest increase being observed among participants less than 20 years (53.3% to 57.1% after exercise and water intake). As high as 90.3% and 56.8% of Schistosoma-positive participants reported IPSS>7 (symptomatic voiding disorders) and QOL≥4 (mostly dissatisfied or unhappy QOL) respectively. The commonest voiding symptoms reported were nocturia (98.9%) and incomplete emptying (79.6%). Positive correlations between egg count, IPSS score, and QOL were observed. This study provides important evidence for the inclusion of exercise and water intake in the microscopic diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium and reveals that schistosomiasis significantly impacts the affected individuals' urinary health and overall quality of life.

Self-reported continuing professional development needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Because of the essential nature of the work of medical laboratory professionals, continuing development in knowledge and skills is indispensable. The study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the development and training needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. This is expected to help in developing focused continuing professional development (CPD) that meets the needs of practitioners as well as the changing medical trends. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey in February 2022 using a structured questionnaire was conducted. Respondents were asked questions that collected demographic and work-related data about them, their participation, preference, and challenges in being part of CPDs. Finally, a list of topics based on (i) quality management systems, (ii) technical competence, (iii) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching, (iv) pathophysiology, and (iv) data interpretation and research were asked with the option to rate them on a 3-point scale (most, moderate, and least) in order of importance. RESULTS: A total of 316 medical laboratory professionals participated in the study. Overall, the most frequently selected topics for training based on domains for CPD training and ranking as most important were (i) quality management systems, (mean = 80.59 ± 9.024; 95% CI = 73.04-88.13); (ii) pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research (mean = 78.0 ± 6.973; 95% CI = 73.97-82.03); (iii) technical competence (mean = 73.97 ± 10.65; 95% CI = 66.35-81.59); and (iv) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching (mean = 72.82 ± 9.719; 95% CI = 67.44-78.2). The factors affecting the choice of training needs included the medical laboratory professionals' current place of work, years in service, the reason for attending CPD activities, the period for attending the last CPD, being in a supervisory role, and the number of staff being supervised. Face-to-face presentations, training workshops, and hands-on workshops were the most preferred modes of CPD delivery with financial implications and workload/time constraints being the main challenges impeding CPD participation. CONCLUSION: The identified needs will help in developing CPD programs that address what medical laboratory professionals prioritize as training needs. Stakeholders should incorporate these training needs into future programs and address the challenges highlighted in this study to have more relevant training for medical laboratory professionals.

Treating Hepatitis B Virus in Times of COVID-19: The Case for Clinical Pharmacogenomics Research in Tenofovir-Induced Kidney Toxicity.

The current pandemic has markedly shifted the focus of the global research and development ecosystem toward infectious agents such as SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19. A case in point is the chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection that continues to be a leading cause of severe liver disease and death globally. The burden of HBV infection is highest in the World Health Organization designated western Pacific and Africa regions. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a nucleoside analogue used in treatment of HBV infection but carries a potential for kidney toxicity. TDF is not metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzymes and, therefore, its clearance in the proximal tubule of the renal nephron is controlled mostly by membrane transport proteins. Clinical pharmacogenomics of TDF with a focus on drug transporters, discussed in this perspective article, offers a timely example where resource-limited countries and regions of the world with high prevalence of HBV can strengthen the collective efforts to fight both COVID-19 and liver diseases impacting public health. We argue that precision/personalized medicine is invaluable to guide this line of research inquiry. In all, our experience in Ghana tells us that it is important not to forget the burden of chronic diseases while advancing research on infectious diseases such as COVID-19. For the long game with COVID-19, we need to address the public health burden of infectious agents and chronic diseases in tandem.

Conservative therapy is associated with worse clinical features and biochemical derangements than renal replacement therapy: a retrospective study in Kumasi, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) is increasing in Ghana as with the rest of the world. This study compared the sociodemographic, diagnostic characteristics (clinical, biochemical and imaging) and clinical outcomes of ESKD patients who chose either renal replacement therapy (RRT) or conservative therapy as well as the factors that influenced their choice. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 382 ESKD patient from 2006 to 2018. The data was collected from the Nephrology Clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Sociodemographic, diagnostic (clinical, biochemical and imaging) and therapeutic data were obtained, organized and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: Of the 382 patients, 321 had conservative therapy whiles 61 had renal replacement therapy. The mean age of participants was 47.71 ± 16.10 years. Bipedal swelling (16.8%), fatigue (10.4%) and facial swelling (9.2%) were the major clinical features. Chronic glomerulonephritis (31.4%), hypertension (30.3%) and diabetes mellitus nephropathy (28.2%) were the most frequent predisposing conditions. Nifedipine (82.0%), bisoprolol (32.8%), aspirin (19.7%), ranitidine (26.2%), metformin (13.1%) and lasix (78.7%) were commonly used by the RRT patients than their conservative therapy counterparts. Compared to their RRT counterparts, patients on conservative therapy were more on irbesartan/lisinopril (57.9%) and sodium hydro carbonate (NaHCO3) (52.0%). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.047), uremic gastritis (p = 0.007), anaemia, uraemia, haematuria and hyperkalaemia (p < 0.001) were more common in conservative therapy patients than RRT patients with RRT patients showing better corticomedullary differentiation (38.1% vs. 27.7%, p < 0.001) and normal echotexture (15.0% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.005). Age, gender, occupation and duration of illness were significantly associated with the decision to opt for conservative therapy. CONCLUSION: Patients on conservative therapy have worse clinical outcomes than their RRT counterparts. Early referrals to nephrologist as well as subsidized RRT should be targeted.

The pattern of dyslipidaemia and factors associated with elevated levels of non-HDL-cholesterol among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Ho municipality: A cross sectional study.

Background: Dyslipidaemia is a key comorbid condition of type 2 diabetes mellitus that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study describes the pattern of dyslipidaemia and factors associated with elevated levels of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ho. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled 210 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from Ho municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and other relevant parameters. Anthropometric, haemodynamic, and biochemical variables were obtained using standard methods. Dyslipidaemia was defined according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) criteria while elevated levels of non-HDL-C was defined as non-HDL-C level ≥3.37 mmol/L. A Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with elevated non-HDL-C levels. Results: Overall, dyslipidaemia and elevated levels of non-HDL-C prevalence was 67.1% and 64.3%, respectively. The frequency of atherogenic, isolated, and mixed dyslipidaemias were 10.5%, 58.09% and 53.33 %, respectively. Females were four times more likely to develop elevated levels of non-HDL-C after adjustment for age (AOR: 4.07; CI: 2.20-7.51; p < 0.0001). Likewise, overweight (AOR: 3.1; CI: 1.45-6.61; p = 0.0035), grade 1 obesity (AOR: 2.8; CI: 1.20-6.49; p = 0.0168), and truncal obesity (AOR: 3.09; CI: 1.54-6.19; p < 0.0001) were three times each more likely to develop elevated levels of non HDL-C after adjustment for age and gender. However, alcohol intake was 66% unlikely to develop elevated levels of non-HDL-C (COR: 0.34; CI: 0.16-0.73; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Dyslipidaemia and elevated levels of non-HDL-C were common in our study participants. Hypercholesterolaemia and co-occurrence of high TG and high LDL-C levels were the most prevalent isolated and mixed dyslipidaemias, respectively. The female gender, overweight, grade 1 obesity and truncal obesity, as well as alcohol intake were significant predictors of elevated levels of non-HDL-C.

Abnormal Obesity Phenotype Is Associated with Reduced eGFR among Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertensive Patients in a Peri-Urban Community in Ghana.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to obesity and defects in insulin action. Significant complications of DM include kidney disease due to its association with hypertension and obesity. Thus, the contribution of the various obesity phenotypes to the kidney impairment observed among hypertensive and diabetes mellitus patients is of major concern. Aim: The study assessed the association between obesity phenotypes and reduced glomerular filtration rate among diabetes mellitus and hypertensive patients. Methods: Three hundred and ten (310) adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or both who attended the Presbyterian Hospital, Dormaa Ahenkro, from October 2016 to March 2017 were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected to analyze biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, and creatinine). Questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic information, and anthropometrics were appropriately measured. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation, and reduced eGFR was defined as eGFR <90 ml/min/1.73 m2. Results: The prevalence of metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically abnormal nonobese (MANO), and metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) phenotypes among the study participants was 30.65%, 4.50%, 52.90%, and 11.94%, respectively. The highest prevalence of reduced eGFR (29/37 (78.38%)) was seen among the MAO group. This was followed by the MANO, MHO, and MHNO with a reduced eGFR prevalence of 62.20%, 57.64%, and 37.89%, respectively. After normalization with MHNO, the reduced eGFR was 1.51, 1.64, and 2.06 times expressed in MHO, MANO, and MAO. For the total samples, when MHNO was maintained as a reference, reduced eGFR was significantly associated with MANO (aOR = 3.07 (95% CI = 1.76-5.35), P < 0.001) and MAO (aOR = 5.67 (95% CI = 2.66-17.27), P < 0.001) even after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, and alcohol intake. This association was maintained among the female study participants when stratified by gender, and in addition, among the female participants, reduced eGFR was also associated with MHO (aOR = 4.19 (95% CI = 1.06-16.53), P=0.041). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of abnormal metabolic phenotypes among diabetes mellitus patients, and these were significantly associated with reduced eGFR among our study participants.

Point-of-Care Sample Preparation and Automated Quantitative Detection of Schistosoma haematobium Using Mobile Phone Microscopy.

Schistosoma haematobium continues to pose a significant public health burden despite ongoing global control efforts. One of several barriers to sustained control (and ultimately elimination) is the lack of access to highly sensitive diagnostic or screening tools that are inexpensive, rapid, and can be used at the point of sample collection. Here, we report an automated point-of-care diagnostic based on mobile phone microscopy that rapidly images and identifies S. haematobium eggs in urine samples. Parasite eggs are filtered from urine within a specialized, inexpensive cartridge that is then automatically imaged by the mobile phone microscope (the "SchistoScope"). Parasite eggs are captured at a constriction point in the tapered cartridge for easy imaging, and the automated quantification of eggs is obtained upon analysis of the images by an algorithm. We demonstrate S. haematobium egg detection with greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity using this device compared with the field gold standard of conventional filtration and microscopy. With simple sample preparation and image analysis on a mobile phone, the SchistoScope combines the diagnostic performance of conventional microscopy with the analytic performance of an expert technician. This portable device has the potential to provide rapid and quantitative diagnosis of S. haematobium to advance ongoing control efforts.

Assessment of Serum Free Light Chains as a Marker of Diabetic Nephropathy; A Cross-Sectional Study in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Aims: Although traditional tests such as serum urea, creatinine, and microalbuminuria have been widely employed in the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, their sensitivity and accuracy are limited because kidney damage precedes the excretion of these biomarkers. This study investigated the role of serum free light chains in the disease manifestation of diabetic nephropathy. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional design we recruited 107 diabetes mellitus out-patients who visited the Diabetes and Renal Disease Clinics at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Manhyia District Hospital, and Suntreso Government Hospital all in Ghana from November 2019 to February 2020. Five (5) mls of blood was collected from each participant and analyzed for fasting blood glucose (FBG) urea, creatinine, immunoglobulin free light chains. Urine samples were obtained and analyzed for albumin. Anthropometric characteristics were also measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Tukey HSD post hoc, and Kruskal Wallis test. Chi-squared test was used to examine if there are significant associations with the indicators of interest. In addition, Spearman's correlation was used to test for associations between appropriate variables. Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) was also performed to assess the diagnostic performance of free light chains. Results: The mean age of studied participants was 58.2 years (SD: ± 11.1), 63.2% were females and most of the participants were married (63.0%). The mean FBG of the studied participants was 8.0mmol/L (SD: ± 5.86), and the average duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 11.88 years (SD: ± 7.96). The median serum Kappa, Lambda, and Kappa: Lambda ratios for the studied participants were 18.51 (15.63-24.18), 12.19(10.84-14.48), and 1.50(1.23-1.86) respectively. A positive correlation was observed between albuminuria and; Kappa (rs=0.132; p=0.209), and Lambda (rs=0.076; p=0.469). However, a negative correlation was observed between albuminuria and K: L ratio (rs=-0.006; p=0.956). Conclusions: The current study observed an increasing trend in the levels of free light chains and degree of diabetic nephropathy, although not statistically significant. The exploration of serum free light chains as a better marker of diabetic nephropathy showed very promising results but further studies are required to elucidate its predictive value as a diagnostic tool for diabetic nephropathy.

Posterior Blepharitis and Associated Potential Factors: A Study among Pregnant Women.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates in a cross-section of pregnant women the frequency of posterior blepharitis, its predisposing factors and how lipid profile impacts the occurrence of posterior blepharitis in pregnancy. METHODS: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of pregnant women. RESULTS: In this study, 201 pregnant women were recruited and included in the study's analysis. The participants' mean age was 29.96 (±4.74) years, with a median age of 30 and a range of 17 to 40 years. The frequency of posterior blepharitis among this cohort was 13.4% (95% confidence interval, 9.0% to 18.4%). The frequencies of MGD-associated posterior blepharitis and non-MGD associated posterior blepharitis were 6.0% and 7.4%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean fluorescein tear breakup time and SPEED scores between non-MGD associated posterior blepharitis and MGD-associated posterior blepharitis, however, the mean tear breakup time(t = 3.999, p < .001) and SPEED scores (t = 6.76, p < .0001) showed a statistically significant difference in posterior blepharitis pregnant women compared to non-posterior blepharitis pregnant women. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean corneal staining scores between non-MGD-associated posterior blepharitis and MGD-associated posterior blepharitis (t = 3.99, p = .001). There was no association between lipid profile and posterior blepharitis in binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The study showed that posterior blepharitis occurs in pregnancy, but it is not associated with cholesterol levels.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Lipid Profile: A Study Among Pregnant Women.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the frequency of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and its associated factors among pregnant women. METHODS: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of consecutive pregnant women visiting the University of Cape Coast hospital's antenatal clinic. Meibomian gland assessment and tear function test were performed along with the administration of a symptom questionnaire. Correlation, analysis of variance, and logistic regression analyses were used to examine predictors of MGD. RESULTS: All 201 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and gave informed consent were included in the study. The mean age of the entire sample was 29.96 (±4.74) years. The frequency of MGD among the cohort of pregnant women was 22.9% (95% confidence interval, 17.4%-28.9%). Univariate logistic regression revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with MGD: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (odds ratio [OR] 1.017; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001-1.034; P=0.042), total cholesterol (TC) (OR 1.009; 95% CI, 1.003-1.016; P=0.006), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (OR 1.008; 95% CI, 1.00-1.016; P=0.049). In multivariate analysis, the model confirmed that MGD was not significantly associated with TC, LDL, and HDL. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study showed a high frequency of MGD in pregnant women but comparable with that reported in the normal population. Clinicians examining pregnant women for dry eye disease may need to pay attention to other causative instigators aside MGD to enable the clinicians to make an appropriate etiology-based diagnosis.

Renal function in children infected with Schistosoma haematobium: a case-control study of an endemic Ghanaian community.

Schistosomiasis has been associated with kidney diseases leading to serious health problems especially in advanced cases. Most studies have used renal biopsy, and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of renal damage among urogenital schistosomiasis affected individuals. This study assessed serum urea, creatinine, and eGFR as biochemical markers of renal abnormalities in children with urogenital schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium) at a resource limited setting in Sorodofo-Abaasa in the Central Region of Ghana. A case-control study was conducted among 116 basic school children aged 9 to 17 years from January 2015 to May 2015 at Sorodofo-Abaasa in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District of the Central Region of Ghana. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain information on age, sex, guardian's occupation, water contact activities, history of gross haematuria and history of medication. Participants weight and height were measured using a bathroom scale (Zhongshan Camry Electronic Co. Ltd, Guangdong-China) and a wall-mounted ruler to the nearest 0.1 kg and 0.1 cm respectively. Approximately 4 ml of venous blood sample was collected from the median cubital vein of the study participants and used for the estimation of serum urea and creatinine levels. eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) was calculated using the Schwartz equation. The average ages of the cases and the controls recruited in this study were 12.7 ± 1.0 and 12. ± 2.6 years respectively. The median (minimum-maximum) did not differ between cases and controls with regards to eGFR [115.92(62.40-164.98) vs 112.50(51.82-170.36; p = 0.806], serum creatinine [57.20(28.91-84.67) vs 58.19(25.17-90.21); p = 0.876], and urea [9.82(5.80-13.74) vs 10.21(7.29-13.03); p = 0.586]. Hyperfiltration though statistically similar (p = 0.787), was observed among a higher proportion of the controls (20.5%) than observed among the cases (18.4%). This study documented no significant differences between children with light (less than 50 ova per 10 ml urine) and heavy (more than 50 ova per 10 ml urine) infection. This study documented no significant variation in the biochemical markers of renal function between the cases and controls. S. haematobium Infection intensity did not significantly alter the renal physiology of the school children studied.

Serum Uric acid is a better indicator of kidney impairment than serum uric acid to creatine ratio ; a cross sectional study of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are likely to develop kidney disease. The need to identify more accessible and cheaper diagnostic biomarkers cannot be overemphasized. This study investigated the ability of serum uric and uric acid to creatinine ratio in assessing the kidney function of T2DM patients and determined the relationship between serum uric acid to creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). METHODS: One hundred and fifty-five (155) consented T2DM patients were recruited from the diabetes clinic of the Cape Coast Teaching hospital. Anthropometric variables and blood pressure were measured. Serum uric acid (SUA), serum creatinine and urine protein were estimated using standard protocols. Uric acid to creatinine ratio (UA:CR), eGFR were then calculated. RESULTS: From the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve obtained, serum uric acid was found to be a better predictor of impaired renal function than UA:CR at p = 0.0001. The uric acid levels of participants in the fourth quartile of each category was found to be significant at p = 0.010 and can be used as indicators of kidney function in these participants. According to the odds ratio, the UA:CR will not be suitable to be used as an indicator of kidney function in any of the participants because their odds ratios were all less than 1. A total of 29(18.7 %) participants were found to have CKD with their eGFR falling below 60 ml/mins per 1.73 m2. A significant positive relationship was found between serum uric acid and the staging of CKD according to eGFR whiles a negative relationship was found with UA:CR and CKD (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid is a better indicator of renal impairment (eGFR < 60 ml/mins per 1.73 m2) than UA:CR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in poorly controlled vs well controlled Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients: A case-control study in a district hospital in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Hypofibrinolysis resulting from the up-regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) usually occurs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), rendering them hypercoagulable. This study assessed the plasma antigen and activity levels of the PAI-1 enzyme in T2DM patients in a district hospital in Ghana. METHODS: This was a hospital-based case-control study conducted from December 2018 to May 2019 at Nkenkaasu District Hospital. Sixty subjects with T2DM (30 T2DM subjects with good glycemic control and 30 with poor glycemic control), and 30 apparently healthy blood donors were recruited into the study. Blood specimens were collected for complete blood count, lipid profile, PAI-1 Ag and PAI-1 activity levels. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and clinical information. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: Elevated PAI-1 Ag and activity levels were observed in the T2DM subjects compared to the healthy controls, with the levels and activity significantly higher (PAI-1 Ag; p< 0.001, PAI-1 activity level; p = 0.004) in the T2DM subjects with poor glycemic control in comparison to those with good glycemic control. A significant positive correlation was observed between HbA1c and PAI-1 enzymes. PAI-1 Ag levels significantly increased along with increased total cholesterol (Β = 0.262, p = 0.033), triglyceride (Β = -0.273, p = 0.034) and HbA1c (Β = 0.419, p = 0.001). Similarly, PAI-1 activity level was associated with total cholesterol (Β = 0.325, p = 0.009), triglyceride (Β = -0.262, p = 0.042), HbA1c (Β = 0.389, p = 0.003) and VLDL-c (Β = -0.227, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: PAI-1 antigen/activity is enhanced in poorly controlled Ghanaian T2DM subjects. The hypercoagulable state of the affected individuals put them at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Good glycemic control to regulate plasma PAI-1 levels is essential during T2DM lifelong management. Markers of fibrinolysis should be assessed in these individuals and appropriate anticoagulants given to prevent thrombosis and adverse cardiovascular diseases.

Demographic, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the commonest of the hereditary kidney diseases and mostly ensues in utero with signs delayed until after several decades. This study assessed the demographic, diagnostic (clinical and biochemical features) and therapeutic patterns among ADPKD patients who attended the nephrology unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) from 2007 to 2018. METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective analysis of ADPKD patient records was conducted at the nephrology unit of KATH in October 2020. The records of 82 ADPKD was used for this study. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic and therapeutic data was obtained, organized and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: ADPKD was most prevalent in people within the ages of 31-40 years (25.6 %), with a male (52.4 %) preponderance. The most common clinical features presented were flank pain (30.5 %) and bipedal swelling (18.3 %). Hypertension (42.7 %), urinary tract infections (UTIs) (19.5 %), and anemia (13.4 %) were the most common complications reported. Average level of HDL-c was higher in females (1.7) than in males (1.2) (p = 0.001). Hematuria (34 %) and proteinuria (66 %) were among the biochemical derangements presented. About 81.7 % had CKD at diagnosis with the majority in stages 1 (27.0 %), 3(23.2 %) and 5 (20.3 %). Poor corticomedullary differentiation was observed in 90.2 % of participants and increased echogenicity was observed in 89.0 % of the participants. Estimated GFR (eGFR) correlated positively with echotexture (r = 0.320, p = 0.005) and negatively with CMD (r= -0.303, p = 0.008). About 95.1 % of patients were on conservative therapy including: 73.2 %, 52.4 %, 22.0 %, 13.4 %, 8.5 % on Irebesartan/Lisinopril, Nifecard XL, Hydralazine, Methyldopa and Bisoprolol respectively for hypertension; 26.8 and 3.7 % on Gliclazide and Metformin respectively for Type 2 diabetes mellitus; 25.6 %, 24.4 and 18.3 % on CaCO3, fersolate and folic acid respectively as nutrient supplements with 4.9 % of participants on renal replacement therapy (RRT). CONCLUSIONS: ADPKD occurs in people aged ≥ 31 years with a higher male preponderance. Clinical features include flank and abdominal pain, bipedal swelling, headache, amongst others. Uremia, hematuria, proteinuria, decreased eGFR, were the common biochemical derangements reported with higher severity detected in men. The therapeutic interventions mostly involved conservative therapy to manage symptoms and other comorbid conditions and rarely renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Altered Bioavailability of Nitric Oxide and L-Arginine Is a Key Determinant of Endothelial Dysfunction in Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence indicates that endothelial dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study assessed the level of the components of the arginine-nitric oxide pathway to evaluate endothelial dysfunction in normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted among pregnant women who visited Comboni Hospital from January 2017 to May 2018. A total of 180 pregnant women comprising 88 preeclamptic women (PE) and 92 healthy normotensive pregnant women (NP) were recruited. Sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric data were obtained using validated questionnaires. Blood pressure and anthropometrics were measured, and blood samples were collected for the estimation of nitric oxide (NO∙), L-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and 3-nitrotyrosine using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. RESULTS: The mean NO∙ (p = 0.010) and L-arginine/ADMA ratio (p < 0.0001) was significantly lower in PE compared to NP while mean L-arginine (p = 0.034), ADMA (p < 0.0001), and 3-nitrotyrosine (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in PE than NP. ADMA showed a significant positive association with systolic blood pressure (ß = 0.454, p = 0.036) in severe PE. Women with PE had significant intrauterine growth restriction (p < 0.0001) and low birth weight infants (p < 0.0001) when compared to NP. CONCLUSION: Preeclampsia is associated with reduced NO∙ bioavailability, L-arginine/ADMA ratio, and elevated levels of ADMA and 3-nitrotyrosine. Measurements of the levels of these parameters can help in the early prediction of endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Exogenous therapeutic supplementation with L-arginine during pregnancy to increase the L-arginine/ADMA ratio should be considered to improve endothelial function in preeclampsia and pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia.

Predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus among fishermen in Cape Coast: a comparison between the FINDRISC score and the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Studies over the past decades have observed a sharp rise in the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A highly sensitive and specific predictive tool for risky populations is essential. This study assessed two significant diabetes mellitus predictive tools for effectiveness and accuracy among people living in fishing communities in Cape Coast, Ghana. METHOD: In April 2019, we recruited one hundred and thirty-five (135) fishermen from three fishing communities in Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. Each participant underwent a standard metabolic procedure including clinical examination as well as taking of anthropometric variables such as weight, height, waist and hip circumference were also measured. The FINDRISC questionnaire was used to gather data from the respective participants. Serum glucose and lipids were estimated with enzymatic techniques, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) screened with the international diabetes federation (IDF) criteria. RESULTS: Of the 135 participants, 71 (52.6%) were women. The average age of study participants was 52 ± 16 years with females averagely older (56.6 ± 15.0) than the males (47.3 ± 15.0). This study recorded 31.1% and 8.9% prediabetic and diabetic fishermen respectively. Frequency of both prediabetes and diabetes was significantly predominant among females (71.4% vs 83.3%) than males (26.2% vs 25.0%) (p < 0.001) respectively. Prevalence of MetS according to the IDF criteria was 18.5%, significantly higher among females (92.0%) than recorded among the males (18.5%). The discriminatory accuracy of FINDRISC [aROC = 0.76 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.83); sensitivity = 58.3% and specificity = 86.9%; p = 0.003; optimal cut-off point = 13.50] and the MetS [aROC = 0.74 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.81); sensitivity = 75.0% and specificity = 71.5%; p = 0.002] despite demonstrating a significantly good capacity to detect T2DM were statistically comparable [aROC = 0.018 (95% CI -0.152 to 0.189); p = 0.834] in our study. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that both FINDRISC (with a suitable cut-off value of 13.5) and MetS screening tools possess a good predictive capacity for the detection of T2DM. Additionally, FINDRISC can be employed to detect MetS in a high-risk population.

Low iron stores in preconception nulliparous women; a two-center cross-sectional study in peri-urban Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: The nutritional status of women affects pregnancy outcomes. Preconception care adequately prepares women for the demands of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prepregnancy iron status of nulliparous women in Ghana to provide empirical data to inform policy formulation. METHODS: We recruited 336 nulliparous women of reproductive age from Denkyembour District and Ejura Municipal assemblies, respectively, in the Eastern and Ashanti regions of Ghana. Serum ferritin was estimated to assess the women's iron stores. Hemoglobin (Hb) variants and fecal occult blood were determined for participants using cellulose acetate electrophoresis and lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with depleted iron stores (ferritin < 15 ng/dL). RESULTS: Whereas 41.5% of the women were anemic (Hb <11.5 g/dL), 34.5% were iron depleted (serum ferritin <15 g/mL; C-reactive protein <5 ng/dL). Also, 17.1% suffered from iron deficiency anemia (concomitant Hb <11.5 g/dL and serum ferritin <15 ng/dL). Serum ferritin significantly differed among the participants with anemia (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age (<20 y: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 13.916, P = 0.002; 20-30 y: AOR, 4.304, P = 0.023), moderate anemia (AOR, 3.045, P = 0.004), Ashanti region (AOR, 3.984, P = 0.002), and mean cell volume <80 fL (AOR, 2.546, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with increased odds of having depleted iron stores. However, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio >0.85, educational status, or inherited Hb type were not significantly associated with depleted iron stores. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of depleted iron stores in nulliparous women is a severe public health problem that requires attention.