Effect of Protease Type and Peptide Size on the In Vitro Antioxidant, Antihypertensive and Anti-Diabetic Activities of Eggplant Leaf Protein Hydrolysates.

Solanum macrocarpon (eggplant) leaf protein isolate (ELI) was hydrolyzed using four different enzymes to produce hydrolysates from alcalase (AH), chymotrypsin (CH) pepsin (PH) and trypsin (TH). CH had an overall stronger antioxidant property and was separated using ultrafiltration membranes into <1, 1-3 and 3-5 kDa peptide fractions. Gel-permeation chromatography confirmed conversion of the ELI (average of 22 kDa) into protein hydrolysates that contained smaller peptides (<6 kDa). A total of 23 peptides consisting of tri and tetrapeptides were identified from the CH, which is a wider spectrum when compared to seven for AH and four each for TH and PH. CH exhibited stronger scavenging activities against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. CH and TH exhibited the strongest inhibitions against angiotensin-converting enzyme. In contrast, AH was the strongest inhibitor of α-amylase while AH and PH had strong inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase when compared with other hydrolysates. Ultrafiltration fractionation produced peptides that were stronger (p < 0.05) scavengers of DPPH, and hydroxyl radicals, in addition to better metal-chelating and enzyme inhibition agents. The study concluded that the eggplant protein hydrolysates and the UF fractions may find applications in tackling oxidative stress-related diseases and conditions involving excessive activities of the metabolic enzymes.

Antioxidant and enzymes inhibitory properties of Amaranth leaf protein hydrolyzates and ultrafiltration peptide fractions.

Amaranth leaf protein isolate (ALI) was hydrolyzed using four different proteases (alcalase, trypsin, pepsin, and chymotrypsin) followed by fractionation of the pepsin hydrolyzate (PH) into different sizes using ultrafiltration membrane. Gel permeation chromatography showed that all the hydrolyzates had smaller size peptides (<7 kDa) than the protein isolate (>32 kDa). The chymotrypsin hydrolyzate had higher contents of hydrophobic amino acid (44.95%) compared to alcalase (42.72%), pepsin (43.93%), and trypsin (40.95%) hydrolyzates. The PH had stronger DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical scavenging activities than the other protein hydrolyzates but weaker Ferric reducing antioxidant power and metal chelating activities when compared to the peptide fractions. The <1 kDa peptide fraction exhibited stronger DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals scavenging activities than the higher molecular weight (>1 kDa) fractions. Fractionation of PH also resulted in enhanced inhibition of α-amylase and ACE activities but weaker α-glucosidase inhibition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: ALI was hydrolyzed using four proteases to produce protein hydrolyzates. The most active of the hydrolyzate was then fractionated to produce fractions of different molecular sizes. The results of the analyses showed that the hydrolyzates and the fractions showed good antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities such as the inhibition of ACE, α-amylase, and glucosidase enzymes. The results suggest that the enzymatic hydrolyzates and peptide fractions could be used as ingredients in the nutraceutical and functional food industries to scavenge free radicals and inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity.

The Prevalence and Pattern of Malnutrition in Pre-Dialytic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at a Tertiary Care Facility in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a common problem in chronic kidney disease contributing to adverse outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality and overall poor quality of life. In our environment and indeed most other developing countries, the prevalence of malnutrition in the general population is high. The high cost and dearth of renal replacement therapy in developing countries underscores the need for identification of factors that if adequately addressed will lead to slowing down of the progression to End Stage Renal Disease. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and pattern of malnutrition in pre-dialytic CKD patients at a tertiary care renal unit in a developing country. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and two consecutive patients attending the nephrology clinic of a tertiary care facility along with apparently healthy age and sex-matched subjects were studied. Demographic data, social classification and aetiology of CKD were obtained from patients. Multiple tools were used for assessment of the nutritional status of patients in stages 2-5 CKD who are not yet on dialysis. Clinical examination, anthro-pometric measurements triceps skin fold (TSF), Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), biochemical assessment (serum albumin and serum cholesterol) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) were used as tools for nutritional assessment for patients and compared with controls. The proportion of patients that met the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria for malnutrition was also determined. RESULTS: The mean age of the CKD patients was 47±11 years with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Prevalence of malnutrition in the CKD patients using clinical assessment was 8.8% (control=none), Body Mass Index was 31.4% (control=7.8%), Triceps skin fold thickness 46.6% (control=14.7%), serum albumin 46.1% (control=5.9%), Mid-upper arm circumference was 30.4% (control=11.18%), serum cholesterol 11.8% (control=3.9%), Subjective Global Assessment, 5.9% (control = none) and International Study of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism criteria 31.4% (control=none). The Prevalence of malnutrition increased significantly across CKD stages 2 to 5 with the use of clinical assessment (p=0.001), SGA (p value =0.001), serum albumin (p value =0.001) and BMI (p value =0.012). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is common in pre-dialytic CKD patients in Nigeria and possibly other developing countries. There is a need to identify those who may need nutritional intervention early as this will impact positively on the final outcome of the disease as well as reduce the number of patients progressing to ESRD.

Prevalence and Pattern of Chronic Kidney Disease and its Associated Risk Factors in a Rural Community in South Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has now become a disease of public health importance. The increased prevalence in the population of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is partly related to the failure of early detection of the pre-clinical stages of the disease and its associated risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its associated risk factors in Aiyepe community in Ogun state, south western Nigeria as well as determining the awareness level of the population about CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional community-based study involving 456 participants recruited through cluster and simple random sampling techniques.Participants were screened for urinary albumin by dipstick and/or albumin creatinine ratio. Serum creatinine, fasting blood sugar and serum lipid profile were determined while glomerular filtration rate was estimated using Cockroft and Gault formula from serum creatinine. RESULTS: The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of the study population was 48.09(±15.7) years, and the age range was 18-80 years. Hypertension was seen in 28.9% of studied participants while only 4.2% were diabetic. The mean waist-hip ratio (WHR) of the participants was 0.94(±0.55). The mean BMI of the participants was 26.62(±6.0) kg/m2 with a range of 15.04 to 48.68 kg/m2. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 24.4% and 30% respectively. The prevalence of proteinuria was 16.3% while 3.7% of the participants had history of haematuria. The prevalence of CKD was 27.6%. Age (OR-1.080, CI-95%, 1.059-1.102), female gender (OR-0.550, CI-95%, 0.320-0.945), BMI (OR-0.832, CI-95%, 0.785-0.882) and dyslipidaemia (OR-1.007, CI-95%, 0.978-1.037) were found to be predictive of CKD in this study. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CKD and its associated risk factors is high in Aiyepe community in Ogun state, south western Nigeria. If this is true for other rural communities generally, it will pose huge challenges on the available healthcare resources.

Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in semi-urban communities in south-western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In addition to poor socio-economic indices and a high prevalence of infectious diseases, there have been various reports of a rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, with associated morbidity and mortality in developing countries. These factors co-exist, resulting in a synergy, with serious complications, difficult-to-treat conditions and fatal outcomes. Hence this study was conducted to determine the clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors and its pattern in semi-urban communities in south-western Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study over seven months in 11 semi-urban communities in south-western Nigeria. RESULTS: The total number of participants was 1 285 but only 1 083, with 785 (65%) females, completed the data. Participants were 18 years and older, and 51.2% were over 60 years. The mean age was 55.12 ± 19.85 years. There were 2.6% current cigarette smokers, 22% drank alcohol and 12.2% added salt at the table, while 2% had been told by their doctors they had diabetes, and 23.6% had hypertension. The atherogenic index of plasma was at a high-risk level of 11.1%. Elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were seen in 5.7, 3.7 and 65.1%, respectively. Prevalence of hypertension was 44.9%, diabetes was 5.2%, obesity with body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 was 5.7%, and abdominal circumference was 25.7%. Prevalence of clusters of two, three, and four or more risk factors was 23.1, 15.5 and 8.4%, respectively. Increasing age 2.94 (95% CI: 1.30-6.67), BMI 1.18 (95% CI: 1.02-1.37), fasting plasma glucose level 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00-1.05), albuminuria 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00-1.05), systolic blood pressure 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04-1.10), diastolic blood pressure 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00-1.11) and female gender 2.94 (95% CI: 1.30-6.67) showed increased odds of clustering of two or more cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors is prevalent in these communities. Patterns of clustering vary. This calls for aggressive and targeted public health interventions to prevent or reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, as the consequences could be detrimental to the country.

Awareness, knowledge and perception of chronic kidney disease in a rural community of South-West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Awareness and education on kidney disease impact on its effective management and will reduce the significant economic and public health burden. Knowledge of CKD and risk factors increases the perception of being at high risk and increasing health seeking behavior. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to assess the level of awareness, knowledge and conventional risk factors of CKD in the community to strategize on preventive modalities using the information gathered from this population. METHODS: We used a pretested structured questionnaire to draw information on sociodemography, knowledge and risk factors of CKD from 563 residents aged >18 years. RESULTS: A total of 454 residents completed this study, mainly farmers, with a mean age of 45.8 ± 19.0 years and male: female ratio of 0.8:1. Only 33.7% had heard of kidney disease with 59.3% from the media and 35.3% from health workers; the level of knowledge of CKD was good in 27.1%. The majority (67.0%) do not know the correct location of the kidneys. Only 10.6% could mention at least one function of the kidneys with only 24.5% agreeing that NSAIDs can cause kidney disease. A laboratory test for kidney function was known by 4.4%; 45.9% and 47.8% believe that CKD can be cured by spiritual means and herbal concoctions respectively. Only 11.1% agreed that CKD can be hereditary. Abdominal obesity and cigarette smoking were seen in 14.6% and 16.6% respectively. Hypertension was seen in 26.5% while 17.8% actually knew they were hypertensive. Diabetes mellitus was found in 3.4%. None of the patients with CKD who had diabetes or hypertension was aware of kidney disease. CONCLUSION: There are a misconception and low level of awareness and knowledge of CKD, including those with risk factors, in the community. Efforts should be made to create awareness and educate people on CKD and prevention of its risk factors.

Prevlaence of chronic kidney disease markers in Kumbotso rural Northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Data- on the epidemiology of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) from sub-SaharanAfrica are sparse. We investigated the prevalence of CKD and its early markers in Kumbotso, a rural community in northern Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 480 individuals were randomly selected from the general population using multistage stratified random sampling. Relevant- demographic and clinical data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Biological samples (urine and blood) were drawn for relevant investigations. RESULTS: CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR <60 mls/min) was found in 117 participants (26%). Proteinuria was present in 106 persons (23.6%) and haematuria in 7 individuals (1.6%). The most common CKD stage was stage 1 (20%). CKD was associated with hypertension (P=0.002), diabetes (P=0.001), high cholesterol (P=0.030), smoking (P=0.015), increasing BMI (P=0.020), and increasing age (P=0.003). After adjusting for potential confounding with logistic regression modeling we found BMI, family history of hypertension, history of diabetes mellitus and family history of renal disease to be independent predictors of CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Early markers of CKD are common among rural inhabitants of northern Nigeria and this call for concerted efforts towards institution of preventive measures.

Preliminary report of HLA (DNA) typing of Nigerians using sequence-specific primer technique.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This communication is an attempt to present the experience and a preliminary report of results over a one-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2011 to December 2012, a prospective determination of the HLA types of 20 individuals referred to the Tissue Typing Laboratory of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife was done. These consisted of prospective transplant recipients, their donors, and a migrant pair for kinship determination. DNA was extracted from the client's peripheral blood sample, using the QIAmp Blood DNA Mini kit, (Qiagen). PCR was done using OlerupR low-resolution PCR-SSP typing kit. The PCR product was resolved in 2% agarose gel, and the bands visualised under UV light. The HLA types were determined using provided tables and/or Helmberg software. Data were presented using descriptive statistics whileHLA antigen frequency (AF) was expressed in percentage and gene frequency (GF) was determined using square root method (1-(1-AF)1/2). RESULTS: A total of 20 individuals (13males and 7females) consisting of seven renal transplant recipients and seven prospective donors; a stem cell recipient and three donors and a migrant pair for kinship determination were typed. Age ranged from 4-65 years. 44 HLA alleles were detected, while HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 were 7, 10, 11, 8, 8 alleles respectively. The alleles were heterogeneous in distribution while 6 antigens (HLA-A*02, B*30, C*15, DRB1*03, DRB1*08 and DQB1*06) were having frequencies e"25%. CONCLUSION: This report confirms that DNA-based HLA typing is feasible locally, andit was observed that renal transplantation procedure is the most frequent indication. The HLA antigens observed to have very high frequencies (e"25% frequency) in this population were HLA-A*02, B*30, C*15, DRB1*03, DRB1*08 and DQB1*06. There is a strong need to develop a broad-based HLA data bank for Nigeria to further strengthening her transplantation programmes.

A community study of the prevalence, risk factors and pattern of chronic kidney disease in Osun State, South West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health concern. Nigeria, like other African countries has paucity of hard data derived from community based studies. AIMS: We set out to determine the awareness, level of knowledge, prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its associated risk factors in Nigerian community. METHODS: We used a pre-tested structured questionnaire to draw information on sociodemography, knowledge and risk factors of CKD from 468 residents aged ≥ 18 years. Clinical examination, blood glucose, serum creatinine, urinalysis and urinary albumin: creatinine ratio (ACR) was carried out. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using Modification for Diet in Renal Disease equation. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min and/or macroalbuminuria (ACR ≥ 300 mg/g or dipstick proteinuria). RESULTS: A total of 454 residents, mainly farmers, with a mean age of 45.8 ± 19.0 years and M: F ratio of 0.8:1 completed the study. Only 33.7% had heard of kidney disease; the level of knowledge of CKD was adjudged good, fair and poor in 25.5%, 42.2% and 30.6% respectively. There was higher prevalence of CKD in those with poor knowledge (p=0.023). Smoking habit, habitual analgesic intake, alcohol and herbal concoction use was 7%, 20%, 19% and 75% respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 30%, diabetes mellitus (3.7%), obesity by waist circumference (14.6%) and haematuria (3.1%). Estimated GFR < 60 ml/min was present in 12.3% while macroalbuminuria was present in 8.9%. The overall prevalence of CKD was 18.8%, with CKD stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 accounting for 2.4%, 4.1%, 11.8% and 0.5% respectively. Age (p=0.00; OR 1.09), female gender (p=0.006; OR 4.87), systolic blood pressure P<0.001; OR 1.04) and diabetes (p=0033; OR 15.76) were predictive of CKD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CKD and its risk factors are high in this rural community of South Western Nigeria. Majority had moderately impaired kidney function. This underscores the need for primary and secondary preventive programmes.

Calciphylaxis causing digital, gangrene in end stage renal disease: a case report and review.

Calcific uraemic arteriolopathy (CUA), a potentially life-threatening vasculopathy of the skin and subcutaneous tissues is rarely associated with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) particularly in patients on haemodialysis. It is more frequently reported in whites than in blacks and commonly accompanies hyperphosphataemia, elevated calcium-phosphate product and marked secondary hyperparathyroidism. We report a rare case of CUA that complicated end stage renal disease secondary to obstructive uropathy in a 68 year old Nigerian. The risk factors for CUA, diagnosis, management and our peculiar limitations were reviewed and discussed.

Iron status and benefit of the use of parenteral iron therapy in pre-dialysis Chronic Kidney disease patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Anaemia is a major cardiovascular risk factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treatment and correction of anaemia leads to improvement of cardiovascular status and quality of life of patients with CKD. This interventional open labeled randomised controlled study comparing the effect of intravenous and oral iron therapy in improving red cell indices and iron status in anaemic pre-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease was carried out to determine iron status in anaemic pre-dialysis CKD patients to assess the benefit of parenteral iron supplementation as against empirical oral iron in CKD patients with iron deficiency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty consecutive pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients attending the renal clinic over a six month period were screened. Forty- one subjects (68.3%) were found to be anaemic and were subsequently studied. RESULTS: The ages of the patients ranged between 19 and 71 years with a mean age of 39 years. The mean serum creatinine and mean creatinine clearance were 201.80 (70.25)?mol/L and 37.90 (± 12.17)ml/minute respectively. The haematocrit concentration was found to correlate inversely with the level of serum creatinine and 56.1% of the anaemic patients had iron deficiency. The mean PCV rise in the intravenous iron group was 2.42 (± 1.98)% and this was statistically significant (p=0.002) while the mean PCV difference was 0.909 (± 0.94)% in the oral iron group. Intravenously administered iron alone permitted anaemia correction in about one-third of these patients without any life threatening adverse drug event. CONCLUSION: Anaemia is very common in the pre-dialysis CKD population and the prevalence of iron deficiency is high. Intravenous iron supplementation is an effective and safe treatment for the anaemia in the pre-dialysis CKD patients. Response to oral iron was poor.

Kidney diseases in Africa: aetiological considerations, peculiarities and burden.

AIM: To review available literature on the burden of kidney diseases in Africa from the perspective of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. It also aims to provide information on the status of renal replacement therapy activities, and the emerging roles of the double burden of communicable and non communicable diseases interfacing with the kidney in a continent with distinct environmental, socio-cultural, infrastructural and economical peculiarities. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on the aetiopathogenesis, management options of peculiar diseases causing both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney diseases and renal replacement therapies in Africa. The literature review used the electronic database; Medline, Pubmed and theAfrican Journal on line (AJOL). Information related to the topic over a 30-year period (1979-2009) was retrieved and reviewed. Search terms used were; acute renal failure in Africa, acute kidney injury in Africa, chronic renal failure/chronic kidney disease in Africa, heamodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation in Africa. RESULT: Nephrotoxins and infections are prevalent causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the continent. Chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertension and lately diabetes mellitus are still major peculiar aetiological factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A variety of renal syndromes which can be acute or chronic is associated with the Human immunodiefficency virus infection and its magnitude and consequences portend a grim reality in a continent that is least prepared to respond appropriately. Renal replacement therapy therapy is limited to less than five percent of those that need it especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. CONCLUSION: There is a huge burden of AKI and CKD in Africa from the perspective of their peculiar aetiological considerations. The status of renal replacement therapy activities is poor except in North and South Africa. The major challenges of kidney diseases in Africa include the high prevalence, delayed presentation, cost of treatment, general lack of preventive measures, lack of epidemiological studies and general lack of functional renal registries. There is thus a need for a strong advocacy for support for renal care in Africa.

An appraisal of kidney dysfunction and its risk factors in patients with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetically inherited disease of blacks, often presents with disabling acute complications which can occasionally be fatal. Its renal manifestations are increasingly being recognized as affected patients now survive to middle and rarely old age. We set out to determine the magnitude of kidney dysfunction in our SCD patient population and evaluate its predictive factors. We reviewed the available case records of SCD patients managed in our hospital. Information on socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data were retrieved and collated. A total of 374 (99.46%) were reviewed with complete data; the median age was 23 years (range 7-62), while median age at diagnosis of SCD was 4 years (range 0.25-31). 235 patients (68.2%) had no kidney disease while the remaining 139 (37.2%) had proteinuria, hematuria or reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml/min. The age of patients was a significant predictor of kidney disease (p = 0.002) and correlated with the level of serum creatinine (r = 0.188, p < 0.001), GFR (r = 0.245, p < 0.0001) and the degree of proteinuria (r = 0.174, p = 0.006). Patients with kidney disease had a significantly higher number of crises/hospitalizations (p < 0.001). Seven patients died in all and 4 (57%) of them had end-stage renal disease. We concluded that kidney disease is a common complication of SCD and significantly contributes to mortality. The age of the patients, duration of SCD and frequency of crises/hospitalizations are strong predictors of development of kidney disease.

The pattern, clinical characteristics and outcome of ESRD in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: is there a change in trend?

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic renal failure and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has remained high worldwide and the epidemiology has changed significantly in the last decade in industrialised countries. While there have been significant improvements in these patient's outcomes in developed countries, their state and survival is still appalling in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical pattern, presentation and management outcomes in our ESRD population over a 19-year period (1989-2007). METHODS: Seven hundred and sixty patients' records were reviewed. Data on major causes, clinical presentation, management and survival were retrieved and collated. Data was analysed using SPSS package version 16. RESULTS: Their ages ranged between 15-90 years (mean ± SD; 39.9±1.67years) with male preponderance (70.3%). Major presenting complaints were body swelling and uraemic symptoms in most studied patients. The predisposing conditions included chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertension, obstructive uropathy and diabetes mellitus. Renal replacement therapy offered included HD in 556(73.2%), Continous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) in only 9(1.2%) patients and renal transplantation in only 7(0.9%). Only 38(6.8%) survived on HD for longer than three months while 7(77.8%) CAPD patients and all transplanted patients survived for between six months and four years (p<0.00001). Median duration of survival after diagnosis for all the patients was 2 weeks (range 0-50 months). CONCLUSION: End stage renal disease is still prevalent with chronic glomerulonephritis and hypertension being the common causes. Prognosis is still grave hence subsidized renal replacement therapy and preventive nephrology should be targeted in such underserved populations.

Prevalence and pattern of renal bone disease in end stage renal disease patients in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Information on renal bone disease (RBD) is sparse in Nigeria. The prevalence of RBD in a dialysis population worldwide ranges between 33% and 67% and it increases with progression of renal insufficiency. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and magnitude of RBD in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: Thirty consecutive ESRD patients were recruited. They had thorough clinical evaluation and investigations which included serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, albumin and skeletal survey. The serum iPTH, osteocalcin, and 1,25 (OH2) D3 were assessed in 20 patients. RESULTS: The patients were aged 18-72 years with a mean of 38.93+/-15.7 years. There was a male:female ratio of 4:1. Uraemic symptoms were the major presenting complaints. None of the patients complained of bone pain or fracture. The mean values for serum creatinine, urea, creatinine clearance, calcium, phosphate, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, iPTH, osteocalcin and 1,25 (OH)2 Vit D3 were 1478.96 +/- 771.12 micromol/L, 22.33 +/- 7.42 mmol/L, 3.38 +/-2.22 mls/min, 1.8 +/- 0.5 mmol/L, 1.61 +/- 0.65 mmol/L, 30.2 +/- 6.1 g/L, 124.33 +/- 63.37 IU/L, 22.66 +/- 24.72, 45.14 +/- 43.8, 37.7 +/- 22.3 respectively. There were hypocalcaemia and hyper-phosphataemia in 80% and 60% of the patients respectively. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in 44% of the patients while 11.8% had hyperparathyroidism. Level of 1,25 (OH)2 Vit D3 was low in 83.3% of the patients. There was a significant negative correlation between serum calcium and iPTH levels (r = -0.915, p=0.029). There was also significant negative correlation between alkaline phosphatase and 1,25 (OH)2 Vit D3 and serum albumin. Radiological evidence of RBD occurred in only 16.7% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Renal bone disease is common in our patients with ESRD associated most commonly with low bone turnover while occurrence of hyperparathyroid bone disease appears low.

Review of vaginal birth after primary caesarean section without prostaglandin induction and or syntocinon augmentation in labour.

OBJECTIVE: To show the results of vaginal birth after primary caesarean (VBAC) without using prostaglandin for induction and/or syntocinon augmentation are comparable when induction is done with these agents but without the added risks of uterine rupture. METHOD: A review of the obstetric records of 16,498 parturient from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2006 was carried out. The 229 cases of women who wanted VBAC were subjected to further analysis to determine the number of successful vaginal delivery after spontaneous onset of labour or membrane sweep. The instrumental vaginal delivery rate, analgesia commonly used and the complication rate were analysed. RESULTS: The result showed that 34.49% had spontaneous onset of labour, 27.07% laboured after membrane sweep and 38.42% had repeat urgent caesarean section as they failed to go into spontaneous labour. Of those who went into labour spontaneously or after membrane sweep, 67% had vaginal delivery, a further 13.97% had instrumental vaginal delivery and 16% had emergency caesarean section. There was no case of uterine rupture. CONCLUSION: VBAC can end successfully in a high proportion of cases without the use of prostaglandin or syntocinon for induction of labour and or syntocinon for augmentation in these women because of their associated increased relative risk of uterine rupture.

Smoking prevalence and tobacco control measures in Kenya, Uganda, the Gambia and Liberia: a review.

BACKGROUND: Smoking prevalence is increasing in developing countries. These resource-poor countries will have to battle tobacco-related diseases before they have eliminated common communicable diseases. METHODS: We conducted a computerised search of PubMed to identify published estimates of smoking prevalence in Kenya, the Gambia, Uganda and Liberia. We also reviewed tobacco control measures in each country using information provided by the respective health departments. RESULTS: We noted a high prevalence of smoking in Kenya, Uganda and the Gambia. There were no published data on tobacco use prevalence for Liberia. Tobacco control measures were inadequate. CONCLUSION: Standardised prevalence studies involving general populations should be conducted. Tobacco control efforts need to be reinforced.

Which factors actually influence the development and progression of overt nephropathy in Nigerian diabetics?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors predisposing Nigerian diabetics to overt nephropathy with a view to developing strategies for its prevention. DESIGN: case control study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital, a major nephrology referral centre in Nigeria. SUBJECTS: 30 diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients and 32 age and sex-matched diabetic patients without nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients with chronic renal failure who have been diabetic for a minimum of five years and satisfied the inclusion criteria for the study were compared with 32 age and sex-matched diabetic patients without nephropathy. Their socio-demographic parameters, clinical and laboratory profiles were determined and compared. RESULTS were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences version 10. Chi-square test, logistic regression analysis and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used, p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study sought to compare socio-demographic, clinical and biochemical data between diabetic patients with overt nephropathy and those without. RESULTS: Duration of diabetes, blood pressures and blood sugar levels were significantly higher in DN patients than the controls (p < 0.05). A family history of renal disease, socio-economic status, cigarette smoking, body mass index and total serum cholesterol did not distinguish between DN patients from controls (p > 0.05). Systolic blood pressure positively correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.057, p < 0.001) and duration of DM (r = 0.284, p = 0.02). There was a constellation of clinical features viz: retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy and left ventricular hypertrophy, which were significantly associated with DN (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged duration of diabetes, hypertension, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy, left ventricular hypertrophy and poor glycaemic control were the major risk factors for overt nephropathy among Nigerian diabetics. Apreventive strategy should include adequate blood pressure and glycaemic control.

Anaemia and its response to treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of erythropoietin has transformed the management of anaemia in CKD, with considerable benefits which includes enhanced quality of life, increased exercise capacity and improved cardiac function. There is paucity of data on the beneficial effects of this treatment from this environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to study the pattern and response of anaemia and its response to treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin(r-HuEpo) in CKD patients in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a prospective study in which 20 CKD patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited consecutively. Subcutaneous r-HuEpo was administered to each of the study patients, starting with a weekly dose of 50 iu per kg and titrated according to haemoglobin (Hb) response, which was monitored fortnightly throughout the study period with the aim of achieving a target Hb of 11g per dl. RESULTS: The patients studied were anaemic with mean Hb of 7.36(1.05) g/dl. The anemia was normocytic normochromic in 85% of the patients. All the patients responded to treatment with r-HuEpo with the mean Hb rising from 6.74(0.70)g per dl to 11.64(0.37) g/dl and 7.64(1.19) to 11.98(0.45) g/dl in those on maintenance haemodialysis and pre-dialysis patients respectively. The patients reached the target Hb of 11g/dl within 8 weeks in predialytic CKD patients and within 10 weeks in those on maintenance haemodialysis. CONCLUSION: Anaemia is mostly normocytic normochromic in CKD patients in our environment and r-HuEpo therapy is effective in correcting the anaemia.