Insulin Resistance in relation to Hypertension and Dyslipidaemia among Men Clinically Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

Pathophysiologically, type 2 diabetes can result from insulin resistance or insulin insufficiency alone. It is unclear whether relative insulin shortage or pronounced insulin resistance is linked to poor cardiometabolic problems like obesity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR), hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. One hundred and twenty-one (121) type 2 diabetic men participated in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted between September 2018 and September 2019. Sociodemographic information was collected using a self-designed questionnaire. Anthropometric data were also taken and blood samples collected for estimation of insulin, glucose, and lipid concentrations. HOMA-IR was calculated from the fasting insulin and glucose values, and a HOMA - IR ≥ 2 was considered to indicate insulin resistance. Of the 121 participants, 39.7% were classified as insulin-resistant. Levels of total cholesterol (4.82 ± 1.2 mmol/L; p = 0.007 vs. 4.25 ± 1.1 mmol/L), LDL cholesterol (3.17 ± 0.9 mmol/L; p = 0.001 vs. 2.52 ± 0.8 mmol/L), and TC/HDL-C ratio (3.93 ± 0.9; p = 0.042 vs. 3.58 ± 0.9) and the prevalence of abnormal LDL-C (14.6%; p = 0.015 vs. 2.7%) and elevated BP (83.3%; p = 0.048 vs. 67.1%) were higher in the insulin-resistant group. LDL cholesterol (AUC = 0.670; p = 0.001) better classified subjects as being insulin-resistant compared to other lipid markers. The odds of insulin resistance in dyslipidaemia were not statistically significant after adjusting for obesity. The link between insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia and hypertension in male diabetics may thus be mediated by obesity.

Do Blood group and Sickle cell trait protect against placental malaria?

Blood group O is reported to confer some degree of protection from severe malaria in endemic setting. This protection is believed to be due to reduced and smaller rosette formation in people of blood group O which can easily be cleared by the host immune system. Also, sickle cell trait (HbAS) is reported to disrupt the adhesion of infected erythrocytes to microvascular endothelial walls, which could protect pregnant women from placental malaria. We determined the association between HbAS and ABO blood group, and placental malaria amongst pregnant women of all parities. The study enrolled 221 pregnant women. Peripheral blood samples were taken for malaria smears, ABO blood grouping and haemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis. A structured questionnaire was used to age, bed net usage, and the number of Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) doses taken by a pregnant woman. Two hundred and twenty-one (221) pregnant women were enrolled and out of this number, 110 (49.8%) were primiparae and 111 (50.2%) multiparae, with a mean age of 23.7±5.2. Placental malaria (PM) prevalence by PCR detection was 19.4% (43/221). Of those who were malaria positive 58.1% (25/43) were primiparae. Primiparae who are of blood group O were more susceptible to PM [P=0.04, (OR); 2.85, 95% (Cl), 1.12-9.01]. But sickle cell trait did not reduce the prevalence of PM [P=0.84 (OR); 0.92, 95% (Cl), 0.43-1.99]. Non-blood group O primiparae women were protected against placental malaria. This could be why some primiparae women are protected from PM, just like multiparae women.

Serum vitamin E deficiency among people living with HIV and undergoing antiretroviral therapy at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps to counteract oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is known to greatly affect people living with HIV (PLWH) through the stimulation of HIV replication and apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. There is however, a paucity of scientific data on the serum levels of vitamin E among PLWH in Ghana, and hence, there is a need to assess its level because of the pivotal role it plays in cell longevity determination and the immune system enhancement of such persons. This study aims to assess the serum levels of vitamin E among PLWH undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana. In a cross-sectional study, serum vitamin E levels of 103 randomly selected PLWH aged 24-88 years who attended an antiretroviral therapy clinic at the Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana, were measured by following standard protocols. A 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire were employed to assess dietary intake. The results show that a high level of serum vitamin E deficiency (82.5%) was observed among the participants. Majority (91.3%) of the participants had normal serum zinc status. Participants' serum vitamin E levels did not show significant correlation with their dietary intakes (correlation coefficient (ρ) = -0.094, p-value = 0.35). The prevalence of vitamin E deficiency among underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese participants was 91.7%, 75.4%, 86.5%, and 91.7% respectively with no significant difference among these groups. There was no significant correlation between serum vitamin E levels and HIV infection duration (ρ = 0.010, p-value = 0.405) and HAART duration (ρ = 0.001, p-value = 0.313). The low serum vitamin E levels found in this study suggests that the participants could potentially be at an increased risk of developing oxidative stress and its effects.

Serum adipocytokines and adiposity as predictive indices of preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at determining the levels of serum adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin and lipids during the first trimester in pregnant women and to evaluate the relationship between these biochemical markers and preeclampsia (PE). Available evidence point to changes in the levels of these adipokines in PE hence this study examined the potential of using these biomarkers in the prediction of the disease. METHODS: This was a case-control study which compared first trimester serum biochemical and anthropometric parameters in pregnant women who subsequently developed PE and those who did not. Blood pressure and urine protein were determined after 20 weeks of gestation and diagnosis of PE performed according to the guidelines of the American Heart Association. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the lipid profile with the exception of HDL cholesterol which was significantly lower (p = 0.043) in the PE group compared to the normotensive group. There were, however, significant differences (p <  0.05) in the adipokines between the PE group and those without PE. Analyses of area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for the adipokines, showed their ability to correctly predict PE even after controlling for body mass index (BMI) and family history of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Adiponectin, leptin, resistin and visfatin were found to be significant predictors of PE, with resistin being the best predictor after controlling for BMI. However, adiponectin was the best predictor after controlling for BMI, age, parity and family history of diabetes and preeclmapsia.

A narrative review on pressure ulcer (PU) studies relevant to medical imaging.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are defined as localised injuries to the skin and/or underlying tissue as a result of pressure or pressure together with shear. PUs present significant health implications to patients; costing billions to manage and/or treat. The burden of PU prevention in hospitals must be the concern of all healthcare professionals, including radiographers. The purpose of this narrative review article was to identify and critically evaluate relevant literature and research conducted into pressure ulcers (PUs) relevant to medical imaging. It is expected that this review article will increase the level of awareness about PUs amongst radiographers and help to develop appropriate interventions to minimise the risk of PUs. A literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant articles. Also, books, professional body guidelines, magazines, grey and unpublished literatures were also searched. The search was limited to English Language articles. Only five articles were retrieved and reviewed. There are limited studies on PUs relevant to medical imaging. Available studies provide some evidence that radiographic procedures and settings subject patients attending for radiographic procedures to the risk of PUs. Further studies are needed into PU risk assessment, minimisation and management in medical imaging to help raise awareness and address the problem of the potential for PU development.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women in Ho Municipality: A Cross-Sectional Study.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 participants: 88 premenopausal and 97 postmenopausal women obtaining healthcare service from Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) and Ho Municipal Hospital from November 2018 to January 2020. Questionnaires were administered, and direct anthropometric measurements were taken. Blood samples were collected between 8:00 am and 10:00 am after overnight fast (12 to 18 hours; ≥8 hours) to assess fasting blood glucose, fasting lipids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations at HTH laboratory using standard measuring procedures. This study in diagnosing metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease employed the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria and the Bedogni fatty liver index algorithm, respectively. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MetS and NAFLD was 24.86% and 40.00% using NCEP-ATPIII and Bedogni fatty liver index algorithm, respectively. The prevalence of MetS and NAFLD among postmenopausal women was 32.99% and 49.48%, respectively, higher than 15.91% and 29.55%, respectively, observed among premenopausal women. The most prevalent MetS component among the study population was abdominal obesity (68.65%) which was significantly higher among the postmenopausal women (82.47%) than premenopausal women (53.41%) (<0.001). Hyperglycemia and hypertension were the major significant risk factors for developing MetS among premenopausal women whereas high triglyceride was the highest risk factor found among the postmenopausal women. Obesity and abdominal obesity were the most likely risk factors for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Comorbidities of MetS and NAFLD were significant risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (OR = 5.2, 95%CI = 2.2-12.4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study established a significant association between coronary artery disease and comorbidities of MetS and NAFLD among the studied participants. Both conditions were found to be more prevalent among postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. Abdominal obesity was the most prevalent MetS component among the population. Women should be monitored for the two conditions and be educated on adopting healthy lifestyles to minimize the incidence of these conditions.

Leptin, resistin and visfatin as useful predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Lipids and adipokines including leptin, resistin and visfatin play various roles in the pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). This study was aimed at determining whether serum leptin, resistin and visfatin are significantly altered during the first trimester of pregnancies that subsequently develop GDM and whether such changes are useful in predicting the disease. METHODS: This was a case-case control study which compared first trimester biochemical and anthropometric parameters in 70 pregnant women who subsequently developed GDM and 70 pregnant women without GDM at the Volta Regional Hospital, Ho, Ghana. Lipid profile and some selected adipokines were analyzed and first trimester body mass index (BMI) was determined. RESULTS: There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in leptin, resistin, and visfatin as well as significant dyslipidemia among those with GDM compared to those without GDM. Furthermore, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (AUCs) for leptin, resistin and visfatin were; 0.812, 0.836 and 0.799 respectively. Increased first trimester leptin (OR = 1.166; CI = 1.104-1.233; p < 0.0001), resistin (p < 0.0001) and visfatin (p < 0.0001) were associated with GDM. CONCLUSION: Hyperleptinemia, hyperesistinemia and hypervisfatinemia precede GDM and can serve as good predictive indices for gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and obstetric outcomes in a Ghanaian community.

INTRODUCTION: This study was aimed at evaluating effect of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal characteristics on pregnancy outcome. GDM has several risk factors including; advanced maternal age, ethnic background, obesity and family history of diabetes mellitus. These pregnancy complications are associated with fetal morbidity and mortality and may lead to macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. Others are stillbirth, miscarriages, preterm and small for gestational age babies. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-case control study which compared maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome among pregnant women with and without GDM. Diagnosis of GDM was done in accordance with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Weight and height were determined and Body mass index (BMI) calculated. Pregnancy outcome was determined at the end of pregnancy and information on maternal characteristics obtained using questionnaire and patient folders. RESULTS: Those who developed GDM were significantly older (OR= 1.772; 95% CI =1.432-2.192; P<0.0001) and had higher BMI (OR=1.637; 95% CI=1.004-1.289; P=0.044) than those who did not. A significant number of those who developed GDM also had stillbirths OR= 5.188; 95% CI=1.093-24.613; p=0.038) and cesarean deliveries (OR=14.362; 95% CI=3.661-56.335; p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Women who develop GDM are more likely to deliver stillborn or macrosmic babies and may require surgical intervention in order to have normal deliveries.

Validity and Reliability of the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Despite the wide use of the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) in several populations, the instrument has yet to be validated among patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the GRISS for the estimation of clinically relevant sexual dysfunction among type 2 diabetes patients under clinical management. This cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 136 and 126 type 2 diabetic males and females, respectively, using GRISS for male and female. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and scores of discriminant validity were calculated. Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranged from 0.71 to 0.90 in total samples of males and females. The values obtained were similar between the chronic diabetic patients with self-reported sexual problems and normal samples. Test-retest reliability gave fair scaling results of 0.94 overall for males and 0.97 for females using Pearson's correlation coefficient. GRISS subscales differentiated multivariately between men (F7,122 = 19.308; p = 0.000; eta2 = 0.721; power = 0.993) and women (F7,118 = 18.705; p = 0.000; eta2 = 0.526; power = 0.928) with and without sexual problems. GRISS appears to be valuable and reliable for use among the Ghanaian population. Regular use of the GRISS for the screening of sexual problems among diabetic patients appears warranted.

Risk assessment and exposure to levels of naturally occurring aflatoxins in some packaged cereals and cereal based foods consumed in Accra, Ghana.

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungal origin that contaminate agricultural commodities before, during and after harvest periods. A total of fifty-three (53) different foods (27 rice brands, 20 cereal based food brands and 6 pasta brands) were randomly obtained from the market and assessed for their different aflatoxin constitution (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) as well as the total levels of the aflatoxins using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. For the rice grain category, RS4 recorded the highest aflatoxin quantities of 65.77, 19.27, 1.02 µg/kg for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 respectively and a total of 86.06 µg/kg which significantly differed (p < 0.05) from the other brands of foods. For the cereal based food category, CBS11 recorded the greatest quantities of 35.46, 4.92, 3.39 and 0.32 µg/kg for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 respectively and a total of 45.1 µg/kg. For the pasta category, PS1 recorded the greatest quantities of 0.94 and 0.85 µg/kg for AFB1 and AFB2 respectively. Total aflatoxin quantities detected in some foods were above the acceptable limits set by the European Union which makes them unsafe and dangerous for human consumption. Recorded Estimated Daily Intakes (EDI) and Hazard Indices (HI) values were in the range of 3.9 × 10-3 - 0.899 and 3.9 × 10-4 - 0.0899 respectively. The risk was low since HI values obtained were less than 1.

Elemental minerals and microbial compositions as well as knowledge and perceptions regarding kaolin (clay) consumption by pregnant women in the Ho municipality of Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Kaolin is a type of clay consumed mostly by women especially pregnant women of which the act of clay eating is termed geophagy. Different people use this type of clay for diverse purposes. Notwithstanding, most Ghanaians consume this clay out of cravings, taste and smell. There have been some attendant problems with the consumption of clay especially by pregnant women. This research sought to assess the mineral and microbial contents of kaolin and address the perceptions of pregnant women on geophagy. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional convenient sampling method to sample 217 pregnant women and sellers of clay (Ayilo). A face-to-face interview was conducted to administer a structured questionnaire to respondents. Mineral and microbial analyses were also conducted on the ore of the kaolin mined from Anfoega in the Volta Region of Ghana using standardized procedures. RESULTS: Results from this study suggests geophagy prevalence of 48.4% (n=217) among pregnant women in the Ho municipality of Ghana. Results obtained also suggest smell and taste of the clay, influenced the consumption by these pregnant women to a large extent. Strikingly, majority of the respondents had no knowledge on the adverse health implications clay consumption had on the human body. The physiological state of pregnancy also cause many to use it to treat nausea, other accompanying discomfort and in some instances to quench their hunger. Traces of Lead, Nickel and Arsenic were found in the clay. Common microorganisms identified were Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Mucor and Aspergillus spp. CONCLUSION: Geophagy is a common practice among pregnant women living in the Ho municipality in the Volta region, Ghana. Most of them consumed it for varied reasons. Although there are beneficial minerals, accumulated effects of these heavy metals can lead to various complications in pregnancy. The clay also contained pathogenic microorganisms. These pathogens have a whole range of deleterious effects on the human body ranging from gastrointestinal infections to cancer and so may not be safe to consume clay products from Anfoega, Ghana.

Adiposity and hyperleptinemia during the first trimester among pregnant women with preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Leptin levels start increasing from the early stages of pregnancy, irrespective of the maternal body mass index. Leptin levels are increased in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE) and may precede the clinical onset of the disease, with peaks occurring around 28 weeks of gestation. This study was aimed at determining whether serum leptin concentration and body fat percentage are significantly altered during the first trimester in pregnancies that subsequently develop PE and whether such changes are useful in predicting the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted among pregnant women in Ho municipality. A cohort of 314 pregnant women was monitored from the first antenatal visit to delivery period at the Volta Regional Hospital, Ho, Ghana. Maternal serum leptin and lipid profile were analyzed and body fat percentage determined during first trimester. Body mass index was also calculated. RESULTS: First trimester serum leptin level (P<0.0001) and body fat percentage (P<0.0001) were significantly higher in those who developed PE than those who did not; while triglycerides (P=0.8600), total cholesterol (P=0.5620), high-density lipoprotein (P=0.5880), low-density lipoprotein (P=0.4870) and very low-density lipoprotein (P=0.6540) did not show any significant difference between those with PE and those without PE. CONCLUSION: Leptin levels are increased significantly during the first trimester of pregnancy in obese women with PE, and these increases precede the onset of PE.

Sexual dysfunction and sexual quality of life among the physically challenged in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the physically disabled have difficulties in many aspects of their lives, including sexuality, society often ignores these needs or assume that they have no such needs. This cross-sectional study therefore seeks to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and its impact on the quality of life among persons with physical disability residing in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. METHOD: This study was conducted among 235 persons with physical disability dwelling in communities within the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana between September 2011 and April 2012. All participants were evaluated by using a semi-structured questionnaire, the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) questionnaire and the Sexual Quality of Life questionnaire (SQoL). Self-designed semi-structured questionnaire was also administered to each consented study participant for socio-demographic information. RESULTS: The response rates were 72% and 63.6% for male and female respectively. The age range of the male was 19-74 years with 61.1% being married whilst the age range of the female was 20-66 years with 54.3% being married. 30% and 7.1% of the male and female respectively consumed alcohol beverage. The mean Sexual quality of life (SQoL) score was slightly higher in the females (57.7 ± 15.8), ranging from 25.6 to 97.8. Univariate analysis of the male data showed that the only significant factor that tends to increase the male SD was alcohol (OR: 24.6; CI: 1.4 - 14.9; p = 0.0071). The prevalence of SD was higher among the female populace (65.7%) compared to the 64.4% for the male populace though very closely comparable. Except for non-communication (NC) and anorgasmia (impotence in males), all other areas of difficulty had higher percentages in males than females. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among the physically challenged is comparable to prevalence rates in the able male and female population. This could impact significantly on their self-esteem and quality of life via avoidance, impotence and vaginismus thereby causing emotional distress leading to relationship problems. Alcohol increases the risk of developing SD by five-fold in physically challenged men.

Association between metabolic syndrome and sexual dysfunction among men with clinically diagnosed diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide epidemic of diabetes and obesity has resulted in a rapid upsurge in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS makes the individual liable to endothelial dysfunction which can initiate sexual dysfunction (SD). This study assessed the association between MetS and SD among clinically diagnosed diabetic subjects in Tema, Greater Accra Region of Ghana. METHOD: Sexual functioning was assessed using Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction in 300 consecutive diabetic men visiting the diabetic clinic of Tema General Hospital between November, 2010 and March, 2011. Anthropometric data including waist and hip circumference as well as blood pressure were measured. The levels of fasting blood glucose and serum lipid profile were assessed. All the men had a steady heterosexual relationship for at least 2 years before enrolment in the study. RESULTS: The response rate was 91.3% out of the 300 subjects recruited for the study. Those with SD were significantly older and had diabetes for a longer period as compared to those without SD. The prevalence of MetS as defined by the various criteria was 78.8%, 43.4% and 51.8% for WHO, NCEP ATP III and IDF respectively. Central obesity (p = 0.0482) and raised blood pressure (p = 0.0309) are the significant MetS components when the studied population was stratified according to sexual functioning. Generally, SD as well as its sub-scales correlate positively with age, blood pressure, duration of diabetes and MetS score. Whereas TC and LDL-c correlated positively with non-communication, TG correlates positively with avoidance and infrequency. CONCLUSION: SD and its sub-scales have a direct relationship with duration of diabetes, blood pressure and MetS score from this study. Central obesity and raised blood pressure seem to be the link between MetS and SD among this clinically diagnosed diabetic subjects.

Determinants of sexual dysfunction among clinically diagnosed diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that can result in various medical, psychological and sexual dysfunctions (SD) if not properly managed. SD in men is a common under-appreciated complication of diabetes. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of SD among diabetic patients in Tema, Greater Accra Region of Ghana. METHOD: Sexual functioning was determined in 300 consecutive diabetic men (age range: 18-82 years) visiting the diabetic clinic of Tema General Hospital with the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) questionnaire, between November, 2010 and March, 2011. In addition to the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, the level of glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and serum testosterone were assessed. All the men had a steady heterosexual relationship for at least 2 years before enrolment in the study. RESULTS: Out the 300 participants contacted, the response rate was 91.3% after 20 declined participation and 6 incomplete data were excluded All the respondents had at least basic education, 97.4% were married, 65.3% were known hypertensive, 3.3% smoked cigarettes, 27% took alcoholic beverages and 32.8% did some form of exercise. The 69.3% SD rate observed in this study appears to be related to infrequency (79.2%), non-sensuality (74.5%), dissatisfaction with sexual acts (71.9%), non-communication (70.8%) and impotence (67.9%). Other areas of sexual function, including premature ejaculation (56.6%) and avoidance (42.7%) were also substantially affected. However, severe SD was seen in only 4.7% of the studied population. The perceived "adequate", "desirable", "too short" and "too long intra-vaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) are 5-10, 5-10, 1-2 and 15-30 minutes respectively. Testosterone correlates negatively with glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), FBS, perceived desirable, too short IELT, and weight as well as waist circumference. CONCLUSION: SD rate from this study is high but similar to that reported among self-reported diabetic patients in Kumasi, Ghana and vary according to the condition and age. The determinants of SD from this study are income level, exercise, obesity, higher perception of "desirable" and "too short" IELT.