Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal-Based Antiacne Gel Preparations.

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin condition that affects virtually everyone at some point. Papules, comedones, pustules, scarring, and nodules are standard features of the disease and can have a detrimental social and psychological impact on an individual. Although allopathic acne treatments are available, they have adverse side effects, are expensive, and are prone to cause antibiotic resistance. The present study is aimed at formulating and evaluating topical gels containing Aloe vera, Allium cepa, and Eucalyptus globulus extracts as potential antiacne drugs. Six formulations containing the herbal extracts were prepared using 1% Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent. The phytochemical composition of the plant extracts was determined. The extracts and gels' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed using the microbroth dilution method. The physicochemical properties of the formulated gels, such as homogeneity, colour, texture, odour, grittiness, spreadability, extrudability, viscosity, pH, and drug content, were evaluated. All the plant extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and coumarins. The gel formulations showed varying activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at various concentrations. The phytochemical components of the plant extracts are probably responsible for the antimicrobial activity of the gel formulations. The 5% Aloe vera-Allium cepa (1 : 1) combination gel formulation showed excellent activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with MICs of 12.50, 25.00, 6.25, 25.00, and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. The gels generally had good physicochemical and antimicrobial properties and could be used as antiacne remedies.

Pharmaceutical Assessment of the Impact of the Method of Extraction on the Suitability of Pectin from Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Peels as a Suspending Agent in Oral Liquid Formulations.

Natural polymers such as pectin have gained increased utilization in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors because they are affordable, easily accessible, nontoxic, and chemically modifiable, with the potential to be biodegradable and biocompatible. Musa paradisiaca (plantain) peels make up 30-40% of the overall weight of the fruit. The extraction of pectin from these residues can therefore be viewed as a possible waste of wealth. This study, therefore, focused on evaluating the suspending properties of pectin obtained from Musa paradisiaca (plantain) peels (through acid and alkaline extraction) and presented an alternative suspending agent in the pharmaceutical formulation of suspensions. The unripe peels of Musa paradisiaca were acquired and authenticated at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. Pectin was extracted from the peels using both acid and alkaline extraction processes, respectively, characterized, and evaluated for its phytochemical properties. Different concentrations of the acid and alkaline pectin extracts were employed as a suspending agent in paracetamol suspensions, using acacia gum as a standard. The pectin yields obtained were 4.88% and 7.61% for the acid and alkaline extraction processes, respectively, while phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, tannins, saponins, and phenols in both extracts. The alkaline pectin extract recorded higher equivalent weight, degree of esterification, ash content, and crude content than the acid pectin extract, while FTIR identified similar functional groups in both acid and alkaline pectin extracts. The test suspensions reported significant differences (P < 0.05) in flow rates, ease of redispersion, sedimentation volumes, and rates compared with acacia gum. Moreover, when the acid and alkaline pectin extracts were compared, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in sedimentation rates and sedimentation volumes, suggesting that the extraction method may affect suspending properties. Ultimately, the alkaline pectin extract had better suspending properties than the acid pectin extract; however, they both can be used as an alternative to acacia gum as a suspending agent.

The effect of ultrasound on bone healing across a bone gap, an experimental study of a delayed union model.

The aim of the study is to determine whether ultrasound accelerates bone repair across a bone gap. To replicate the clinical situation of bone repair in a severe tibial fracture, such as Gustilo grade three, we designed an experimental model to determine whether ultrasound can promote bone healing in the presence of a bone gap. The effect of ultrasound on bone healing of a tibial bone gap held in an external fixator was studied. 60 New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups. In one group of 6 animals, a tibial osteotomy was closed or compressed and studied at six weeks (Comparative Group). In 3 groups of 18 animals each, a tibial bone gap was maintained and was untreated, treated with ultrasound or mock ultrasound (Control Group). The repair of the bone gaps was studied in 3 animals each at 2,4,6,8,10 and 12 weeks. Investigation was by histology, angiography, radiography and densitometry. Three of the 18 untreated group progressed to delayed union, compared with 4 in the ultrasound and 3 in the mock ultrasound group (Control Group). Statistical analysis showed no difference between the three groups. 5 of the 6 closed/compressed osteotomies (Comparative Group) united faster at 6 weeks. The healing pattern of the bone gap groups were similar. We recommend this as a delayed union model. We found no evidence that ultrasound accelerated bone healing, reduced the rate of delayed union or increased callus formation in this model of delayed union. This study simulates delayed union following a compound tibial fracture and has clinical relevance concerning treatment of a delay in union with ultrasound.

Aciclovir-induced neurotoxicity.

Aciclovir-induced neurotoxicity results from the accumulation of aciclovir and its metabolite 9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine (CMMG). It occurs predominantly in older patients with impaired renal function and is characterised by a combination of confusion and psychiatric changes. Seizures, myoclonus and dysarthria may also occur. Critically, peritoneal dialysis has little effect on reversing the toxic effects of aciclovir. We describe a woman in her 70s with renal failure who developed confusion and seizures after receiving aciclovir. She was ultimately diagnosed with aciclovir-induced neurotoxicity, confirmed by an elevated serum CMMG concentration. This condition is likely to be underdiagnosed and the neurologist's primary challenge is differentiating aciclovir-induced neurotoxicity from viral encephalitis.

Physicochemical Equivalence and Quality Assessment of Various Brands of Gastro-Resistant Omeprazole Capsules in the Kumasi Metropolis.

The proliferation of counterfeit and poor-quality drugs is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries such as Ghana where there are inadequate resources to effectively monitor their prevalence. Most of these drugs, which are counterfeited, are drugs, which are in high demand and will reap huge profits for the unscrupulous people who engage in such activities. The introduction of Omeprazole as one of the first-line therapies in the management of peptic and duodenal ulcers in the treatment guidelines of Ghana has resulted in many generics being introduced onto the market. The pharmaceutical quality of fifteen randomly sampled Omeprazole capsule brands in the Kumasi metropolis was assessed using the innovator brand as a comparator to confirm their suitability for patient use and to provide data for drug regulatory agencies in Ghana concerning poor quality omeprazole brands. All the sampled brands complied with the official specifications for identification with good primary and secondary packaging characteristics. Ninety-four (94%) of the sampled brands passed the uniformity of weight test. All the brands (n = 16) representing 100% passed the disintegration tests. Sixty percent (60%) of the sampled brands passed the drug content test. Ten brands (66.7%) met the specification for in vitro dissolution test. From f2 analysis, the dissolution profiles of only five brands (31%) were similar to that of the reference brand which indicated that they could be used interchangeably in clinical practice. Conclusively, ten out of the fifteen sampled brands were of good quality and only five could be used as a substitute for the innovator. Thus, regulatory agencies will need to strengthen their postmarket surveillance to ensure that generic brands of good quality are allowed onto the market.

Pharmaceutical Assessment of Watermelon Rind Pectin as a Suspending Agent in Oral Liquid Dosage Forms.

Pectin is a high molecular weight polymer which is present in virtually all plants where it contributes to the cell structure. Pectin is a high valuable food ingredient widely used as a gelling agent and thickening agent with limited use in the pharmaceutical industry. The objective of this study is to evaluate the suspending properties of pectin from watermelon rind. Tragacanth was used as a standard suspending agent to which the suspending properties of pectin from watermelon rinds were compared with. The extracted pectin was subjected to phytochemical and physiochemical characterization for its safety and suitability to use as a suspending agent. Paracetamol suspensions were formulated using tragacanth concentrations of 0.5% w/v, 1% w/v, and 2% w/v and compared with paracetamol suspensions containing the same concentrations of watermelon pectin. The suspensions were all tested for their pH, sedimentation rate, sedimentation volume, flow rate, and ease of redispersibility over a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the 4-week period, all formulated suspensions had no changes in their pH values. Suspensions containing the extracted pectin had a lower rate of sedimentation and ease of redispersibility compared to that of tragacanth. In addition, their sedimentation volumes as well as flow rates were comparable to that of the tragacanth formulations. Ultimately, pectin from watermelon rind can serve as a suitable alternative to tragacanth in formulation of pharmaceutical suspensions.

Bridelia ferruginea Benth.; An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological review.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Bridelia ferruginea belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, identified as an important commonly growing shrub, is used in traditional medicine for managing arthritis, dysentery, constipation, chronic diabetes, skin diseases, bladder and intestinal disorders, oral infections, thrush, bites and as an arrow poison antidote. This review aims at providing information on the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry and toxicity studies of Bridelia ferruginea to bridge the gap between traditional medicinal uses and preclinical studies on B. ferruginea and subsequently lead to the development of valued added medicines from B. ferruginea. Materials and methods: Data in this review were compiled using databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer link, Elsevier and Taylor and Francis, articles from peer reviewed journals and other grey literature (short notes, book chapters, short communications) to access all the relevant information available on B. ferruginea. Results: B. ferruginea contains different phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenolics, phytosterols, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. Gallocatechin-(4'-O-7)-epigallocatechin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1,3,4,5-tetracaffeoylquinic acid and some derivatives of 3-methoxyflavone, such as quercetin-3-methyl ether, quercetin 3-,7,3',4'-tetramethyl ether, myricetin 3',4',5'-trimethyl ether, myricetin 3,3',4',5'-tetramethyl ether, myricetin and quercetin 3-O-glucoside specific flavonoids and biflavonoids like apigenin, kaempferol and glycosides of both have been isolated and further characterized from B. ferruginea. B. ferruginea has several pharmacologically beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-infective, antipyretic, analgesic, diuretic and natriuretic activities. Conclusion: The wide distribution, traditional medicinal uses and wealth of phytochemicals present in B. ferruginea suggests that the plant can be useful in lead compound discovery. Although B. ferruginea has been widely studied, further studies on the mechanism of action, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and side effects in humans need to be investigated.

Pharmaceutical Assessment of Melia azedarach Gum as a Binder and Disintegrant in Immediate-Release Tablets.

Excipients are components other than active ingredients that are added to pharmaceutical formulations. Naturally sourced excipients are gradually gaining preeminence over synthetically sourced excipients due to local availability and continuous supply. This study aimed to investigate the binding and disintegrating characteristics of gum extracted from the bark of Melia azedarach tree. The bark of Melia azedarach was harvested from Kwahu Asasraka in Ghana. The gum was extracted with ethanol (96%), and the percentage yield, phytochemical constituents, and flow characteristics were assessed. As a disintegrant, the gum was utilized to formulate granules at varying concentrations of 5% w/w and 10% w/w using starch as the standard. The gum was also utilized to prepare granules at varying concentrations of 10% w/v and 20% w/v as a binder, with tragacanth gum serving as the reference. Eight batches of tablets were produced from the granules. The formulated tablets from each batch were then subjected to quality control testing, which included uniformity of weight, friability, disintegration, hardness, drug content, and dissolution tests, respectively. Tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides were identified in the Melia azedarach gum. The gum had a percentage yield of 67.75% and also exhibited good flow properties. All tablets passed the uniformity of weight, friability, disintegration, hardness, dissolution, and drug content tests, respectively. According to the findings of the study, Melia azedarach gum can be utilized as an excipient in place of tragacanth and starch as a binder and disintegrant, respectively, in immediate-release tablets.

In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Polyalthia longifolia (Annonaceae) Leaf Extract and Assessment of Its Formulated Oral Dosage Forms.

Plant medicine is commonly employed to treat malaria and other infections in Ghana. However, many of these phytomedicines have not been scientifically investigated to justify their use. This study therefore sought to investigate the antimalarial property of Polyalthia longifolia leaves and to formulate suitable dosage forms for ease of administration. A four-day antiplasmodial suppressive and curative study was conducted on ethanol extract of P. longifolia leaves (PLE) using Plasmodium berghei infected albino mice. Tablet and suspension dosage forms of PLE were formulated and evaluated for quality and stability. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) parasitaemia suppression (61.25%) and cure (58.78%) were achieved at a PLE dose of 100 mg/kg, and increases in hematological indices (P < 0.001) were also observed in the PLE-treated mice as compared to the untreated group. The tablets passed the tests for uniformity of weight, friability (<1%), hardness, disintegration (<15 minutes), and in vitro dissolution (>70% release in 45 minutes). The sedimentation volume, rheology, viscosity, and pH of the formulated suspension were within the official specifications. The dosage forms showed consistency in PLE content (85-105%) and no changes in physicochemical properties over the six months period of stability study. The in vivo antimalarial activity of PLE has been established and oral dosage forms that conformed to Pharmacopoeial standards are formulated for use in the management of malaria.

Potential and Comparative Tablet Disintegrant Properties of Pectin Obtained from Five Okra Genotypes in Ghana.

Okra pectin has been studied as a potential excipient in tablet formulations for pharmaceutical industries. Okra is widely grown and available in Ghana and other parts of the world. The prospective use of pectin from okra genotypes grown in Ghana as tablet disintegrants has not been reported. This study aims to determine the potential and comparative disintegrating properties of pectin from five okra genotypes (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Ghana using uncoated immediate release paracetamol tablet formulations. The yield of the pectin from the various genotypes ranged between 6.12 and 18.84% w/w. The extracted pectins had pH ranging from slightly acidic to almost neutral (6.39-6.92). Pectin from the various genotypes exhibited good swelling indexes (˃200%), varying solubility in different solvents, and low moisture content (˂20%). Elemental analysis of the extracted pectin from the various genotypes revealed very low levels of toxic metals and micronutrients. Pectin from the various genotypes was evaluated as disintegrants within concentrations of 5-10% w/w (F1-F18). Their disintegrating properties were compared to that of maize starch BP. All the formulated batches of uncoated immediate release paracetamol tablets (F1-F18) passed the following: uniformity of weight test, uniformity of dimensions, hardness, friability (˂1%), and drug content (95-105%). Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between the hardness of the maize starch tablets and tablets formulated from pectin of the various genotypes. Pectin from all genotypes other than PC5 exhibited good disintegrating properties (D T ˂ 15 min) and subsequently passed the dissolution profile test (≥70% release in 45 minutes). Tablets formulated with PC5 as disintegrants at all concentrations (5% w/w (F5), 7.5% w/w (F11), and 10% w/w (F17)) failed the disintegration and dissolution tests. Ultimately, pectins extracted from PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 can be commercially exploited as disintegrants in immediate release tablets.

Comparative Quality Evaluation of Selected Brands of Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets Marketed in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

The ever-growing commercialization of poor-quality and substandard medicines, especially anti-infectives characterized by inadequate postmarket surveillance by stakeholders remains a major global health challenge, particularly in developing countries, where antibiotic drug resistance and its repercussions on human health remain dominant. This research sought to evaluate the pharmaceutical quality of six randomly selected brands of cefuroxime axetil tablets (250 mg) marketed in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The selected brands were coded and subjected to both compendial and noncompendial tests. Statistical analysis and model-independent parameter (similarity factor, f2) were employed in analyzing the dissolution profiles of all the brands. All brands including the reference brand conformed to the pharmacopeial specifications for both compendial and noncompendial tests, indicating that they were of good quality. However, there were significant variations (p < 0.05) in the disintegration time amongst the various brands. All the brands had ƒ2 values > 50 indicating similarity of their drug release profiles with the innovator. Hence, all the sampled cefuroxime axetil brands can be considered as pharmaceutical equivalents to the innovator drug. These brands can, therefore, be used as a substitute for the innovator drug by physicians to patients in cases of unaffordability or unavailability of the innovator brand.

Pectin from Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Has Potential as a Drug Release Modifier in Matrix Tablets.

Natural polymers have become attractive to pharmaceutical researchers and manufacturers as excipients because of the advantages they possess relative to their semisynthetic and synthetic counterparts. Although pectin from some natural sources has been investigated for use in the pharmaceutical industry as excipients, pectin from okra, which is readily available and used as food in many parts of the world, has not been extensively investigated as a potential control-releasing agent in tablets. This study thus seeks to determine the drug release modifying properties of okra pectin from 6 different genotypes of okra cultivated and available in Ghana. Pectin was extracted from different genotypes of okra, physicochemical properties were characterized, and control release matrix tablets of metformin (F1-F6) were formulated using the wet granulation method with the okra pectin as the drug release modifier, respectively. The drug content, in vitro drug release, and mathematical kinetic modeling of drug release from the matrix tablets were studied. Drug release profiles of formulated matrix tablets were compared to an existing (innovator) brand of metformin sustained-release tablet on the market using the similarity and difference factors, respectively. The extracted pectin had percentage yields ranging from 6 to 20% w/w with swelling indexes and water-holding capacities between 300-500% and 9-10 mL/g, respectively, and pH within 6.20-6.90. All the formulated batches passed the drug content test (90-105%) and produced the optimal release of metformin (>80%) after 24 hours. Different batches of formulated tablets exhibited different mechanisms of drug release with batches F1, F2, F5, and F6 being similar (ƒ2 values being >50 and ƒ1 values <15) to the innovator brand. Pectin from the 6 different genotypes of okra studied has the potential for use as drug release modifiers in pharmaceutical manufacturing of control release matrix tablets and production of more affordable medicines.

First Report of the Hop Cyst Nematode, Heterodera humuli, in Two Counties of the Yakima Valley Region, WA, USA.

Cyst nematodes are ranked as the second most damaging plant-parasitic nematode genus of crops worldwide (Jones et al. 2013). The hop cyst nematode, Heterodera humuli, has been reported to cause up to 38% reduction in dry hops per bine (Hay and Pethybridge 2003). America is the top hop producing country worldwide, with 75% of production occurring in Washington state, with the majority of this production occurring in the Yakima Valley region (USDA, 2019). In late 2019, 30 soil samples from 15 different fields were collected from the hop cvs. HBC 394, HBC 369, and YCR 14. Nematodes were extracted using an adapted centrifugal floatation method (Jenkins 1964) from 100 cc subsamples of soil. Twenty of these samples contained at least one cyst and 23 contained at least one juvenile. Body length of juveniles (n = 5) averaged + standard deviation 377.62 ± 4.76 µm which is consistent with H. humuli juvenile body measurements (Sen 1968). Three samples from Yakima County and two from Benton County were identified to the species level using sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the 5.8S gene. The sequences (GenBank accession numbers MT840678 to MT840682) were amplified using forward primer 5.8S-F (5'-GTGATTCCATTCACCAHCTACCTG-3'), and reverse primer 5.8S-R (5'-TTCGCACTAATTATCGCAGTTGG-3'). Sequence comparison with available ITS (5.8S) sequences in GenBank using BLAST showed 99.85% identity to H. humuli for all five samples. Because COI sequences of H. humuli are not available, to provide an additional marker for species identification, we amplified the COI sequences by using (forward primer Hete-COI-F (5'-TTTGGDCAYCCHGARGTTTATGTT-3'), and reverse primer Hete-COI-R (5'-AYWGTAAAAAGGRRAATAAAACC-3') for these samples. Four COI sequences (GenBank accession numbers MT840683 to MT840686) were obtained. These COI sequences will be used to identify future H. humuli samples. To confirm pathogenicity, eight 1-gal pots were filled with a 90:10 play sand to potting soil mixture and one hop rhizome cv. 'Centennial' was planted in pots and maintained in a greenhouse. After above ground plant growth was observed, half the pots were inoculated with hand-picked H. humuli cysts from Yakima soil samples at a density of 10 cysts/100 cc of soil. The life cycle of H. humuli in potted experiments is 40 days (McNamara and Mende 1995). Forty-five days after inoculation, plant measurements were recorded and nematodes extracted from five 100 cc soil samples per pot as described above. Soil samples revealed that H. humuli populations had an average Reproductive Factor (RF = final nematode population/initial nematode population) of 2.08. Five cysts were crushed to determine eggs/cyst, which yielded an average of 101 eggs/cyst. Young infected hops lacked vigor, with all replicates stunted both in bine height and leaf length compared to healthy controls. Bine heights were reduced by an average of 40.4% in pots inoculated with H. humuli compared to control plants (P = 0.0016). Distribution of hop cyst within the United States is limited to the top four states for hop production: Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Michigan (Cobb 1962; Sen and Jensen 1967; Hafez et al. 2010, Warner and Bird, 2015). In 1962, Cobb reported H. humuli in Pierce County, Washington, but it had not been reported in Benton County and Yakima County until now. This is a significant finding that has the potential to impact the Washington state hop industry, valued at $475.7 million in 2019 (USDA, 2019). Due to the lack of known effective nematode control measures, the discovery of H. humuli in the major hop-growing region of Washington warrants concern.

Primary Myeloid Sarcoma of the Small Intestine: Case Report and Literature Review.

Primary myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Typically, myeloid sarcoma presents after a diagnosis of AML or other myeloproliferative disorder. However, primary myeloid sarcoma may present without any preexisting condition, thereby making it extremely difficult to diagnose. We discuss a case of a 22-year-old female who was misdiagnosed initially with acute appendicitis and underwent an appendectomy. Postoperatively, she continued to be symptomatic and eventually developed small bowel obstruction. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed multiple small bowel masses as well as diffuse abdominal and pelvic lymphadenopathy. After extensive pathological review and additional workup consisting of immunohistochemistry and molecular studies, the correct diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma was made. This review will discuss the presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of primary myeloid sarcoma.

A case of nicotine withdrawal delirium.

Nicotine withdrawal is not a well recognized cause of delirium. A few published cases are on post-operative, terminally ill cancer or neuro-intensive care unit patients. Because of the high incidence of morbidity and mortality of delirium it is important to identify and treat delirium promptly and effectively. We report a case of delirium after sudden cessation of smoking in a heavy smoker, with schizophrenia, hospitalized for stabilization of psychiatric illness.

Behavioural fever is a synergic signal amplifying the innate immune response.

Behavioural fever, defined as an acute change in thermal preference driven by pathogen recognition, has been reported in a variety of invertebrates and ectothermic vertebrates. It has been suggested, but so far not confirmed, that such changes in thermal regime favour the immune response and thus promote survival. Here, we show that zebrafish display behavioural fever that acts to promote extensive and highly specific temperature-dependent changes in the brain transcriptome. The observed coupling of the immune response to fever acts at the gene-environment level to promote a robust, highly specific time-dependent anti-viral response that, under viral infection, increases survival. Fish that are not offered a choice of temperatures and that therefore cannot express behavioural fever show decreased survival under viral challenge. This phenomenon provides an underlying explanation for the varied functional responses observed during systemic fever. Given the effects of behavioural fever on survival and the fact that it exists across considerable phylogenetic space, such immunity-environment interactions are likely to be under strong positive selection.

Gestational thrombocytopenia among pregnant Ghanaian women.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is a common problem during pregnancy that is not frequently detected and as a result is often inappropriately managed. The obvious concern with thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is the risk of significant bleeding at the time of delivery. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gestational thrombocytopenia in pregnant women reporting for ante-natal care at a Ghanaian primary health care centre. METHODS: Platelet count was evaluated in 300 blood samples from pregnant women and 100 non pregnant female blood donors. The platelet counts were performed using Sysmex KX-21N automated hematology analyzer. The study design was cross sectional. Proportions were analyzed for statistical significance with the Chi square, Odds ratio was also calculated RESULTS: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women in this study was 15.3% compared with 4% in controls. This was statistically significant with a P value of 0.003. Odds ratio was 4.31 (95% CI: 1.52-12.04). Most cases of thrombocytopenia were mild (76%), only 4% of the women with thrombocytopenia had severe thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION: The frequency of thrombocytopenia in this study was higher than that reported from more developed parts of the world. This may be due to undetected malaria infection in our patients. Pregnant women should be routinely screened for thrombocytopenia. Those found to be thrombocytopenic should have both thick and thin blood films done to exclude the presence of malaria parasites.