African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2010
Pattern of death in a Nigerian teaching hospital; 3-decade analysis.
In developing countries such as Nigeria, limited resources require that health priorities be selected wisely and death-related research is clearly warranted. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive report on the various causes of death in our center from 1978 to 2006. ⋯ Our study shows that death from infectious disease in the present decade has reduced to almost half that was recorded in first decade. Similarly death from trauma has also reduced compared to the first decade of the study. Death from neoplasia is however higher in the last decade.
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African health sciences · Sep 2010
Comparative StudyAtherogenic index of plasma as useful predictor of cardiovascular risk among postmenopausal women in Enugu, Nigeria.
Menopausal health in our environment has received little attention. As an independent risk factor for dyslipidaemia, the degree and pattern of derangement, though difficult to assess may adversely affect the cardiovascular health of our women. ⋯ Menopause, no doubt alters lipid profile. A triglyceride based index (AIP) can significantly add value when assessing the risk of developing atherosclerosis in Nigeria.
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African health sciences · Sep 2010
Electocardiographic findings in adult Nigerians with sickle cell anaemia.
Cardiovascular system abnormalities are common causes of morbidity and mortality in sickle cell anaemia. ⋯ Sickle cell anaemia is associated with significant electrocardiographic abnormalities. Further prospective studies are recommended to evaluate the prognostic significance of the electrocardiographic intervals dispersion on the long term disease outcome in sickle cell anaemia.
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African health sciences · Sep 2010
Ameliorative effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on alloxan toxicity in Wistar rats.
Diabetes has been associated with several complications occasioned by oxidative stress. Thus, in treatment of the condition, these complications must also be taken into consideration. This study evaluates the effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius complications of diabetes induced by alloxan, on haematology and sperm morphometry using the Wistar rats. ⋯ Cnidoscolus aconitifolius extract was found to ameliorate the effects of alloxan induced diabetes on the haematology but not on the abnormal sperm morphometry in rats.
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African health sciences · Sep 2010
Antidiabetic and haematinic effects of Parquetina nigrescens on alloxan induced type-1 diabetes and normocytic normochromic anaemia in Wistar rats.
The plant, Parquetina nigrescens is used in folklore medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications in several parts of West Africa. ⋯ Paraquetina nigrescens stabilized the erythrocyte membrane, decreased the body weight probably by lowering lipogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic and haematinic properties of Parquetina nigrescens remains to be elucidated.