African health sciences
-
African health sciences · Jun 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialDexamethasone versus a combination of dexamethasone and ondansetron as prophylactic antiemetic in patients receiving intrathecal morphine for caesarean section.
Intrathecal morphine for caesarean delivery provides excellent postoperative analgesia but it is commonly associated with nausea and vomiting. This prospective, randomized, double blind study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of a combination of dexamethasone and ondansetron with dexamethasone alone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following intrathecal morphine injection for caesarean section. ⋯ This study showed that a combination of dexamethasone and ondansetron administered prophylactically significantly reduced the incidence of PONV in pregnant women on intrathecal morphine for caesarean section.
-
African health sciences · Jun 2014
Multicenter StudyStroke prevalence amongst sickle cell disease patients in Nigeria: a multi-centre study.
Stroke is a life-changing, debilitating complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Previous studies had recorded high stroke prevalence amongst this group of patients. Nigeria has a large population of people affected by this condition and this study aims to assess the stroke prevalence in this large population. ⋯ The stroke prevalence in Nigeria is lower than previously recorded rates and further studies will be required to investigate other factors which may play a role.
-
African health sciences · Jun 2014
ReviewDental approach to erosive tooth wear in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The duration of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), the frequency of reflux, the pH and type of acid, and the quality and quantity of saliva affect the severity of dental erosion due to GERD. ⋯ Diagnosing the cause of erosive tooth wear can help prevent further damage. Patients must be informed about how to prevent GERD.
-
African health sciences · Jun 2014
Over-reported peripheral neuropathy symptoms in a cohort of HIV infected and uninfected Rwandan women: the need for validated locally appropriate questionnaires.
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms (PNS) are commonly manifested in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals, although data are limited on the prevalence and predictors of PNS in HIV+ patients from sub-Saharan Africa. ⋯ The rate of peripheral neuropathy symptoms reported in this cohort of HIV-infected African women seems implausible, and rather suggests that the screening tool for peripheral neuropathy in culturally diverse African settings be locally validated.
-
African health sciences · Jun 2014
Association of testosterone levels with socio-demographic characteristics in a sample of Ugandan men.
Testosterone, a male reproductive hormone, affects several physiological processes, such as sperm production, energy, strength, sexual behavior, sleep and the general well being of men. Normal levels of testosterone are necessary to effect these physiological processes. The objective of this study was to study the association between testosterone levels in a sample of Ugandan men with socio-demographic characteristics, and compare the testosterone levels of Ugandan men with that of men in other countries. ⋯ Testosterone levels were lower in association with several socio-demographic characteristics including being married, having dependents, and daily coital frequency. Further research is warranted into the relationship between testosterone levels and contributory sexual behavior that may be important in understanding the spread of HIV/AIDS, given its high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa.