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Depression is common during pregnancy and is associated with reduced adherence to HIV-related care, though little is known about perinatal trajectories of depression and viral suppression among women living with HIV (WLHV) in sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to assess any association between perinatal depressive symptoms and viral non-suppression among WLWH. Depressive symptomatology and viral load data were collected every 6 months from WLWH enrolled in the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS; January 2013–February 2020). Generalized estimating equations modeled associations between depressive symptoms [Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) ≥ 16] and viral non-suppression. Of 1722 WLWH, 248 (14.4%) had at least one pregnancy (291 total) and for 61 pregnancies (21.0%), women reported depressive symptoms (13.4% pre-conception, 7.6% pregnancy, 5.5% one-year postpartum). Depressive symptomatology was associated with increased odds of viral non-suppression (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.2–4.0, p = 0.011). Identification and treatment of depression among women with HIV may improve HIV outcomes for mothers.

Background Introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been associated with a decline in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related mortality, although HIV remains a leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe all-cause mortality and its predictors in people living with HIV (PLWH) in the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS). Methods AFRICOS enrolls participants with or without HIV at 12 sites in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Evaluations every 6 months include sociobehavioral questionnaires, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Mortality data are collected from medical records and survivor interviews. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with mortality. Results From 2013 through 2020, 2724 PLWH completed at least 1 follow-up visit or experienced death. Of these 58.4% were females, 25.8% were aged ≥ 50 years, and 98.3% were ART-experienced. We observed 11.42 deaths per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 9.53–13.68) with causes ascertained in 54% of participants. Deaths were caused by malignancy (28.1%), infections (29.7%), and other non-HIV related conditions. Predictors of mortality included CD4 ≤ 350 cells/µL (aHR 2.01 [95% CI: 1.31–3.08]), a log10copies/mL increase of viral load (aHR 1.36 [95% CI: 1.22–1.51]), recent fever (aHR 1.85[95% CI: 1.22–2.81]), body mass index Conclusions The mortality rate was low in this cohort of mostly virally suppressed PLWH. Patterns of deaths and identified predictors suggest multiple targets for interventions to reduce mortality.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an important driver of morbidity among ageing people living with HIV (PLWH). We examined the composite role of age and HIV status on NCDs in people living with and without HIV.The African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) prospectively enrols participants aged ≥15 years with and without HIV at 12 sites in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria. From 21 January 2013 to 1 September 2021, we assessed participants for renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate60 ml/minute/1.73 mOf 3761 participants with age data, 557 (14.8%) were age ≥50, 2188 (58.2%) were females and 3099 (82.4%) were PLWH. At enrolment, the prevalence of elevated BP, dysglycemia, renal insufficiency and obesity were n = 128 (26.9%), n = 75 (15.8%), n = 8 (1.7%) and n = 40 (8.4%), respectively, for PLWH ≥50. Compared to people without HIV age50, PLWH age ≥50 had increased adjusted odds of having DM (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.49-5.16), dysglycemia (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.51-2.61) and renal insufficiency (OR: 6.20, 95% CI: 2.31-16.66). There were significant differences by study site, specifically, participants from Nigeria had the highest odds of elevated BP, dysglycemia and renal insufficiency as compared to Uganda.There was a high burden of NCDs in this African cohort with differences by geographic region. In order to promote healthy ageing with HIV, screening and treatment for common NCDs should be incorporated into routine HIV care with attention paid to geographic heterogeneity to better allocate resources.

Ophthalmic disease in people living with HIV (PLWH) and at-risk controls in Sub-Saharan Africa was evaluated. PLWH were more likely to have ophthalmic disease at enrollment, but there was no difference in incidence once enrolled.

Objectives Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major cause of morbidity. Understanding drivers of transmission can inform effective prevention programs. We describe STI prevalence and identify factors associated with STIs in four African countries. Methods The African Cohort Study is an ongoing, prospective cohort in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. At enrollment, a physical exam was conducted and STI diagnosis made by a clinician using a syndromic management approach. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for factors associated with an STI diagnosis. Results As of June 2020, 3544 participants were enrolled. STI prevalence was 7.7% and did not differ by HIV status (p = 0.30). Prevalence differed by syndrome (3.5% vaginal discharge, 1.5% genital ulcer, 2.1% lower abdominal pain, 0.2% inguinal bubo). The odds of having an STI were higher at all sites compared to Kisumu West, Kenya, and among those with a primary level education or below compared to those with secondary or higher (aOR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.32–2.38). The odds of an STI diagnosis was higher among participants 18–29 years (aOR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.35–3.87), females (aOR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.94–3.59), and those with depression (aOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.32–2.38). Among PLWH, similar factors were independently associated with an STI diagnosis. Viral suppression was protective against STIs (aOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.32–3.20). Conclusions Prevalence of STIs varied by site with young people and females most at risk for STIs. Mental health is a potential target area for intervention.

The lifespan of people living with HIV is increasing, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming an important driver of morbidity in this population. We examined the prevalence of NCDs in older people with HIV and factors associated with development of NCDs.The African Cohort Study is a prospective cohort enrolling adults with and without HIV at 12 sites in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria. Using data collected from Jan 21, 2013 to June 30, 2021, we assessed the prevalence and odds of NCDs, including renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate [GFR]60 mL/min/1·73 m²), elevated blood pressure (any systolic blood pressure139 mm Hg or diastolic BP89 mm Hg), obesity (body mass index30), diabetes (fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or receiving medication for diabetes) or hyperglycaemia (fasting glucose ≥99 mg/dL or non-fasting ≥199 mg/dL). Diabetes and hyperglycaemia were collectively evaluated as dysglycaemia. We used multivariable logistic regression with generalised estimating equations to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with NCDs. Diabetes and hyperglycaemia models were adjusted for potential confounders including study site and sex. Renal insufficiency models had similar adjustments with the addition of elevated blood pressure and hyperglycaemia.Of 3434 participants, 2003 (59·3%) were female and 1431 (40·7%) were male, and 2949 (85·9%) were living with HIV. Of people living with HIV, 2188 (74·2%) were younger than 50 years and 761 (25·8%) were aged 50 years or older. Among people living with HIV aged 50 or older, 27·5% (n=209 had elevated blood pressure, 13·4% (102) had dysglycaemia, 4·3% (33) had renal insufficiency, and 11·7% (89) had obesity at last visit. Compared with people without HIV under 50, people living with HIV aged 50 or older had increased adjusted odds of having diabetes (5·29, 95% CI 2·61-10·70), hyperglycaemia (1·86, 1·38-2·50), and renal insufficiency (6·37, 2·38-17·1). We found no differences between individuals aged 50 years or older with and without HIV for diabetes, hyperglycaemia, and renal insufficiency.There was a high burden of NCDs in this cohort. HIV status was not associated with NCD prevalence, although the study was probably underpowered to detect such an association. Screening and treatment for common NCDs, such as raised blood pressure and dysglycaemia, should be considered as part of HIV integrated care. Such an approach might help to prevent other NCDs, such as renal insufficiency, and improve the span of healthy life.PEPFAR via cooperative agreements between HJF and the US Department of Defense.

Background: A significant minority of people living with HIV (PLWH) achieve viral suppression (VS) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) but do not regain healthy CD4 counts. Clinical factors affecting this immune non-response (INR) and its effect on incident serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs) have been challenging to understand due to confounders that are difficult to control in many study settings. Setting: The U.S. Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS) and African Cohort Study (AFRICOS). Methods: PLWH with sustained VS (Results: INR prevalence was 10.8% and 25.8% in NHS and AFRICOS, respectively. Higher CD4 nadir was associated with decreased odds of INR (aOR=0.31 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.37] and aOR=0.50 [95% CI: 0.43, 0.58] per 100 cells/µl in NHS and AFRICOS, respectively). After adjustment, INR was associated with a 61% increase in relative risk of SNAE [95% CI: 1.12, 2.33]. Probability of "SNAE-free" survival at 15 years since sustained VS was approximately 20% lower comparing those with and without INR; nearly equal to the differences observed by 15-year age groups. Conclusion: CD4 monitoring before and after VS is achieved can help identify PLWH at risk for INR. INR may be a useful clinical indicator of future risk for SNAEs.

Background Persons living with HIV (PLWH) who are members of sero-discordant and sero-concordant relationships may experience psychological stressors or motivators that affect HIV care. We assessed the association between sero-discordance status, antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake, and viral suppression in the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS). Methods AFRICOS enrolls PLWH and HIV-uninfected individuals at 12 sites in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. At enrollment, we determined ART use through self-report. Viral suppression was defined as HIV RNA Results From January 2013 through March 2018, 223 index participants from sero-discordant dyads and 61 from sero-concordant dyads were enrolled. The majority of the indexes were aged 25–34 years (50.2%), female (53.4%), and married (96.5%). Sero-discordant indexes were more likely to disclose their status to partners compared with sero-concordant indexes (96.4% vs. 82.0%, p Conclusions PLWH in sero-discordant sexual partnerships demonstrated improved uptake of ART compared with those in sero-concordant partnerships. Interventions are needed to increase care engagement by individuals in sero-concordant relationships to improve HIV outcomes.

Background Support groups for people living with HIV (PLWH) may improve HIV care adherence and outcomes. We assessed the impact of support group attendance on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression in four African countries. Methods The ongoing African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) enrolls participants at 12 clinics in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Self-reported attendance of any support group meetings, self-reported ART adherence, and HIV RNA are assessed every 6 months. Logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for support group attendance and other factors potentially associated with ART adherence and viral suppression. Results From January 2013 to December 1, 2019, 1959 ART-experienced PLWH were enrolled and 320 (16.3%) reported any support group attendance prior to enrollment. Complete ART adherence, with no missed doses in the last 30 days, was reported by 87.8% while 92.4% had viral suppression Conclusion Support group attendance was not associated with significantly improved ART adherence or viral suppression, although low support group uptake may have limited our ability to detect a statistically significant impact.

Among Sub-Saharan African women living with HIV (WLWH), pregnancy creates unique stressors that may cause depression. We describe the prevalence of depression among WLWH enrolled in the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) by pregnancy status and describe factors associated with depression. WLWH45 years of age underwent six-monthly visits with depression diagnosed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Visits were categorized as "pregnant;" "postpartum" (the first visit made after the last pregnancy visit), and "non-pregnant." The prevalence of depression was calculated for each visit type and compared using prevalence odds ratios (POR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with depression. From January 2013 to March 1, 2020, 1333 WLWH were enrolled, and 214 had pregnancies during follow-up. As compared to the prevalence of depression during "non-pregnant" visits (9.1%), depression was less common at "pregnant" (6.3%; POR = 0.68 [CI: 0.42, 1.09]) and "postpartum" (3.4%; POR = 0.36 [CI: 0.17, 0.76]) visits. When controlling for other factors, the visit category was not independently associated with depression. Visit number, study site, employment status, and food security were independently associated with decreased odds of depression. We observed a lower prevalence of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period than has been previously described among WLWH during similar time points. We observed protective factors against depression which highlight the impact that holistic and consistent health care at HIV-centered clinics may have on the well-being of WLWH in AFRICOS.

Washington, DC, and sub-Saharan Africa are both affected by generalized HIV epidemics. However, care for persons living with HIV (PLWH) and clinical outcomes may differ in these geographically and culturally diverse areas. We compared patient and clinical site characteristics among adult persons living with HIV (PLWH) enrolled in two longitudinal HIV cohort studies-the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) and the DC Cohort.The DC Cohort is a clinic-based city-wide longitudinal cohort comprised of PLWH attending 15 HIV clinics in Washington, DC. Patients' socio-demographic characteristics, clinical evaluations, and laboratory data are retrospectively collected from electronic medical records and limited manual chart abstraction. AFRICOS is a prospective observational cohort of PLWH and uninfected volunteers attending 12 select HIV care and treatment facilities in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. AFRICOS study participants are a subset of clinic patients who complete protocol-specific visits every 6 months with history and physical examination, questionnaire administration, and blood/sputum collection for ascertainment of HIV outcomes and comorbidities, and neurocognitive and functional assessments. Among participants aged ≥ 18 years, we generated descriptive statistics for demographic and clinical characteristics at enrollment and follow up and compared them using bivariable analyses.The study sample included 2,774 AFRICOS and 8,420 DC Cohort participants who enrolled from January 2013 (AFRICOS)/January 2011 (DC Cohort) through March 2018. AFRICOS participants were significantly more likely to be women (58.8% vs 27.1%) and younger (83.3% vs 61.1% aged50 years old) and significantly less likely to be MSM (only 0.1% of AFRICOS population reported MSM risk factor) than DC Cohort. Similar rates of current viral suppression (about 75% of both samples), hypertension, hepatitis B coinfection and alcohol use were observed. However, AFRICOS participants had significantly higher rates of CD4200 and tuberculosis and significantly lower rates of obesity, DM, hepatitis C coinfection and syphilis.With similar viral suppression outcomes, but many differences between our cohorts noted, the combined sample provides unique opportunities to assess and compare HIV care and treatment outcomes in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. Comparing these two cohorts may inform care and treatment practices and may pave the way for future pathophysiologic analyses.

Consistent condom use is an inexpensive and efficacious HIV prevention strategy. Understanding factors associated with condom use and barriers to use can inform strategies to increase condom uptake. The ongoing African Cohort Study prospectively enrolls adults at 12 clinical sites in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. At enrollment, participants are asked about condom use at last sex with a regular partner. Robust Poisson regression models were used to evaluate predictors of self-reported condom use. Participants who reported not using condoms were asked to provide reasons. From January 2013 to September 2019, 2482 participants reported having at least one regular sexual partner in the preceding 6 months. Of those, 1577 (63.5%) reported using a condom at last sex. Condom use was more common among older participants, males, HIV-infected participants, and those with an HIV-infected partner. Married participants, those with a partner of unknown HIV status, and those reporting alcohol use were less likely to report condom use at last sex. Condom use at last sex also varied significantly by clinical site. Partner disapproval or refusal to use a condom was a consistent driver of disparities in condom use among participants who were HIV infected, female, and aged 18-24 years. Effective HIV prevention programs should integrate condom education with the tools necessary to negotiate condom use with regular partners.

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, readily affordable, and noninvasive tool for the evaluation of cardiac disorders. There is a dearth of information on the utility of ECG in general practice in Nigeria. We assessed the knowledge and utilization of ECG among family medicine residents in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional evaluation was conducted between November 2011 and May 2012 in four family medicine training centers in Nigeria. A self‑administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the resident doctors regarding their ECG requests, preferred source of interpretation, most common ECG diagnosis, and update of ECG knowledge. Results: Only 61 out of 120 questionnaires (50.8%) were returned. The respondents were mostly between 31 and 40 years (54.7%) and were predominantly males (73.8%) and senior residents (65.6%). Fifty‑four (88.3%) respondents made

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negatively impacts the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, including replication. We determined the prevalence of HBeAg in HIV/HBV co-infected patients compared to HBV mono-infected controls and further investigated the relationship between HBeAg seropositivity and the degree of HIV-induced immunosuppression in co-infected patients. Methodology: The study design was cross-sectional. One hundred HBsAg-positive HIV-infected adults and 100 age and sex matched HBsAg-positive HIV negative controls were consecutively recruited between May and November 2010. Relevant demographic and HBV-related information was obtained. HBeAg was assayed by semi-quantitative third generation ELISA. The HIV/HBV co-infected patients also had CD4+ cell and HIV viral load quantification measured using flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction techniques respectively. Results: In each group, the mean age was 34 ± 8 years and the majority (61%) was female. The prevalence of HBeAg was significantly higher among co-infected patients (n = 28; 28%) than in the controls (n = 15; 15%; p = 0.03). HBeAg seropositivity was independently associated with age < 40 years (AOR = 2.83, 95% = CI 1.29-6.17) and HIV seropositivity (AOR = 2.44, 95% C.I = 1.17-5.07). The prevalence of HBeAg was significantly higher in co-infected patients with CD4 cell count < 200 cell/µL (41.3%) compared to those with 200-499 cell/µL (18.6%) and ≥500 cell/µL (9.1%), p = 0.006. Conclusion: HIV/HBV co-infected patients have a significantly higher prevalence of HBeAg than HBV mono-infected individuals. HBV-infected patients should be routinely assessed for HBeAg, especially if they are co-infected with HIV.

BACKGROUND We investigated predictors of in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay among adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Nigeria in order to provide recommendations to improve CAP outcomes in developing countries. METHODS This was a multi-centre case control study of patients ≥18 years who were admitted with CAP between 2008 and 2012. Case notes of 100 consecutive patients who died (cases) and random sample of 300 patients discharged (controls) were selected. RESULTS Mean ages were 55.4±19.6 (cases) and 49.3±19.2 (controls). Independent predictors of mortality were CURB-65 score ≥3: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 24.3, late presentation: aOR 8.6, co-morbidity: aOR 3.9, delayed first dose antibiotics (>4 hours): aOR 3.5, need for supplemental oxygen: aOR 4.9, multilobar pneumonia: aOR 4.0, non-pneumococcal aetiology: aOR 6.5, anaemia: aOR 3.8 and hyperglycemia: aOR 8.6. CURB-65 ≥3 predicted mortality with a high specificity (96.1%) but low sensitivity (75%); positive predictive value of 88.2% and negative predictive value of 90.8%. Care in hospital A and B: aOR 3.3 and 2.2 respectively, male gender aOR 2.1, co-morbidity aOR 3.0, anaemia aOR 2.1 and elevated serum creatinine aOR 6.3 independently predicted length of hospital stay >10 days among survivors. CONCLUSIONS Several modifiable patient-related and process-of-care factors predicted in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay among survivors. Our findings should be used to improve CAP outcomes in developing countries.

Background In Nigeria, where malaria is endemic, greater than 70% of febrile illnesses are treated presumptively as malaria, often without a laboratory evaluation for other possible causes of fever. This cross-sectional study evaluated the presence of dengue virus infection in febrile patients, presumptively diagnosed of malaria infections in the clinic. Methodology Blood samples were collected from 529 febrile patients (246 in Jos and 283 in Maiduguri) attending the general outpatient clinics of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and tested for anti-dengue immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), as well as anti-non-structural protein (NS1) by ELISA. The samples were also evaluated for presence of P. falciparum malaria parasites by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears. Results The prevalence of confirmed, highly suggestive and probable dengue virus infections categorized in relation to duration of illness since onset of fever were 2.3%, 5.5% and 1.5% respectively, while the prevalence of anti-flavivirus IgG and IgM seropositivity was 11.7%. In a total of 117 (22.1%) patients (32 in Jos, 85 in Maiduguri), malaria parasites were detected by blood smear microscopy, out of which 7 (6%) also had a positively confirmed, highly suggestive or probable dengue test result. Conclusion Although the high cross-reactivity of anti-flavivirus antibodies should be taken into account in the interpretation of the seroprevalence data, our findings suggest a significant presence of dengue virus in this environment, some of which may otherwise be misdiagnosed as malaria. These findings are strong enough to recommend serological screening for anti-dengue virus titer and NS1 antigen for all febrile patients, as part of fever diagnostic protocols in tropical regions. Given the prevalence of dengue virus infections, there is also a need for a dengue control program and public education to prevent outbreaks and occurrence of severe dengue complications.

A clear knowledge of the pathogens responsible for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a given region and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns is necessary for optimal treatment. We determined the common bacterial pathogens causing CAP in Nigeria and further reviewed their antibiotic senstivity patterns with a view to providing recommendations to improve antibiotic management of CAP.Case notes of all adult patients who were 18 years or more admitted to four major tertiary hospitals in South East Nigeria with a diagnosis of CAP between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. To be eligible, patients were required to have sputum culture and sensitivity results available. Socio-demographic, clinical, pre-admission and in-hospital treatment data were also obtained.Of 400 patients with a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of CAP, 232 fulfilled the study criteria; 122 (52.6%) were women and the mean age was 50.6 ± 18.8 years. Aetiological agents were identified from sputum in 189 (81.5%) patients. Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 90, 47.6%) was the most frequent isolate followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 62, 32.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 24, 12.7%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (n = 13, 6.9%). The pathogens were most sensitive to levofloxacin (77%), ceftazidime (75.5%) and ofloxacin (55.8%). The susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics most frequently presecribed for empirical therapy was low (co-amoxiclav, 47.6%; ciprofloxacin, 45.9% and ceftriaxone, 47.6%) and this was associated with higher mortality and/or longer duration of hospital stay in survivors.Strep. pneumoniae and K. pneumoniae were the most common causes of CAP. The pathogens were most sensitive to levofloxacin and ceftazidime. We suggest that these antibiotics should increasingly be considered as superior options for empirical treatment of CAP in Nigeria.

Background/Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among patients living with HIV/AIDS and to determine its contribution to cardiac dysfunction. Method: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out over a 6-month period at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. The subjects were 200 confirmed HIV positive patients, ≥18 years of age who consented to the study. Physical examination, laboratory investigations, 2 dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were conducted on the subjects. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 ± 9 years, and there were 142 females (71%). Females were younger, mean age 36 ± 8 years versus 41 ± 10 years for males (p-value

Summary Data on baseline hepatic function of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infected patients are limited in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed liver function test (LFT) abnormalities in Nigerian patients with HIV/HBV co-infection to highlight the impact of HIV on HBV-related liver disease in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study involving 100 HIV/HBV co-infected patients and 100 age- and sex-matched HBV mono-infected controls. Blood testing for HIV antibodies, CD4+ cell count, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), LFTs, platelet count, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were carried out. Non-invasive hepatic fibrosis scores (aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index [APRI] and FIB-4) were also calculated. Co-infected patients had deranged liver enzymes more than the controls (77% versus 64%, P = 0.04). The predominant patterns of enzyme derangement in co-infected patients were either predominantly ↑ALP (30% versus 4%, P < 0.0001) or mixed (30% versus 15%, P = 0.01) but predominantly ↑AST/ALT in the controls (25% versus 9%, P = 0.003). Co-infected patients had higher fibrosis scores for both APRI ( P = 0.002) and FIB-4 ( P = 0.0001). On further analysis, LFT abnormalities and fibrosis scores were only significantly higher in co-infected patients in the immune clearance and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis phases. LFT abnormalities are common in Nigerians with HBV infection and co-infection with HIV negatively impacts on hepatic function.

BACKGROUND Second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) accounts for less than 5% of total ART in resource-limited settings. We described the baseline characteristics, reasons for switch and treatment outcomes of Nigerian patients receiving second-line ART. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study we recorded the baseline characteristics of HIV-infected adults whose treatment regimen was switched from a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a first-line agent, to a protease inhibitor-based second-line regimen. The duration of follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS Of 4229 patients who started first-line therapy, 186 (4.4%) were switched to second-line therapy after a mean duration of 16.6 ± 7.6 months. Their mean age was 41.8 ± 9.6 years and 59.1% were women. The median (range) viral load and CD4 cell counts at switch were 4.7 (4.1-6.3) log10 copies/ml and 71 (6-610) cells/µl, respectively. The predominant reason for switch was virological failure (79.0%). Only 55.4% and 36.6% of patients had CD4 cell count and viral load at 12 months. About 82%, 79% and 82% of patients with available data achieved virological suppression at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months respectively (p = 0.81). The proportion of patients who achieved ≥50% rise in CD4 cell count increased from 55.8% at 3 months to 78.6% at 12 months (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION The rate of switch to second-line therapy was low but there were good treatment outcomes among patients with available data. Attrition rate was high. Regular viral load monitoring, improved availability/affordability of second-line regimens and retention in care should become priorities in resource-limited settings.

Aim Previous studies on the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are conflicting. We aimed to elucidate the relationship by investigating the prevalence and predictors of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in HBV-infected patients. Methods A total of 204 consecutive patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity for ≥6 months were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Patients with DM were excluded. Information regarding age, gender, ethnicity, residence, family history of DM, alcohol use, and cigarette smoking were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes and hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) were tested. Results The participants had a mean age of 33.6 ± 8.4 years and included 123 (60.3%) females, 40 (19.6%) with HBeAg seropositivity, and 29 (14.2%) with family history of DM. The prevalence of IFG was 52 (25.5%). On multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of IFG were family history of DM (OR = 8.23, 95% CI = 2.78–24.31), male gender (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.17–6.64), HBeAg seropositivity (OR = 4.97, 95% CI = 1.87–13.18) and elevated GGT (OR = 7.27, 95% C.I = 2.88–18.35). Conclusion The prevalence of IFG among HBV-infected patients is high. Targeted screening and follow-up of HBV-infected patients for abnormalities of glucose metabolism is recommended.

Background The attitude of healthcare workers (HCW) towards organ donation is cardinal to the successful implementation and sustainability of transplant programs. We present the outcome of a survey among HCW in a single tertiary institution in Nigeria regarding their willingness to be living-related kidney donors. Methods Self-administered questionnaires were randomly distributed to HCW evaluating their attitude towards living-related kidney donation. Results Of the 650 questionnaires distributed only 502 responded (clinical medical students 51%, physicians 31.7% and nurses 17.3%); 75.6% of respondents were willing to be living donors while 5.8% were against it, and 18.5% were undecided. Multivariate analysis identified willingness to receive, perceived risk associated with kidney donation, and attitude towards cadaveric donation as independent predictors of willingness of HCW to be living donors. Conclusion Nigerian HCW have a positive attitude toward kidney donation.

Background: The metabolic syndrome is closely related to insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disease. This study examined the prevalence of IR and metabolic syndrome as well as factors associated with IR among Nigerian women.Materials and Methods: Eighty‑six women living in an urban area in Enugu, South‑East Nigeria, were assessed. Demographic information included age, residence, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco intake and were collected with questionnaires. Blood pressure and anthropometric parameters were measured using standard methods. Fasting lipids, blood glucose, and insulin were measured. IR was calculated with homeostasis model assessment of IR formula. The ratios; triglyceride/ high‑density lipoprotein (TG/HDL), total cholesterol (TC)/HDL, and atherogenic index of plasma; log (TG/HDL) were calculated and compared with IR. Metabolic syndrome was sought for using both the WHO and the harmonized joint criteria.Results: The mean age was 44.4 (13.1) years. Hypertension, obesity/overweight, and abdominal obesity were present in 31.5%, 81.1%, and 92.2%, respectively. There was elevated TC (62.2%), elevated low‑density lipoprotein (45.6%), low HDL (40%), and elevated TG (14.4%) levels. IR was present in 39 (45.3%). Metabolic syndrome was present in 25 (29.1%) and 17 (19.8%) using the joint criteria and the WHO criteria, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the joint revised criteria in identifying IR individuals were 48.7% and 87.2%, respectively, and for the WHO criteria, were 38.5% and 95.7%, respectively. The only significant predictor of IR was the presence of diabetes; P = 0.03, odds ratio = 7.2 (95% confidence interval = 1.19–41.88).Conclusion: IR and metabolic syndrome were common. They were not related to any of the lipoprotein ratios. Metabolic syndrome had a low sensitivity in detecting IR.Keywords: Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, triglycerides, women