Nigerian Medical Journal[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Assessing Thyroid Function (FT4, FT3, and TSH) in Pediatric Renal Patients: A Focus on Sex and Age Subgroups.
Ohiri JU, Owamagbe EM
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169835 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction is a common complication but is less diagnosed most times with pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD), where impaired renal function disrupts thyroid hormone metabolism. This study is aime...
BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction is a common complication but is less diagnosed most times with pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD), where impaired renal function disrupts thyroid hormone metabolism. This study is aimed at assessing thyroid function specifically FT4, FT3, and TSH in pediatric CKD patients, while exploring variations by age and sex. METHODOLOGY: In a cross-sectional design, 150 children within the ages of 1-18 years with CKD stages 2-5 or on renal replacement therapy were examined using standardized immunoassays and eGFR determined via the Schwartz formula. RESULTS: The results showed a 25% prevalence of hypothyroidism, with females exhibiting higher dysfunction rates than males. With age, FT4 and FT3 levels increased from infancy to adolescence, while TSH decreased, reflecting a maturing hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Significantly, strong positive correlations were observed between eGFR and both FT3 (r = 0.78) and FT4 (r = 0.76), whereas TSH showed no notable relationship with kidney function. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that thyroid dysfunction in pediatric CKD is primarily caused by decreasing FT3 and FT4 levels. Early, tailored thyroid screening is recommended to improve growth, neurodevelopment, and overall outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Associatqion of Depression with Phenomenology and Insight Among Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Mishra V, Suthar N, Swami MK
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169834 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The phenomenology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is influenced by culture; its understanding can enhance case identification. Insight levels and depressive symptoms may vary with OCD phenomenology, af...
BACKGROUND: The phenomenology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is influenced by culture; its understanding can enhance case identification. Insight levels and depressive symptoms may vary with OCD phenomenology, affecting management and outcomes. This study assessed the association of depression with phenomenology and insight among patients with OCD and predictors of comorbid depression severity. METHODOLOGY: This observational study enrolled 146 participants after receiving ethical approval and consent. Obsession and compulsion were assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Insight and depression were assessed with the Over Valued Ideas Scale (OVIS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Linear regression was employed to identify predictors of the severity of depression. RESULT: The sample consisted of 68.5% males, with a mean age of 31.5 years. The mean duration of OCD was 63 months. Contamination was the most common obsession; while washing or cleaning was the most frequent compulsion. Aggressive, sexual, and religious obsessions were more prevalent in males. Notably, 73.2% of patients experienced depression. Those with depression exhibited longer and more severe OCD. The severity of depression had a significant positive correlation with the duration of OCD, the YBOCS score, and the OVIS score. Female gender and higher OVIS scores were significant predictors of the severity of depression, with gender being the most important predictor. CONCLUSION: Depression is quite common among patients with OCD, particularly those experiencing longer and more severe illnesses. Being female and having lower insight significantly predict the severity of depression.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Malaria Infection among Under-Five Children in Nigeria.
Agboola HO, Ajibola O, Lasisi AJ … +3 more , Adebayo F, Aremu O, Khan S
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169833 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Malaria is a significant source of mortality and morbidity, particularly among children under the age of five. Meanwhile, the multi-causation theory in public health views disease and health development as un...
BACKGROUND: Malaria is a significant source of mortality and morbidity, particularly among children under the age of five. Meanwhile, the multi-causation theory in public health views disease and health development as underpinned by several variables, including social and demographic factors. Therefore, this study investigates the sociodemographic factors associated with malaria among under-five children in Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: This study used secondary cross-sectional data collected from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The sample for this study was 10,352 children. The response variable was malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) results, while the independent variables considered were children's age, residential area, zone, mosquito net ownership, gender, mother's level of education, and wealth status. Analysis was done using bivariate analysis and binomial logistic regression at a 0.05 significance level and 95% confidence interval. RESULT: Children's age was statistically significant with malaria (χ2 = 166.200, p = 0.000). Malaria had a statistically significant relationship with mother's level of education (χ2 = 762.530, p = 0.000). The relationship between malaria and wealth index was statistically significant (χ2 = 1020.442, p = 0.000). The result shows that children living in rural areas were more prone to have malaria infection than children living in urban areas (OR = 1.633, 0.000). CONCLUSION: Children's age, wealth index, mother's level of education and place of residence are key predictors and factors associated with malaria infection among under-five children in Nigeria. Therefore, broad-based programmes and interventions should be increased to tackle malaria incidence and prevalence.
Paraneoplastic Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in a Nigerian Female Teenager: A Case Report.
Nwazor E, Chukwuocha I, Iheanacho J … +4 more , Ajuonuma B, Madueke O, Mgbeoma K, Ibeneme E
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169832 · Full text
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizures, dysautonomia, and movement disorders. Initially identified as a paraneoplastic syndrome predominantly in yo...
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizures, dysautonomia, and movement disorders. Initially identified as a paraneoplastic syndrome predominantly in young women with ovarian teratomas, it has become clear that not all affected individuals have tumors, and symptoms can occur across genders. With the availability of the NMDAR antibody assay, cases have also been identified in patients presenting with early psychosis, epilepsy, and classic limbic encephalitis. This emerging understanding enables earlier diagnosis, even in resource-limited settings, facilitating a multidisciplinary management approach that combines immunotherapies and tumor removal when indicated. This case highlights the importance of recognizing anti-NMDAR encephalitis in an 18-year-old female, emphasizing the need for prompt intervention to improve recovery outcomes.
Magnetic Resonance Neuroimaging Findings in High-altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and Probable Correlation with its Temporal Evolution and Pathogenesis.
Wani AH, Wani M, Jabeen S … +7 more , Choh NA, Fayaz M, Maqsood S, Shera TA, Bhat MH, Parry AH, Mir FA
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169831 · Full text
BACKGROUND: High-altitude illness (HAI) is a spectrum continuum ranging from innocuous high-altitude headache (HAH) to severe, potentially fatal high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with acute mountain sickness (AMS) and...
BACKGROUND: High-altitude illness (HAI) is a spectrum continuum ranging from innocuous high-altitude headache (HAH) to severe, potentially fatal high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) in the middle of the gamut. MRI brain findings in such patients have prognostic implications, especially the diffusion and susceptibility-weighted imaging. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-one devotees visiting a high-altitude cave temple, in whom there was a clinical suspicion of high-altitude cerebral edema after the ascent, were included in this study. All the patients met the criteria for diagnosis of acute mountain sickness (AMS) as well as HACE. MRI brain was done in all 21 patients with special emphasis on diffusion and susceptibility-weighted imaging. RESULTS: Diffusion restriction with T2/FLAIR hyperintensity was present in the splenium of the corpus callosum in all 21 patients. Other sites involved were centrum semiovale and deep white matter (90.5%), middle cerebellar peduncles (66.7%), and posterior limb of the internal capsule (57%). SWI revealed multiple tiny cerebral microbleeds in splenium, deep white matter, and middle cerebellar peduncles. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the evolution of diffusion restriction, T2/FLAIR hyperintensity, and cerebral microbleedsin the splenium of the corpus callosum and white matter in HACE corresponds well with the temporal evolution of cytotoxic, ionic,and vasogenic cerebral edema underpinning the role of brain water dyshomeostasis central to the pathogenesis of HACE.
Knowledge and Uptake of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention among Caregivers of Under-five Children in a Tertiary Hospital in Kaduna State, North-western Nigeria.
Tom HM, Suleiman AG, Usman S … +5 more , Darma MA, Yahaya U, Wakawa MM, Hamza AS, Babandi ZS
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169830 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic infection primarily found in the tropics, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is one of the strategies used to protect children. Despite years of implementation,...
BACKGROUND: Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic infection primarily found in the tropics, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is one of the strategies used to protect children. Despite years of implementation, gaps remained in terms of knowledge and uptake among caregivers. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and uptake of SMC among caregivers of children at a tertiary hospital in Kaduna State, North-western Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: Using a cross-sectional study, 234 caregivers of under-five children were selected from immunization and paediatric clinics through systematic sampling. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and uptake of SMC during the preceding SMC campaign. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, and a chi-square test was used to check for associations between relevant variables. A value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: All the respondents were females, 226 (95.4%) were married, 175 (73.8%) were Hausa and 98 (41.4%) were unemployed. Up to 182 (76.8%) had heard of SMC, 156 (65.8%) knew it as a drug for prevention, 128 (54.0%) correctly identified it as a rainy season activity, and overall, 128 (54.0%) had good knowledge of SMC. A total of 137 (58.4%) had taken at least one dose of SMC during the last campaign, but only 65 (27.2%) received all four doses. Of the 100 (41.6%) who missed SMC, reasons included not knowing about SMC (54.0%) and the child being absent (20.0%) during distribution. Factors associated with SMC uptake included education, occupation, ethnicity, religion and knowledge on SMC (< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite good awareness, gaps in knowledge persist with many unable to identify the purpose, duration or eligibility for SMC. Uptake of SMC was moderate, with only a third receiving full coverage. Health authorities should intensify efforts towards community enlightenment and adaptive programming to bridge the identified gaps.
NGAL Superiority to Creatinine in the Diagnosis of Renal Injury in a Pediatric Tertiary Hospital Setting.
Ohiri JU, Owamagbe EM, Idam EA
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169829 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is related with higher death rates, longer hospital admissions, and an increased chance of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum creatinine, a conventional biomarker for AKI...
BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is related with higher death rates, longer hospital admissions, and an increased chance of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum creatinine, a conventional biomarker for AKI diagnosis, has limitations since it rises slowly after renal injury and is dependent on muscle mass and hydration state. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a promising early biomarker, appearing in urine and plasma within two hours of kidney injury. This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of NGAL against serum creatinine in diagnosing AKI in pediatric patients. The aim of this study is to assess the sensitivity and specificity of •NGAL in diagnosing AKI in pediatric patients compared to serum creatinine. By assessing the reliability of NGAL, the study aims to enhance early detection and management techniques for AKI in children. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out over a 12-month period at a tertiary hospital's pediatric nephrology department. The study included 200 children aged 1 month to 18 years who had been admitted with symptoms that put them at risk for AKI, such as sepsis, dehydration, and nephrotoxic medication exposure. Blood samples were taken at admission and 24 hours later to determine serum creatinine and NGAL levels. An enzymatic colorimetric technique was used to determine serum creatinine, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect NGAL. Data was analyzed with SPSS software, and diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULT: NGAL revealed superior diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94 against 0.72 for creatinine. NGAL demonstrated greater sensitivity (92% vs. 68%) and specificity (88% vs. 62%), especially in infants. The ROC curve demonstrated NGAL's excellent diagnostic performance in all pediatric age groups. Conclusion: This study shows that NGAL is a more reliable early biomarker for AKI in pediatric patients than serum creatinine. Its implementation in clinical practice could lead to early diagnosis and treatments, lowering the risk of severe kidney injury and improving pediatric patient outcomes.
Meckel Gruber Syndrome in a Nigerian child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Bulus WS, JoyBaba F, AdoyiAgaba I … +1 more , Raheem N
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169828 · Full text
Meckel-Gruber Syndrome (MGS) is a rare and lethal autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a triad of occipital encephalocele, polycystic kidneys, and polydactyly. The worldwide incidence varies from 1 in 13,250 to...
Meckel-Gruber Syndrome (MGS) is a rare and lethal autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a triad of occipital encephalocele, polycystic kidneys, and polydactyly. The worldwide incidence varies from 1 in 13,250 to 1 in 140,000 live births, with a 25% reoccurrence rate. Prenatally, diagnosis can be made by ultrasonography for fetal anomalies at 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, which can guide management decisions. We report a female baby with the characteristic features of this syndrome, which was confirmed by autopsy findings.
Clinico-demographic Profile of Patients with Early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma at a Tertiary Private Eye Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.
Umeh VC, Nathaniel GI, Ogunro A
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169827 · Full text
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to characterize the clinical and sociodemographic profiles of Nigerian patients with early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), with the goal of highlighting the significance of timely d...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to characterize the clinical and sociodemographic profiles of Nigerian patients with early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), with the goal of highlighting the significance of timely diagnosis in enhancing glaucoma treatment outcomes. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study involved participants aged ≥ 40 years with early POAG. The participants underwent a slit-lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segments. The examination included gonioscopy, after which only eyes with open angles were selected. A central visual field test was conducted, and one eye of each participant who met the criteria for early POAG was selected for optical coherence tomography/angiography test (OCT/A). The relevant data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, with statistical significance set at p<0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: There were 90 participants with a mean age of 54.5 ± 10.1 years, comprising 54 males (60%). All participants had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of at least LogMAR 0.48, and the mean central visual field (CVF) MD was -3.50 ± 1.0 dB. The mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was 97.79 ± 17.33. The mean peripapillary vessel density (VD) was 50.21 ± 4.54%. Nearly half (47.8%) of the participants had other systemic medical conditions, primarily hypertension or hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSION: Patients with early POAG were asymptomatic and had good visual acuity and minimal RNFL thickness reduction. This highlights the importance of routine hospital screening of people 40 years and older to aid early diagnosis of POAG.
Giant incisional hernia with a protruding pregnant uterus and overlying thinned-out ulcerated skin: A case report and review of literature.
Ijah RFOA, Kua P, Ngeri B … +3 more , Ela GM, Udeme NI, Kyamummi I
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169826 · Full text
Incisional hernias are part of the workload of the General Surgeon, for which there are known risk factors, and surgical repair can be challenging. The aim of this study was to report an unusual presentation of a giant i...
Incisional hernias are part of the workload of the General Surgeon, for which there are known risk factors, and surgical repair can be challenging. The aim of this study was to report an unusual presentation of a giant incisional hernia with a protruding pregnant uterus and thinned-out ulcerated skin, seen at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt in the year 2024.A 38-year-old female, Gravida 2 Para1, who presented with protrusion of the lower abdomen, pain, and bleeding from a sore at the lower abdomen. She had a previous Caesarean section complicated by wound sepsis and prolonged hospital stay. Significant examination findings included enlarged (gravid) pendulous abdomen, a broad sub-umbilical mid-line scar, an overlying area of shallow ulcer (10cm by 6cm), surrounding hyperpigmented skin, and tenderness at the sub-umbilical area. There was a protruding mass that measured 20cm by 14cm at presentation, which increased in size, extending to the mid-thigh at the time of surgery. She had multi-specialty care that ended with an elective repeat Caesarean section, hernia repair, abdominoplasty, and the outcome of care was satisfactory. A complicated giant incisional hernia is reported in a patient with gestational diabetes mellitus. A successful outcome was guaranteed by prolonged admission and multidisciplinary care.
Bilateral Optic Disc Coloboma with Coexisting Unilateral Retinochoroidal Coloboma in an Adolescent from Northwestern Nigeria: A Case Report.
Habib SG, Hassan S, Ibrahim F … +4 more , Muhammad FS, Madaki SU, Jaafar NI, Suleiman AD
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169825 · Full text
Optic disc coloboma is a rare congenital anomaly of the optic nerve. We report a case of bilateral optic disc coloboma with coexisting unilateral retino choroidal coloboma in an adolescent from Northwestern Nigeria, who...
Optic disc coloboma is a rare congenital anomaly of the optic nerve. We report a case of bilateral optic disc coloboma with coexisting unilateral retino choroidal coloboma in an adolescent from Northwestern Nigeria, who presented with complaints of difficulty seeing distant objects for 3 months, associated with ocular pains, tearing, and headache while reading. She had never worn spectacles. No previous history of systemic illnesses or trauma. Developmental milestones were optimal for age. Ocular examination revealed a best corrected visual acuity of 6/5 and 6/6 in the right and left eyes respectively. Dilated fundoscopy revealed an enlarged bilateral optic disc with a white bowl-shaped excavation, absent inferior neuro retinal rim, thin superior rim, and an area of well-defined oval retino choroidal defect, located inferior and slightly temporal to the right optic disc. No syndromic features or any ocular complications associated with optic disc and retino choroidal colobomas were seen.
Gestational Weight Gain and Associated Factors in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria: A Cohort Study.
Akadri AA, Grillo EO, Odelola OI … +3 more , Adelowo OO, Odugbemi OO, Akadri OM
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169824 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important determinant of maternal and foetal wellbeing. Evidence suggests that there is heterogeneity in GWG across countries and regions based on the influence of several...
BACKGROUND: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important determinant of maternal and foetal wellbeing. Evidence suggests that there is heterogeneity in GWG across countries and regions based on the influence of several factors. This study was designed to investigate GWG, associated factors, and pregnancy outcome among women who gave birth at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A prospective cohort study carried out on 220 pregnant women who registered for antenatal care before gestational age of 13 weeks and recruited between June 2022 and May 2024. GWG was categorized into adequate, inadequate or excessive according to the United States Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate predictors of GWG, while Relative Risk was reported for pregnancy outcomes. RESULT: Adequate GWG, inadequate GWG and Excessive GWG were achieved by 29.1%, 40.5% and 30.5% of the women, respectively. The median (95% CI) GWG in all study participants was 9.8 (8.8-10.3) Kg. Older maternal age [OR 2.5(1.3-5.0); P=0.013], multiparity [OR 8.2(1.3-51.8); P=0.025] and middle/upper socioeconomic class [OR 14.6(2.1-99.2); P=0.006] predicted increased likelihood of inadequate GWG while being overweight [OR 0.2(0.1-0.4); P<0.001] and obese [OR 0.06(0.02-0.20); P<0.001] were associated with reduced likelihood of inadequate GWG. None of the variables studied predicted excessive GWG. In terms of pregnancy outcome, women with inadequate GWG had a 30% reduced risk of caesarean delivery compared to those with adequate GWG [RR 0.7(0.6-0.9); P= 0.036]. The mean birth weight of babies born to women with inadequate GWG was significantly lower than that of babies born to women with adequate GWG (T-test = 2.998; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of study participants had suboptimal GWG (inadequate and excessive), with only a third meeting the IOM recommendations. There is a need for targeted counselling for older, multiparous, and upper socioeconomic class women on adequate GWG.
Metastatic Pulmonary Calcification with the Coexistence of known Esophageal Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review.
Bhinder KK, Sayeed S, Kanwal A … +1 more , Khan N
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169823 · Full text
Metastatic pulmonary calcification, also called MPC, is a metabolic abnormality resulting in pulmonary calcium deposition. Our patient is a known biopsy-proven SCC of the mid-esophagus with extensive widespread alveolar...
Metastatic pulmonary calcification, also called MPC, is a metabolic abnormality resulting in pulmonary calcium deposition. Our patient is a known biopsy-proven SCC of the mid-esophagus with extensive widespread alveolar calcifications on a background of renal and ureteric stones. It is important to note that, although the disease is known as metastatic, it is a rather benign lung illness with an excellent long-term prognosis. To our knowledge, this kind of cohabitation has never been documented before.
Evaluation of Orthodontic Patients' Pain Experience, Perception and Management of Pain from Orthodontics Centres in Lagos, Nigeria.
Umeh OD, Etim SS
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169822 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Pain has been reported as a common unpleasant experience or complication following orthodontic treatment. Despite this, the routine management of the pain remains controversial and inconsistent. This study ai...
BACKGROUND: Pain has been reported as a common unpleasant experience or complication following orthodontic treatment. Despite this, the routine management of the pain remains controversial and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the orthodontic patients' pain experience following orthodontic appliance installation, orthodontic pain assessment, the pain management protocol received, and the perceived possible effect of orthodontic pain on daily activities. METHODOLOGY: This was a 12-month cross-sectional study involving orthodontic patients. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection via Google Forms. Three different sections evaluated participants' sociodemographic variables, the patient's pain experience and management of that pain, orthodontic pain perception, possible effects of orthodontic pain and the need for development of a standardized pain management protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26, IBM Corp, with significance set at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 347 orthodontic patients were recruited into the study. Approximately 90% of orthodontic patients experienced pain following orthodontic appliance installation (5.59 ± 2.78), with pain medication prescribed after the onset of pain (25.9%). Pain was mostly described as distressing (47.6%) and lasting for 1 to 6 days (75.8%). There was no significant age or gender variation in pain experience. Paracetamol was the most prescribed pain control option (69%). Difficulty with feeding and brushing was the most affected daily activity. Respondents agreed on the need for a standardised pain control protocol (72.9%). CONCLUSION: Orthodontic pain is an established complication following orthodontic treatment, with variation in treatment duration and intensity. It can adversely affect patients' ability to carry out daily activities, consequently affecting treatment outcomes. Efforts should therefore be made to develop a pain management protocol for holistic patient care.
Profile of Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Review.
Olatunji TA, Akinbami OT, Sowunmi AC … +9 more , Fatiregun OA, Okedairo BM, Idowu TO, Ige-Olatunji OO, Balogun BO, Ogunsanwo OT, Adebiyi O, Odogwu V, Akinbami AA
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169821 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive tumor. Major responses to chemotherapy in TNBC do not necessarily correlate with better survival, indicating a need for further research into...
BACKGROUND: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive tumor. Major responses to chemotherapy in TNBC do not necessarily correlate with better survival, indicating a need for further research into treatment strategies and underlying molecular mechanisms. This study is aimed at assessing the profile of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. METHODOLOGY: This study retrospectively evaluated the profile of TNBC patients at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. Sociodemographic data, tumour grade, and type of chemotherapy administered were abstracted from the hospital's cancer register. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27.0, with associations between sociodemographic characteristics, tumour grade, and type of therapy established using chi-square tests. Key relationships were considered statistically significant at p-values ≤ 0.05. RESULT: A total of three hundred and thirty (330) patients were recruited. The mean age of presentation was 49.96 ± 11.39 years, with the minimum and maximum ages of 22 and 80 years, respectively. The most represented age group was between 41-50 years, constituting about a third of all the patients. About three quarters of the tumours were moderately differentiated. Correlating tumour grade with the age of the patients was statistically significant, p value =0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Triple-negative breast Cancers remain a moderately differentiated tumour and are seen predominantly in the middle-aged group.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans Presenting as a Breast Mass: a Case Report.
Ayoade AO, Okebalama VC, Omokore OA … +9 more , Oyedele AB, Sonusi SE, Olajide JO, Ayoade BA, Nwudele U, Onyebuchukwu DE, Chijoke CS, Abaenowa CC, Ogbodo BM
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169820 · Full text
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare tumor that accounts for a negligible percentage (approximately 0.1%) of all malignancies. It usually occurs on the trunk and upper and lower limbs. Its occurrence in the breast i...
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare tumor that accounts for a negligible percentage (approximately 0.1%) of all malignancies. It usually occurs on the trunk and upper and lower limbs. Its occurrence in the breast is uncommon. A 46-year-old Nigerian woman presented with a left breast mass of 3 years duration without clinical and radiological evidence of metastasis. Initial histological diagnosis revealed a malignant phyllodes tumour. However, immunohistochemistry showed a diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. She subsequently had a wide local excision with axillary clearance and has shown no clinical and/or radiological signs of recurrence of the lesion one year following surgical removal. This case helps reiterate the need for immunohistochemistry and not only histology of all malignant breast tumours, irrespective of the nature of the presentation, mode of occurrence, and initial diagnosis. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, however rare, should be considered an important diagnosis of breast malignancies. Indeed, considering the high rate of misdiagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, early histopathological evaluation of breast lesions is of utmost importance. Our case also demonstrates that a wide local excision that is readily available in resource-poor settings remains an extremely important option in the absence of the preferable and technical Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).
Serum Vitamin A Levels and Xerophthalmia among Children with Protein Energy Malnutrition in Zaria, Northwest Nigeria.
Zubairu AEI, Oladigbolu KK, Abdullahi HS … +3 more , Peter EN, Abdulsalam HO, Suleiman HM
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169819 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the major risk factors for vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which may be complicated by xerophthalmia. There have been several interventions employed to tackle VAD in ou...
BACKGROUND: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the major risk factors for vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which may be complicated by xerophthalmia. There have been several interventions employed to tackle VAD in our environment. However, there are limited recent local studies assessing the interplay between VAD and the burden of xerophthalmia in under-five children with PEM. The study aims to determine the association between serum vitamin A levels and xerophthalmia among under-five children with PEM. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted among 200 children between the ages of 6 to 59 months newly diagnosed with protein-energy malnutrition at the study centre. Data was collected using a structured proforma, which included sociodemographic variables and ocular examination findings. Blood samples were collected to analyse serum vitamin A levels using an ELISA kit (Aviva systems®). RESULT: There were 153 (76.5%) children with PEM who had low serum vitamin A levels. Xerophthalmia was found in 12 (6%) children. Xerophthalmia was only seen in those with low serum vitamin A and was statistically significantly higher in children with very low levels of vitamin A (1.5% vs 12.9%, p = 0.002). Blinding forms of xerophthalmia were seen in 3 (1.5%) of the children. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia is still considerably high and of public health significance among children with PEM in our environment.
Embracing Computer Vision for Diagnostic Maxillofacial Imaging - An Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning (AIML)Pilot Project.
Akadiri OA, Yarhere KS
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169818 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, particularly in diagnostic medical imaging. For Nigerian Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, embracing AI technologies is essential to improve dia...
BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, particularly in diagnostic medical imaging. For Nigerian Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, embracing AI technologies is essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and maintain global relevance. This study aimed to demonstrate the potential of machine learning (ML) tools in enhancing diagnostic precision in maxillofacial radiology. METHODOLOGY: A supervised learning model was developed using Google's Teachable Machine, a no-code ML platform based on computer vision. Radiological images of histologically confirmed lesions were retrieved. Two projects were conducted: Project 1 trained the model to distinguish between malignant and benign bony jaw lesions using 46 radiographs (panoramic and sectional CT images). Project 2 trained the model to differentiate between craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma, using 40 radiographs. Each model was tested on five new images. The output probabilities were analyzed, and standard performance metrics-accuracy, precision, recall (sensitivity), and F1-score-were computed. Additionally, ROC-AUC (Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve) curves were generated using Python code on Google Colaboratory IDE. RESULTS: In Project 1, the model yielded predictive probabilities ranging from 89% to 100% for distinguishing malignant from benign lesions. In Project 2, it produced 71% to 100% probabilities for classifying fibrous dysplasia versus ossifying fibroma. Applying a 70% probability threshold for positive prediction, both models achieved perfect scores (1.0) across all performance metrics, including AUC = 1.00. CONCLUSION: AI-driven computer vision models show strong potential for improving diagnostic workflows in maxillofacial imaging. Their application can support more efficient clinical decision-making. However, the use of small test samples may have resulted in overfitting. Future studies with larger datasets and increased AI literacy among clinicians are essential for real-world implementation in resource-limited settings.
Prevalence of Migraine and Association between Migraine Headache and Refractive Errors among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Bitto S, Ogun OA
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169817 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Migraine is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed among school-aged children and adolescents, despite its potential to cause significant morbidity, negatively affect quality of life, and lead to school abs...
BACKGROUND: Migraine is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed among school-aged children and adolescents, despite its potential to cause significant morbidity, negatively affect quality of life, and lead to school absenteeism. Its sporadic nature and low fatality often result in an underestimated public health burden. While migraine and headache associated with refractive errors are reported globally among adolescents, data from African settings remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of migraine headache and its association with refractive errors (type and severity) among secondary school students. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional, descriptive, multi-school study involved secondary school students selected via multistage sampling with probability proportional to size. Eligible students underwent visual acuity testing, ocular examination, and refraction. Migraine was assessed using criteria from the International Classification for Headache Disorders and an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. RESULT: A total of 775 students from 6 schools participated, including 352 (45.4%) males and 423 (54.6%) females, with a mean age of 14.5 ± 1.85 years. The prevalence of migraine headache was 18.3%, with gender-specific rates of 10.2% in males and 25.1% in females. There was a significant association between migraine and both the type and severity of refractive error. Students with mild refractive error had 3.42 times higher odds of migraine (95% CI, 1.74-6.75) than those with moderate error. Astigmatism was associated with 1.53 times, increased odds, of migraine (95% CI, 0.98-2.40) compared to myopia. CONCLUSION: Migraine is common and underdiagnosed among secondary school students and is significantly associated with refractive errors. Periodic school eye screenings that assess both refractive errors and migraine headaches, with appropriate referral pathways, are recommended.
Psychosocial Impact and Coping Strategies by Mentor Mothers Engaged in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Services in Taraba State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study.
Obadiah MAZ, Atinge S, Sonnen-Atinge GY … +1 more , Kaleb AA
Niger Med J · 2025 · PMID 41169816 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Mentor mothers (MMs) are women living with HIV who provide peer education, advice, support, and mentorship for HIV-positive women undergoing Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) during pr...
BACKGROUND: Mentor mothers (MMs) are women living with HIV who provide peer education, advice, support, and mentorship for HIV-positive women undergoing Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) during pregnancy and after delivery. This study aimed to explore their experiences and the impact of the work on their psychosocial well-being, as well as the strategies they adopt to cope with the same. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews among 16 MMs in Taraba State, Nigeria, between September and November 2022.All interviews were recorded using a voice recorder. The collected data were transcribed and translated into English for analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data. RESULTS: The key themes identified from MMs' account of their lived experiences as mothers living with HIV and providing support to other HIV positive (+) women were their fears and distress at diagnosis, disclosure challenges, stigma, and discrimination, the place of good counselling in helping newly diagnosed to accept and adhere to treatment, the ill-feelings evoked from repeated telling of their own stories to new clients, some negative impact on their psychosocial wellbeing, and various strategies to cope with the demands of the program. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there was no serious negative impact on the psychosocial well-being of the MMs from their work. They adopt various strategies, such as religious activities and relaxation with family and friends, to keep this intact. This program should therefore be scaled up with holistic support for the health and well-being of the MMs themselves.
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