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Research Article
Evaluation of Calcium Levels Among HIV Patients Attending RSUTH: ART- Naïve Versus ART Experienced
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
34-40
Received:
28 April 2026
Accepted:
11 May 2026
Published:
30 May 2026
Abstract: Calcium is an essential mineral involved in bone metabolism, neuromuscular function, and intracellular signaling. HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been associated with disturbances in mineral metabolism and reduced bone health. This study estimated serum calcium levels in ART naïve and ART treated HIV subjects attending the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and examined effects of sex, ART duration, regimen and lifestyle factors A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 180 participants (120 HIV-positive and 60 HIV-negative as controls) within the age range of 18-60 years. Serum calcium was determined by the O-cresolphthalein complexone colorimetric method. Group comparison using one –way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test (Graph pad prism version 9.0.0, 121). Results with values of P< 0.05 was considered significant. Results showed a decline in mean serum calcium levels across the three groups (control, ART-naïve and ART treated). Control males had higher calcium than Control females (9.69 ± 0.44 mg/dl: 9.22 ± 0.39 mg/dl; p = 0.0045). ART-naïve patients had reduced calcium (males: 8.47 ± 0.55; females: 8.23 ± 0.43 mg/dl), ART users exhibited the lowest levels (males: 6.34 ± 0.73; females: 6.55 ± 0.67 mg/dl; p<0.0001 across groups), Longer ART duration correlated with progressively lower calcium (approximately 7.16 mg/dl at 3 months to 5.55 mg/dl beyond 6 months; p < 0.05). ART regimen did not affect males but in female’s calcium was higher in subjects on TDF+3TC+DTG versus TDF+3TC+EFV (7.05 ± 0.64 mg/dl vs 6.13 ± 0.49 mg/dl; p = 0.0126). Lifestyle factors showed no significant association. HIV infection and ART especially on longer duration are associated with significant reductions in serum calcium. Routine monitoring and appropriate nutritional supplementation, therapeutic interventions or regimen choice are recommended to mitigate potential bone-related complications.
Abstract: Calcium is an essential mineral involved in bone metabolism, neuromuscular function, and intracellular signaling. HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been associated with disturbances in mineral metabolism and reduced bone health. This study estimated serum calcium levels in ART naïve and ART treated HIV subjects attending the River...
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Case Report
Anaesthetic Challenges in Management of Robotic Bilateral Cortical Sparing Adrenalectomy and Paraganglioma Excision in a Pediatric Patient
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
41-44
Received:
28 April 2026
Accepted:
18 May 2026
Published:
4 June 2026
Abstract: Pheochromocytoma accounts for 0.5% to 2% of pediatric hypertension, detected in children between 6 and 14 years of age. As compared to adults, in children it is commonly associated with genetic syndromes or familial diseases such as Neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel Lindau disease and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type 2A and type 2 B. Diagnosis is by blood biochemistry, CT, Meta- iodobenzylguanadine (MIBG) scan. Complete surgical resection is the definitive treatment. Robotic approach benefits early recovery, minimal tissue handling thereby minimal blood pressure fluctuations. Anaesthetic goal is perioperative blood pressure control, restoration of blood volume, management of arrythmias. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) does not mean minimally invasive anaesthesia. There are concerns of anaesthesia such as physiological effects of pneumoperitoneum, absorption of carbon dioxide, positioning of patient during surgery, docking and undocking of robotic arms and associated hemodynamic changes. This unique case report aims to describe the clinical presentation, anaesthetic management in a 14-year-old child undergoing robotic bilateral cortical sparing adrenalectomy and paraganglioma excision. We highlight the challenges associated with labile hemodynamics and technical robotic concerns of anaesthesia in pediatric patients. Multidisciplinary approach in tertiary hospital having a Da Vinci Robot, advance monitoring resources and intensive care unit aid in favorable outcome. Genetic screening and counseling facilitate early diagnosis and prevents recurrence.
Abstract: Pheochromocytoma accounts for 0.5% to 2% of pediatric hypertension, detected in children between 6 and 14 years of age. As compared to adults, in children it is commonly associated with genetic syndromes or familial diseases such as Neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel Lindau disease and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type 2A and type 2 B. Diagnosis i...
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Research Article
Prevalence of Plasmodium Species and Associated Risk Factors Among Patients in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire
Bernardin Ahouty Ahouty*
,
Siriki Simaro,
Ahou Nicole Kouame-Yoboue,
Ouangbo Yaya Ouattara,
Dago Lydia Karmelle Ornella,
Georges Bohoussou Kassi,
Ble Gbacla Flora Dominique Yao,
Allepo Innocent Abe,
Kassi Martial N’djetchi,
Abla Edwige Sokouri,
Yao Mathurin Koffi,
Thomas Konan Konan,
Mathurin N’Goran Koffi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
45-52
Received:
11 May 2026
Accepted:
29 May 2026
Published:
18 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20261403.13
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Views:
Abstract: In Côte d’Ivoire, malaria remains a major public health concern due to its persistent and high transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium species and associated risk factors among 179 patients in Daloa. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Regional Center for Mutuality and Social Welfare in the School Environment (CREMOSS) of Daloa. Malaria diagnosis was performed using both microscopy and molecular biology techniques (PCR). The prevalence of malaria was 37.98% by microscopy compared with 54.18% by PCR, highlighting an underestimation of infections by conventional diagnostic methods. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species; however, other species such as P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. vivax were also detected, including mixed infections. Children aged 6 to 15 years showed the highest prevalence, with a significantly greater risk of infection compared to adults (OR = 2.19; p = 0.029). The non-use of insecticide-treated bed nets was associated with an increased risk of infection, while fever appeared to be a strong predictive factor for malaria (OR = 4.83; p < 0.001). These findings confirm the high circulation of malaria in the study area and emphasize the importance of molecular tools in improving the detection of submicroscopic infections and non-falciparum species. They also highlight the need to strengthen prevention and surveillance strategies, particularly targeting school-aged children in malaria-endemic areas.
Abstract: In Côte d’Ivoire, malaria remains a major public health concern due to its persistent and high transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium species and associated risk factors among 179 patients in Daloa. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Regional Center for Mutuality and Social Welfare in the School Environme...
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