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Vol 3 No 1 (2026)

  • Placental Malaria Parasitaemia and Neonatal outcome at Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

    Maria-Joannes K. Uzoma, Chukwudi O. Okani, Frank C. Akpuaka, Kingsley C. Madubuike, Peter Ughachukwu, Osita Chiaghanam, Ikechukwu V. Ogoke, Samson D Ejikunle, Agu Pius Okechukwu, Onughara Anderson, Onyegbula Onyema

    Introduction: Malaria remains endemic in many tropical African countries and continues to pose a significant public health challenge. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to malaria infection due to pregnancy-related immunological changes, with placental malaria being associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

    Objective: This study aimed to determine the correlation between placental malaria parasitaemia and neonatal outcomes among term babies delivered in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, Nigeria.

    Methodology: This was a descriptive correlational study conducted among consenting term parturients who delivered at the Labour and Delivery units of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri; the Claretian University of Nigeria Hospital; and the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy Hospital, all located in Owerri, Imo State. Women with pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiac or renal disease, diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anaemia, retroviral disease, as well as preterm parturients, were excluded.

     

    Data were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires and patients’ case notes to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, parity, gestational age, antenatal clinic attendance, use of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Immediately after delivery, placental blood samples were obtained from the maternal surface of the placenta for malaria parasite detection. Neonatal heel-prick blood samples were collected for malaria parasitaemia. In contrast, cord blood samples were used to estimate neonatal packed cell volume. Neonatal outcome measures assessed included birth weight, Apgar scores, jaundice, malaria parasitaemia, packed cell volume, and perinatal mortality. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

     

    Results/Findings: Out of 431 term parturients initially assessed, 400 were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of maternal peripheral malaria and placental malaria parasitaemia were 69% (276/400) and 14.0% (56/400) respectively. Placental malaria parasitaemia showed a statistically significant correlation with neonatal malaria parasitaemia (p =0.0001), neonatal anaemia (p = 0.010), low birth weight (p = 0.0001) and neonatal mortality (p = 0.002). There was no significant association with Apgar scores (p = 0.425).

    Recommendations: Malaria prevention and control strategies should be further strengthened during pregnancy, with emphasis on consistent use of IPT and insecticide-treated nets, early antenatal booking, and routine screening for malaria to reduce placental infection and its adverse neonatal consequences.

    Contributions to Knowledge: This study provided local epidemiological evidence that placental malaria parasitaemia remains relatively common in Owerri and significantly affects neonatal outcomes. It reinforces the role of placental malaria as a contributor to neonatal morbidity. It adds to existing Nigerian data supporting intensified malaria control measures during pregnancy.

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  • Comparison of Computed Tomography and 2D Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Left Ventricular Functional Parameters

    Ayşegül Taşgüzen Turan, Ercan İnci

    Background and Aim：This study aimed to compare the results of 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of left ventricular function, and to determine the effectiveness of cardiac CT as well as whether it can serve as an alternative to TTE.

    Materials and Methods：A total of 29 patients who underwent cardiac CT for suspected coronary artery disease between June and August 2016 and also had TTE examinations were retrospectively analyzed. Measurements including ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), and end-systolic volume (ESV) were obtained using the modified Simpson method with both modalities.

    Results: The mean EF (67.48 ± 7.79%) and EDV (128.06 ± 28.34 mL) values obtained by CT were significantly higher than those measured by TTE (63.64 ± 3.86% and 98.45 ± 27.98 mL, respectively) (p=0.018 and p<0.001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two methods in ESV measurements (TTE: 36.13 ± 12.90 mL; CT: 39.96 ± 14.57 mL; p=0.430).

    Conclusion: Although TTE remains the primary method for the evaluation of left ventricular function due to its accessibility, cardiac CT provides a valuable alternative by offering functional data, particularly in patients with limited acoustic windows.

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  • Therapeutic Applications of Alpha-Blockers: Pharmacology, Clinical Evidence, and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies

    Jean Paule Joumaa, Joe Abou Jaoude, Carine El Khoury, Tony Sadek, Leona Antoun, Bendy Boulos

    Background: Alpha blockers are alpha adrenergic antagonists commonly used in urology to treat many conditions; particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), ureteric stones, lower urinary tract obstruction, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). These drugs fall into three categories: nonselective, alpha-1, and alpha-2 blockers. They primarily act on alpha-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby decreasing the vascular tone and leading to the relaxation of the smooth muscle. Despite their high effectiveness, these medications contribute to adverse side effects like hypotension, weakness, tachycardia, and even tremors.

    Discussion: This review analyzes the pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses, comparative therapies, and safety profiles of alpha blockers (both selective and non-selective). The article addresses the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the most commonly used agents like tamsulosin, silodosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin. Additionally, a differential analysis of their therapeutic roles in monotherapies and combination therapies is presented, together with an evaluation of their clinical outcomes. Moreover, an interpretation of the determinants of treatment resistance is presented.

    Conclusion: Advances in precision medicine and therapeutic formulations point to potential development and highlight the limitations of current research in urology. Based on clinical evidence, this paper contributes to improved decision-making and appropriate therapeutic management with minimal invasive techniques.

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