Heart rate variability study in adult Nigerian subjects with sickle cell disease during vaso-occlusive crisis.

Context: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction assessed by abnormalities in heart rate variability (HRV) is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD). There is suggestion that changes in ANS may occur in SCD subjects during episodes of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC).

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ANS by determining the HRV in patients with SCD during VOC.

Sociocultural practices influencing under five nutritional status in an urban community in Osun State, Nigeria.

Three hundred and forty four preschool children from Ilare district of Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria were assessed for nutritional status using selected and sensitive anthropometric techniques. The sociocultural practices of the parents were also examined. Approximately 53.