Gastroesophageal reflux disease in a typical African population: a symptom-based multicenter study.

Background: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Africa is not known but is believed to be increasing because of demographic and epidemiologic transition. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of GERD, and its degree of overlap with dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Nigeria, a typical African population.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study of adult Nigerians.

High degree of duodenal inflammation in Nigerians with functional dyspepsia.

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a heterogeneous disorder associated with diverse pathophysiological mechanisms, including immune activation and low-grade mucosal inflammation. Genetic factors, physiological functions, and environmental factors may determine the relative importance of various pathophysiological mechanisms. This study was designed to determine the histological alterations in the duodenal mucosa of Nigerian patients with FD.

Functional dyspepsia: subtypes, risk factors, and overlap with irritable bowel syndrome in a population of african patients.

Background. Functional dyspepsia is the prototype functional gastrointestinal disorder. This study was designed to determine its prevalence, subtypes, and risk factors associated with the subtypes.

Current trends in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a review.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract with global distribution. The incidence is on the increase in different parts of the world. In the last 30 to 40 years, research findings have given rise to a more robust understanding of its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management.

Sedation practices for routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Nigeria.

Aim: To determine the sedation practices and preferences of Nigerian endoscopists for routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods: A structured questionnaire containing questions related to sedation practices and safety procedures was administered to Nigerian gastrointestinal endoscopists at the 2011 annual conference of the Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria which was held at Ibadan, June 23-35, 2011.

Results: Of 35 endoscopists who responded, 17 (48.

Chronic hepatitis B: management challenges in resource-poor countries.

Sylvester Chuks Nwokediuko, Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku OzallaChronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global public health problem because of its worldwide distribution and its potential to cause sequelae. HBV is most prevalent in China, South East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Amazon basin of South America where health care resources are most limited. Numerous challenges exist for effective management of chronic HBV infection, particularly in resource-limited regions.

Time trends of upper gastrointestinal diseases in Nigeria.

Background: The changing epidemiology of a disease often provides valuable insight into possible etiopathogenic mechanisms. There have been significant changes over the last several decades in disease manifestations of the foregut in Western Europe, North America and Asia. This time trend analysis was carried out to determine if any changes have occurred in the prevalence of diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract in Nigeria.

Esophageal Intraepithelial Neutrophil Infiltration is Common in Nigerian Patients With Non-Erosive Reflux Disease.

Background: Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is a variant of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in which patients with typical reflux symptoms have no evidence of erosive esophagitis at endoscopy. An objective diagnostic tool for NERD remains an unmet need for clinicians and researchers. This study was designed to determine the types of histological alterations seen in Nigerian patients with NERD.

Platelet Function and Other Indices of Hemostasis in Chronic Liver Disease.

Background: Bleeding time has been used for a long time as a global test of platelet function. Due to a number of pitfalls the test has been losing popularity. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of prolonged bleeding time in Nigerians with chronic liver disease in relation to other indices of hemostasis.

Relatively Long Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting With Carcinoid Syndrome.

Hepatocelluar carcinoma is one of the commonest cancers in Nigeria. Some patients may manifest a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes. Carcinoid syndrome is an extremely rare presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Quantitative Platelet Abnormalities in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus-Related Liver Disease.

Background: Platelets play a central role in primary hemostasis. Quantitative abnormalities of platelets are known to occur in chronic liver disease. The study was carried out to determine the abnormalities of platelet count in various forms of Hepatitis B virus-related liver disease.

Intestinal Helminths in relationship to Chronic Diarrhoea in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Seropositive Adults in Enugu.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and intestinal helminthiasis are common conditions in Nigeria. Chronic diarrhoea is a common manifestation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome ( AIDS). Helminths such as Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura may cause chronic diarrhoea especially in immunocompromised individuals.