Clinical Practice

Attitude, practice orientation, benefits and barriers towards health research and publications among medical practitioners in Abia State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study GU Pascal Iloh, AN Amadi, OK Iro, SM Agboola, GU Aguocha, ME Chukwuonye Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):129-137 Background: Health research is an essential component of medical training, education, and practice and is fundamental in establishing the scientific basis of health care. Aim: The study was aimed at describing the attitude, practice, benefits, and barriers towards health research and publications in a cross-section of medical practitioners in Abia State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on 210 medical practitioners in Abia State. Data collection was done using pretested, self-administered questionnaire that elicited information on attitude, practice, benefits, and barriers toward health research. Awareness of research misconduct, types of published research articles, and factors considered in selection of journals for publication of research were also studied. Results: The age of the participants ranged from 26 to 77 years. There were 173 (82.4%) men. The overall attitude toward research was moderate (x = 5.02 ± 0.96). All the respondents (100%) were involved in undergraduate research projects while 72 (34.3%) had at least one journal publication with the most commonly published articles being descriptive studies. The commonest barriers to research were financial and time constraints while the greatest benefits of research were advancement of medical knowledge and keeping practitioners abreast with evidence-based medicine. The commonest research misconduct was plagiarism while the most common factor considered in selection of journals for publication was article publication charges. Middle age group and years of practice more than 10 years were significantly associated with publication of journal articles (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study has shown that the study participants had moderate positive attitude toward research with all the participants previously involved in undergraduate research and only one third had at least one journal publications. The commonest barriers were financial and time constraints and greatest benefits of health research was advancement of medical knowledge and keeping practitioners abreast with evidence-based medicine. Choice of journal for publications is preeminently determined by article publication charges. The most common article published and research misconduct was descriptive studies and plagiarism, respectively.

Prevalence of clinically significant antibodies in patients undergoing elective surgery in a Nigerian teaching hospital: A case for the type and screen method EI Obi, OC Pughikumo, KI Korubo, AO Ejele Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):138-146 Background: Provision of safe and adequate blood is challenging in our environment due to paucity of voluntary donors as well as inappropriate blood ordering and utilization. The type and screen (TS) method (typing of blood group and screening for antibodies) reduces the demand for blood reservation in hospital blood banks. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the safety (detection clinically significant antibodies) and cost effectiveness of the TS method compared to the conventional antiglobulin crossmatch (ACM). Settings and Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). 124 participants booked for elective surgeries with no history of blood transfusion or pregnancy were investigated. ACM was performed on all participants' serum against 159 donor red cells. TS was also performed blindly on the same participants' sera, antibody screening was done with three-screen-cells using the gel method. An 11-cell panel was used for antibody identification. Blood utilization was calculated using the crossmatch: transfusion ratio (CTR), probability of transfusion (%T) and transfusion index (TI). Results: Out of the 159 units crossmatched for 124 study participants, only 19 were actually transfused (88.1% not utilized). The prevalence of compatible ACM was 100%, however the TS detected one antibody (0.81%) in a male participant identified as anti-M. The overall CTR, %T and TI were 8.4, 15.6% and 0.16 respectively, with N384,750 ($963.1) wastage in terms of cost. The TS method would have saved N266,000{$665.9} (N1900{4.78} per un-transfused patient). Conclusions: There was improper utilization of blood in elective surgeries. The TS method identified an antibody not detected by ACM. This would have saved N266,000 {$665.9}, and reduced the demand for blood reservation in the bank. Although The TS method was found not to be significantly different in outcome compared to the ACM, it was found to be cost effective.

Evaluation of long-term dental implant success and marginal bone loss in postmenopausal women VE Toy, MO Uslu Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):147-153 Aim: The aim of this study was to examine long-term implant success and marginal bone loss (MBL) of dental implants in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis/osteopenia. Materials and Methods: Postmenopausal women who underwent dental implant treatment at least 3 years ago were divided into two study groups [Test (osteoporosis/osteopenia) Group and Control Group] according to bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. Besides clinical periodontal and radiographic examinations, any implant failures were also recorded. Results: A total of 52 patients with a mean age of 59.51 ± 5.66 years (Test Group; 26 patients, mean age: 60.61; Control Group; 26 patients, mean age: 58.42) were included in the study. Implant survival rates were 96.2% and 100% with a mean follow-up 60.84 ± 22.13 and 60.07 ± 20.93 months in Test and Control Groups, respectively (P > 0.05). While peri-implant PI (plaque index) and PD (probing depth) were not different between the groups, BoP (bleeding on probing) was significantly higher in Test Group (P = 0,026). Although MBL in Test Group was higher than Control Group (0.82 ± 0,63 mm and 0.44 ± 0,33 mm respectively), the difference was not found statistically significant (P = 0.069). Conclusion: Within the limits of this retrospective study, it can be concluded that postmenopausal osteoporosis/osteopenia does not affect MBL and long-term implant success. The findings suggest that dental implant therapy is a reliable treatment modality in these patients to improve the quality of life by increasing function and aesthetics.

Changes in serological bone turnover markers in bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis of the jaws: A case control study S Demircan, SC Isler Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):154-158 Background: There are a lot study confirmed the relationship of bone serum markers changes and skeletal irregularities. But there is no sufficient case control studies about the role of these markers on bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis of jaws (BRONJ). Aims: The aim of this study is to find out if there is any derangement of bone markers in bisphosphonate-treated patients with ONJ. Methods: We obtained serum bone markers and other relevant endocrine assays on 20 patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and 20 randomized healthy volunteers. All of the ONJ group treated with zoledronic acid and had been withdrawn from bisphosphonate for at least 6 months. Diagnostic criteria for ONJ were those formulated by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Serum levels of several indices of bone remodeling were evaluated using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The biochemical assays were performed on N-Telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcitonin, osteocalcin, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), T3, T4, TSH, and Vitamin D 25 hydroxy (Vit-D). Results: In ONJ group, PTH level is statistically higher and TSH, Vit-D, osteocalcin and NTX levels statistically lower compared to control group. Conclusion: We conclude that these changes in PTH, Vit-D, TSH, osteocalcin and NTX levels maybe have a role in the pathophysiology of BRONJ. But the data need to be confirmed by future studies.

Oral health related qualıty of lıfe and dısease severıty ın autoımmune bullous dıseases A Bilgic, F Aydin, P Sumer, I Keskiner, S Koc, S Bozkurt, G Mumcu, E Alpsoy, S Uzun, A Akman-Karakas Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):159-164 Background: There is an increased risk of long-term dental and periodontal disease in autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD). Aims: In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine whether the oral health-related quality of life status (OHRQoL) was associated with disease severity and activity in patients with AIBD. Subjects and Methods: 67 patients with AIBD were enrolled in this study. Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS) was used to evaluate the disease severity. The score was categorized as a significant course (≥17) and moderate course (<17). Oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was filled to assess the OHRQoL. Self-reported oral health status and oral lesion related pain score were also evaluated in the study group. Results: OHIP-14 score was significantly higher in active patients (42.28 ± 13.66) than inactive patients (29.08 ± 12.25) (P = 0.004) and it was correlated with the pain score (6.33 ± 2.78; r = 0.409, P = 0.013). Furthermore, OHIP-14 score was higher in patients with a significant disease course (45.18 ± 15.08) (P = 0.010) than in patients with a moderate course (36.09 ± 9.73). Conclusions: OHRQoL may be useful in the disease management and treatment. Since it can be affected by both presence of oral erosions and disease severity, a collaboration between dermatologists and dentists could be crucial to the disease management in AIBD.

The effect of diode laser application on restoration of non carious cervical lesion: Clinical follow up S Akarsu, SA Karademir, E Ertas, S Atasoy Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):165-171 Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the diode laser used for dentin sensitivity on the clinical success of non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) restorations restored with different adhesive systems. Methods: 20 NCCLs were restorated with Universal Single Bond (Self Etch) (3M, USA) and Grandio (Voco, Germany), 20 NCCLs were restorated with Universal Single Bond (Total Etch) and Grandio. After diode laser application, 20 NCCLs were restorated with Universal Single Bond and Grandio, 20 NCCLs were restorated with Universal Single Bond (Total Etch) and Grandio. The restorations were clinical evaluated by two examiners at baseline, for 6 and 18 months using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Criteria. Chi-square test was used for statistical analyse. Results: The lowest rates of retention was found in the Group 1. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, sensitivity (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Diode laser application prior to the restoration of teeth with NCCL don't reduce the retention rate of restorations, may reduce hypersensitivity and may affect the success of restoration. However, further laboratory and clinical studies are required.

Postoperative analgesic effect of intrathecal dexmedetomidine on bupivacaine subarachnoid block for open reduction and internal fixation of femoral fractures C Nwachukwu, HO Idehen, NP Edomwonyi, B Umeh Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):172-178 Background: One of the drawbacks of subarachnoid block is the short duration of analgesia particularly when adjuvants are not added to local anesthetics agent used. However, dexmedetomidine an α2-adrenergic agent has been found to possess analgesic effect. Aims: This study seeks to determine the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal 7.5 μg of dexmedetomidine and its side effects when used for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of femoral fractures. Methodology: It is a prospective randomized, double-blinded study that was carried out in a Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi in Nigeria. Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II patients were randomized into two groups of 35 each to receive 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine combined with either 7.5 μg of dexmedetomidine in 0.3 ml of normal saline (Group D) or 0.3 ml of normal saline alone (Group S). Patient's outcome measures noted (time to first request of analgesia, proportion of patients with pain score <4 postoperatively using numerical rating scale [NRS], and total analgesic consumed in 24 h.). Results: The patients in Group D had a longer time to first request of analgesia, larger proportion of patients with pain score <4 using NRS in the 2nd h postoperatively and lower amount of total analgesic consumed compared to those in Group S. These differences between the two groups were all statistically significant. Furthermore, there was no difference in the incidences of side effects between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the patient satisfaction was better in Group D. Conclusion: The addition of 7.5 μg of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine for subarachnoid block in the management of femoral fractures using ORIF provided better anesthetic profile, particularly prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia without significant side effects.

Profound approach to check legitimacy of an old technique used to gauge palatal rugae B Gupta, S Gupta, M Jafer, F Quadri, AT Raj, S Patil Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):179-188 Aims: The present study aimed at assessing two fixed points of reference from where the mesial and distal point of all rugae can be measured so that the exact movement of particular rugae in any direction can be evaluated and assessing the changes in the palatal rugae after orthodontic treatment. Methods: A longitudinal study conducted among a sample of 20 (8 male and 12 female) adult patients. Pre- and post-orthodontic treatment casts of patients were obtained from the Department of Orthodontics College of Dentistry Jazan University. Antero-posterior linear distances (Technique I) between medial and lateral points of primary, secondary and tertiary rugae were measured. Also, the transverse linear distance (Technique II) between medial and lateral points of right and left rugae were measured. Technique III involved marking two fixed points and using these two points a third point is located on the medial or lateral end of rugae of right and left side in pre and post-treatment orthodontic casts. The independent sample t-test was employed to compare gender. Difference between the pre- and post-treatment mean values were checked by the paired t-test. Results: Technique III successfully showed the statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05, 95% CI) in the overall pre and post-treatment values on the patients' cast (N = 20) which was not observed with a technique I and technique II. Conclusion: The triangle created by the three reference points in the technique III was able to identify the changes in the palatine rugae more precisely than the technique I and Technique II.

Effect of psychosocial care model applied in an “elderly day care center” on loneliness, depression, quality of life, and elderly attitude S Esmaeilzadeh, F Oz Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):189-197 Background: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of the model applied in order to meet psychosocial care needs of elderly people in an elderly day care center on loneliness, depression, quality of life, and elderly attitude. Method: An intervention program prepared for the psychosocial needs of elderly people was carried out in the study and it was evaluated as pretest-posttest. The data were collected with UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA, LS), Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), Turkish version of the WHO Quality of Life Instrument Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD-TR) and Turkish version of the WHO – Atittudes of Aging Questionnaire (AAQ-TR) in the study. The psychosocial intervention program was conducted once in a week, nine sessions were held in total and each of them took 90–120 min. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the points that the elderly people obtained from the prior to and after UCLA Loneliness Scale and WHOQOL-OLD. TR instrument (P < 0.05). Besides, the difference between points gotten from the subdimensions “general,” “psychosocial loss,” and “psychosocial change” of AYTA-TR Scale was statistically significant. Conclusion: The intervention provided for the psychosocial needs of elderly people led to positive results in loneliness perception, quality of life, and elderly attitudes. Therefore, it is thought that this model is appropriate to be used commonly by nurses in psychosocial care of elderly people.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis M Tudoran, T Ciocarlie, A Mates, SA Pescariu, A AbuAwwad, C Tudoran Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2020 23(2):198-204 Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious cardiovascular complication in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) via arterio-venous fistulas (AVF). Aim: The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), AVF flow volume (AVF-FV) and cardiac output (CO) and to highlight the impact of their augmentation, as well as of the duration of HD, on the occurrence of PH in patients with ESRD. Methods: Our study group consisted of 51 dialyzed patients, with ESRD, without history of PH. We determined by ultrasonography the systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPs), the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), the cardiac output (CO), PVR and AVF-FV. Results: We documented PH in 27 (52.94%) patients. All had elevated PVR, higher AVF-FV and CO comparing to patients without PH. They were undergoing HD for a longer period and had lower EF than those without PH. For all patients, we documented strong correlations between PAPs and PVR (r = 0.933, P < 0.001) and the duration of HD (r = 0.702, P < 0.001), but moderate ones with AVF-FV (r = 0.583, P < 0.001) and CO (r = 0.519, P < 0.001).Conclusion: In patients with ESRD undergoing HD, PH was a common finding being associated with increased PVR, a longer duration of HD and chronic glomerulonephritis as etiology for ESRD. The majority of patients with PH had altered left ventricular systolic function, predisposing them to an increased risk to develop heart failure.