Estimation of Serum Albumin in Pregnant Women in Braithwaith Memorial Hospital, Rivers State, South- South Nigeria (Published)
Serum albumin also known as blood albumin is found in vertebrate blood. A test of serum albumin measures the amount of protein in the clear portion of the blood. The possible levels of serum albumin was determined in a group of pregnant women in their first, second and third trimesters including cases of preeclampsia. Forty five (45) blood samples from pregnant women were collection via venipuncture at the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital Port Harcourt using sterile 5ml syringes. Twenty (20) non-pregnant women blood samples were utilized as control. The Bromocresol green (BCG) binding method was employed. Descriptive statistics, variation plot, mean separation plot using Duncan Multiple Range Test and the single factor ANOVA were used for the analysis of data. Result inter alia revealed that mean values of serum albumin 3.62g/100ml, 3.42g/100ml and 3.25g/100ml correspond with first, second and third trimesters respectively. Preeclampsia and the non-pregnant cases had serum albumin level of 2.73g/100ml and 4.90g/100ml correspondingly. It was discovered that as the gestational age increases so the decrease in the mean serum albumin across the trimesters including preeclampsia cases except the non-pregnant cases. Also, the low level of serum albumin in the preeclampsia patients is a call for concern therapeutically. Thus, pregnant women are encouraged to visit healthcare facilities to ensure early diagnosis and prompt management to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with preeclampsia.
Keywords: Albumin, Albuminuria, Preeclampsia, Pregnant Women, oedema., serum
Effect of Artesunate on Liver Functions of the Wister Rat (Published)
Antimalarial drug toxicity is viewed different, depending on if the clinical indication is for treatment or prophylaxis. In drug therapy of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which has a high mortality if untreated, a greater risk of adverse reactions to antimalarial medication is inevitable. The effect of the administration of Artesunate on the liver of wistar rats was studied. Study design was experimental and deployed clinical laboratory assessments. Four groups of wistar rats, each of five animals weighing between 100-150 g were used. Group 1 served as the control and was administered normal feed and drinking water. Group 2, 3 and 4 received 0.24mg/kg, 0.34mg/kg and 76mg/kg body weight Artesunate daily respectively, orally for four weeks. Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities and Bilirubin were determined at the end of the treatment. Results showed that in group 3 and 4, there was a significant increase in serum AST and ALT and a significant decrease in serum ALP. The results also showed that at mild doses (0.24mg/kg and 0.34mg/kg), Artesunate promoted weight gain and at highest dose (76mg/kg), it appeared to result in reduced percentage weight gain suggesting perhaps that high doses were toxic. It is concluded, that administration of high doses of Artesunate by the oral route produced considerable damage to the liver.
Keywords: Artesunate, Enzymes, Malaria, Wister Rat, serum