ObjectiveThere is a scarcity of reference interval studies on the elderly in Africa. This study establishes reference interval for the elderly for some commonly used biochemical parameters. In this study, 255 conveniently sampled, healthy elderly, participants meeting Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI C28-A3) guidelines were enrolled. The results obtained may have utility in clinical diagnosis, patient management and research.ResultsIn general, the consensus reference interval established in this study tended to be higher than reference interval from Caucasian populations; but lower than those obtained from reference interval studies in several African countries. This pattern was observed in a number of analytes including Alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; sodium; potassium among others. Significant sex-related variations were also observed in total bilirubin; direct bilirubin; indirect bilirubin; albumin; sodium; chloride; plasma carbon dioxide, creatinine and anion gap. The results demonstrate that reference interval for Eritrean urban population differs from those derived from other African or North American populations. In this regard, the use of reference interval values obtained from Caucasian populations may result in misdiagnosis.

Background Though the initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has led to decreased HIV/AIDS related mortality, the regimen has been reported to be associated with lipid toxicities. Baseline data on such disturbances are required to induce countrywide interventional HIV/AIDS programs. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risks of dyslipidemia in HIV patients on HAART medication in Eritrea. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted on HIV/AIDS patients in two national referral hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and blood sample was taken for analyses of lipid profile tests. Data was analyzed using chi-square test, Post Hoc and logistic regression in SPSS software. Results The study included 382 participants of whom 256(67%) were females. Their median age, CD4+ T cell count (cell/microliter) and duration of HAART (years) was 45(IQR: 38–51), 434(IQR: 294–583) & 5(IQR: 3–5) respectively. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 331(86.6%). Increased Low Density Lipoprotein-C (LDL-C) 213(55.8%) was the predominant abnormality. Abacavir was significantly related with highest means of triglycerides (TG) (228.17 ± 193.81) and lowest means of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C) (46.94 ± 12.02). Females had substantially higher proportions of TG (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.65–5.05) and TC/HDL ratio (aOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.40–3.87) and low HDL-C (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.34–3.48). Increased age was related with increased pro-atherogenic lipid parameters. High LDL-C was more infrequent in non-smokers (aOR = 0.028, 95% CI: 0.12–0.69). Conclusion The study showed a high prevalence of dyslipidemia in HIV-patients receiving HAART in Eritrea. Sex, age and smoking practice were among key factors associated with dyslipidemia. The necessity to assess lipid profiles and other cardiovascular risk factors before initiation of HAART treatment and continuous monitoring during therapy is mandatory.

Background - Liver disease are predominant in HIV/AIDS patients and a wide range of the population have been affected. However, studies that have assessed the burden and risks of liver enzyme alterations among antiretroviral therapy experienced patients are hardly available in Eritrea. Thus, the present study targets to determine the prevalence and the risks related with abnormal liver enzymes among HIV-infected individuals. Methodology - a cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in two national referral hospitals, in Asmara, Eritrea. A structured predesigned questionnaire was employed to capture sociodemographic data of patients and blood sample was taken for analyses of liver enzyme profile tests. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regressions in SPSS software. Result - The study included 329 participants of whom majority were females. Participants’ age ranges from 18 to 83 years with the mean age of 44.63(± 10.48). Patients had a history of taking first line regimen as either AZT, TDF, ABC or D4T based drug combinations with mean duration on drugs of 7.09(± 3.32) years. 88(26.7%) HAART experienced patients had significant alterations in their liver enzyme parameters. This abnormality was significantly associated with age (p-value = 0.022). HIV-1 patients with history of stavudine use as first line HAART medication had about three (AOR = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.19–7.27) times more elevated liver enzymes. Generally, liver enzymes were found to be higher in minority ethnic groups and rural areas (p value = 0.002). Conclusion -The results suggest that liver enzymes (ALT, AST) were significantly elevated in patients taking HAART medication. The finding of this study illustrates that HIV patients on antiretroviral medication are at increased risk of hepatotoxicity which necessitate for continuous and periodical clinical monitoring to reduce severe effects of liver injury.