Abnormalities of lipid metabolism are common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and tend to be accentuated in those receiving antiretroviral therapy, particularly with protease inhibitors (PIs). However, there is a dearth of information on serum lipid profiles and biochemical parameters among treatment-naive HIV-positive patients in our environment. We found that after 24 months of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there was a significant increase in serum lipids. After 24 months of HAART, renal impairment was associated with a low increase in mean HDL and a high increase in triglycerides (TG). In conclusion, abnormality of serum lipid is common and showed female preponderance among treatment-naive HIV patients in our environment. Patients with HIV infection on HAART should be screened for lipid disorders given their high prevalence as observed in this study, because of its potential for morbidity and mortality in patients on HAART.

Background: One of the commonest symptoms observed in pregnant women before the 20th week of gestation is nausea and vomiting, an exaggeration of these symptoms hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) could result in maternal and fetal catastrophes and even death. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum among pregnant women at booking.Methods: A prospective institutional based study design was done among 452 pregnant women seen at booking in a tertiary hospital in Northeast Nigeria from the 1st February 2019 to 30th June 2019. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics. OR was used to measure significant risk.Results: The observed prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum among pregnant women in the study is 44.9%. The Majority (81.4%) of these women were between the age range of 21 and 35 years. Mean age of 27 years. Multiparity (33.4%), previous (44.9%) and family history of HEG (31.6%) were identified as important risk factors for developing HEG. Grand multiparity (11.5%) and gestational age less than 13 weeks (6.64%) were however less likely observed to be risks for HEG.Conclusions: HEG is a common problem in pregnancy with almost half of the number of pregnant women at booking affected. Multiparity and past history of HEG are pointers to developing the condition and it should be looked out for among at risk group of pregnant women, so that early intervention can be instituted to avoid any possible adverse outcome.

One of the unusual symptoms observed among pregnant women is the aversion for non-food substances like sand, clay and ice. Pica is a form of eating disorder characterised by these symptoms. It occurs commonly in children and among pregnant women. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors for Pica among booked patients in our institution. A prospective study was conducted among pregnant women at booking aged 11-45 years at the ATB University teaching Hospital Bauchi between 1st February to 31st of July 2019. All pregnant women who gave their consent were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. The biodata, risk factors for Pica, occurrence in childhood and other social habits were recorded. The result showed a prevalence rate of pica at 38.9% with a craving for ice (18.7%), sand (14.7%) and others (55.11%). Pica was observed more in the day time (afternoon and evening) and most women having pica had a low level of education. Even though the prevalence of Pica appeared low in our environment, adequate counselling and appropriate treatment of women with this condition should be given more priority.

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