Background and objectiveChronic heart failure (HF) is a major medical condition worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Chronic HF could be complicated by iron deficiency (ID), and in severe cases, ID anemia, leading to negative HF outcomes even in people on optimal HF treatments. ID has been reported to be the most common nutritional deficiency in chronic HF. It is therefore important to study and analyze the relationship between these two variables. Identifying and treating the comorbidity of ID in chronic HF may help improve the treatment outcomes of chronic HF. In this study, we aimed to determine the iron status of chronic HF patients by using serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TSAT). Materials and methodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 88 Nigerian patients with chronic HF at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The participants were evaluated based on their laboratory findings. ResultsID was found in 34% of chronic HF patients. Of them, 17% had absolute ID while 17% had functional ID. ConclusionID was present in about one-third of the chronic HF patients. It was more common and worse in patients belonging to advanced HF functional classes.

Tropical diabetic hand syndrome (THDS) is an acute complication that mainly affects patients with diabetes living in the tropics. The cause is usually unknown, but it is often preceded by minor trauma to the hand. Other risk factors for TDHS are poor glycaemic control, poorly treated wounds, malnutrition, and diabetic neuropathy. Early signs include swelling and ulceration of the hand. It can rapidly progress to sepsis and may further worsen, leading to deformity, disability, and amputation. If not treated promptly, death may occur. Unlike diabetic foot ulcer, TDHS often goes unreported. Here is a case of a 39-year-old female and a known patient with diabetes who presented to the outpatient department with swelling and tenderness of the left hand, along with foul-smelling purulent discharge. It began after the patient peeled off a patch of scaly, thickened skin over the distal part of their middle finger. Investigations showed high blood sugar and slightly increased leukocyte count. The patient was started on antihyperglycaemic medications and intravenous antibiotics. Urgent surgical debridement was done, which led to amputation of the middle finger. Thereafter, the patient showed significant improvement and was discharged with follow-up instructions. This case report emphasises the importance of timely intervention in cases of tropical diabetic hand syndrome, and the need for adequate patient education on this issue.