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   2011| April-June  | Volume 52 | Issue 2  
    Online since October 17, 2011

 
 
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Child sexual abuse in Minna, Niger State Nigeria
I Abdulkadir, HH Musa, LW Umar, S Musa, WA Jimoh, M Aliyu Na'uzo
April-June 2011, 52(2):79-82
Background: Child sexual abuse is a widespread form of child abuse that has remained the most under-reported. In our communities, much remains unknown of this act which often leaves victims traumatised with unsavoury memory that tends to affect their psychosocial development. The study evaluted the socio-demographic features and the nature of sexual abuse as seen in the outpatient department of general hospital Minna, Niger state. Patients and Methods: The case notes of patients who presented to the General Out-patient Department (GOPD) of General Hospital Minna were analysed for cases, of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape seen between January 2008 and December 2008. Results: A total of 32 cases were seen, 90.1% of whom were children less than 17 years old; 75% were aged 6 - 15 years. All the cases were of the penile penetrative type (vaginal in girls and anal in boys). All the perpetrators were adult males known to, and resident in, the neighbourhood of their victims. Conclusion: There is need to build the capacity of health care providers to enable them manage child sexual abuse and its long-term effects in Minna.
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Prevalence of obesity, overweight and proteinuria in an urban community in South West Nigeria
CO Amira, D O.B Sokunbi, D Dolapo, A Sokunbi
April-June 2011, 52(2):110-113
Background: Obesity is a global health problem and is associated with cardiovascular and renal diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and to examine its relationship with proteinuria in an urban community in a developing country. Materials and methods: Survey of 1368 respondents was conducted from March 2006 to 2010 as part of the World Kidney Day activities. Height, weight were measured according to standard techniques. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (Kg) divided by height in metres squared (m 2). Obesity was defined as BMI = 30Kg/m 2 while overweight was defined as BMI 25 -29.9 kg/m 2. Dipstick urinalysis for proteinuria was done with combur 3 strips. Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 22.2% and 32.7% respectively. Women were more likely to be obese compared with men; mean BMI 27.4 ± 6.0 versus 25.4 ± 4.4 kg/m2p= 0.000. Proteinuria was detected in 4.9% of obese and 4.3% of overweight subjects respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that excess weight was significantly associated with proteinuria OR 1.93 (95% CI: 1.02 - 3.65 p= 0.04). Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among Nigerians. Subjects with excess weight were more likely to have proteinuria. Efforts should be made to control this trend through health education.
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Urinary stone disease in Kano, North Western Nigeria
SA Aji, SU Alhassan, AM Mohammad, SA Mashi
April-June 2011, 52(2):83-85
Background: Urinary stone disease is the third most common affliction of the urinary tract after urinary tract infection and pathologic conditions of the prostate. Although the disease is commoner in the developed countries, the incidence is also increasing in the developing countries. In this study, we sought to determine the pattern and treatment given for patients with urinary stones in our institution. Patients and Method: A 5 year retrospective study of patients treated for urolithiasis was conducted in a Teaching Hospital in North-western Nigeria. The age, sex, clinical presentations, investigations and treatment offered to the patients were reviewed. Results: A total of seventy six patients were treated for urinary stones during the study period. 58(76.3%) were males and 18(23.7%) females. Majority of patients 39(51.3%) presented with loin pain as the main presenting symptom. The diagnosis of stones was by plain abdominal Xray(KUB) in 68 patients and abdominal ultrasound scan in 46 cases. Urine culture was positive in 27 patients with E. coli as the predominant organism. All had normal serum calcium, phosphate and uric acid. 56(73.7%) patients had stones in the upper urinary tract and 20 (26.3%) in the lower urinary tract. Thirty four (44.7%) patients were found to have predisposing factors. Most of the patients 50(65.7%) were treated by open surgery and 26(34.2%) by endoscopic removal/lithotripsy. Conclusion: Urinary stone disease is common in this environment. Majority of the stones are radio-opaque on plain xrays. Significant number of patients had a predisposing factor and majority of the stones were found in the upper tract. Most of the patients were treated by open surgery while a significant number were treated with endoscopic removal/lithotripsy.
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Pioneering laparoscopic general surgery in Nigeria
MA Misauno, BO Ismaila
April-June 2011, 52(2):104-106
Background: Laparoscopic Surgery has revolutionized surgical operations due to its unique advantages of a shorter hospital stay, minimal surgical trauma and a better cosmetic outcome. There are a few reports from Nigeria reporting laparoscopic surgery in gynaecology. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no reports on laparoscopic general surgery from Nigeria. We therefore wish to document our experience with laparoscopic general surgery in Nigeria. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective analysis of all consecutive patients presenting for laparoscopic surgery at Adoose Specialist Hospital Jos from June 2008 till date. Results: A total of 24 laparoscopic surgeries were performed during the study period. The mean age of the study population was 39.4± 11.5years with age range of 18 to 65 years. There were 4 males and 20 females (M: F=1:5). The main surgeries performed included cholecystectomy in 13 (54.2%) patients, appendicectomy in 7 (29.2%) and adhesiolysis in 3 (12.5%). There was one conversion in this study giving a conversion rate of 4.1%. Identifiable co-morbid factors were seen in 7 patients (29.2%) Conclusion: Laparoscopic general surgery is feasible in Nigeria; it is a safe and reliable way of conducting abdominal operations that should be encouraged in developing countries.
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Prevalence of oesophageal varices in newly diagnosed chronic liver disease patients at The Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos
IG Achinge, AO Malu, EN Okeke, EI Agaba, MA Misauno
April-June 2011, 52(2):128-132
Background: Variceal bleeding is an important complication of portal hypertension and a major cause of death in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) world wide. This study was carried out to document the occurrence of oesophageal varices and its clinical correlates among 80 Nigerian patients with CLD. Patients and Methods: Eighty patients with CLD were stratified into three groups based on Child- Turcotte- pugh's classification for severity of CLD in a one year study. They had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to detect and characterize varices. Results: Sixty (75%) of the patients had oesophageal varices at endoscopy with 88.3% having grade 2 or 3 varices while 73.3% had moderate/large varices. Thirty five percent of the varices had "red signs" with "red whale" markings as the predominant red sign. Gastric varices were seen in 12.5%. Variceal size was significantly associated with severity of liver disease (P<0.05) as 90% of the patients with varices presented with Child's class B or C. A multiple logistic regression analysis identified advancing age, ascites, shrunken liver span and low platelet count as independent predictors of oesophageal varices. Conclusion: A large proportion of Nigerian CLD patients have advanced at-risk-for-bleeding oesophageal varices at diagnosis. Early diagnosis of CLD in Nigerians is warranted.
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Health seeking behavior of physicians at the Jos University Teaching Hospital
PA Agaba, AN Ocheke, MO Akanbi, CA Daniyam, SO Ugoya, EN Okeke, EI Agaba
April-June 2011, 52(2):90-94
Background: Physicians who have the task of caring for the sick also need to be cared for when they take ill. Healthseeking habits of physicians have been found to be poor in most developed countries. Utilization of health services by physicians in developing countries is not known. We sought to describe the health seeking habits of physicians in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among physicians at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, a tertiary referral health facility in North-central Nigeria. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to physicians to get information on their self-reported health seeking habits. Results: Self prescription was practiced by 98.6% of the physicians, with antimalarials being the most prescribed drugs (62.5%). Only 46.9% consulted another physician when they take ill, although 78.2% felt they needed a family physician. Many (23.8%) of respondents treated their family members when last sick. The major factors considered by the respondents in choosing the physician they consulted were the specialty of the physician consulted (42.2%); the physician being in the same unit with them (38.5%), and friendship (15.6%). Four (3.7%) of the respondents would not consider any particular factor for choosing a physician if they have to. Conclusion: This study showed that a large proportion of physicians self-medicate and a few have family physicians. Guidelines need to be instituted to regulate self-prescribing among physicians in Nigeria. The role of family physicians in primary care needs to be emphasized.
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Awareness on the use of insecticide-treated nets among women attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary health facility in South-South Nigeria
CA Okoye, AR Isara
April-June 2011, 52(2):67-70
Background: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) by pregnant women attending antenatal care in a tertiary health facility in Delta State in South-South Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of awareness and use of ITN among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics (ANC) of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Results: A total of 201 pregnant women were interviewed. Their mean age was 30.2 ± 5.4 years; 150 (74.6%) of the women were in the age group 25 - 34 years. Majority, 191(95%) were married, 150 (74.6%) had attained tertiary education and 137 (68.2%) were multigravidae. One hundred and seventy-eight (88.6%) women were aware that ITNs could prevent malaria in pregnancy, but only less than half 91 (45.3%) of them were using ITNs. Their major source of information about ITNs was at the ANC. There was no statistically significant association between their age group (p = 0.974), occupation (p = 0.855), marital status (p = 0.731), parity (p = 0.538), level of education (p = 0.269) and their usage of ITNs. Conclusions: Although there was a high awareness about ITNs among pregnant women, their use of ITNs was low. Massive scale-up public enlightenment and free distribution of ITNs may encourage the use of ITNs among pregnant women.
[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]
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Update on paediatric urolithiasis in North-Eastern Nigeria
JY Chinda, AM Abubakar, T King-David Yawe, S Adamu, KJ Bwala
April-June 2011, 52(2):71-73
Background: Among the Childhood urolithiasis, bladder stones appear to predominate. We reviewed our experience in the management of urolithiasis in children, highlighting recent changes observed in our practice. Patients and Methods: In the period between January, 2004 and December, 2009, 56 children with urinary stones were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Over the last 6 years, 56 children were managed for childhood urinary stones in our center. Their ages ranged from 9 months to 15 years (mean age: 6.7 years). There were 46 boys and 10 girls (M:F= 4.6:1). Eighteen (32.1%) children were below 5 years of age, 28(50.0%) were between 5-10 years and 10(17.9%) were 10-15 years of age. Majority 39(69.4%) of the stones were located in the upper urinary tract (UUT), 16 (28.6%) were in the lower urinary tract (LUT) and 1(1.8%) were in both UUT and LUT. In 2 cases, (3.6%) of bilateral ureteric stones were due to concomitant schistosomal fibrosis of the distal ureters, otherwise no other aetiological factors were identified. One patient passed the stone spontaneously, while the remaining had open surgical removal with no mortality. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 5 patients, (8.9%) wound infection in 4patients and vesicocutaneous fistula in one patient. Conclusion : Paedatric urolithiasis is a common occurrence in our setting, affecting predominantly the upper urinary tract.
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A cross sectional study of the knowledge and practice patterns of family medicine residents regarding chronic kidney disease screening
EI Agaba, BA Akinbuwa, PA Agaba, CA Daniyam, EN Okeke, AH Tzamaloukas
April-June 2011, 52(2):74-78
Background: The postgraduate training in medicine is aimed at equipping the trainee with the necessary skills to practice as an expert. The family physician (FP) is usually the first contact between the patient and the health care system. As such, it becomes imperative to assess the FP trainees' knowledge and practice with regards to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients and Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to physicians attending a nationally organized continuing medical education workshop for resident doctors preparing for the part I and part II exit examinations of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigerian in the specialty of Family Medicine. Results: Seventy six (20 senior residents and 56 junior residents) of the 150 physicians surveyed returned completed questionnaires. Only nine (11.7%) correctly identified CKD as occurring in approximately one in every ten individuals. CKD risk factors correctly identified by the respondents included: hypertension (97.4%), diabetes mellitus (94.4%), human immunodeficiency virus infection (75%), autoimmune diseases (51.3%), cancer (34.2%), advanced age (26.3%) and lower socioeconomic status (22.4%). Urinalysis and estimation of the GFR using prediction equations were correctly recognized as screening modalities for CKD by 72 (94.7%) and 71 (93.4%) respondents respectively. The majority (54.7%) considered proteinuria as significant when it is 2+. Four (5.3%) physicians "Always" screen for CKD risk factors when consulting a patient; 10 (13.3%) "Most times"; 48 (64%) "Sometimes"; 12 (16%) "Occasionally" and one (1.3%) "Never". Conclusion: The overall knowledge of CKD prevalence among Nigerian FP trainees attending a workshop is poor; however the knowledge regarding CKD screening is adequate. There exists a gap between CKD screening knowledge and the practice patterns of these physicians.
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Indications and outcome of admission of diabetic patients into the medical wards in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
CI Okafor, EN Ofoegbu
April-June 2011, 52(2):86-89
Background/Objective: Diabetes constitutes one of the common indications for admissions into the medical wards of many hospitals. This study aimed at evaluating the indications for medical admissions due to diabetes mellitus and the outcomes in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Patients and Method: A retrospective study of medical admissions of diabetic patients from April 2005 to March 2007, was conducted. Results: The total number of medical admissions for the period was 2,043 patients, 274 (13.4%) of whom were diabetic patients. Of the 274 diabetic patients, 144 were males and 130 were females. Their ages ranged from 20 to 90 years (mean 55.4 ± 15.4 years). The indications for admission were chronic diabetic complications involving different body systems (of which renal system involvement was the commonest), poorly controlled diabetes, acute emergencies and foot ulcers. Outcome was good in the majority while a case fatality rate of 23.7% was recorded. Conclusion: Chronic complications of diabetes mellitus, mostly involving the renal system constituted the commonest indication for admission of patients into the medical wards of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. It is important that factors responsible for the development of these complications be identified and tackled in order to reduce this burden.
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Knowledge, practices and education of clients on cervical cancer screening among female health care workers in Plateau State Nigeria
PM Utoo, BT Utoo
April-June 2011, 52(2):119-122
Background: Most patients with cancer of the cervix present late with poor prognosis. Health workers' knowledge and utilization of the screening services might influence their clients. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, practice and education of clients on cervical cancer and its screening among female healthcare workers in plateau state. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 182 female healthcare workers in selected Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) in Plateau state Nigeria. Semi-structured, self- administered questionnaires were used to obtain data which was analyzed using Epi info statistical software version 3.3.2 Results: Those aware of cancer of the cervix comprised of Community Health Extension Workers (44.0%) and Nurse/ Midwives (17.6%) among others. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), multiple sexual partners and early sexual intercourse were among the cited risk factors. Although, 136(87.2%) of the "aware" respondents accepted that cancer of the cervix could be prevented, 33.8% of them could not identify regular cervical screening as a preventive strategy. Similarly, 140(89%) knew about the cervical cancer screening but only 12(8.6%) had actually been screened (p < 0.005). Additionally, only 40% of the "aware" respondents had ever educated their clients. Conclusion: The knowledge and practice of the health workers about cancer of the cervix has not been commensurately translated to utilization of screening services or education of clients. Strategies such as seminars and workshops to train as well as motivate health workers towards the utilization of screening services should be explored.
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CASE REPORTS
HIV associated deep vein thrombosis: Case reports from Jos, Nigeria
CA Daniyam, MO Iroezindu, EI Agaba, SK Awang, SO Ugoya, N Shehu
April-June 2011, 52(2):141-143
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been reported to be 2-10 times commoner in HIV infected patients than in the general population. We report two cases of extensive unilateral deep vein thrombosis involving the lower limb in HIV infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Doppler ultrasound in the two patients revealed evidence of venous thrombosis from the femoral vein down to the posterior tibial veins. None of the patients had a history of acquired risk factors for DVT. Both patients responded well to anti-coagulants. A high index of suspicion may therefore be required to make the diagnosis and institute adequate management for this condition which has potentially life threatening consequences.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Pattern of mental illness among women attending an infertility clinic in Southern Nigeria
JO Omoaregba, O Morakinyo, OB James, AO Lawani
April-June 2011, 52(2):114-118
Background: Female infertility is highly co-morbid with mental illness. In Nigeria, very few studies have been conducted to determine the pattern of mental illness among women with infertility. We aimed to determine the pattern of mental illness in a sample of women with female infertility as well as its associated correlates.Patients and Methods: A cross sectional two-stage survey of women (n=100) attending an infertility clinic was conducted in a teaching hospital in Nigeria. A 30-item GHQ (General Health Questionnaire) was used to screen the respondents for psychiatric morbidity. GHQ positive cases were subsequently interviewed using the Present State Examination (PSE-9) to diagnose types of mental ill-health. Results: Depression (n=21) was the commonest psychiatric disorder among the women. Generalised anxiety disorder (n=9) and adjustment disorder (n=3) were also common. Conclusion: Mental disorders were fairly common among women with infertility. Physicians should screen for this co-morbid disorder in women presenting with infertility problems.
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Prevalence and causes of ocular morbidity among commercial intercity vehicle drivers in Jos, Nigeria
PD Wade, OP Odugbo, LD Velle, F Kyari
April-June 2011, 52(2):123-127
Background: To determine the prevalence and causes of ocular morbidity among commercial intercity vehicle drivers in Jos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of registered commercial intercity vehicle drivers at the Bauchi Road Motor Park Jos. The study instrument was a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Information obtained included demographic data, operational route, and ocular history. Each participant had a detailed ocular examination. The principal cause of visual loss for each eye and for the person was documented in accordance with WHO guidelines. Results: Two hundred and sixty eight 268 drivers were recruited and assessed (survey coverage: 82.5%). Their age ranged from 20-90 years (mean: 44.2, SD 9.2). Most 158 (71.5%) respondents had ocular symptoms, the most common were difficulty in reading small prints 78 (35.3%), itching 56 (25.3%), and poor distant vision 17 (7.7%). Eight (3.6%) drivers complained of glare. Ten (4.5%) drivers had a visual acuity of <6/12 and thus did not qualify to possess a driving licence. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was 72.9% (161/221). The most prevalent ocular morbidities were presbyopia (42.5%), allergic conjunctivitis (26.2%), cataract (8.6%), refractive errors and pterygium (2.7%). One (0.5%) respondent had advanced chronic glaucoma. Conclusion: A significant number of drivers do not have the minimum visual requirement for driver's licensure. The prevalence of ocular morbidity among the drivers is high. The national policy on eye examination as a precondition for driver's licensure and renewal should be enforced.
[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]
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CASE REPORTS
Nasopharyngeal malignancy presenting as proptosis in children
TO Otulana, OA Sogebi, OO Onabolu, HA Ajibode, OT Bodunde
April-June 2011, 52(2):133-137
Nasopharyngeal malignancy is potentially devastating with a high mortality especially if there is delay in diagnosis or late presentation. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presenting with proptosis as a major symptom to an Ophthalmologist is uncommon especially in the paediatric age group. It is against this background we present these patients to share our experience. We retrospectively reviewed cases of nasopharyngeal cancer in children who first presented to the Ophthalmologist at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital [OOUTH] Sagamu between 2008 and 2010. Three paediatric patients presented at the eye clinic of OOUTH Sagamu. Two of the patients presented with severe uniocular proptosis and the third with bilateral proptosis. The patients also developed reduced hearing, epistaxis, severe and disturbing headache and neck swelling. There was profound vision loss in three eyes of the three patients. Their eyeballs showed restricted ocular movements. Radiological imaging showed features suggestive of nasopharyngeal cancer involving the nasopharynx, sinuses and orbit. One had Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology [FNAC] from the cervical gland confirmatory of Burkitt's lymphoma. The other two cases were worked up for biopsy from the nasopharynx but discharged against medical advice. The patient with bilateral proptosis died shortly after. The ophthalmologist may bethe first to be consulted in cases of a nasopharyngeal cancer with ophthalmic manifestation. Diagnosis is usually difficult to make except with a high index of suspicion. For this reason it is imperative for the ophthalmologist to be familiar with this subject matter.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
The outcome of preoperative HIV screening for gynaecological patients in North Central Nigeria
CC Ekwempu, AI Ekwempu, Q Bola-Lawal
April-June 2011, 52(2):107-109
Background: The incidence of HIV is high in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria despite interventions to check the disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV among women with gynaecological conditions. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of women undergoing gynaecological operations between 2008 and 2010. Results: A total of 109 (42%) patients were screened for HIV pre operatively. Their mean age was 31.6 years. Six (5.5%) of the 109 patients tested positive for HIV. All the patients who tested positive were married. Conclusion: There appears to be a high prevalence of HIV infection among women with gynaecological conditions in our setting.
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CASE REPORTS
Anterior abdominal wall endometriosis following caesarean section: A case report
LC Ikeako, CK Oranusi
April-June 2011, 52(2):138-140
Endometriosis is the presence of glandular and stromal elements of endometrial tissue in aberrant sites. Extrapelvic endometriosis is rare and possible sites include laparatomy scars, some abdominal viscera and lungs. This is a report of a 28 year woman who presented with a three month history of bleeding from her caesarean section scar during her monthly menstruation, in whom abdominal examination revealed a midline subumbilical scar with a sinus surrounded by area of induration discharging menstrum. A wide excision of the lesion was performed and history confirmed endometriosis.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Home treatment of presumed malaria in children attending outpatient clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
Benedict O Edelu
April-June 2011, 52(2):99-103
Background: According to WHO, majority of the children who die from malaria do so within the first 48 hours of onset of illness and early use of effective antimalarial drugs will reduce the burden of malaria in endemic areas. This study was to determine the pattern of antimalarial drug use by caregivers, their sources as well as when and why they presented to hospital. Patients and Methods: Consecutive mothers whose children presented at the outpatient clinic with fever without localised focus, who believed their children were having malaria, were interviewed with the aid of a questionnaire. Results: One hundred and forty-four (62.6%) of the mothers/caregivers had administered antimalarials at home. 112 (78.3%) commenced within 24hrs of onset of symptoms, while 14 (8.7%) started after 48hrs. Duration of home treatment ranged from less than or equals to 24hrs (32.5%) and one week or more (8.2%). Antimalarials given included choroquine, amodiaquine, artesunate, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, artemisinin-based combination therapy, quinine and paludrine. Majority (67.8%) of the medications given were obtained directly from the local drug stores Conclusion: There was a high rate of home treatment for febrile illness in our environment; this calls for the need to educate both mothers and patent drug dealers on the current antimalarial treatment policy.
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ERRATUM
Prevalence of intestinal parasites among pupils in Rural North Eastern, Nigeria
JG Damen, J Luka, EI Biwan, M Lugos
April-June 2011, 52(2):144-147
Background :The study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasitism among pupils in rural schools (Almajiris) in Konduga local Government Area of Borno state. Materials and Methods: A total of 257 stool specimens were collected at random among pupils (Almajiris) in rural quranic schools; the stools were processed and examined both macroscopically and microscopically by concentration techniques. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitism among the Almajiris was 80.9%. The highest prevalence rate was 97.8% while the least prevalence was 67.4%. The 6-8 years age group had the highest prevalence of 85.7% while the least prevalence of 77.7% in the 13-16years age bracket. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of (19.1%) while Trichuris trichiura had the least prevalence of (3.5%). Thirteen pupils in the 5-8 years had multiple parasites; multiple parasitism also occurred in 22 pupils aged 9-12 years and in 11 pupils aged 13-16 years. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence rate of intestinal parasites with attendant risk of intestinal obstruction among the Almajiris in rural north eastern Nigeria.
[ABSTRACT]   Full text not available  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Histologic analysis of incidental carcinomas of the prostate gland in portharcourt: A 10 year retrospective review
CC Obiorah, SO Nwosu
April-June 2011, 52(2):95-98
Background: Incidental prostate cancers, i.e. cancers found in the specimens of men undergoing surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), have been regarded as non-lethal and harmless, therefore have most times , been left without treatment. However, recent studies have demonstrated otherwise, showing that there is significant mortality associated with the cancer. We determined the occurrence and evaluated the morphologic characteristics of incidental carcinomas of the prostate in a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective review of prostatectomy specimens from patients clinically diagnosed of BPH between 1996 and 2005 at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Results: Age range of patients was 52-87 years, with mean of 67.4 years and peak age group of 60-69 years. Thirty-four (10.3%) of the reviewed 331 cases were positive for incidental carcinomas. All cases were adenocarcinomas. Twelve (35.3%) were well differentiated. Gleason score 5-6 constituted the majority of the cases 18 (52.9%). Eighteen cases (52.9%) were of large acinar morphologic pattern. Conclusion: The incidence of incidental carcinomas of the prostate in our environment is significant, consequently urologists should exercise high index of suspicion while attending to patients clinically diagnosed of BPH. The overall morphologic features portend fair prognosis and contrasts with the established late presenting, and advanced clinical carcinomas with poor prognosis.
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