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   2014| May-June  | Volume 55 | Issue 3  
    Online since May 7, 2014

 
 
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Adequacy of resources for provision of maternal health services at the primary health care level in Nnewi, Nigeria
Chinomnso C Nnebue, Uzo E Ebenebe, Prosper OU Adogu, Echendu D Adinma, Chigozie O Ifeadike, Achunam S Nwabueze
May-June 2014, 55(3):235-241
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132056  
Background: To determine the adequacy of resources (human and material) for provision of maternal health services at the primary health care (PHC) level in Nnewi, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of women utilising maternal health services in four public PHC facilities in Nnewi selected using multistage sampling technique was done. Data was collected using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16, while qualitative data was reported verbatim, analysed thematically and necessary quotes presented. Results: Two hundred and eighty women were studied. The mean age of respondents was 29.2 ± 5.9 years, while 231 (82.5%) were married. Most of them (82.5%) and 184 (66.1%), had their blood pressure and body weight respectively measured, while 196 (70.0%) had tetanus toxoid vaccination. Less than half of the respondents (41.4%) had urine test for sugar, and protein, while 94 (33.8%) had blood test for anaemia. The four facilities studied had most of the equipment and drugs available but in insufficient quantities. In three out of the four facilities, the physical structures were mostly good. None of them is equipped to provide an essential obstetric care (EOC) services, while one medical doctor covered all the facilities studied. Conclusions: This study showed that none of the health facilities is equipped with the minimum equipment package, essential drugs nor staff complement required to enable them offer quality maternal health services. With advocacy, technical support and funding, strategies could be implemented to provide quality maternal health services.
  12 7,710 178
Sexual assault in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Olusegun Olalekan Badejoko, Henry Chineme Anyabolu, Bolaji Olusola Badejoko, Adebimpe Omotade Ijarotimi, Oluwafemi Kuti, Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe
May-June 2014, 55(3):254-259
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132065  
Background: Sexual assault (SA) is a shattering malevolence against women. This study determined the burden, periodicity, presentation and management of SA in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the hospital records of 76 SA survivors managed over a 5-year period (2007-2011) in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. Results: Sexual assault accounted for 0.69% of all female and 5.2% of all gynaecological emergencies in OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. The survivors' ages ranged from 4 to 50 years (mean = 17.7 ± 8.8years) and adolescents made up for 48%. The peak prevalence of SA was in February and December and among adults and under-16-year-old survivors, respectively. Daytime and weekday SA were significantly more common among the under-16-year-old survivors (P = 0.008). Majority of the survivors (62%) knew their assailant(s). Neighbours were the commonest perpetrators identified (28.2%) and the assailants' house was the commonest location (39.4%). Weapons were involved in 29.6% of cases and various injuries were identified in 28.2% of the survivors. Hospital presentation was within 24 hours in majority (76.1%) of the survivors, but rape kit examinations were not performed as the kits were not available. Although appropriate medical management was routinely commenced, only 12.7% of survivors returned for follow-up. Conclusions: Seasonal and diurnal patterns exist in the prevalence of SA in Ile-Ife and most survivors that reported in the hospital presented early. Rape kit examinations were, however, not executed, due to non-availability. Personnel training, protocol development, provision of rape kits and free treatment of SA survivors are, therefore, recommended. Public enlightenment on preventive strategies based on the observed periodicity and age patterns is also suggested.
  12 13,134 163
Pattern and presentation of acute abdomen in a Nigerian teaching hospital
John Owoade Agboola, Samuel Adegboyega Olatoke, Ganiyu Adebisi Rahman
May-June 2014, 55(3):266-270
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132068  
Background: Abdominal pain of sudden onset is the hallmark of most non-traumatic emergency surgical presentations. This presents a scenario of urgency to the young surgeon who has to determine which of a myriad of disease conditions the patient is presenting with. Such a physician has to rely on experience and a sound knowledge of the local aetiological spectrum in making a clinical diagnosis. Objective: To determine the epidemiology and aetiological spectrum of diseases presenting as acute abdomen in the adult population at the hospital surgical emergency unit. Patients and Methods: Two hundred and seventy-six patients presenting at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital emergency unit and managed by the general surgeons between 1 st of May 2009 and 30 th of April 2010 were recruited and followed-up throughout the period of admission. The biodata and clinical information inclusive of diagnosis, investigations, treatment modality and outcome were entered in a structured questioner. Standardised treatment was given to all patients and difficulties encountered in their management were also noted. The data collected was evaluated using SPSS16. Results: Acute abdomen constituted 9.6% of total surgical emergency admissions with patients aged 16-45 years constituting 78.3%. The commonest cause of acute abdomen was appendicitis (30.3%) followed by intestinal obstruction (27.9%), perforated typhoid ileitis 14.9% and peptic ulcer disease (7.6%), respectively. Conclusion: The result from the study is similar to what has been reported in other tropical settings with inflammatory lesions being the major problem. There is also a rising incidence of post-operative adhesions and gradual decline in incidence of obstructed hernia.
  9 8,915 143
CASE REPORTS
Herniated near-term pregnancy through an incisional hernia treated with polypropylene mesh: A case report
Eleje George Uchenna, Okpala Boniface Chukwuneme, Enendu Stephen Ejike, Okeke Paul Mbanefo, Ejikeme Toochukwu Benjamin
May-June 2014, 55(3):272-273
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132069  
The management of a large incisional hernia amidst gravid uterus in its sac is a very challenging obstetric entity. Because of the uncommonness of this entity, there has not been any evidence-based guideline regarding the optimal mode of treatment and so treatment is largely individualised. We present the case of a 32-year-old booked G7P6+0 Nigerian woman with two living children who was already booked for elective repeat lower segment Caesarean section (CS) and 'Caesarean' herniorrhaphy at 38 weeks of gestation but only to present at 36-weeks gestation with a 4-hour history of labour pains. She had an emergency lower segment CS 2 years earlier due to obstructed labour but the CS was complicated by wound infection. Examination revealed gravid uterus that herniated through the incisional hernia. She subsequently had emergency lower segment CS with the repair of the hernia with polypropylene mesh. She had uneventful post-operative recovery. Herniated uterus of near-term pregnancy through an incisional hernia has not been reported in our hospital. As in our case, triumphant management required brave but multidisciplinary approach and currently there are emerging management options such as the use of mesh and laparoscopic technique.
  8 4,812 79
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Quality assurance in blood culture: A retrospective study of blood culture contamination rate in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria
Iregbu Iregbu Chukwuemeka, Yakubu Samuel
May-June 2014, 55(3):201-203
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132038  
Background: Blood culture is a critical tool for diagnosing septicaemia. Quite frequently, contamination of blood sample poses a great challenge to accurate diagnosis. This study evaluated the rate of blood culture contamination in our hospital over a one-year period. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study of 1032 blood cultures carried out in a clinical laboratory of a tertiary hospital in North Central part of Nigeria between 2010 and 2011. Results: There were 730 blood cultures from paediatric and 302 adult patients. The overall yield was 22%; 107 out of the 730 were contaminated giving a contamination rate of 10.4%. Contamination rate was higher in children than in adult (11% vs 8%) specimen. These rates were much higher than the acceptable benchmark of 2-3%. The main contaminants were coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Bacillus species, Diphtheroids and Enterococcus species. Conclusion: Contamination rate is high, and mainly due to normal skin flora, suggesting aseptic collection challenges as the main cause. We recommend a review of the entire process of blood collection for culture and analysis with a view to instituting appropriate quality assurance measures to reduce the contamination rate.
  8 6,795 198
Risk factors and 30-day case fatality of first-ever stroke in Basrah, Iraq
Jasim N Al-Asadi, Husam A Habib
May-June 2014, 55(3):209-213
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132041  
Background: The aim of this hospital-based study is to determine the types, the frequency of risk factors and the 30-day case fatality of first-ever stroke in Basrah, Iraq. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective study between January 2008 and July 2008 in Basrah, Iraq. Two hundred twenty-five (225) patients, who were admitted for first-ever stroke to the four major hospitals in Basrah, were interviewed and followed up for 30 days. Risk factors studied were smoking, history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart diseases and transient ischaemic attack. Results: The mean age of the studied subjects was 63.8 ± 12.3 years. Males constituted 56% of cases. Clinical types of stroke were ischaemic stroke (83.6%), intracerebral haemorrhage (16%) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (0.4%). The prevalence of risk factors was; hypertension (66.2%), family history of stroke (31.6%), ischaemic heart diseases (28.9%), smoking (28.4%), diabetes mellitus (28%), transient ischaemic attack (10.2%), atrial fibrillation (9.8%) and heart failure (5.8%). The 30-day case fatality rate was 22.7%. Conclusions: Ischaemic stroke was the highly prevalent type. Hypertension, family history of stroke, ischaemic heart diseases, smoking and diabetes mellitus were the major risk factors of first ever stroke in Basrah. The 30-day case fatality rate of stroke in Basrah was nearly similar to that in western countries, but higher than that reported in the neighbouring Arab countries. Early detection of modifiable risk factors that can prevent stroke or at least minimise its complications is highly recommended.
  7 4,193 97
Acute abdominal pain in patients with lassa fever: Radiological assessment and diagnostic challenges
Kenneth C Eze, Taofeek A Salami, James U Kpolugbo
May-June 2014, 55(3):195-200
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132037  
Background: To highlight the problems of diagnosis and management of acute abdomen in patients with lassa fever. And to also highlight the need for high index of suspicion of lassa fever in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain in order to avoid surgical intervention with unfavourable prognosis and nosocomial transmission of infections, especially in Lassa fever-endemic regions. Materials and Methods: A review of experiences of the authors in the management of lassa fever over a 4-year period (2004-2008). Literature on lassa fever, available in the internet and other local sources, was studied in November 2010 and reviewed. Results: Normal plain chest radiographic picture can change rapidly due to pulmonary oedema, pulmonary haemorrhage and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Plain abdominal radiograph may show dilated bowels with signs of paralytic ileus or dynamic intestinal obstruction due to bowel wall haemorrhage or inflamed and enlarged Peyer's patches. Ultrasound may show free intra-peritoneal fluid due to peritonitis and intra-peritoneal haemorrhage. Bleeding into the gall bladder wall may erroneously suggest infective cholecystitis. Pericardial effusion with or without pericarditis causing abdominal pain may be seen using echocardiography. High index of suspicion, antibody testing for lassa fever and viral isolation in a reference laboratory are critical for accurate diagnosis. Conclusion: Patients from lassa fever-endemic regions may present with features that suggest acute abdomen. Radiological studies may show findings that suggest acute abdomen but these should be interpreted in the light of the general clinical condition of the patient. It is necessary to know that acute abdominal pain and vomiting in lassa fever-endemic areas could be caused by lassa fever, which is a medical condition. Surgical option should be undertaken with restraint as it increases the morbidity, may worsen the prognosis and increase the risk of nosocomial transmission.
  6 6,236 176
Is vaginal delivery safe after previous lower segment caesarean section in developing country?
Pratiksha Gupta, Ishrat Jahan, Gelabhai R Jograjiya
May-June 2014, 55(3):260-265
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132067  
Background: To analyse the mode of delivery in trial of labour (TOL), incidence of successful vaginal deliveries and indications of repeat caesarean section (CS). Materials and Methods: Prospective selective study. Study population consisted of 367 pregnant women with previous one lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) in reproductive age group. These were grouped in to three groups, Group 1 (n = 239): Women, who were elected for repeat CS without a TOL. Group 2 (n = 76): Women, who were given TOL and delivered vaginally. Group 3 (n = 52): Women, who were given a TOL but due to failed trial, had to be taken for emergency repeat section. The maternal and foetal outcome was studied in all the groups. Statistical Method Used: The data was entered in the Microsoft excel worksheet, values expressed as mean ± SD. Chi-square test was done to compare the categorical variables among the groups. ANOVA (one-way analysis of variance) was done to compare the baseline characteristics of patients and time to delivery among the groups. Results: Out of 128 women who were given TOL, 76 (59.37%) vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) occurred, out of which 40 (52.63%) had spontaneous vaginal deliveries without augmentation of labour and 36 (47.36%) subjects had augmentation of labour with artificial rupture of membranes (ARMs) and oxytocin. A total of 52 women (40.62%) underwent emergency LSCS. Conclusion: Proper selection and counselling about clinically significant risks, women can be given TOL with careful monitoring and taken for emergency LSCS on minimal indication is the best answer to management of previous one CS in labour.
  6 6,322 175
Outcomes of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in neonates in a tertiary hospital, southeast Nigeria
Matthew Igwe Nwali, Odidika Ugochukwu Joannes Umeora, Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, Robinson Chukwudi Onoh, Uzoma Uzoma Agwu, Joseph Agboeze
May-June 2014, 55(3):250-253
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132063  
Background: Malaria infestation during pregnancy is mostly asymptomatic and untreated especially in unbooked pregnancies. It presents with almost all the fetal complications of overt malaria in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia on the neonates of unbooked parturients delivered at term at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the labour ward complex of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki from March to May 2012. Unbooked pregnant women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and gave consent were consecutively recruited. Cord blood and placenta tissue were collected for haemoglobin concentration determination and histology, respectively. Birth weights were determined with an electronic weighing machine. Statistical Analysis was done with 2008 Epi Info™ software and level of significant was set at P-value <0.05. Results: A total of 250 unbooked parturients were recruited, of which 194 (77.6%) had asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia while 227 (90.8%) had placental parasitisation. The prevalence of low birth weight in the study was 16.4%. There was significant relationship between asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and birth weight (X [2] = 43.70, P-value < 0.001). There were no low-birth-weight deliveries among paturients without placental parasitemia. No neonate, however, had anaemia in the study. Conclusion: Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and placental parasitisation by malaria parasites contribute to the outcome of the foetal birth weight. Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and placental parasitaemia did not result in a corresponding foetal anaemia on babies delivered.
  5 4,409 98
Perioperative findings and complications of non-vascularised iliac crest graft harvest: The experience of a Nigerian tertiary hospital
Olusanya Adeola Adenike, Aladelusi Timothy Olukunle, Ifesanya Adeleke Olusegun, Akinmoladun Victor Ifeolu, Arotiba Juwon Tunde
May-June 2014, 55(3):224-229
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132046  
Background: The reconstruction of a mandibular defect remains a significant challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. In developing countries like Nigeria, the required facilities and expertise for vascularised graft surgery are not readily available, thus mandibular defects are commonly reconstructed with non-vascularised bone grafts. The aim of this study is to describe the experience with the reconstruction of mandibular defects using non-vascularised iliac crest bone grafts (NVICBG) at a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive longitudinal study in which data was prospectively collected from patients who had mandibular reconstruction secondary to benign lesions using NVICBG at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, over a 24-month period. Information recorded included demography, cause of mandibular defect, type of mandibular resection, span of defect, peri-operative data, recipient site complications and donor site complications. Patient satisfaction with facial aesthetic outcome was assessed with the use of visual analogue scale score. Results: Twenty patients had mandibular resection and immediate reconstruction with NVICBG. The mean age was 31.61 (+/−11.05) years. Mean span of the defects was 10.65 (+/−2.88) cm. At the recipient site, two patients had extra-oral wound dehiscence and two patients had intra-oral wound dehiscence of which one patient had loss of the graft. Donor site complications noted were seromas and wound dehiscence. Eighteen patients had paraesthesia of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. All patients had temporary abnormal gait. The mean duration of abnormal gait was 2.11 weeks (SD +/−0.74). Majority of the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. Conclusion: NVICBG, though limited in its versatility has satisfactory aesthetic outcome with relatively few complications. It appears that this method of reconstruction can be used even for large mandibular defects contrary to perceptions of many reconstructive surgeons.
  5 4,257 111
The impact of a HIV prevention of mother to child transmission program in a nigerian early infant diagnosis centre
Iregbu Kenneth Chukwuemeka, Chukwuemeka Isa Fatima, Zubair Kabiru Kabiru, Olaitan Olukayode
May-June 2014, 55(3):204-208
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132039  
Background: Mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can transmit the virus to their babies in utero, intrapartum or postpartum through breastfeeding. Maternal to child transmission can be prevented through administration of antiretroviral drugs to mother and child, and through restriction of breastfeeding. This study evaluated the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) activities in reducing the incidence of HIV infection among exposed babies at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Early infant diagnosis laboratory records of 515 exposed babies aged below 18 months who had polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test between January 1 st 2011 and December 31 st 2012 were reviewed. The details of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy commencement for mother and baby, infant feeding choices, mode of delivery and HIV test results were analysed. Results: Of the 515 samples tested, 36 (7.0%) were found to be positive. The mean age of exposed children tested was 4 months. Highest prevalence was among children in the age group 6-18 months (16.1%). There was statistically significant association between HIV positive results and age. (P = 0.0000). If the mother and child pairs received ARVs, the prevalence was 1.3%, whereas if the mother only received ARV, then the prevalence was 4.6%, and when only the child received ARV the prevalence was 20.0%. When neither the mother nor the child received ARVs, the prevalence was 66.7%. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of HIV among exposed children in our setting, especially if the mother and child pairs did not receive any form of antiretroviral prophylaxis. This further emphasises the usefulness of ARVs as the single most important intervention in PMTCT. Therefore, there is need to expand antiretroviral coverage, ensure access of the PMTCT program, and provide effective services to support infected children.
  5 8,283 224
SYMPOSIUM
Ethics of clinical trials in Nigeria
Patrick I Okonta
May-June 2014, 55(3):188-194
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132035  
The conduct of clinical trials for the development and licensing of drugs is a very important aspect of healthcare. Drug research, development and promotion have grown to a multi-billion dollar global business. Like all areas of human endeavour involving generation and control of huge financial resources, it could be subject to deviant behaviour, sharp business practices and unethical practices. The main objective of this review is to highlight potential ethical challenges in the conduct of clinical trials in Nigeria and outline ways in which these can be avoided. Current international and national regulatory and ethical guidelines are reviewed to illustrate the requirements for ethical conduct of clinical trials. Past experiences of unethical conduct of clinical trials especially in developing countries along with the increasing globalisation of research makes it imperative that all players should be aware of the ethical challenges in clinical trials and the benchmarks for ethical conduct of clinical research in Nigeria.
  5 11,274 242
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Comparative effect of Citrus sinensis and carbimazole on serum T 4 , T 3 and TSH levels
Okon Uduak Uduak, Elemi John Ani, Emmauel Columba Inyang Etoh, Adienbo Ologbagno Macstephen
May-June 2014, 55(3):230-234
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132049  
Background: There are previous independent reports on the anti-thyroid property of Citrus sinensis. This isoflavones and phenolic acid-rich natural agent is widely consumed as dietary supplement, thus the need to investigate its comparative effect with a standard anti-thyroid drug on T 4 , T 3 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Objective: To compare the effect of Citrus sinensis and carbimazole (CARB) on blood levels of thyroid hormones (T 4 and T 3 ) and TSH. Materials and Methods: Male wistar albino rats weighing 100-150 g were employed in this research. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups of seven rats per group. Group I served as control and were administered distilled water while groups II-IV were administered with 1500 mg/kg of Citrus sinensis (fresh orange juice; FOJ), 0.1 μg/g of levothyroxine (LVT) and 0.01 mg/g of CARB, respectively, per oral once daily for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and blood sample collected by cardiac puncture and processed by standard method to obtain serum. TSH, T 4 and T 3 were assayed with the serum using ARIA II automated radioimmunoassay instrument. Results: The results showed that TSH level was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in LVT treated group compared with the FOJ group. T 4 was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the FOJ and CARB groups compared with the control and LVT groups. LVT significantly increased T 4 when compared with FOJ group. T 3 was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the CARB group compared with the control. Conclusion: These findings suggest that FOJ alters thyroid hormones metabolism to reduce their serum levels with a compensatory elevations of TSH level in a direction similar to CARB.
  4 4,420 90
Cyanide-induced hyperthyroidism in male Wistar rats
Adeniyi Temidayo Daniel, Tijani Ahmad Adekilekun, Musa Abdus-Semiu Adewale, Abayomi Taiwo Adekemi
May-June 2014, 55(3):246-249
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132060  
Background: Cyanide is one of the major environmental pollutants termed thyroid disruptor. Regardless of its origin, it is a primary toxic agent. This study was designed to understand the impact of prolonged low dose cyanide exposure on the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Materials and Methods: Twelve F1 male Wistar rats were used for this study. They were divided into two groups of six animals each. The first group served as the control group and received 0.25M sucrose while the second group being the treated group received 2 mg/kg body weight (BW) potassium hexacyanoferrate III solution. The treatment duration was 56 days following which the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood samples were drawn to determine serum FT3, FT4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. The thyroid gland was also excised and processed for light microscopic studies. Result: An increase in serum FT3 and FT4 with decrease serum TSH was obtained in the treated group. Application of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis showed that there were highly significant differences (P < 0.05) in the activities of FT3, FT4 and TSH when compared with those of the control group. Light microscopic examination of thyroid gland from the treated group revealed marked epithelial hyperplasia with cellular degeneration and scanty cytoplasm while the control group revealed normal thyroid architecture. Conclusion: Results obtained revealed that hyperthyroidism was induced by cyanide.
  3 5,270 96
Surgeon's satisfaction on the use of invented needle magnet in reducing the risk of sharp injuries in the operating room
Hashem Rahmati, Farkhondeh Sharif, Mohammad Ali Davarpanah
May-June 2014, 55(3):220-223
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132044  
Background: Healthcare workers, especially operating room personnel, are at increased risk for sharps injury and transmission of blood-borne pathogens as a result of their occupation. Infection with these pathogens occurs mainly by percutaneous or mucocutaneous exposure to blood-borne pathogens. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using invented needle magnet in reducing the risk of sharp injuries in the operating room. Materials and Methods: The needle magnet device is consisted of three parts: a cap, a magnet and a metal container. It was invented by the authors for the first time in Iran. The average weight of this device is 200 g and it can be easily placed near the surgery field or on the myostand. It has magnetic properties that attracts the sharp pointed particles during surgery and preserve them in a protected space. The device was used in surgical field by 33 surgeons during 90 surgical operations. Then, the satisfaction of participants and effectiveness of the device in protection against sharps injury was evaluated by a questionnaire. Results: Thirty-one surgeons (94%) believed that needle magnet reduces dispersion of sharp instruments; 79% of the participants suggested that our device reduces sharps injury during operation; 29 surgeons (88%) intended to use this device during operation. Thus, the use of needle magnet within surgical field may reduce the chances of sharps injury during surgery. Conclusion: The use of needle magnet within surgical field reduces the chance of sharp injury during surgery and the surgeons were satisfied with its use.
  3 4,140 115
CASE REPORTS
Autosensitisation (Autoeczematisation) reactions in a case of diaper dermatitis candidiasis
Anca Chirac, Piotr Brzezinski, Anca E Chiriac, Liliana Foia, Tudor Pinteala
May-June 2014, 55(3):274-275
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132070  
Diaper dermatitis is the most common cutaneous diagnosis in infants. Most cases are associated with the yeast colonisation of Candida or diaper dermatitis candidiasis (DDC). It is an irritating and inflammatory acute dermatitis in the perineal and perianal areas resulting from the occlusion and irritation caused by diapers. Autoeczematization to a distant focus of dermatophyte infection very rarely presents as DDC. We present a 1-month-old boy with lesion on diaper area (gluteal area, perineum, groin and genitalia) and with clusters of pustules and vesicles on a large erythematous base over the dorsal area of both hands.
  2 6,091 81
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Assessment of dyslipidemia in pre-dialysis patients in south-west Nigeria
Effiong Ekong Akpan, Udeme Ekpenyong Ekrikpo, Emmanuel Edet Effa, Aniema Isaac Assam Udo, Solomon Kadiri
May-June 2014, 55(3):214-219
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132043  
Background: Majority of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are more likely to die of cardiovascular complications before reaching end stage renal disease. The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) recommends that all CKD patients should be evaluated for dyslipidemia and for treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional case control study to determine the frequency of occurrence of lipid abnormalities in patients with CKD and compare these abnormalities with that of normal controls. A total of 100 patients and 100 controls were recruited for the study. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using structured questionnaire. Weight, height and waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were also obtained. Subjects had their fasting lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose assayed after overnight fast of 8-14 hours. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was obtained using Friedwald formula. Result: The study revealed that total cholesterol (TC) was elevated above normal levels in 44% of cases compared with 6% in controls (P < 0.001), with the mean (SD) value of 5.82 ± 3.28 mmol/l for cases compared with 3.9 ± 1.0 mmol/l (P < 0.001) in controls. Low density lipoprotein was elevated in 48% of cases compared with 14% in controls (P < 0.001), with the mean (SD) values of 4.15 ± 2.74 mmol/l and 2.57 ± 0.95 mmol/l for cases and controls, respectively, (P < 0.001). Triglyceride (TG) was elevated above normal level in 26% of cases compared with none in the controls (P < 0.001), with the mean (SD) values of 1.41 ± 1.10 mmol/l and 0.64 ± 0.24 mmol/l for cases and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). All Lipid fractions except HDL also correlated significantly with levels of proteinuria TC (r = 0.345, P = 0.001), TG (r = 0.268, P = 0.011) LDL (r = 0.366, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is common among patients with CKD. Regular evaluation of all CKD patients for dyslipidemia and treatment need be instituted.
  2 4,908 115
CD4+ T Lymphocytes count in sickle cell anaemia patients attending a tertiary hospital
Omotola Toyin Ojo, Wuraola Adebola Shokunbi
May-June 2014, 55(3):242-245
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132058  
Background: Sickle cell haemoglobin (HbS) is the commonest abnormal haemoglobin and it has a worldwide distribution. Reports have shown that patients with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) have an increased susceptibility to infection leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Impaired leucocyte function and loss of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity are some of the mechanisms that have been reported to account for the immunocompromised state in patients with sickle cell disease. This study was carried out to determine the CD4+ T lymphocytes count in patients with sickle cell anaemia. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study of 40 sickle cell anaemia patients in steady state (asymptomatic for at least 4 weeks) attending haematology clinic and 40 age and sex-matched healthy HbA control were recruited into the study. Both HbS patients and the controls were HIV negative. The blood samples obtained were analyzed for CD4+ T cell by Flow cytometry. Results: The study found that there was no significant difference in the number of CD4+ T lymphocyte count between individuals with sickle cell anaemia and HbA (1016 ± 513 cells/μL vs 920 ± 364cells/μL). Conclusion: It is recommended that the functionality of CD4+ T lymphocyte should be considered rather than the number in further attempt to elucidate the cellular immune dysfunction in patients with sickle cell anaemia.
  2 4,457 91
REVIEW ARTICLE
Neonatal analgesia: A neglected issue in the tropics
Herbert A Obu, Josephat M Chinawa
May-June 2014, 55(3):183-187
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132034  
Pain control in newborns is poorly understood and often neglected in neonatal practice in many settings in our environment. Managing pain among newborns can be quite challenging and the effectiveness of various interventions used to ameliorate pain in this category of patients are either unknown or poorly understood by many a people engaged in the care of newborns in one way or the other. A search for published works on neonatal analgesia was performed using Google and PubMed. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was also searched. The areas of focus were definition, pathophysiology and management of pain in neonates. Relevant information was extracted and processed. Contrary to what is widely believed in many quarters, howbeit erroneously, there is compelling evidence that newborns do indeed feel pain. Supportive care, comprising of use of sucrose, glucose, breastfeeding, kangaroo mother care are worthwhile measures in ameliorating pain in the newborn. Novel therapies (such as sensorial saturation and swaddling) have been evaluated and proven useful. The use of sedation did not show any beneficial results.
  2 7,283 476
CASE REPORTS
Superficial ulnar artery: Clinical recommendations to avoid iatrogenic complications due to variation in arterial system
Abhijeet Ashok Salunke, Gurunathampalayam Ilango Nambi, Anant Dattatray Dhanwate, Hettige Amila Ruwan Prasad Siriwardana
May-June 2014, 55(3):276-277
DOI:10.4103/0300-1652.132071  
Superficial ulnar artery is an uncommon variation in which the ulnar artery is having its course superficial to the flexors of the forearm and may arise directly from axillary or brachial arteries. The proper understanding and knowledge of variation of arterial systems is helpful for judicious planning of various reconstructive procedures in oncological, orthopaedic and reconstructive surgeries. We present a case of variant course of ulnar artery which was noted during exploration of a right distal forearm wound. We suggest few clinical recommendations to avoid iatrogenic complications due to variation in arterial system.
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