Showing papers in "The Journal of medical research in 2006"

Presentation and outcome of eclampsia in Uyo, South-South Nigeria

Abstract: Background : Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) is a new hospital and the only functioning tertiary health facility in Awka Ibom State. Objective : To establish the incidence of eclampsia, identify the sociodemographic predisposing factors, clinical presentation, maternal and perinatal outcome with the aim of standardizing the management of this condition. Materials and Methods : The case records of patients with eclampsia managed at UUTH between 1 st January 2000 and December 31 st 2004 were analysed and relevant information extracted. Results : There were 3,716 deliveries within this period, 37 of which were complicated by eclampsia. Only 60 cases were retrieved for analysis. The incidence of eclampsia was 19.6 per 1000 deliveries and the maternal mortality rate was 6,800/100, 00. Majority of the eclamptics 61.7% were unbooked patients and 46.7% of the cases occurred in the antenatal period. Nulliparous women constituted 53.3% of the patients, 56.7% were twenty-five years of age and below and 86.7% had low formal education. Thirty patients (50.0%) had been to spiritual churches prior to arrival to hospital. Caesarean deliveries occurred in 63.3% and the perinatal mortality rate was 307/1,000 live births. Conclusion : The associated high morbidity and mortality can be reduced by the improved utilization of antenatal care facilities, timely referrals and the inclusion of efficacious protocols of management. Keywords : eclampsia, outcome, spiritual churches, Uyo Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 9(2) 2005: 9-11

Splenic conservation in children with splenic injury at Nnewi - South Eastern Nigeria: a ten year audit

Abstract: Background : The spleen is commonest organ injured in blunt abdominal trauma both in adults and in children. With increasing sophistication and modern means of transportation: the number of children sustaining blunt injury to the abdomen is increasing. Hitherto, the mode of treatment has been towards resuscitation and splenectomy but over the past one and half decades, the trend moved to conserve. Objective : We therefore review the management of splenic injuries in children over the past ten years as well as highlight management problems. Patients and Methods : Case notes of all splenic injuries of patients aged 15 yrs and below from 1 st July 1992 to 30 th June 2002 were reviewed. Parameters analysed were; age, sex, mode of injury, grade of surgeon; mode of treatment and outcome of treatment. Results : There were 23 cases; 14 males and 9 females. Seven had grade 1-2 injuries while 16 had grades 3-5 injuries. Four had successful conservation therapy. While 15 had, splenectomy and one died before operation. There were three negative laparatomies. Three patients had postoperative wound sepsis and none had postoperative band. One failed conservation had a re-operation and eventual splenectomy. Conclusion : Splenic conservation is feasible in a developing country like ours but the challenges are enormous and problems abound. Improvement of facilities and establishment of peadiatric trauma units will ease mush of the problems. Keywords : splenic, conservation therapy, children Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 9(2) 2005: 14-16