African
Journals Online
Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine
Volume 3 Number
1, 2003
CONTENTS
The Biochemical Composition of the Breast Milk of Nigerian Mothers.
I.S.I Ogbu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science,
Faculty of Health Science and Technology,
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria,
Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
A
study was conducted to determine the biochemical composition of the
breast milk of Nigerian mothers of Igbo ethnic group. Apparently
healthy nursing mothers (157) aged between 20-40 yeas with parities
1-5 who were attending the 6-week postnatal clinics of the University
of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria were
systematically sampled for breast milk. The samples collected after
their babies had been fed for a while where analysed for
13-biochemical parameter using standard methods. The mean and range of
values were calculated and compared with reported values. The values
obtained for vitamin C,
3.0-6.0
(mean 5.1) mg/dl, sodium 12.0-36.0 mmol/l, urea, 3.0-8.0 mmol/l (mean
7.0) are higher while values for sugar, 35-64mmol/l (mean 52.0),
triglycerides 0.36-0.95 mmol/l (mean 0.63), creatinine 159-364µol/l
(mean 239), chloride, 4.4-10.6 mmol/l (mean 3.5) were lower than
published values. The values for total protein are most consistent
with published figures, while potassium and cholesterol values 12.7
and 4.0mmol/l respectively are similar to published values. The breast
milk of Nigerian mothers of Igbo ethnic extraction may not be said to
be richer or poorer in biochemical content than those of mothers
elsewhere. Surely the milk is good enough for the nourishment of their
infants.
Key
Words:
Biochemical composition, Breast milk, Mothers, Nigeria
The
Epidemiology of Pulmonary Paragonimiasis in Cross River Basin in
Nigeria: Update on infection prevalence and distribution
of the snail and crab intermediate hosts.
Asor, J.E 1. Ibanga,
E.S 2 and Arene, F.O. I 3
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of
Calabar,
Calabar, Nigeria
2 Department of Zoology, University of Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
3 Department of Zoology, University of Port Harcourt,
Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Abstract
Deep
sputum samples from 2400 school children aged 5-14 years old, in eight
districts in Cross river basin, Nigeria were examined for Paragonimus
ova. A total of 246 sites along streams and rivers including the Cross
River itself were also surveyed for snail and crab intermediate hosts
of Paragonimus, and their infection rates were determined. The
overall prevalence of pulmonary Paragonimus infection in
schoolchildren in the area was 14.4% (346/2400). Six foci of the
infection were identified at Oban, Ugep, Ikom, Obubra, Yala, and Ogoja
districts. The intensity of the infections (number of ova per 5ml.
Sputum) were generally low. Of the 346 infected school children, 249
(72.0%) had less than 50 ova of Paragonimus in 5ml sputum, and
74 (21.4%) had between 50 and 100 ova of Paragonimus in 5ml
sputum, while 23 (6.6%) had over 100 ova of Paragonimus in 5ml sputum.
Two snail hosts of Paragonimus were encountered in our survey.
These were Potadoma freethii and Afropomus balanoides. P.
freethii was more widely distributed than A. balanoides and
was the only snail species naturally infected with Paragonimus
(6.1%). Three crab species associated with Paragonimiasis transmission
were also collected. These were Sudanonautes aubryi, Sudanonautes
africanus and Sudanonautes pelli. These three crab species
were widely distributed in the basin. However, only S.
africanus (5.0%) was found to harbour Paragonimus infection. The
results of this study indicate the growing public health threat posed
by Paragonimiasis in Cross River basin in Nigeria. A combination of
chemotherapy, to bring relief to persons already afflicted by the
disease, and public health education related to Paragonimiasis
transmission to increase awareness of the infection in the area is
recommended as the best approach
to check the infection in the basin.
Key
Words:
Pulmonary Paragonimiasis, Cross River Basin, Distribution,
Intermediate Hosts, Prevalence
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and
Information
Management.
O.O.
Lawal
The University library
University of Calabar, Calabar.
Abstract
This
paper examines the establishment of the Nigerian National Health
Insurance Scheme
(NHIS)
in response to expressed need for improvement in Primary health care
delivery. The role of international agencies such as the World Health
Organization (WHO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in
providing support for the implementation of the NHIS objectives was
also analysed. Te study concludes by focusing on aspects of
information
management
on health services especially within the construct of Health Insurance
Scheme.
Key
Words:
Health Information Management, Health Insurance, Social Health System
Association
of Pulmonary Paragonimiasis with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Rural Yakurr Community in Cross River Basin, Nigeria.
Ibanga, E.S.1
Arene, F.O.I 2
and Asor, J.E. 3
1Department of Zoology, University of Uyo, Uyo,
Nigeria
2Department
of Zoology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
3Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Abstract
Pulmonary
tuberculosis and human Paragonimiasis coexist in communities in Cross
River Basin in Nigeria. In 1997, our unit surveyed the Yakurr
community in the basin to ascertain the prevalence of both
Paragonimiasis and active pulmonary tuberculosis in the community, and
to investigate whether there was association of Paragonimiasis with
tuberculosis in the community. Deep sputum samples from 1100 subjects
of the community were examined for prevalence of Paragonimus eggs
by the concentration method, as well as for Mycobacterium
tuberculosis by the Ziehl-Neelsen method.
The
subjects ranged in age between 5-68 years old, and were categorized
into eleven age groups (5-10, 11-16, 17-22, 23-28, 29-34, 35-40,
41-46, 47-52, 53-58, 59-64, and >
64). Both sexes were represented. Three sputum samples collected in
three consecutive days were examined. Mean prevalence rate of
Paragonimiasis in the community was 9.36% (203/1100). Highest
prevalence of the infection (19.00%) occurred in the 11-16 years age
group. Thereafter prevalence of the infection decreased to lower
levels in the older age group. Intensity of the infections were
generally low (< 20 eggs per 5ml sputum). Active pulmonary
tuberculosis was recorded in 20 (1.18%) of the 100 subjects
investigated, with peak prevalence (3.00%) among subjects between the
age of 23 and 34 years old. Paragonimus eggs and Mycobacterium
tuberculosis occurred concomitantly in 10 (0.91%) of the 1100
sputum samples examined. There was no significant association of
Paragonimiasis with tuberculosis in the community.
Key
Words:
Paragonimiasis, Tuberculosis, and Yakurr Community, Cross River Basin,
Nigeria
Paragonimus uterobilateralis:
Peak Period of Egg Output in Sputum of Infected Subjects in Cross
River Basin, Nigeria.
Asor, J.E.1 , Ibanga, E.S. 2, and Arene, F.O.I.3
1Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
2Department
of Zoology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
3Department
of Zoology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Abstract
This
study was designed to determine the peak period of excretion of eggs
of Paragonimus uterobilateralis in sputum of infected subjects
in the Cross River Basin in Nigeria. 120 subjects infected with P .uterobilateralis
from the basin where investigated. The subjects ranged from 5-56
years old and were categorized into 5 age groups. (5-10; 11-20; 21-30;
31-40; >40 years old ) Both sexes were represented. Twenty
four-hour sputum, collected at twenty four-hour intervals for three
consecutive days was examined microscopically for egg of Paragonimus.
It was found that quantity of egg in sputum of infected persons
was significantly higher between the hours of 5am to 9am than other
times. This was true in both males and females of all ages. The
finding suggests that sputum collected between this time range (05
hours - 09hours) will be meaningful in evaluating status of Paragonimus
infections in the area.
Key
Words:
Paragonimus uterobilateralis; Cross River Basin; Nigeria; peak
period, egg output;
sputum.
Urinary
Schistosomiasis in Two Endemic Communities of Cross River Basin:
Prevalence, Intensity, and Treatment
K.N. Opara1, H.C. Mbagwu2 , U.F. Ekpo3
1Department of
Zoology, University of Uyo, Uyo
2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Uyo,
Uyo
3Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of
Agriculture, Abeokuta
Abstract
We
diagnosed schistosomiasis due to S. haematobium in Obudu and Biase
Local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria, using the
membrane filtration technique. Altogether, 1,326 urine samples where
screened. Of the 722 individual urine screened in Biase, 444 (61.5%)
were positive cases, while in Obudu 354 (58.6%) were positive out of
the 604 subjects screened. Males from both communities had a higher
prevalence and intensity rate (P< 0.05) than Females. The relative
index of potential infection (RIPI) of each age group shows that 6-20
yeas of age contributed 84.22% and 87.4% of total contamination of the
environment with S. haematobium eggs in Biase and Obudu
respectively. Treatment with praziquantel (40mgkg-1)
of 80 randomly selected positive cases from both communities
showed a cure rate of 57.1-100% at 7-56 days after treatment.
Key
Words: Schistosoma haematobium, Cross
River Basin, Prevalence, Intensity, Praziquantel.
Chronic
Suppurative Osteomyelitis of the Jaws
A.E
Obiechina and A.O. Fasola
Department of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery
University College Hospital
P.M.B 5116. Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract
Sixty-four
patients treated at the University College Hospital, Ibadan were
analysed. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the duration and
sight distribution of CSO on the out come of treatment. The commonest
aetiological was dental abscess.
A total of 53 (82.8%) of the teeth associated with the
aetiology of CSO wee molar teeth. The duration of CSO ranged from 2 to
96months with a mean of 25.8, standard deviation 20.8 and median of
20. The mandible was involved in 59 (92.2%) and the maxilla in (5)
7.8% patients. The result suggest that the longer the duration of the
lesion, the greater the segments of the jaws to be affected
(P<0.05). It also implied that previous treatment received by the
patients were either inadequate or ineffective in inhibiting the
disease. Forty-seven (73.5%) of the site distribution were in segments
bearing the molar teeth or the segment of closest proximity. Teeth-
related aetiological factors were the major causes of CSO. The types
of surgery performed were sequestrectomy 26 (40.6%) and 38 (59.4%) had
decortication and saucerisation. In conclusion, the duration of CSO
and the site distribution affected treatment outcome. The longer the
duration of the lesion, the greater the probability of a less
favorable outcome of treatment. Furthermore, CSO affecting multiple
segments of the jaw was more difficult to treat than when a single
segment of the jaw was involved.
Key
Words: Osteomyelitis;
Suppurative, Chronic; Mandible; Maxilla; Jaw.
Penile Cancer in North- Eastern Nigeria
E.U Ajuluchukwu and Mustapha I. Khalil
Department of Surgery and Pathology,
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri,
Borno State
Abstract
Penile
cancer is a rare disease in Europe and America. In 1979, it formed
just 0.1% of Genito-Urinary Tract cancers in the Cancer Registry of
the University College Hospital Ibadan. A retrospective study was
carried out to analyze cases of carcinoma of the penis that was
presented at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) from
1991 to 1999. There were 19 cases, aged 25 – 90 years, with a mean
of 62.7 years. Almost all were in circumcised patients. The average
age at circumcision was 10.8 years. The average number of wives was
18.6. All has multiple sex partners apart from their many wives.
Venereal diseases were common among the sufferers. The duration of the
ailments was 3 months to 8 years. All but 2 tried concoctions from
traditional medicine men prior to a visit to our hospital. Ulcerated
penile masses of varied sizes, some mobile, some fungating and fixed,
were the main presenting complains. Some had excisional biopsies, some
partial or total penectomies, while the others had both penectomies
and orchidectomes. Histopathological reports confirmed squamous cell
carcinoma in all the cases. The postoperative results were good to
very good. The follow-up period was 2 to 12 months. Two had
recurrence, one almost immediately and the other 8 months post
surgery. Only one (5.3%), of the cases was not circumcised. Therefore,
the cause of the cancer must be sought in the multiple sex partners
with antecedent recurrent venereal diseases e.g. human Papilomavirus (HPV). Due to some factors such as embarrassment of the
problem and low socio-economic conditions, a good number of penile
cancers might go unreported.
Key
Words: Penis, Circumcision, Sexual Promiscuity
Sexual
Behaviour, Knowledge, and Information Sources about Sexually Transmitted
Diseases: Cases Study of Students in Ambrose Alli University
Ekpoma
R.I. Ogbimi
and N.N. Ajodi
Institute of Public Administration and Extension Services,
Ekehuan Campus, University of Benin, Benin City
Abstract
A
Survey of 202 final year students (114 females, 88 males) of Ambrose
Alli University, Ekpoma was conducted to determine gender-specific
differences in their knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs), sources of knowledge and sexual behaviours. Random sampling
procedures were used to select students from departments within the
various faculties. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to determine
their knowledge (symptoms and modes of transmission) of syphilis,
gonorrhea, and AIDS, their sexual experience with single or multiple
partners and the us of condoms. Sources of information evaluated
included the school system, mass media, religious groups, and the
family. Except for the increased level of awareness of gonorrhea among
males, respondents had inadequate knowledge of other STDs. The
prevalence of sexual experience was comparable in males (84.1%) and
females 81.6% (P<0.05); the frequency of condom use by them was low
(34.3%). Intensified health education through their favourite
information sources is recommended.
Key
Words: Sexual
behaviours, students, knowledge, sexually transmitted diseases.
Prevalence
of Bacteria in Diabetics and Non-Diabetics
N.
Frank-Peterside and M.B.O Ayodele
Department of
Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Port-Harcourt,
P.M.B 5323, Choba, Rivers State
Abstract
The
study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bacteriuria in
diabetic and non-diabetic patients attending the University of
Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital and the Diabetic Association of
Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter. A total of 257 (132 diabetic and 125
non-diabetic) mid-stream urine samples were collected and cultured on
cystine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar medium using the
standard wire loop technique. Forty-nine (37.2%) of the non-diabetics
had significant bacteriuria. Among diabetics 32 (65.31%) females and
17 (34.69%) males had significant bacteriuria while 15 (68.25%)
females and 7 (31.75%) males in non-diabetics had significant
bacteriuria .In both groups studied, the incidence of significant
bacteriuria was highest in the age range of 18-39 years for both
groups, 55.11% in the diabetics and 68.25% in non-diabetics.
Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most
frequently isolated bacteria in the two groups, statistical analysis
showed a significant prevalence of bacteriuria in diabetics compared
with non-diabetics (P<0.05).
Key
words:
Bacteriuria, Diabetics, Non-Diabetics, Age, Sex
A-V
Fistulae from Arrow Injuries: A Report of Two Cases
E.U.
Ajuluchukwu, M.I. Khalil, & I.M. Umar
Department of Surgery, Pathology, and Radiology,
College
of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri
Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri,
Maiduguri, Nigeria
Abstract
Feathered
arrows, representing some of the primeval weapons of man are still
being used as violent weapons for settling disputes. Seventeen various
cases of cardio-vascular injuries caused by arrow shots were recorded
at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) from 1994 to
1998. Of these, one involved the temporal vessels, which led to a
temporo-temporal A-V fistula causing the patient continuous noisy
headache. The late complication was only recognized about two years
post injury. Another arrow shot injury involved femoral vessels and
resulted in femoro-femoral A-V fistula, which came to be recognized
four yeas post injury. The thigh fistula caused cardio-pulmonary
decompensation.
The
two patients had undergone alternative treatments between orthodox
medical practitioners and medicine men both in Nigeria and some other
West African countries, prior to presentation at UMTH. Successful
surgical vascular repairs restored normal health conditions to the
patients. Vascular complications of any missile injury should be
recognized early so as to prevent serious complications.
Key
Words: Arrow,
Cardio-vascular, A-V Fistula
Molecular
Identification of Anopheles gambiae Complex Found in Calabar, Using the Polymerase Chain
Reaction Technique
Alaribe,
A.A.A. 1, G.C Ejezie 2 and E.N.U.
Ezedinachi 3
1,2Department of
Microbiology/Parasitology,
University
of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
3Department
of Medicine, University of Calabar
Abstract
Fifty-three
Anopheles species identified morphologically were subjected to the
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for species differentiation
within the Anopheles gambiae complex, using five primers in the
PCR mix. Thirty-three of these were identified as members of
An. gambiae complex. Out of this number 31 (93.9%) were
identified as An. gambiae s.s while 2 (6.1%) were identified as
An. arabiensis. The high numbers of unidentified species 20
(37.7%) show that the non-gambiae species in the environment is
relatively high. This work has shown that An. gambiae is the
predominant species of malaria vector in the Calabar area of the
country.
Key
Words: Sibling
species, An gambiae complex, polymerase chain reaction
Blood
Concentrations of Methaemoglobin, Carboxyhaemoglobin and some
Haematological
parameters in Petrol Station Attendants in Enugu
Metropolis.
S.O. Ureme 1, I.G. Maduka 2 & G.A
Azubuike 3
1 Dept. of Medical Lab Science
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria
Enugu
Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
2 Dept.
of Chemical Pathology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
Enugu, Nigeria
3 Dept. of Haematology and Immunology
University
of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
Enugu,
Nigeria
Abstract
Concentration
of methaemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin in blood and some
haematological parameters wee studied in fifty petroleum attendants in
Enugu metropolis. The age range of the subjects (30 males and 20
females) and controls (12 males and 10 females) was 23-60 years. The
purpose of the study was to determine if exposure to petrol fumes has
any adverse effect on haemoglobin metabolism and haematological
parameter. Methaemoglobin and carboxy-haemoglobin were determined by
the method of Dacie and Lewis (1994) while the method of Bain (1994)
was adopted for haemoglobin parameters. The mean results showed no
significant difference in methaemoglobin, haemoglobin, packed cell
volume and reticulocyte count (P>0.05) while a significant
difference (P>0.05) was recorded in carboxyhaemoglobin of test and
control subjects. The results suggest that exposure to petrol fumes
may increase blood concentration of carboxyhaemoglobin but may affect
methaemoglobin and haematological parameters.
Key
words:
Methaemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin, haematological parameters
Safety Considerations in the Management Of Hospital-Generated
Wastes in
University of
Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.
1Asuquo,
A.E., 1Epoke J., 1Kalu N.M. and 2Aniah
E.J.
1Department
of Medical Microbiology,
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
2Environmental
Protection and Resource Management Programme,
University
of Calabar, Nigeria
Abstract
One
hundred and twenty one hospital workers were studied to assess their
compliance with standard methods of handling and disposing hospital
generated wastes. One group comprised of 20 doctors, 22 nurses and 16
laboratory scientists who made up 58 waste generators.
Another
group included 30 ward orderlies and 33 cleaners making up 63 workers
who serve as waste managers. Questionnaires, random personal
observation and brief intercept studies were used to assess compliance. The study revealed that 30.6% of
the workers studied did not wear any form of protective clothing
during work. Neither waste generators nor managers segregated wastes
into infectious and non-infectious components while sterilization of
waste material was not done before disposal. More enlightenment and
greater supervision of hospital waste managers is hereby advocated.
This will reduce nosocomial infections for health personnel and save
the general public from environmental health hazard emanating from
improperly managed infectious wastes.
Key
Words:
Hospital-generated wastes, Management, Safety considerations
Antibiotic
Misuse among High School Students in Calabar Nigeria
Asuquo,
A.E., Epoke J., and Asuquo E.E.
Department
of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
College
of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar
Calabar
Nigeria.
Abstract
Five
hundred and sixty high school students from five secondary schools in
Calabar, Nigeria were studied for antibiotic usage. Questionnaires
where administered to determine the following parameters: Knowledge of
antibiotics, types of infections for which antibiotics were taken,
sources of prescription and procurement of antibiotics, antibiotic
dosage and first part of call on taking ill. Analysis of responses
using Chi Square showed that the most patronized sources of
antibiotics where patent medicine dealers (36%) and friends/relations
(32.5%). Procurement of antibiotics from these sources was
significantly higher than procurement from hospitals, clinics, and
pharmacies (P=0.05). Antibiotic usage by today’s high school
students portends gross misuse with consequent great public health
threats in the future. There is need for urgent measures to stem the
trend. Definite antibiotic policies
must be established to prevent the great ease of procuring
antibiotics without prescription from unqualified medical personnel.
Key
Words: Antibiotics,
Misuse, Students
The
Prevalence of Filariasis in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government
Area
of Cross River State-Nigeria.
S.S
Akpan1 and G.C Ejezie2
1Department
of Microbiology and Parasitology
University
of Calabar Teaching Hospital
P.M.B
1278, Calabar-Nigeria
2Department
of Microbiology and Parasitology
College
of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar
P.M.B.
1115, Calabar-Nigeria.
Abstract
The
prevalence of Filariasis in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, was
studied among 303 residents of the community between July 2000 and
June 2001. Venous blood specimens collected from the residents after a
Mazzotti test, were examined using standard parasitological
techniques
for the presence of microfilariae. A questionnaire, which set out to
test the perception and rapid epidemiological assessment of Filariasis
in the area was administered to the study population. The overall
prevalence rate for filaraemia was 25.7%. Two species of microfilariae,
viz Mansonella perstans and Loa loa were detected, with
prevalence rates of 96.2% and 3.8% respectively. Filaraemia was higher
in males 33.9% (61:180) than in females 13.8% (17:123). However the
difference was not statistically significant (x2 =0.75
<6.64; P>0.01). Only 41(13.5%) of the respondents knew of
Filariasis as a parasitic disease, but none of them had knowledge of
the causative agents and the insect vectors involved in the
transmission of the disease. A total 495 female Culicoides (midges),
800 anopheline and 1772 culicine mosquitoes where caught and dissected
for the third stage lava of filarial worms. The disease transmission
occurred through out the year with an abundance of Culicoides (midges)
recorded in June, when the peak transmission of Filariasis (mansonelliasis)
also occurred. Although the pathogenicity of Mansonella perstans
is still doubtful, the presence of Loa loa in Awi makes the
community epidemiologically important as a focus for the spread of
infection to Calabar. Treatment
of properly diagnosed cases, medical education, provision of
insecticide, treated bed net and improved housing will help to curtail
the transmission of Filariasis in the area.
Key
Words: Filariasis,
Prevalence, Mansonelliasis, Loiasis.
Masses
in the Neck: A Histopathological Analysis of 213 Cases
In
South Eastern, Nigeria
I.A.
Ekanem1, and B.A. Abimiku2
1Department
of Pathology
University
of Calabar Teaching Hospital and
College
of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar
Calabar,
Nigeria.
Abstract
Fifty
nine percent of the neck masses in the University of Calabar Teaching
Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria are caused by lymphoid tissues. Thyroid
masses and congenital cysts account for the remaining 41%. Under the
age of 20, malignant lymphomas (particularly Hodgkin’s disease) are
common while those aged over 20 years, metastatic tumors are more
frequent. Malignancies account for 25% of neck masses diagnosed
histologically. Childhood tuberculosis remains the commonest cause of
lymphadenopathy in this age group. 9% of patients with neck swellings
in their adolescent and early adulthood suffered from tuberculosis.
The reason for this unusual presentation in an area of high prevalence
rate of tuberculosis is not clear and is worthy of further
investigation. It may well represent an upsurge of the fatal human
immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) infection in its prodromal stage.
Goitres and adenomas still remain the exclusive diseases of he adult
females while in males malignant thyroid epithelial tumors are more
common than benign tumors. Non-specific
Reactive
lymphoid changes are not as common as earlier reported in Ibadan. This
original study from South Eastern Nigeria hopes to be of both clinical
and epidemiological relevance in patient management.
Key
Words: Neck
swellings, Histopathology, Diagnosis.
Restoration
of Functions in Children after Ano-Rectal Surgery
A.E
Archibong
Pediatric
Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery
College
of Medical Sciences
University
of Calabar
Calabar,
Nigeria
Abstract
Operations
on congenital anomaly in early childhood frequently cause
complications leading to functional disturbances such as faecal
incontinence, constipation, and anal stenosis. The age of maximum
presentation was within the 6-10 years age bracket, when the children
are away from the home environment apparently because of societal
embarrassment. Boys and girls are afflicted in equal proportions.
Complications form anal agenesis operations accounted for the majority
of patients 45 children (54%) while aganglionic megacolon accounted
for 39 patients (46%). Treatment in all cases started conservatively
with diet manipulations, enema and physiotherapeutic training.
However, with non-improvement in faecal soilage, a simple repair
involving a narrowing at the ano-rectal junction was carried out. In a
follow up period of between 6-12months, 45 children had satisfactory
clinical conditions while in 27 children their general condition had
improved.
Key
Words:
Complications, Ano-Rectal, Abnormalities, Operation.
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