Does the use of antenatal corticosteroids reduce respiratory morbidity in babies born in late preterm period?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of antenatal corticosteroid in reducing respiratory morbidity in babies born in the late preterm period. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-six pregnant women at risk of having a late preterm delivery were studied. One hundred and forty-three (143) served as the cases and were given 2 doses of 12 mg intramuscular dexamethasone 12 h apart, while 143 served as the controls and were given a similar quantity of placebo. The women were followed up prospectively and data were collected on the pregnant women and their newborns on a standardized form. The neonates were assessed for acute respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn based on clinical signs, symptoms, and chest x-ray results (when indicated). The primary outcome was the occurrence of neonatal respiratory morbidity. RESULTS: The primary outcome occurred in 5 out of 130 infants (3.8%) in the dexamethasone group and 31 out of 122 (25.4%) in the placebo group (P value = 0.000003). Birth asphyxia, neonatal intensive care admission and need for active resuscitation at birth also occurred significantly less frequently in the dexamethasone group (P value 0.004, 0.009, 0.014 respectively). There were no significant group differences in the incidence of neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice, hypoglycemia and feeding difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of dexamethasone to women at risk for late preterm delivery significantly reduced the rate of neonatal respiratory complications, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and need for active resuscitation at birth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PACTR ( www.pactr.org ) Registration Number: PACTR202304579281358. The study was retrospectively registered on April 19, 2023.

Prenatal anaemia and risk of postpartum haemorrhage: a cohort analysis of data from the Predict-PPH study.

BACKGROUND: Most previous clinical studies investigating the connection between prenatal anaemia and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) have reported conflicting results. OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between maternal prenatal anaemia and the risk of PPH in a large cohort of healthy pregnant women in five health institutions in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort analysis of data from the Predict-PPH study that was conducted between January and June 2023. The study enrolled n = 1222 healthy pregnant women giving birth in five hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. The study outcome, WHO-defined PPH, is postpartum blood loss of at least 500 milliliters. We used a multivariable logistic regression model with a backward stepwise conditional approach to examine the association between prenatal anaemia of increasing severity and PPH while adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS: Of the 1222 women recruited to the Predict-PPH study between January and June 2023, 1189 (97·3%) had complete outcome data. Up to 570 (46.6%) of the enrolled women had prenatal anaemia while 442 (37.2%) of those with complete follow-up data had WHO-defined PPH. After controlling for potential confounding factors, maternal prenatal anaemia was independently associated with PPH (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.79). However, on the elimination of interaction effects of coexisting uterine fibroids and mode of delivery on this association, a sensitivity analysis yielded a lack of significant association between prenatal anaemia and PPH (adjusted odds ratio = 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.64). We also recorded no statistically significant difference in the median postpartum blood loss in women across the different categories of anaemia (P = 0.131). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that prenatal anaemia was not significantly associated with PPH. These findings challenge the previously held belief of a suspected link between maternal anaemia and PPH. This unique evidence contrary to most previous studies suggests that other factors beyond prenatal anaemia may contribute more significantly to the occurrence of PPH. This highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment and consideration of various maternal health factors in predicting and preventing this life-threatening obstetric complication.

A decennial cross-sectional review of assisted reproductive technology in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends that Assisted Reproductive Technology be complementary to other ethically acceptable solutions to infertility. Whereas fertility centres are increasing in number in urban regions of Africa, published reports of their performance are sparse. We present a 10-year review of assisted reproductive technology performed in a public tertiary centre in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a hospital-based, retrospective, cross-sectional review of 604 women, over a 10-year period that had in-vitro fertilization or in-vitro fertilization with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection at the Institute of Fertility Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Data obtained were expressed in descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation was used to determine the strength of linear relationship between two continuous variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was of 37.7 ± 6.2 years and 89.7% had no previous parous experience. About 27.2% of the male partners had normal seminal fluid parameters while 4.6% had azoospermia. Median serum follicle stimulating hormone of the women was 8.1 IU/L and median serum anti-mullerian hormone was 6.3 pmol/L. There was weak positive correlation between age and serum follicle stimulating hormone (r = 0.306, p < 0.001); weak negative correlation between age and serum anti-mullerian hormone (r = -0.48, p < 0.001) and very weak correlation between body mass index and serum follicle stimulating hormone (r = 0.173, p = 0.011). In-vitro fertilization and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection was the method of fertilization used in 97.4% of the cases and 81.8% of embryos formed were of good quality. Most women (94.5%) had 2 embryos transferred and 89.9% had day-5 embryo transfer done. About 1 in 4 of the women (143/604, 23.7%) had clinical pregnancy and 49.7% of women who got pregnant had delivery of a live baby at term while 11.9% had preterm delivery of a live baby. CONCLUSION: Despite increasing use and success of assisted reproductive technology in south-western Nigeria, there is room for improvement in clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates post- assisted reproductive technology. Complication rates are desirably low.

Prior childbirth experience and attitude towards subsequent vaginal birth after one caesarean delivery in Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Prior caesarean delivery (CD) impacts CD rates in many parts of the world. In low and middle-income countries, few women attempt a trial of labour after caesarean delivery (TOLAC) due to inadequate resources for safe vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC). The CD rates continue to rise as more women undergo repeat CD. In Nigeria, VBAC rate is low and the contribution of women's prior childbirth experiences and delivery wishes to this situation deserves further investigation. This study examined the parturient factor in the low VBAC rate to recommend strategies for change. OBJECTIVE: To describe prior caesarean-related childbirth experiences and attitudes towards subsequent vaginal birth in pregnant women with one previous CD. METHOD: This cross-sectional study of antenatal clinic attendees in a tertiary hospital employed the convenience sampling method to recruit 216 consenting women with one previous CD. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on participants' prior caesarean-related birth experiences, attitudes to vaginal birth in the index pregnancy, future delivery intentions and eventual delivery route. Univariate and bivariate analyses compared delivery wishes based on CD type. SPSS version 22.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The modal maternal and gestational age groups were 30-39 years (68.1%) and 29-34 weeks (49.1%) respectively; majorities (60.6%) were secundigravida; 61.6% experienced labour before their CDs while 76.9% had emergency CDs. Complications were documented in 1.4% and 11.1% of mothers and babies respectively. Ninety percent reported a satisfactory overall childbirth experience. A majority (83.3%) preferred TOLAC in the index pregnancy because they desired natural childbirth while 16.7% wanted a repeat CD due to the fear of fetal-maternal complications. The previous CD type and desire for more babies were significantly associated with respondents' preferred mode of delivery (p = 0.001 and 0.023 respectively). Women with previous emergency CD were more likely to prefer vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal women prefer TOLAC in subsequent pregnancies despite prior satisfactory caesarean-related birth experiences. Adoption of TOLAC in appropriately selected cases will impact women's psyche positively and reduce CD rate.

Caesarean delivery-related blood transfusion: correlates in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean delivery carries a risk of major intra-operative blood loss and its performance is often delayed by non-availability of blood and blood products. Unnecessary cross-matching and reservation of blood lead to apparent scarcity in centres with limited supply. This study set out to identify the risk factors for blood transfusion in women who underwent caesarean delivery at a tertiary obstetric unit with a view to ensuring efficient blood utilization. METHODS: A prospective cohort analysis of 906 women who had caesarean deliveries at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between January and December, 2011. A comparison was made between 188 women who underwent blood transfusion and 718 who did not. Data were obtained on a daily basis by investigators from patients, clinical notes and referral letters using structured pre-tested data collecting form. Socio-demographic characteristics; antenatal, perioperative and intraoperative details; blood loss; transfusion; and puerperal observations were recorded. EPI-Info statistical software version 3.5.3 was used for multivariable analysis to determine independent risk factors for blood transfusion. RESULTS: Of the 2134 deliveries during the study period, 906 (42.5%) had caesarean deliveries and of which 188 (20.8%) were transfused. The modal unit of blood transfused was 3 pints (41.3%). The most common indication for caesarean section was cephalo-pelvic disproportion (25.7%).The independent risk factors for blood transfusion at caesarean section were second stage Caesarean Section (aOR = 76.14, 95% CI = 1.25-4622.06, p = 0.04), placenta previa (aOR = 32.57, 95% CI = 2.22-476.26, p = 0.01), placental abruption (aOR = 25.35, 95% CI = 3.06-211.02, p < 0.001), pre-operative anaemia (aOR = 12.15, 95% = CI 4.02-36.71, p < 0.001), prolonged operation time (aOR = 10.72 95% CI = 1.37-36.02, p < 0.001), co-morbidities like previous uterine scar (aOR = 7.02, 95% CI = 1.37-36.02, p = 0.02) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (aOR = 5.19, 95% CI = 1.84-14.68, p < 0.001). Obesity reduced the risk for blood transfusion (aOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09-0.61, p = 0.0024). CONCLUSION: The overall risk of blood transfusion in cesarean delivery is high. Paturients with the second stage Caesarean section, placenta previa, abruptio placentae and preoperative maternal anaemia have an increased risk of blood transfusion. Hence, adequate peri-operative preparations for blood transfusion are essential in these situations. Optimizing maternal hemoglobin concentration during antenatal period may reduce the incidence of caesarean-associated blood transfusion.

Complicated unsafe abortion in a Nigerian teaching hospital: pattern of morbidity and mortality.

Addressing unsafe abortion in developing countries may propel a rapid decline in overall maternal death. A retrospective review of patients with complicated unsafe abortion was conducted in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. In order to provide evidence that may inform policy changes, we describe patients' clinical profiles, abortion providers, and morbidity and mortality patterns. Of 3122 gynaecological admissions, 231 (7.4%) had unsafe abortion-related complications. The majority (53.2%) of admissions were between 16 and 25 years. Single women constituted 51% while 57% were nulliparous. Common presentations were abdominal pain (62%), fever (54%) and vaginal bleeding (53%). The most frequent complications were anaemia (55%) and retained products of conception (47%). Doctors reportedly performed 42% of abortions. There were 392 maternal mortalities; 39 (9.9%) from unsafe abortions and sepsis was responsible in 31 (80%) patients. Abortion remains a major public health issue. Youths are mostly involved. Doctors were reportedly the highest abortion providers. Mortality is high, occurring mostly from sepsis. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Doctors are reported as being involved in a high proportion of unsafe abortions in low and middle income countries where abortion remains a significant contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity. What the results of this study add? Our study agrees with existing literature that doctors reportedly performed most of the unsafe abortions. It also found that doctors were reported as abortion providers in the majority (35.9%) of those unsafe abortions that ended in mortality. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? There is a need to conduct studies that will verify the status of abortion providers rather than rely on clients' report; and also inspect facilities to confirm adherence to minimum medical standards. Such research findings will be needed prior to local and possibly national healthcare interventions and policy changes.

Caesarean section--an appraisal of some predictive factors in Lagos Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Several maternity units in the developing world lack facilities for caesarean section and often have to transfer patients in extremis. This case controlled study aimed to appraise predictive factors for caesarean section. METHODS: One hundred and fifty two consecutive women with singleton pregnancies who had caesarean section were studied. The next parturient with normal delivery served as control. Variables such as age, parity, marital status, booking status, past obstetric history, weight, height, infant birth weight were assessed. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS 16.0 Windows package. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 641 deliveries with 257 of them by caesarean section (40.1%).Logistic regression analysis showed that parity, booking status, maternal height; maternal weight, birth weight, previous caesarean section and ante-partum bleeding were significant predictive factors for caesarean section while maternal age was not. CONCLUSIONS: These predictive factors should be considered in antenatal counseling to facilitate acceptance by at risk women and early referral.

Sexual assault in Lagos, Nigeria: a five year retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Cases of sexual assault are increasingly reported. However, Nigerian researchers have not given adequate attention to this subject despite its attendant social, physical and psychological consequences.This study assessed survivors' characteristics, circumstances of assault and treatment offered with a view to reducing the incidence as well as improving evaluation and management. METHODS: A retrospective review of survivors' case records at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, between January 2008 and December 2012. Data was analysed using the Epi-info 3.5 statistical software of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta U S A. RESULTS: Of the 39,770 new gynaecological cases during this period, 304 were alleged sexual assault giving an incidence of 0.76% among hospital gynaecological consultations. Only 287 case notes had sufficient information for statistical analysis. Of these, 83.6% were below 19 years, 73.1% knew their assailants (majority were neighbours), most assaults (54.6%) occurred in the neighbours' homes and over 60% of victims presented after 24 hours of assault. Although 77.3% were assaulted at daytime, teenagers were likely to be raped during the day and non-teenagers at night (P < 0.001). Threat and physical violence were mostly used to overcome victims. Seventy three point six percent had Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening with one positive at onset. Post Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV was given in 29.4% of those eligible and emergency contraception in 22.4% of post-menarcheal victims (n = 125). There were neither referrals for psychotherapy nor forensic specimen collected. No record of post-assault conception or HIV infection was found during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents remain the most vulnerable requiring life skills training for protection. Survivors delay in presenting for care. Therefore, public enlightenment on the benefits of early interventions and comprehensive care of survivors with the use of standardized protocols are recommended.

Attitude to cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus testing experience in self-sampled Nigerian women.

Background: Cervical cancer is a disease of major public health significance which can be prevented by adequate screening. Objective: This study assessed the level of cervical cancer knowledge, attitude to screening and human papillomavirus testing experience in women who self-sampled for cervical cancer screening. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 790 women that had human papilloma virus (HPV) testing at the gynae-oncology unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Participants were assessed of their cervical cancer screening knowledge, attitude and HPV testing experience. High risk HPV (hr-HPV) nucleic acid testing was funded by the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Results: Majority (76.71%) of the respondents exhibited a high level of knowledge of cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors and prevention; and a positive experience with HPV self-sampling reported in 98.1%. hr-HPV positive rate was 13.4%. The most common reason (43%) for not having a cervical screening done was lack of a doctor's request. The most commonly known method of cervical screening by the respondents was Pap Smear test (55.31%). Conclusion: There is need for more education to improve the level of awareness and uptake of hr-HPV testing for cervical cancer in Lagos. Health care providers are not offering cervical cancer screening enough and this needs to be explored more in future studies.

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of HE4 with CA125 and validation of the ROMA index in differentiating malignant and benign epithelial ovarian tumours among patients in Lagos, Nigeria.

This prospective cross-sectional study compared the diagnostic accuracy of human epididymal protein 4 (HE4) with cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) and validates the risk of malignancy algorithm (ROMA) in differentiating benign from malignant ovarian tumours. The study population included 112 women with an ultrasound diagnosis of an adnexal mass, out of whom 49 women had a diagnosis of ovarian cancer following optimal debulking surgery, and 63 women had a diagnosis of benign ovarian tumour. All diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological analysis. Serum HE4 and CA 125 were assessed preoperatively according to the manufacturer's instructions. CA 125 and HE4 cut-offs were 35 U/mL and 70 pM/L respectively. Serum CA 125 and HE4 were significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients compared to those with benign ovarian tumours (p < 0.001 and p < 0.000, respectively). HE4 had higher sensitivity (77.5% versus 69.4%), specificity (96.8% versus 82.5%), positive predictive value (PPV) (95% versus 75.6%) and negative predictive value (84.7% versus 77.6%) than CA 125. When the two markers were combined with each other in the ROMA index, Specificity and PPV reached 100% each. In the receiver operative characteristics analysis, the area under the curve for CA 125 was 0.679 (95% CI 0.566-0.791, p = 0.001), HE4 was 0.845 (95% CI 0.760-0.930, p = 0.000) and ROMA was 0.902 (95% CI 0.851-0.998, p = 0.000) and this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusively, HE4 performed better than CA 125 in differentiating benign from malignant ovarian tumours and the combination of the two biomarkers improved the detection of ovarian cancer. In addition, the cut off values corresponding to the highest accuracy for CA 125 and HE4 were 126 U/mL and 42 pM/L respectively in this study. The value for CA 125 is much higher while that of HE4 is much lower than the reference values obtained predominantly from the white population.

Patients' Perception of the Quality of Gynecological Services in a Tertiary Public Health Facility in Lagos, Nigeria.

To facilitate improvements in health service delivery, patients' satisfaction with gynecological services was assessed at a tertiary hospital. Five hundred gynecological care-seekers who presented for outpatient consultation, inpatient care, or theatre procedures had face-to-face interviews using close-ended questionnaires. The assessment encompassed hospital ambience, healthcare providers' attitude, waiting time, duration of consultation among others. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed with SPSS 22.0 software. Mean age was 37.8 ± 10.9 years; 319(63.8%) had tertiary education; 81(16.2%) and 82(16.4%) had inpatient and theatre care, respectively; 233(46.6%) were managed for infertility. One in five respondents reported delayed retrieval of medical records (20.8%), dissatisfaction with hospital meals (22.2%) and 31.6% were displeased with waiting time. Overall, 92.7%, 74.2%, and 66.7% of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with theatre, outpatient, and inpatient care, respectively. Age and education were significantly associated with outpatient satisfaction level (P = .015; P < .001 respectively). Though the majority expressed satisfaction with the quality of care, outpatients' waiting time was considered lengthy. We recommend a detailed appraisal of outpatient routines and periodic evaluation of gynecological services.

Non puerperal uterine inversion due to submucous fibroid: a case report.

An unusual case of non-puerperal uterine inversion is presented. The patient, a 37 year old multipara who had been earlier diagnosed with uterine fibroids, subsequently developed a protrusion from the vagina having declined surgery. The mass had become necrotic and infected at the time of presentation. Uterine inversion was diagnosed clinically and further confirmed at surgery where a vaginal hysterectomy was carried out. Uterine inversion is a rare condition not encountered by most gynaecologists. Diagnosis and treatment could thus be challenging. The literature on non-puerperal uterine inversion regarding the evaluation and management is reviewed.

Effects of selenium supplementation on pregnancy outcomes and disease progression in HIV-infected pregnant women in Lagos: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of selenium supplementation on pregnancy outcomes and disease progression among HIV-infected pregnant women in Lagos. METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted among HIV-positive pregnant women between September 2018 and August 2019. At enrollment, 90 women were randomly assigned into each treatment arm to receive either a daily tablet of 200 µg elemental selenium or a placebo. Relevant participants' sociodemographic and clinical data were collected at enrollment and delivery. RESULTS: Women in the selenium arm had a significantly lower risk of preterm delivery (relative risk [RR] 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.96) and a non-significant reduction in the risk of delivering term neonates with a low delivery weight (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.05-1.19). Supplemental selenium does not increase the risk of perinatal death and adverse drug events. CONCLUSION: The study reported a beneficial effect of prenatal selenium supplements on the risk of preterm delivery with no further reduction in risk among HIV-infected women who used the supplements for more than 14 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201809756724274).

Evaluation of blood reservation and use for caesarean sections in a tertiary maternity unit in south western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhage from obstetric causes is the most common cause of maternal mortality in the developing world. Prevention of mortality from haemorrhage will necessarily involve prompt blood transfusions among other life saving measures. There are however limited stocks of fresh or stored blood in many health care facilities in Sub Saharan Africa. Caesarean section has been identified as a common indication for blood transfusion in obstetrics practice and its performance is often delayed by non availability of blood in our centre. An evaluation of blood reservation and use at caesarean sections in a tertiary maternity unit in Lagos, south western Nigeria should therefore assist in formulating the most rational blood transfusion policies. METHODS: Case records of 327 patients who had elective and emergency caesarian sections at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between 1st October and 31st December 2007 were reviewed. Data pertaining to age, parity, booking status, type and indication for Caesarean section, pre- and post-operative packed cell volume, blood loss at surgery, units of blood reserved in the blood bank, unit(s) of blood transfused and duration of hospital stay was extracted and the data analysed. RESULTS: There were 1056 deliveries out of which 327 (31%) were by Caesarean section. During the study period, a total of 654 units of blood were reserved in the blood bank and subsequently made available in theatre. Out of this number, only 89 (13.6%) were transfused to 41 patients. Amongst those transfused, twenty-six (54%) were booked and 31 (75.6%) had primary caesarian section. About 81% of those transfused had emergency caesarean section. The most common indication for surgery among those transfused were placenta praevia (9 patients with 21 units of blood) and cephalo-pelvic disproportion (8 patients with 13 units). CONCLUSION: Even though a large number of units of blood was reserved and made available in the theatre at the time of operation, majority of the patients operated did not need blood transfusion. Provision of a mini- blood bank within the obstetric unit and careful patient categorization will ensure timely availability of blood for surgery without necessarily tying down stock in the central blood bank.

Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria, and the possible implications for hepatitis B prevention in the country. DESIGN: Prospective case control study. SETTING: Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. METHODS: Between 1 August 2006 and 31 January 2007, risk factors for hepatitis B infection were determined amongst pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. The women were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as part of routine antenatal care. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women. RESULTS: Of the 1,052 women attending the antenatal clinic, 6.08% (n = 64) were positive for HBsAg. A total of 61 HBsAg positive and 183 negative controls were interviewed. The significant risk factors for HBV infection were an early age of sexual debut below 19 years (adjusted OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.44-5.40; p = 0.0023); history of multiple sexual partners (adjusted OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.02-3.98; p = 0.0427); and past history of sexually transmitted infection (adjusted OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.15-5.90; p = 0.0214). Of the HBsAg positive women, 45 (73.77%) had at least one of these risk factors while 91 (49.73%) of the controls had at least one risk factor. CONCLUSION: Screening pregnant for hepatitis B infection on the basis of risk factors may not be effective. Education on modification of lifestyle and sexual behavior as well as non-selective screening of pregnant women for HBV infection is recommended.

Female reproductive tract infections: understandings and care seeking behaviour among women of reproductive age in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive tract infections (RTI's) are endemic in developing countries and entail a heavy toll on women. If untreated, RTI's can lead to adverse health outcomes such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy and increased vulnerability to transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus. It is also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. While RTI's and its sequelae abound in Nigeria, there is paucity of publications on the subject in the country. This study assessed the understandings and care seeking behavior with regards to RTI's among women of reproductive age in Lagos, Nigeria with the aim of improving awareness on the subject. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional survey of women attending the gynaecological outpatient and family planning clinics of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital was carried out between 1st June 2008 and 31st August 2008 using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analysed using the Epi-Info 3.5 statistical software of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta U.S.A. RESULTS: Most of the respondents (77.2%) had heard of RTI's. Toilet was the most perceived mode of contracting RTI's (44.6%), followed by sexual intercourse and poor hygiene. Vaginal discharge was the commonest symptom of RTI's named while inability to get pregnant was the commonest named complication. Majority of the respondent's demonstrated poor overall knowledge of symptoms and complications of RTI"s. 37.4% of the respondents had experienced symptoms of RTI's in the preceding six months. Vaginal discharge was the commonest symptom reported (21.8%) and the majority of those who reported symptoms sought medical treatment. Government health centres were the most visited health facilities for treatment. CONCLUSION: Even though most of the respondents have heard of RTI's and sought treatment when symptomatic, they demonstrated poor overall understanding of the subject. There is need to educate women on preventive strategies, as RTI's are often assymptomatic.

Serum vitamin D deficiency and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in Lagos, Nigeria.

The studies that have evaluated the association between vitamin D and risk of ovarian cancer have reported inconsistent findings. Many of these studies were carried out in regions with relatively low sunshine all year round unlike in Africa. This study was aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) amongst women in Lagos, Nigeria. We conducted a case-control study involving women with histologically confirmed EOC (case group) and an equal number of healthy women without cancer (control group) treated at the gynaecological oncology units of two public tertiary hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria, between 1 August, 2016 and 31 May, 2017. Relevant information was obtained from the participants using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and then, venous blood samples were collected and analysed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels using the CALBIOTECH® 25(OH) vitamin D ELISA kit. The descriptive statistics were conducted for all relevant data, and the multivariable analysis using binary logistic regression model was performed to examine the association between vitamin D deficiency and EOC after adjusting for all possible confounders. The mean age of the participants was 50.6 ± 11.1 years. There was no statistically significant association between serum vitamin D deficiency and EOC (p = 0.09). However, 10 mmol/L change in circulating vitamin D levels was associated with EOC amongst the study participants (adjusted odds ratio 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.93-0.99; p = 0.04), but following adjustment for potential confounders in a multivariable analysis, there was no statistically significant relationship observed with EOC (adjusted odds ratio 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.97-1.00; p = 0.06). In addition, there was no evidence of an interaction effect between these confounders and change in circulating 25(OH)D levels in relation to the risk of EOC. The study revealed no statistically significant association between the circulating levels of vitamin D and the risk of EOC. A better assessment of sun exposure in the future as well as better dietary compositional data may help to clarify whether the association between vitamin D and EOC actually exists. Therefore, the future large prospective longitudinal studies are recommended to further examine this relationship and then evaluate the possible need for vitamin D supplementation in women with an increased risk of EOC in Nigeria.

Risk Factors for Postcesarean Wound Infection in a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There has been a global increase in cesarean section rates. While this has improved perinatal outcome, it is associated with complications such as wound infection. We determined risk factors for cesarean section wound infection in a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied a cohort of 906 women who had cesarean section at the Obstetrics Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011. A comparison was made between 176 women who had wound infection and 730 women who did not using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2134 deliveries during the study, 906 (42.5%) had cesarean section and of which 176 (19.4%) had wound infection. Independent risk factors for wound infection were: preoperative anemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.88; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.03-3.41; P = 0.0396), presence of diabetes mellitus (aOR = 7.94; 95% CI = 1.60-39.27; P = 0.0111), HIV infection (aOR = 6.34; 95% CI = 1.74-23.06; P = 0.0051), prolonged operation time (aOR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.19-4.42; P = 0.0127), excessive blood loss at surgery (aOR = 5.05; 95% CI = 2.18-11.66; P = 0.0002), and chorioamnionitis (aOR = 9.00; 95% CI = 1.37-59.32; P = 0.0224). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, preoperative anemia and chorioamnionitis have an increased risk of postcesarean wound infection as is when surgical time exceeds 1 h or when associated with blood loss >11.

Parental acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination for adolescent girls in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for adolescent girls and would offer a long-term solution to cervical cancer especially in developing countries. However, parental perception and acceptance is a critical success factor. This study examined the degree of parental acceptance of HPV vaccination for adolescent secondary-school girls in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of adolescent girls' parents was undertaken in two urban and two rural secondary schools in Lagos. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out using logistic regression to determine correlates of parental acceptance of HPV vaccine. RESULTS: Of the 318 respondents, 45.9% had poor knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV infection, whereas 29.6% had good knowledge. Majority (54.7%) also had poor knowledge of HPV vaccine, whereas 26.7% had good knowledge. Most (72%) would vaccinate their daughters if vaccines were free, whereas only 35.5% would, if not free. Poor knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV infection significantly reduced the likelihood of vaccination even if free (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.24-0.94; P = 0.0325), whereas good knowledge of HPV vaccines (adjusted OR = 6.11; 95% CI = 1.37-27.34; P = 0.018) and tertiary education in the mother (adjusted OR = 29.17; 95% CI = 3.98-214.08; P = 0.0009) increased the likelihood, if not free. CONCLUSION: HPV vaccination was acceptable to most parents only if offered free. Poor knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV infection, and vaccine may hinder acceptability. It is recommended that HPV vaccination is offered free through the National Programme on Immunization in Nigeria.

Comparison of Papanicolaou Smear Quality with the Anatomical Spatula and the Cytobrush-Spatula: A Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a standard test for cervical cancer screening; however, the most important challenge is high false-negative results due to inadequate sampling using the Ayres spatula. The cytobrush has been used in combination with the Ayres spatula (cytobrush-spatula) in an attempt to improve the quality of smears with additional costs. The aim of this study was to compare the Pap smear quality with the anatomical spatula (with extended tip) and the cytobrush-spatula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective single-bind clinical trial. One hundred and ten sexually active women aged between 22 and 65 years were randomized into groups, each having two smears at the same time: one with a cytobrush-spatula and another with an anatomical spatula. Fifty-five patients were randomized to have the anatomical spatula first to obtain their smears and 55 were randomized to have the cytobrush-spatula first to obtain their smears. Slides were assessed by a pathologist. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the quality of the smears using the two devices with respect to cellular adequacy (P = 0.3532), absent blood staining (P = 0.7766), presence of endocervical cells (P = 0.3502), and evidence of transformation zone sampling using the Bethesda criteria (0.4028). Kappa analysis shows moderate inter-rater agreement between the two devices by ability to show evidence of transformation zone using British Society for Clinical Cytology and Bethesda criteria. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the quality of smears obtained using the two different methods. The anatomical spatula can be used as a single device in conventional cytology in place of the cytobrush-spatula with the aim of improving the quality of smears without necessarily increasing the cost.