Simulated datasets for population dynamics of sickle cell anaemia.

The datasets contained in this article are simulated data with respect to Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) in order to examine the mathematical inheritance formation of the SCA disease. The simulation is done using Monte Carlos Simulation (MCS) Technique to complement the Physical Simulation Smith's Statistical (PSSS) package used as random number generator for birth simulation. One hundred and fifty-six (156) births for seven (7) generations were considered in the simulation alongside non-gestating reproductive females with fertile male adults while immigration and emigration are not permitted. These datasets can effectively serve as benchmarks for both health, and marital counselling institutions.

Jejunal choristoma: a very rare cause of abdominal pain in children.

Choristoma is development of a normal tissue in an aberrant location. This report describes jejunal salivary choristoma (JSC) causing recurring episodes of abdominal discomfort in a 5-year-old girl. Exploratory laporatomy revealed a pale yellow subserosal jejunal lesion. Wedge resection of the lesion and repair of the bowel were performed. The child did well postoperatively and has since that time been free of pain at follow-up. Histopathological examination of the resected lesion revealed salivary gland choriostoma. Literature review (PUBMED search engine) revealed no previous report of this rare clinicopathologic entity. We conclude that choriostoma should be considered a possible differential when evaluating abdominal complaint in children.

Birth preparedness and emergency readiness plans of antenatal clinic attendees in Ile-ife, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adequate birth preparedness and emergency/complication readiness (BP/CR) planning could determine the survival of a pregnant woman and her unborn child in maternal emergency. The study assessed adequacy of BP/CR plans of antenatal clinic attendees in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: Pregnant women (less than 36 weeks gestation) attending antenatal clinics in selected health facilities were serially recruited into the study after they had given verbal informed consent. Data were collected with a purpose-designed questionnaire. SPSS version 11 statistical software was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: Four hundred pregnant women were recruited; 284 (71%) registered for antenatal care by 20 weeks of gestation. Concerning delivery planning, 350 (87.5%) had decided their place of delivery although 32 (9.1%) of these planned to deliver in mission houses or at home; 351 (87.8%) had started to purchase items needed for delivery or newborn care, 289 (71.0%) had identified someone to accompany them to health facility for delivery while 259 (64.8%) were saving money for delivery. Regarding emergency or complication readiness, knowledge of signs of severe maternal illness for which immediate care should be sought in an appropriate health facility was low, 113 (28.3%) respondents were able to mention 4 or more of such signs without prompting; 249 (62.3%) had made arrangements for transportation and 45 (11.3%) had identified potential blood donor. CONCLUSION: By the study criteria, 61% of the pregnant women studied made adequate preparations for delivery while 4.8% were ready for emergency/complication. It is recommended that greater emphasis be given to emergency/complication readiness during antenatal care sessions.

Pattern and outcome of emergency surgery in a new Nigerian Teaching Hospital--The LAUTECH Osogbo experience.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To present a 5 years experience on the pattern and outcome of emergency operations in a new teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study carried out between April 1998 and March 2003 with appropriate data extracted from the available case notes. RESULTS: Two thousand and seventy operations were performed within the period of study. Seven hundred and twenty six of them were done as emergency. Obstetrics' and Gynaecology cases were 66.6% while 33.4% (including six cases of perforated uterus and gangrenous bowel from unsafe abortion) belong to the general surgery and specialty emergencies. Waiting time, mean of which was 39.5+/-2.7 hours, was unduly prolonged. Mortality was 10.3%. CONCLUSION: The high morbidity and mortality as reflected in this study could be reduced through prompt surgical interventions, education on contraceptive awareness and legistilation against unsafe abortion.