A retrospective data analysis on prevalence and risk factors for hypothermia among sick neonates at presentation to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Neonatal hypothermia, defined as an axillary temperature of <36.5C in a neonate, is common in neonatal intensive care units and is almost universal across all geographic and climatic regions of the world. This is even though environmental temperature is a known risk factor for its occurrence. We conducted a retrospective study in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to document the prevalence and risk factors associated with hypothermia at presentation to the hospital. The study spanned the period from January 2019 to December 2019 and involved all neonates with axillary temperature documented at the time of admission. The prevalence of neonatal hypothermia in this study was 54.76%. Hypothermia was most common in neonates diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome (87/105, 82.86%), prematurity and low birth weight (575/702, 81.91%), and birth asphyxia (347/445, 77.98%). Neonates who were delivered vaginally were less likely to develop hypothermia compared to those delivered via Cesarean section. Inborn neonates (delivered in TTH) were 3.2 times more likely to be hypothermic when compared to those who were delivered at home. Neonates with low birth weight and APGAR scores < 7 at 1 and 5 minutes were more likely to be hypothermic. The dry season was found to be protective against hypothermia when compared to the rainy season. The overall mortality rate was 13.68% and the mortality in the subgroup with hypothermia at presentation was 18.87%. Our study documented a high prevalence of hypothermia with higher rates in neonates requiring intervention at birth. It is therefore crucial for perinatal care providers to adhere to the warm chain precautions around the time of birth.

Living with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia alongside cataract, peptic ulcer disease, diabetes and hypertension in Ghana.

This is the case of a 51-year-old woman with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) alongside some comorbidities in a low-resource setting. This report seeks to sensitise clinicians about this rare condition in order to increase their index of suspicion and avoid misdiagnosis.

Generalized tetanus in a farmer following treatment of an open ankle fracture by a traditional bone setter.

This is the case of a 31-year-old farmer diagnosed with an open right ankle fracture and tetanus sustained from an accident after opting for traditional bonesetter treatment. Open fractures increase the risk of tetanus infection therefore herbal treatment should be discouraged. Source control is important for holistic management of tetanus.

Cross-Sectional Study for Investigation of the Association Between Modifiable Risk Factors and Gastrointestinal Cancers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract are among the principal threats to global public health. In Ghana, these cancers are responsible for a significant number of hospitalizations and mortalities at major health facilities across the country. The increasing incidence of these malignancies necessitates an investigation of the association between lifestyle (modifiable risk factors) and these disorders. MAIN OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between lifestyle and gastrointestinal cancers of patients attending the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional prospective study where demographic data were obtained from consenting patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer at the oncology and surgical clinics of the KBTH. Diagnostic investigations, gastrointestinal cancer phenotype, year of diagnosis and treatment(s) received were also obtained from the participants. Information on smoking status, alcohol consumption, sources of dietary proteins, daily intake of water, and frequency of fruit intake were also obtained from the participants. Odds ratio and P-values were determined to ascertain whether there might be a significant association between gastrointestinal cancers and specified lifestyle. RESULTS: Colorectal cancers were the most prevalent form of gastrointestinal cancers among the participants. Alcohol consumption or smoking habits were not significantly associated with onset of gastrointestinal cancers among the study participants. There was a significant association but weak correlation between red meat consumption and the colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: This study shows consumption of red meat to be a modifiable risk factor that is associated with lower gastrointestinal cancers in the study participants. Further longitudinal studies using large number of participants is needed for confirming the observations from this current study.