Routine hemoglobin electrophoresis for pediatric surgery day case in at-risk populations: Suggested algorithm for screening using clinical risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin electrophoresis (HBE) is a part of the preoperative routine requested by anesthetists. However, the prevalence of hemoglobinopathy in the population is low. This study aims to determine the clinical risk factors for hemoglobinopathies and propose clinical guidelines for preoperative screening of patients for pediatric day care surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study carried out over 12 months. Consecutive patients aged 6 months and older who had day case surgery were recruited to the study. Biodata and relevant clinical data were collated and documented in a proforma and analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences version 17. RESULTS: There were 124 patients106 boys and 18 girls. The median age was 3 years. Scrotal lesions were the most common conditions managed (71.7%). Seventy-eight percent of patients had HbAA, 15.3% had HbAS, and 4.8% had HbAC while 0.8% each had both HbSC and HbSS. At least one parent of 78.2% knew their Hb phenotype, of which, 79% were HbAA. A history of jaundice (P = 0.0001), hand and foot syndrome (P = 0.0001), frontal bossing (P = 0.0001), and low packed cell volume at surgery (P = 0.001) were found significant in predicting hemoglobinopathies. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for hemoglobinopathies from this study included a positive history of jaundice, hand and foot syndrome, frontal bossing, and anemia. Proposed guidelines for HBE screening include the presence of hemoglobinopathy in one parent if one parent has sickle cell trait, and the other parent's genotype is unknown or if any of the risk factors is present.

Tracheal Intubation in the Emergency Department of a Sub-Saharan Teaching Hospital:A One-Year Survey at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the indications for tracheal intubation in the emergency department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and problems encountered with the view to improve patient outcome. METHODS: A one-year prospective observational study of endotracheal intubation in the emergency room (ER) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Data collected included indications, methods, success rates, use of drugs and complications of intubation. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients underwent endotracheal intubation. Indications included severe traumatic brain injury (58.5%) and traumatic brain injury with associated multiple injuries (10.6%). Anaesthetist registrars performed 73.9% of the intubations. Seventy seven patients (81.9%) were successfully intubated at the first attempt. No patient required a surgical airway due to failed intubation. The mean time from a decision to intubate to successful tracheal intubation was 129.90 ± 23.43 mins. 63.8% of the patients were intubated between 4 pm-8 am. Causes of delay in endotracheal intubation were non availability of skilled personnel (47.9%), non-availability of drugs (27%) and lack of oxygen (25%). Eighty-eight patients (93.6%) had complications at intubation: hypotension (42.5%), desaturation (34%), oesophageal intubation (2.1%), bronchial intubation (5.3%), cardiac arrest (2.1%). Post intubation complications included: blocked tube in 3 patients, accidental extubation in 4 patients and kinking of tube in 1 patient. Nine patients (9.6%) improved and were extubated. CONCLUSION: In this institution, the majority of Emergency department intubations were performed by anaesthetists after working hours with a very high success rate and a low rate of post-intubation serious complications. The delay in intubation should urgently be addressed to improve patient outcome.

The effect of nail polish and acrylic nails on pulse oximetry reading using the Lifebox oximeter in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES - Pulse oximetry is mandatory during anaesthesia, sedation and transfer of critically ill patients. The effect of nail polish and acrylic nails on the accuracy of saturation reading is inconsistent. The Lifebox pulse oximeter is reliable and recommended for low and middle income countries. We investigated its accuracy in the presence of 4 nail colours and acrylic nails SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifty non-smoking volunteers had their fingers numbered from right to left (little finger of right hand =1 and little finger of left hand =10). Alternate fingers were nails painted with clear, red, brown and black nail polish and the 5th finger had acrylic nail applied. The corresponding finger on the other hand acted as control. The oxygen saturation was determined using the Lifebox pulse oximeter. Results All fingers (100%) with clear nail polish, red nail polish and acrylic nails recorded a saturation value. Each of the mean saturation value for clear nail polish, red nail polish and acrylic nails was not significantly different from the control mean (p= 0.378, 0.427 and 0.921). Only 12% and 64% of nails polished black and brown respectively recorded a saturation value. The mean SpO- for black and brown polish were significantly different from their control mean (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Black and brown polish resulted in a significant decrease in SpO with the Lifebox oximeter. Dark coloured nail polish should be removed prior to SpO2 determination to ensure that accurate readings can be obtained.

Submental / transmylohyoid intubation in maxillofacial surgery: report of two cases.

The submental / transmylohyoid intubation technique, as an alternative technique of airway management in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and its modifications, have been widely reported in the literature since it was first described by Altemir in 1986. However, the technique is not yet popular in Nigeria and Africa in general. A report of two cases in which this technique was used in orofacial reconstruction is presented here. The surgical / anesthetic outcome was satisfactory. No complication was seen in the two cases, and healing of the submental wound was uneventful. Submental intubation is a reliable technique of alternative airway management in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The submental / transmylohyoid technique should be considered by both the anesthetist and the maxillofacial surgeon in challenging cases, where an alternative airway technique is required for maxillofacial surgery.

Intraocular pressure changes in a Nigerian population--effects of tracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway insertion and removal.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation lead to acute elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP); the ocular hypertensive response. The Laryngeal mask airway prevents sudden surges in IOP. We compared IOP changes to the insertion and removal of the Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and the endotracheal tube (ETT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy ASA I and II patients aged 18 to 60 years at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between January and December 2003 were randomly allocated to receive either an LMA or ETT for airway management. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and atracurium. Intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometry post induction (baseline) and prior to removal (pre-extubation), after insertion or removal (0 minute), at 1,2,3,5 and 10 minutes after insertion or removal. RESULTS: Insertion of the airway device caused an immediate rise in IOP of 4.6% in the LMA group (from 13.1 +/- 2.4 to 13.7 +/- 2.4 mmHg) and 49.2 in the ETT group (from 12.0 +/- 2.5 to 17.9 +/- 4.0 mmHg) (p<0.001). Removal of the airway device caused an immediate rise in IOP of 14.6 in the LMA group (from 11.26 +/- 2.4 to 12.9 +/-2.4 mmHg) and 50.3 in the ETT group (from 11.37 +/- 2.0 to 17.1 +/- 3.3 mmHg) (p<0.001). IOP thereafter declined towards baseline in both groups. Cardiovascular responses accompanied IOP changes. The mean insertion time was 39.8 +/- 9.1 seconds (ETT) vs 31.5 +/- 4.4 seconds (LMA). (p<0.001) Cough (17.1) and mild laryngeal spasm (2.9) occurred in the ETT group only following removal. CONCLUSION: The LMA produced better IOP stability following its insertion and removal compared to the tracheal tube.

Transfusion trigger--how precise are we? Intraoperative blood transfusion practices in a tertiary centre in Nigeria.

SUMMARY: To determine how well anaesthetists in Nigeria determine the need for transfusion based solely on physiological variables and estimated blood loss. To determine the incidence of inappropriate blood transfusion. Anaesthetists in our hospital determine when to transfuse patients based solely on clinical acumen. This may result in inappropriate transfusion especially in this subregion where blood donors are scarce and risk of transmission of infection high. All surgical patients requiring blood transfusion were prospectively studied over 3 months. Transfusion was based solely on the discretion of the attending anaesthetist. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured prior to transfusion and 24 h postoperatively. Appropriate transfusion was defined as blood transfusion at Hb < 8 g dL(-1) or 10 g dL(-1) in the elderly and those with medical comorbidities. The trigger for transfusion was documented as well as estimated blood loss. Thirty-four patients were studied. The mean pretransfusion Hb was 8.09 +/- 2.45 g dL(-1) (range 4.6-14.2). Twenty-one patients (61.8%) had appropriate blood transfusion. The commonest transfusion triggers were clinical pallor (82.4%), excessive blood loss (76.4%), delayed capillary refill (55.9%) and severe hypotension (50%). The use of near patient monitoring devices might further improve blood transfusion practice in this setting where donor blood is scarce.

Urgency of surgery and presence of maternal disease influence the choice of anaesthesia for Caesarean section at LUTH.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, Caesarean sections are commonly done under regional anaesthesia which offers numerous advantages over general anesthesia. However there are still indications for the use of general anaesthesia in obstetric practice. This includes emergent Caesarean sections. This study sought to determine the factors that inform the decision on the choice of anaesthesia for Caesarean section in a tertiary institution in Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients scheduled for elective and emergency caesarean sections between January and December 2002 were prospectively studied. Study variables included age of mother, gestational age and parity. Urgency of surgery, indication for surgery, maternal pre-existing disease and the choice of anaesthetic technique were documented. Neonatal weight was recorded and outcome was assessed by Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, the presence of respiratory difficulties and the need for admission into the Neonatal unit. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-six patients were studied. Elective surgery was performed for 17.3%, while 47.4% and 28.6% had urgent and emergency Caesarean sections respectively. Urgency of surgery was not documented in 6.7% of cases. Previous caesarean section was the commonest indication for elective procedures (47%), foetal distress for emergency (62.5%) and previous caesarean section in labour for urgent procedures (30.1%). General anaesthesia was employed in 33.2% of patients while regional anaesthesia was used in 66.8%. Fifty per cent of emergency cases had general anaesthesia. Regional anaesthesia was used in 72% of urgent and 85.3% of elective procedures. The commonest regional technique was spinal anaesthesia (60.7%). Nineteen per cent of our patients had a co-existing medical problem, and 73% of these received a spinal anaesthetic. More neonates delivered under general anaesthesia had respiratory difficulties at birth (p=0.002) and more were admitted to the Neonatal unit (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: The choice of anaesthesia depends on the urgency of surgery and the medical condition of the mother. General anaesthesia was more likely to be administered for bleeding emergencies and foetal distress. Spinal anaesthesia was preferred for elective and urgent cases or when maternal disease existed.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of Nigerian anaesthetists in HIV infected surgical patients- a survey.

In the light of increasing prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anaesthetists are likely to see more patients with this virus in their practice. This study evaluated, using a questionnaire format, the knowledge, attitude and practices of anaesthetists in the management of HIV infected surgical patients. The questionnaire sought demographic information, the knowledge of risks involved as well as attitude and practices. One hundred (66.7%) out of 150 questionnaires distributed amongst members of the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists were completed and returned. Fifty-five per cent (55%) of the respondents confirmed their willingness to be screened but only 45% had had a personal HIV screening test. Even though 23% of all the respondents will transfuse unscreened blood in an emergency, only 1(8.3%) of the consultants will do so. This trend was also reflected in gloving behaviour as 11(91.6%) of consultants will routinely wear gloves whilst only 12(70.5%) of the senior house officers will routinely glove for venepuncture despite the availability of gloves. Other precautionary facilities such as goggles, sharp disposal bins, routine screening of all surgical patients were more available in private than in government hospitals. Ninety- six per-cent of all respondents will initiate an action after a needle stick injury whilst 4% will ignore. General Anaesthesia was the choice of anaesthetic in an HIV/AIDS infected patient by 43% of respondents whilst 22% of respondents would choose regional technique. However, only 85% of respondents were willing to anaesthetise an infected patient. This study suggested a dearth of knowledge and perception of risks of HIV/AIDs amongst Nigerian Anaesthetists. Appropriate training and greater education is highly recommended. Rigorous infection control policy is imperative and hospital authorities must ensure availability of protective facilities.

An audit of perioperative cardiac arrest at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative cardiac arrests are not uncommon and are related to both surgical and anaesthetic factors. This study aimed to examine the factors which predispose to a periopeartive cardiac arrest, to assess the appropriateness of therapy and the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All perioperative cardiac arrests in adults that occurred in a one year period(January 2003 to December 2003) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital were prospectively studied. All patients less than 16 years and cardiac arrests occurring outside the direct supervision of the anaesthetists were excluded. Study variables included demographic data, ASA score, urgency of surgery, surgical procedure, aetiology, time and duration of arrest, cardiac arrest rhythm, management as well as immediate outcome and survival to hospital discharge. RESULTS: Thirteen cardiac arrests occurred in 2147 cases (incidence of 6 per 1000). The mean age of patients was 30.23 +/- 11.06 years. Ten patients had anASA score greater than 3. Hypovolaemia was responsible for arrests in 9 patients. Two arrests occurred at induction, 7 intraoperatively and 4 postoperatively. Seven patients had non-VF/VT rhythms. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was instituted immediately. The mean duration of arrest was 25.66 +/- 13.34 minutes. Drug and defibrillator therapy were inadequate. Immediate survival occurred in 5 patients (38.46%). Factors associated with significant difference in recovery from a cardiac arrest were type of surgery (p=0.043) and duration of resuscitation (p=0.022) CONCLUSION: Majority of cardiac arrests were due to hypovolaemia from massive blood loss. There is a need for the provision of adequate banked blood as well as improvement in training in the management of in-hospital cardiac arrest to ensure a better outcome.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of Nigerian anaesthetists in HIV infected surgical patients: a survey.

In the light of increasing prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anaesthetists are likely to see more patients with this virus in their practice. This study evaluated, using a questionnaire format, the knowledge, attitude and practices of anaesthetists in the management of HIV infected surgical patients. The questionnaire sought demographic information, the knowledge of risks involved as well as attitude and practices. One hundred (66.7%) out of 150 questionnaires distributed amongst members of the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists were completed and returned. Fifty-five per cent (55%) of the respondents confirmed their willingness to be screened but only 45% had had a personal HIV screening test. Even though 23% of all the respondents will transfuse unscreened blood in an emergency, only 1(8.3%) of the consultants will do so. This trend was also reflected in gloving behaviour as 11(91.6%) of consultants will routinely wear gloves whilst only 12(70.5%) of the senior house officers will routinely glove for venepuncture despite the availability of gloves. Other precautionary facilities such as goggles, sharp disposal bins, routine screening of all surgical patients were more available in private than in government hospitals. Ninety- six per-cent of all respondents will initiate an action after a needle stick injury whilst 4% will ignore. General Anaesthesia was the choice of anaesthetic in an HIV/AIDS infected patient by 43% of respondents whilst 22% of respondents would choose regional technique. However, only 85% of respondents were willing to anaesthetise an infected patient. This study suggested a dearth of knowledge and perception of risks of HIV/AIDs amongst Nigerian Anaesthetists. Appropriate training and greater education is highly recommended. Rigorous infection control policy is imperative and hospital authorities must ensure availability of protective facilities.

Comparison of suxamethonium and priming with atracurium for rapid sequence orotracheal intubation in a Nigerian adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To compare suxamethonium with atracurium using the priming principle, for rapid sequence orotracheal intubation assessing onset time, time to successful laryngoscopy and intubation and quality of intubating conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective double-blind, randomised study was performed in 90 ASA physical status I and II patients aged between 18 and 64 years undergoing elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation between October 2002 and June 2003 in a university teaching hospital . All patients were premedicated with 5-10mg oral diazepam and randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive either suxamethonium as a bolus dose (group A) or atracurium (priming with 0.05 mg/kg followed by 0.55 mg/kg after induction of anaesthesia) (group B). In both groups, the trachea was intubated when there was maximal muscle relaxation, determined clinically by jaw muscle relaxation. Muscle paralysis using a PNS, quality of intubating conditions, and occurrence of muscle weakness due to the priming dose of atracurium, time to laryngoscopy and onset time were all noted. RESULTS: Onset time was 87.1 +/- 25.60s and 135.8 +/- 46.23s in groups A and B respectively (P < 0.05). Group A had a laryngoscopy time of 73.6 +/- 25.22s compared to 107.7 +/- 41.32s in group B (P < 0.05). Intubating conditions were significantly better in group A compared to group B (P < 0.05). The frequency of muscle weakness from the priming dose of atracurium was 6.6%. CONCLUSION: Atracurium, using the priming principle, is an option in our environment for modified rapid sequence induction when suxamethonium is contraindicated.

Is ephedrine infusion more effective at preventing hypotension than traditional prehydration during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section in African parturients?

BACKGROUND: Hypotension following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section may result in maternal nausea and vomiting and decreased uteroplacental blood flow with possible fetal acidaemia. Numerous methods have been tried to minimise hypotension. In developing countries where resources are limited, this study aimed to compare a standard infusion of ephedrine with traditional prehydration to prevent spinal hypotension. METHOD: Sixty patients for elective caesarean section were randomly allocated to group 1: 1 L 0.9% saline before spinal block, and group 2: infusion of ephedrine 30 mg in 1 L of 0.9% saline after spinal block, titrated to maternal systolic pressure. Spinal anaesthesia was achieved with 2.5 mL of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine in the L3/L4 interspace. RESULTS: Systolic pressure decreased 5 min after spinal block. Group 2 had higher mean values of systolic pressure throughout most of the study period than group 1 (P < 0.05). Hypotension occurred in 70% of patients in group 1 and 40% of patients in group 2 (P = 0.037). Severe hypotension occurred in 40% of group 1 and 13.3% of group 2 (P = 0.039). Nausea was the most common side effect of hypotension, occurring in 39.4% of all hypotensive patients. Other complications, including hypertension, tachycardia and bradycardia were similar in the two groups. Neonatal outcome was similar in the two groups and median Apgar scores at one and five minutes were 8. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic ephedrine given by standard infusion set was more effective than crystalloid prehydration in the prevention of hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section.

A comparative study of the haemodynamic effects of atropine and glycopyrrolate at induction of anaesthesia in children.

BACKGROUND: Bradycardia following administration of halothane and suxamethonium in children leads to reduced cardiac output, which can be prevented with prophylactic anticholinergics. Anticholinergics may result in tachycardia and arrhythmias. This study was designed to compare haemodynamic changes and incidence of cardiac arrhythmias following intravenous atropine and glycopyrrolate. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety ASA I and II children between one month and twelve years were studied. Premedication was with oral promethazine 1mg/kg. Anaesthesia was achieved with 3 % halothane in 33 % oxygen and nitrous oxide. Patients were randomly allocated to receive atropine 0.01mg/kg (Group I) or glycopyrrolate 0.005mg/kg (Group II). Tracheal intubation was facilitated with suxamethonium 1.5mg/kg. RESULTS: Patients in Group I had a 35.7% rise in heart rate from baseline, compared to 22.5 % in Group II two minutes after anticholinergic administration (p=0.001). Following intubation, heart rate rose by 9.7 % and 13.2 % (p<0.05) in Groups I and II respectively. MAP rose similarly in both groups. Arrhythmia occurred in 44.4 % of patients in Group I and 11.1% in Group II (p=0.001) and were mainly sinus tachycardia. 2.2% of patients in Group I exhibited bigemini. No patient experienced bradycardia. Hypoxia occurred in 2.2 %, hypotension in 13.3% and mild laryngeal spasm in 0% of Group I and 11.1%, 4.4% and 4.4% of Group II respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of glycopyrrolate compared to atropine, offered better cardiovascular stability in Nigerian children. Arrhythmias occurred more in patients who had atropine and occurred most frequently after tracheal intubation.

Cardiovascular changes during halothane induction in children.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of bradycardia and myocardial depression following halothane induction in children is well documented. Bradycardia leads to reduced cardiac output, which can result in compromised organ perfusion. Halothane may sometimes induce arrhythmia. There is at present no study in this sub-region on the cardiovascular changes of halothane induction in children. This study was designed to investigate the cardiovascular changes and incidence of arrhythmias following halothane induction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety ASA I - II children aged 6 months to 12 years were studied. Premedication with oral promethazine 1mg/kg was given to all patients above the age of one year. Anaesthesia was achieved with incremental halothane up to 3% in 33% oxygen and nitrous oxide. Halothane induction led to a significant drop in SBP, DBP and MAP in all patients at the end of induction. (p < 0.005). Heart rate values were significantly less postinduction in children older than one year (p < 0.05). Arrhythmias occurred in 3.3% of all patients. No patient experienced bradycardia. Other complications included hypotension (8.8% ) and mild laryngeal spasm (2.2% ). RESULTS: Halothane induction in children results in significant reduction in heart rate and blood pressure. Bradyarrhthmias are uncommon with promethazine premedication.

Comparison between rocuronium and suxamethonium muscle relaxants in ocular trauma surgery.

BACKGROUND: Suxamethonium causes a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). Its use for intraocular surgical procedures especially management of the penetrating eye injury is controversial because of the risk of extrusion of vitreous contents. This risk can be avoided by substituting it with rocuronium. The aim of this study was to compare the IOP changes and intubating conditions following the use of both muscle relaxants. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the intraocular pressure changes and intubating conditions following the use of both suxamethonium and rocuronium. DESIGN OF STUDY: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. STUDY SETTING: The operating theatres of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Patients and Methods: A prospective, randomized study in which 70 patients received suxamethonium 1.5mg/kg or rocuronium 0.9mg/kg after induction with thiopentone 5mg/kg. Laryngoscopy was performed after 60 seconds. Measurements of IOP were taken before induction, 1 minute after administration of either muscle relaxant and at 1, 3 and 5 minutes after intubation. Intubating conditions were evaluated using a simple scoring system. RESULTS: Suxamethonium caused a significant rise in intraocular pressure throughout the study period (p < 0.005), maximal 1 minute after intubation (p < 0.001). Rocuronium caused a significant fall in intraocular pressure 1 minute after administration (p < 0.001) and this remained less than the baseline value in the post intubation period. Intubating conditions in both groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Rocuronium is preferred as muscle relaxant for tracheal intubation when a rise in intraocular pressure is undesirable.

Multiple venous thrombosis complicating central venous cannulation in a non cancer patient - a case report.

Central venous catheterization is a common procedure for critically ill patients. Like all procedures, it has its complications, one of which is thrombosis. Reports of thrombosis are commoner among cancer patients. We present a 37 year old non cancer patient who developed thrombi in both right and left internal jugular veins, 10 and 13 days respectively after insertion of central venous catheter. This was detected by ultrasound scans of the neck while attempting re-cannulation for parenteral feeding. She also had left lower limb deep venous thrombosis, confirmed by doppler scan, which was managed with low molecular weight heparin and warfarin. The patient was subsequently treated with streptokinase. A repeat scan of the internal jugular veins 4 days after thrombolysis revealed a reduction in size of the thrombi. Symptoms of deep venous thrombosis improved and she was transferred to the wards where she made remarkable improvement. This case illustrates the potential usefulness of ultrasound guided-central line insertion in patients who have had central venous lines inserted previously in order to detect thrombi.

Has the middle-level anaesthesia manpower training program of the West African College of Surgeons fulfilled its objectives?

An audit of the West African College of Surgeons' middle-level Diploma in Anaesthesia program was carried out to determine the current status of the diplomates. Using the West African College of Surgeons' database, social media and personal communications, the current status of Diploma in Anaesthesia graduates spanning 20 years was determined. A total of 303 (97%) out of 311 of graduates were traced. Eighty percent were still practising anaesthesia, while 5% were now in other disciplines. Two hundred and four (67.3%) still resided in West Africa (183 in Nigeria, 50 in Ghana, one in Sierra Leone), while 69 (22.7%) were abroad: 35 (11.5%) in the United Kingdom, 21 (6.9%) in the United States of America and four (1.3%) in Canada. More Ghanaian than Nigerian graduates had emigrated (41 vs 14%, respectively). Only 9% of diplomates remained in rural communities (as originally envisaged), while 31% were now consultants (as fellows) and 30% were registrars in fellowship training. These findings indicate that most diplomates moved on to acquire further qualifications and a significant proportion migrated. The program did not appear to have achieved the objectives of meeting rural middle-level manpower needs in anaesthesia as envisaged. It has, however, boosted the recruitment drive for residency training in anaesthesia. Perhaps a less migrant cadre such as nurses may better serve this function if recruited into a suitably designed training program in countries desiring to use middle-level manpower in anaesthesia.

Routine haemoglobin electrophoresis screening in day case herniotomy in Nigerian children: Is it evidence-based?

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies in children who require day case herniotomy in our centre and ascertain if routine screening is necessary in all patients who require herniotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 12-month retrospective analysis of patients requiring herniotomy in our centre. Data including age, sex, diagnosis, haemoglobin electrophoresis status, surgical outcome and hospital stay were analysed. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients had complete records. There were 84 boys and 11 girls. M:F ratio: 7.6:1. The mean age was 3.2 ± 0.6 years. Fifty-five point eight per cent of the patients had right inguinal hernias while 35.8% had left inguinal hernias. Eight patients (8.4%) had bilateral inguinal hernias. Twenty-six patients (27.4%) had haemoglobinopathies while 69 patients (72.6%) had homozygous Haemoglobin A. The Sickle Cell trait (HbAS) was found in 22 patients (23.2%) while the HbAC was found in three patients (3.2%). One patient (1.1%) had Sickle Cell disease (Haemoglobin SS). He had had blood transfusion and previous history of jaundice. All patients survived and all patients were discharged on the day of surgery (mean hospital stay: 4hrs (range: 2.5 hrs-12 hrs)) except the patient with Sickle Cell disease who was admitted a day before surgery and discharged a day after the operation. CONCLUSION: One in four children coming for day case herniotomy in our centre had the Sickle Cell trait while only 1% had the Sickle Cell disease. These findings are in keeping with the prevalence in the Nigerian population. Routine screening may not be necessary for all patients coming for herniotomy in our centre. Clear indication(s) should be outlined for screening.

Low-dose intravenous ketamine improves postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery with spinal bupivacaine in African parturients.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of neuraxial opiates, postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery is limited by the duration of action of bupivacaine. This could be prolonged by the co-administration of adjuvants such as ketamine. METHODS: Spinal anaesthesia was performed in 60 parturients using hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg. Patients were randomly allocated to receive a 2-mL intravenous injection of either ketamine 0.15 mg/kg (Group BK) or 0.9% saline (Group B) immediately after institution of spinal anaesthesia. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and the time of first postoperative analgesic administration was noted. Postoperative analgesia was provided with intramuscular pentazocine and diclofenac, the total doses of which were recorded over 48 h. RESULTS: The mean (SEM) time of first postoperative analgesic administration was significantly longer in Group BK (209±14.7 min) than in Group B (164±14.1 min) (P<0.001). Pain scores were significantly lower in Group BK than in Group B for 120 min after surgery (P=0.022). Patients in Group BK required significantly less diclofenac (P<0.001) and pentazocine (P<0.001) on day one after surgery. There was no difference in diclofenac (P=0.302) and pentazocine (P=0.092) consumption between the groups on the second postoperative day. The incidence of adverse effects was not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of intravenous low-dose ketamine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery was associated with longer postoperative analgesia and lower early postoperative analgesia consumption than bupivacaine alone.

Propofol versus halothane in paediatric daycase surgery: a comparison of the duration of induction and haemodynamic profile.

BACKGROUND: Inhalational induction with Halothane is commonly used for anaesthesia in children. Its drawbacks include bradycardia and hypotension. Intravenous propofol has recently challenged this position. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare duration of and cardiovascular changes at induction of anaesthesia in children. METHODS: Sixty ASA I and II children aged 1- 7 years scheduled for elective daycase surgery were prospectively studied from January to July 2008. They were assigned to receive inhalational induction with halothane 3% or intravenous induction with 3.5mg/kg of propofol. Heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure as well as oxygen saturation were monitored throughout induction. The duration of induction as well as any complications were documented. RESULTS: Demographic data was comparable between the two groups. Duration of induction was significantly longer in the halothane group 8.23 +/- 2.34 minutes compared with 2.30 +/- 1.26 minutes in the propofol group (p < 0.001). Heart rate rose by 4.7 +/- 17.73 beats/minute in the propofol group and fell by 4.19 +/- 18.03 in the halothane group (p = 0.05). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures fell in both groups with values being less in the halothane group. These differences were not significantly different (p = 0.189, p = 0.059, p = 0.058 respectively). Sixteen patients (33%) in the propofol group developed apnoea compared to 2 (6.6%) in the halothane group (p < 0.001). The duration of apnoea differed significantly between groups (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Halothane and propofol had similar changes to cardiovascular parameters during anaesthetic induction. The shorter duration of induction of propofol may be preferable for daycase surgeries.