Incidence, predictors and immediate neonatal outcomes of birth asphyxia in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with birth asphyxia and the immediate neonatal outcomes of birth asphyxia in Nigeria. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from the Maternal and Perinatal Database for Quality, Equity and Dignity Programme. SETTING: Fifty-four consenting referral-level hospitals (48 public and six private) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. POPULATION: Women (and their babies) who were admitted for delivery in the facilities between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020. METHODS: Data were extracted and analysed on prevalence and sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with birth asphyxia and the immediate perinatal outcomes. Multilevel logistic regression modelling was used to ascertain the factors associated with birth asphyxia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, case fatality rate and factors associated with birth asphyxia. RESULTS: Of the available data, 65 383 (91.1%) women and 67 602 (90.9%) babies had complete data and were included in the analysis. The incidence of birth asphyxia was 3.0% (2027/67 602) and the case fatality rate was 16.8% (339/2022). The risk factors for birth asphyxia were uterine rupture, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, abruptio placentae/placenta praevia, birth trauma, fetal distress and congenital anomaly. The following factors were independently associated with a risk of birth asphyxia: maternal age, woman's education level, husband's occupation, parity, antenatal care, referral status, cadre of health professional present at the birth, sex of the newborn, birthweight and mode of birth. Common adverse neonatal outcomes included: admission to a special care baby unit (SCBU), 88.4%; early neonatal death, 14.2%; neonatal sepsis, 4.5%; and respiratory distress, 4.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of reported birth asphyxia in the participating facilities was low, with around one in six or seven babies with birth asphyxia dying. Factors associated with birth asphyxia included sociodemographic and clinical considerations, underscoring a need for a comprehensive approach focused on the empowerment of women and ensuring access to quality antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care.

Prevalence, perinatal outcomes and factors associated with neonatal sepsis in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence, perinatal outcomes and factors associated with neonatal sepsis in referral-level facilities across Nigeria. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from the Maternal and Perinatal Database for Quality, Equity and Dignity Programme in 54 referral-level hospitals across Nigeria. SETTING: Records covering the period from 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020. POPULATION: Mothers admitted for birth during the study period, and their live newborns. METHODS: Analysis of prevalence and sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with neonatal sepsis and perinatal outcomes. Multilevel logistic regression modelling identified factors associated with neonatal sepsis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neonatal sepsis and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 16.3 (95% CI 15.3-17.2) per 1000 live births (1113/68 459) with a 10.3% (115/1113) case fatality rate. Limited education, unemployment or employment in sales/trading/manual jobs, nulliparity/grand multiparity, chronic medical disorder, lack of antenatal care (ANC) or ANC outside the birthing hospital and referral for birth increased the odds of neonatal sepsis. Birthweight of <2500 g, non-spontaneous vaginal birth, preterm birth, prolonged rupture of membranes, APGAR score of <7 at 5 min, birth asphyxia, birth trauma or jaundice were associated with neonatal sepsis. Neonates with sepsis were more frequently admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (1037/1110, 93.4% vs 8237/67 346, 12.2%) and experienced a higher rate of death (115/1113, 10.3% vs 933/67 343, 1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal sepsis remains a critical challenge in neonatal care, underscored by its high prevalence and mortality rate. The identification of maternal and neonatal risk factors underscores the importance of improved access to education and employment for women and targeted interventions in antenatal and intrapartum care.

Caregivers perception of common neonatal illnesses and their management among rural dwellers in Enugu state, Nigeria: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality continues to be a challenge in Nigeria, where low-quality care, caregivers' ignorance of signs of neonatal illnesses, and prevalent use of unorthodox alternatives to health care predominate. Misconceptions originating and propagating as traditional practices and concepts can be linked to adverse neonatal outcomes and increased neonatal mortality. This study explores the perceptions of causes and management of neonatal illness among caregivers in rural communities in Enugu state, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study among female caregivers of children residing in rural communities in Enugu state. A total of six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted; three in each of the communities, using an FGD guide developed by the researchers. Using pre-determined themes, thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 37.2 ± 13.5 years. Neonatal illnesses were reportedly presented in two forms; mild and severe forms. The common causes of the mild illnesses reported were fever, jaundice, eye discharge, skin disorders, and depressed fontanelle. The severe ones were convulsion, breathlessness/difficulty or fast breathing, draining pus from the umbilicus, and failure-to-thrive. The caregivers' perceptions of causes and management of each illness varied. While some believed these illnesses could be managed with unorthodox treatments, others perceived the need to visit health centers for medical care. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers' perception on the causes and management of common neonatal illnesses in these communities is poor. Obvious gaps were identified in this study. There is a need to design appropriate interventions to dispel the myths and improve the knowledge of these caregivers on neonatal illnesses towards adopting good health-seeking behaviours.

Outcomes from integrating anti-cervical cancer teachings into the curriculum of high schools in a South-Eastern Nigerian State.

BACKGROUND: Quests for the global elimination of cervical cancer and its related SDG goals by 2030 are achievable if realistic approaches for improving outcomes in LMICs are entrenched. Targeting teenage high schoolers in these countries, which largely lack universally-affordable anti-cervical cancer measures, can be a game-changer. This paper evaluates a 2019 Harvard-endorsed measure that integrated relevant teachings into the curricula of some Nigerian high schools, in what was a global-first. METHOD: A 12-month, quasi-experimental (pre-and-post-tests) research that evaluated the impact of the above initiative on three public schools randomly selected from a pool of 261 in South-east Nigeria. The intervention was "exposure" to anti-cervical teachings, which included "repetitions" and "examination/assessments" designed to enhance "engagement". Both genders were among the 2,498 recruited participants. Data collections with questionnaires were at three different intervals over 12 months. RESULTS: At Phase-1 (baseline), there were 1,699 (68.0%) responses, while Phases 2 (one-month post-intervention) and 4 (12-month post-intervention) had 1,797 (71.9%) and 500 (20.0%) responses, respectively. COVID-19 lockdowns washed out Phase-3 (six-month post-intervention). The majority in all groups were aged 15-19 years. Males dominated in phases 1 (55.9%) and 2 (67.3%), and females (65.6%) in Phase 4. Overall, there were increased knowledge on "General Awareness", "HPV Vaccinations", "Risk Factors" and "Symptoms", particularly between Phases 2 and 1. Levels at Phase-4 were higher than at Phase-2, with the exception of "Pap Smears", as knowledge gained in half of its assessing items became negative (reversed) at Phase-4. These observed changes were non-different between gender, age groups, and classes of high schools. Relative to Phase 2, knowledge changes at Phase-4 for questions associated with established myths ("spiritual attacks"; OR 0.39; CI 0.29-0.52 and "enemy poisons"; OR 0.49; CI 0.37-0.65) were reversed, even though they were originally increased significantly between Phases 2 and 1. CONCLUSION: Anti-cervical cancer enlightenment interventions to teenage high school students were largely effective, but appears guaranteed if engagement-enhancing measures are maintained over time. Extra efforts should be put into debunking prevailing myths.

Paediatric HIV: Correlation between Serum Zinc Levels and CD4 Percentage on Asymptomatic Nigerian Children Living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between their serum zinc levels and the CD4% in a cohort children living with HIV. METHODS: One hundred asymptomatic, anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) naïve children living with HIV (participants) aged 5-60 months who were enrolled into the Paediatric HIV clinic of The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital were recruited in the study over a 10-month period. Blood samples were collected in the morning from non-fasting participants and serum zinc levels were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The CD4% was ascertained using the CD4% easy count kit on the Partec® Cyflow Counter machine. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19. RESULT: The median (IQR) serum zinc level for the participants was 55.5 µg/dl (49.75) while their median (IQR) CD4% was 27.79% (18.67). Males had a median (IQR) CD4% of 24.29% (19.10) which was significantly lower than those of females [32% (20.59) (p = 0.047)]. No significant relationship was found between CD4% and zinc levels among the subjects (r = -0.061, p = 0.557). CONCLUSION: Serum zinc levels of asymptomatic ART naïve children living with HIV have no relationship with their CD4%.

A Review and Analysis of Outcomes from Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Infant Follow-up Services at a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit of a Major Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria: 2007-2020.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Above 90% of childhood HIV infections result from mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). This study examined the MTCT rates of HIV-exposed infants enrolled in the infant follow-up arm of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program in a teaching hospital in Southeast Nigeria. METHODS: This was a 14-year review of outcomes of infants enrolled in the infant follow-up arm of the PMTCT program of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria. The majority of subjects were enrolled within 72 hours of birth and were followed up until 18 months of age according to the National Guidelines on HIV prevention and treatment. At enrollment, relevant data were collected prospectively, and each scheduled follow-up visit was recorded both electronically and in physical copy in the client's folders. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The major outcome variable was final MTCT status. RESULTS: Out of 3,784 mother-infant dyads studied 3,049 (80.6%) received both maternal and infant Antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis while 447 (11.8%) received none. The MTCT rates were 1.4%, 9.3%, 24.1%, and 52.1% for both mother and infant, mother only, infant only, and none received ARV prophylaxis respectively. There was no gender-based difference in outcomes. The MTCT rate was significantly higher among mixed-fed infants (p<0.001) and among those who did not receive any form of ARVs (p<0.001). Among dyads who received no ARVs, breastfed infants significantly had a higher MTCT rate compared to never-breastfed infants (57.9% vs. 34.8%; p<0.001). The MTCT rate was comparable among breastfed (2.5%) and never-breastfed (2.1%) dyads who had received ARVs. After logistic regression, maternal (p<0.001, OR: 7.00) and infant (p<0.001, OR: 4.00) ARV prophylaxis for PMTCT remained significantly associated with being HIV-negative. CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: Appropriate use of ARVs and avoidance of mixed feeding in the first six months of life are vital to the success of PMTCT programs in developing countries. PMTCT promotes exclusive breastfeeding and reduces the burden of pediatric HIV infection, thereby enhancing child survival.

Distracted Driving and Cell Phone use by Nigerian Road Users: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: This study ascertained the level of distraction attributable to cell phone by drivers in Enugu. Methodology: This study was conducted in Enugu, Nigeria using a validated structured questionnaire randomly administered to drivers in different locations in the city. Study period was 2 months and different forms of distraction while driving were tested. Result: There were 500 participants in the study. 306(61.2%) were males and 194(38.8%) were females. The mean age of respondents was 43.85±9.89 years. Ninety-nine percent of respondents were aware of the ban on use of cell phones while driving but as much as 97.8% of the drivers still use cell phones while driving. Conclusion: Level of distracted driving in Enugu is quite high and this has the potential to cause serious road crashes which can impact negatively on the lives of the people. The need for concerted effort to educate people on the dangers of cell phone use while driving cannot be over emphasized. Key Lessons: - There is a paucity of literature on distracted driving in Nigeria even with the high incidence of Road Traffic Accident.- Awareness of laws on distracted driving is not the challenge rather it is compliance. There is need for ways of enforcing the existing laws on distracted driving as mere knowledge of the provisions of the law does not ensure compliance.- Enforcement of laws on distracted driving will play a preventive role in reducing the incidence of RTAs and its associated health implications.

Use of Probiotics in the Management of Acute Watery Diarrhoea in Nigerian Children: How Effective are S. Boulardii only Preparations?

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases are a major cause of death worldwide particularly among under-fives and probiotics is used in the management of diarrheal diseases. While some probiotics are of unproven usefulness, others are. Despite the burden of diarrhoea diseases in Africa, there is paucity of studies to support the efficacy or otherwise of S. boulardii among children with diarrheal disease. This study examined the impact of S. boulardii on the clinical course of acute watery diarrhea in children in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: Two hundred and fifty under-five children with acute watery diarrhoea were recruited and treated in the hospital. One hundred and twenty-five were given probiotics (S. boulardii) in addition to Oral Rehydration solution (ORS), zincand antibiotics while the other one hundred and twenty-five were noton probiotics (Controls). Their stool frequency on the 3rd and 5th day and the duration of the diarrhea, were used to assess outcome. Information was obtained using a questionnaire and then analysed. Result: Majority of the children (58.8%) were at their second half of infancy (7-12 months). The average number of diarrheal episodes was significantly lower among the subjects by the 3rd day of intervention (t = 2.496, p = 0.013) but not by the 5th day (t = 0.212; p = 0.832). Duration of diarrhea, however, was not significantly different between the subjects and controls (p = 0.246). Conclusion: S. Boulardiionly probiotic preparations reduce the number of diarrhoeal episodes but not the duration of diarrhea among under- 5s.

Evaluation of Wait Time in the Children's Emergency and Outpatient Units of a Tertiary Hospital in Southeast Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Promptness of intervention in the emergency room (ER) or outpatient unit is a major determinant of outcome in acutely ill children. Time is, therefore, of the essence in trying to reduce complications and mortality associated with children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the children ER and the children outpatient unit of the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. Waiting time defined as the time between arrival and doctor consultation was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 248 respondents were enrolled during the study period. In the emergency unit, majority (67.5%) of the respondents' sick children were attended to almost immediately, while 13.3% and 19.3% waited for ≤10 and >10 min, respectively, before being attended to by a doctor. The mean waiting time in the emergency unit was approximately 9.27 ± 29.2 min (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.90-15.65 min) with a range of 0-56 min. In the outpatient unit, the mean waiting time was 12.67 ± 15.3 min (95% CI: 10.31-15.01 min) with a time range of 5-245 min. Eighty-five (51.5%) of the 165 respondents waited for <10 min, 60 (36.4%) waited for between 10 and 30 min, while 20 (12.1%) waited for >30 min before their sick children were attended by a doctor. CONCLUSION: The mean waiting times reported in this study in the emergency and outpatient units of the ESUTH were within acceptable standards. However, there were cases where the waiting time in both children's units was exceptionally long. There is need for continued monitoring and evaluation of waiting times in these units for prompt attention to patients.

Hypertension in Children: Could the Prevalence be on the Increase?

BACKGROUND: In children particularly in the developing world, there is a tendency to downplay the role of primary hypertension in their health. In adults, a number of factors have clearly been associated with the incidence of hypertension. Knowledge of the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among children in our environment is important and could inform the need for lifestyle changes and routine blood pressure (BP) checks in children so as to reduce BP-related health risks. AIM: The aim of this study is to document the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among children in Enugu, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children aged 6-17 years attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital, were enrolled for the study. Their socioeconomic status (SES), weight, height, BP, and dipstick urinalysis were measured using standardized methods. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). The prevalence of hypertension and the influence of these factors on their BP were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-six (9%) of the 491 participants had hypertension. Of these 46 hypertensive children, 72% were females while a significantly higher proportion 57% (P = 0.006), were in the age group 13-17 years. While age, gender, and the presence of protein in urine were significantly associated with hypertension in these children; body mass index, diet, family history of hypertension, and SES were not. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension in children in this environment is high and appears to be increasing. There is need for routine BP and urinalysis check for all children in our clinics and wards.

Cancer Mortality in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Case Study of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of cancer mortality (CM) seen in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) which is a cancer reference center in the Niger Delta Region. METHODOLOGY: This is a 6-year retrospective study of cancer-related deaths in UPTH using patients' admission registers in all the wards and emergency units. Furthermore, the death certificates of cases were reviewed. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixteen cases of cancer-related deaths occurred, involving 174 females and 142 males, in a female-to-male sex ratio of 1.2:1. All age groups were affected, with age group 40-49 years accounting for the majority (20.6%). CM was seen in all the systems, except the central nervous system. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and its accessory organs (liver and gall bladder) caused most mortality (27.9%), in a female-to-male ratio of 0.8:1. The single most involved organ in CM is the female breast (20.6%), distantly followed by mortality due to prostate cancers and hematolymphoid cancers which accounted for 9.2% each. Colorectal cancers accounted for 7.3% of cancer deaths and ranked 4th. Cancers of both cervix and stomach each accounted for 5.7% of mortality. The major histologic diagnoses were carcinomas (adenocarcinoma; 36.7%, invasive ductal carcinoma; 20.3%, squamous cell carcinomas; 8.2% and hepatocellular carcinomas; 4.4%). Leukemias and lymphomas accounted for 9.2% of cases, whereas sarcomas accounted for 5.1% of cases. CONCLUSION: Infection-related and noninfection-related cancers cause most mortality in UPTH. The 5th decade was the most commonly affected, while female breast was the single most involved organ. Breast, prostate and hematolymphoid malignancies are common causes of CM with death from breast occurring earliest. Majority of the deceased were educated, working-class urban dwellers. More advocacies on public acceptance of cancer screening and cancer preventive lifestyles as well as governments' improvement on workforce training and treatment infrastructure will improve the current CM profile in Port Harcourt.

Determinants of academic performance in medical students: evidence from a medical school in south-east Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Medical education is considered one of the toughest college degrees to acquire. Exploring the factors that determine good academic performance in medical school will help in the planning of curriculum and assist students to navigate through medical school more effectively. METHODS: This cross-sectional and descriptive study enrolled 145 second year clinical students (500 level) of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology in south-east Nigeria using purposive and convenient sampling method. It assessed factors that predicted good academic performances in surveyed students. RESULTS: Medical students without membership in any campus group, those that receive(s) less than ten thousand naira (≈US$27) every month as upkeep allowance, those admitted through the University Matriculation Examination, and students who visit their families on a weekly basis were more likely to have better academic performances than those in corresponding categories. Of these significant predictors of good academic performance, mode of admission into medical school (Rs=-0.310 P=0.001) and monthly allowance students got for upkeep (Rs=-0.281 P=0.001) had the strongest correlation with good academic performances. CONCLUSION: Our study identified factors that correlate with academic performances among medical students. We propose frequent appraisal of these factors and support system that will help improve performance in these students.

Short term outcome and predictors of survival among birth asphyxiated babies at a tertiary academic hospital in Enugu, South East, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Birth asphyxia (BA) is a preventable cause of cerebral insults in newborns. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Of the 120 million babies born in third world countries annually, it is estimated that about 3.6 million will develop BA. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the short term outcome and predictors of survival among birth asphyxiated babies using Apgar score. METHODS: This study was carried out in the Newborn Unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital. In-hospital deliveries (Inborn) and those from other centers (Out-born) with one minute Apgar score ≤ 6 were included. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from caregivers. Information sought included gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), Apgar score, place of delivery and outcome. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done. RESULTS: Of the 150 neonates, 61.3% survived. Majority of the dead were out-born. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The inborn were about 1.2 times (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.78) more likely to survive BA. Among low birth weights (LBWs), 73.9% died, 23.7% of normal weights and 14.3% of macrosomics died. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The normal weights were about 2 (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.76-6.25) and the macrosomics about 5 times more likely to survive BA than LBWs. Regarding GA, 78.8%, 17.2% and 18.2% of the pre-terms, term and post-dates died respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The term babies were about 11 (AOR = 11.27; 95% CI: 4.02-31-56) and post-dates about 9 (AOR = 8.79; 95% CI: 1.43-54.04) times more likely to survive BA than preterms. Other significant factors were degree of asphyxia (p = 0.003), and parental education (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: BW, GA, degree of asphyxia, place of delivery and parental education all predicts survival among birth asphyxiated newborns.

Perception of donor breast milk and determinants of its acceptability among mothers in a developing community: a cross-sectional multi-center study in south-east Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Due to the health and economic benefits of breast milk, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that for infants who cannot receive breast milk from their own mothers, the next preferred option is donated breast milk. This recommendation is however rarely practiced in most developing countries where donor milk is not widely accepted. METHODS: This cross-sectional multi-center study enrolled mothers attending antenatal or pediatric clinics in six tertiary institution in south-east Nigeria using purposive and convenient sampling method. Data collection was done using pretested questionnaires. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, acceptability and willingness to donate breast milk and/or use donated breast milk for their infants It also explored factors that determine this behavior. RESULTS: A total of 1235 mothers participated; 39% (480/1225) have heard about the concept of donor milk, while only 10% (79/759) and 7% (81/1179), respectively, had adequate knowledge of the concept and policy on donor milk. Sixty percent indicated willingness to use donor milk or donate breast milk if need arises. Respondents with lower age (p = 0.049) and with higher occupational status (p = 0.001) were more likely to have adequate knowledge of donor breast milk, while respondents with lower educational attainment (p = 0.002) and those who are non-Christians (p = 0.004) were more likely to request financial inducement for donating their breast milk. Adequate knowledge of the concept of donor milk (p = 0.001), preference of donor milk to infant formula (p = 0.001) and requirement of financial remuneration (p = 0.001) were the only significant predictors of willingness to donate and/or receive donated breast milk. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the concept of donor breast milk and awareness of policies regulating its practice in Nigeria is low, but the prospect of its acceptability is high among mothers surveyed in south-east Nigeria. Targeted public education by relevant government agencies in collaboration with clinicians, community and religious leaders about the concept of donor breast milk to families may help increase the acceptance and practice of donating breast milk and/or use of donated breast milk among mothers in the region.

Clinical evaluation of severe neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia in a resource-limited setting: a 4-year longitudinal study in south-East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is one of the commonest causes of hospital visit in the neonatal period. When severe, it is a leading cause of irreversible neurological and musculoskeletal disability. Prompt recognition and timely interventions are imperative for a drastic reduction in complications associated with severe hyperbilirubinaemia in newborns. METHODS: We report a 4-year descriptive and longitudinal study to determine the causes, clinical presentations and long-term outcomes in newborns admitted for severe neonatal jaundice. METHODS: Newborns admitted and managed for severe neonatal jaundice at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital during a 4-year period were enrolled and followed up for 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 1920 newborns were admitted during the study period and 48 were managed for severe hyperbilirubinaemia giving an in-hospital incidence rate of 25 (95% CI 18-32) per 1000 admitted newborns. The mean age of onset was 3.4 ± 0.5 days (range 1-8 days) and hospital presentation from time of first notice was 4.3 ± 0.4 days (range 1-9 days). The total and unconjugated admission serum bilirubin ranged from 7.1 to 71.1 (mean 26 ± 2.5 mg/dl) and 4.2 to 46.3 mg/dl (mean 18.3 ± 9.2) respectively. Earliest sign of severe hyperbilirubinaemia in newborns were: refusal to suck (15.2%) and depressed primitive reflexes (24.5%) while the commonest signs included high pitch cry (11.9%), convulsion and stiffness (6.9%) and vomiting (6.3%) in addition to the former signs. The major causes of severe hyperbilirubinaemia were idiopathic (33.3%), sepsis (35.3%), ABO incompatibility (17.6%) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (11.8%). Long-term sequelae on follow-up included delayed developmental milestone attainment, postural deformities, visual and seizure disorders. CONCLUSIONS: There is urgent need for continued education for mothers, families and healthcare workers on the danger newborns with jaundice could face if not brought early to the hospital for timely diagnosis and management.

Pattern of Congenital Anomalies in Newborn: A 4-Year Surveillance of Newborns Delivered in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in the South-East Nigeria.

Congenital abnormalities are important causes of morbidity and mortality in children and significantly add to the burdens on healthcare in developing countries. Unfortunately, there remains a paucity of information on congenital birth defects in most developing countries. This is a 4-year prospective study that assessed the patterns and predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. In total, 5830 deliveries were recorded, of which 38 had congenital anomalies, giving an incidence rate of 6.5/1000 live births. Fifty-two newborns were enrolled as nested controls. Factors significantly associated with congenital anomalies were low birth weight (p = 0.009), low socio-economic class (p = 0.011), lower maternal educational attainment (p = 0.009), parity of ≥ 5 (p = 0.002), febrile illness (p = 0.001) and the use of local concoction in index pregnancy (p = 0.009). More than half of the anomalies reported involved the musculoskeletal system. Occurrence of congenital anomalies may be prevented by curtailing risk factors identified in this study.

Incidence and Predictors of Mortality Among Newborns With Perinatal Asphyxia: A 4-Year Prospective Study of Newborns Delivered in Health Care Facilities in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.

Fatalities from perinatal asphyxia remain high in developing countries, and continually assessing its risk factors will help improve outcomes in these settings. We explored how some identified risk factors predict mortality in asphyxiated newborns, to assist clinicians in prioritizing interventions. This was a 4-year prospective study conducted at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. All newborns who met the study criteria that were admitted to this facility in this period were enrolled and monitored. Data collected were analysed with SPSS Version 18. A total of 161 newborns with perinatal asphyxia were enrolled into the study with an in-hospital incidence rate of 12.81 per 1000 birth and a case fatality rate of 18%. Overall, the APGAR scores were severe in 10%, moderate in 22%, mild to normal in 68%, whereas the SARNAT stages were III in 24%, II in 52%, and I in 25%. In terms of mortality, 66.7%, 22.2%, and 11.1% mortalities were, respectively, observed with SARNAT scores III, II, and I (P = .003), whereas the findings with APGAR were 31.2% (severe), 25.0% (moderate), 25.0% (mild), and 18.8% (normal) (P = .030). Fatality outcome was more correlated with SARNAT (R = .280; P = .000) than APGAR (R = -.247; P = .0125). The SARNAT score significantly differentiated between the degrees of asphyxia in newborns based on gestational age at delivery (P = .010), place of delivery (P = .032), and mode of delivery (P = .042). Finally, it was noted that newborns that were female (P = .007), or born outside the hospital (P = .010), or with oxygen saturations <60% (P = .001), or with heart rate <120 (P = .000), and those with respiratory rate <30 (P = .003), all have significantly higher likelihood of deaths from asphyxia. Therefore, predictors of neonatal mortality from perinatal asphyxia in our centre include being female and being born outside the hospital, as well as low oxygen saturations, heart rates, and respiratory rates at presentation.

A rare type of congenital Sturge-Weber Syndrome: presenting with history of perinatal asphyxia.

The presentation of a newborn with perinatal asphyxia and poor developmental milestones in a resource-poor setting. Many a times, obscured, unsuspected, and uncommon etiologies compound well-known causes of failure to thrive; in this case a rare finding of Type III Sturge-Weber Syndrome was revealed by Brain CT scanning.

Food taboos and myths in South Eastern Nigeria: The belief and practice of mothers in the region.

BACKGROUND: Poor nutritional practices especially in pregnancy and early childhood can result in dire consequences in the growth and development of a child. METHODS: This study using purposive sampling enrolled 149 women who had carried at least one pregnancy to term in Enugu south east Nigeria. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess association between avoidance of certain food in pregnancy and selected socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: Approximately 37 % of respondents avoided some foods in pregnancy due to food taboos and no relationship was seen between this avoidance of food and maternal educational attainment, parity (number of obstetrics deliveries) and occupation. Snail and grass-cutter meat were the commonly avoided food in pregnancy while egg were commonly avoided in children under-two years old. Some respondent believed eating snail and grass-cutter meat makes a child sluggish and labour difficult respectively while starting egg early for a child could predispose them to stealing later in life. CONCLUSION: Discussion about food taboos during antenatal care visits and during community education can help reduce the traditional belief about certain food in pregnancy and early childhood.

Delays in healthcare delivery to sick neonates in Enugu South-East Nigeria: an analysis of causes and effects.

BACKGROUND: In most parts of the world, neonatal mortality rates have shown a slower decline when compared with under-5 mortality decline. A sick newborn can die within minutes if there is a delay in presentation, thus early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the survival of a critically ill newborn. This study investigated factors responsible for delays in healthcare services for the sick newborn and maternal socio-demographic variables that influence these delays in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. METHODS: This was a community-based descriptive study. A total of 376 respondents were randomly selected from 4 of the 17 local government areas of Enugu State. Mothers and/or caregivers that were nursing or had nursed a child in the previous 2 years were enrolled. Self-reported data on delays encountered during healthcare for sick newborn were collected using pretested structured questionnaire. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the association between causes of delays in newborn healthcare services, maternal socio-demographics and relationships with newborn mortality. RESULTS: Delays in reaching healthcare facilities accounted for the most common delays encountered by respondents, 78.0%, in this study, followed by delays at household level, 24.2% and delays at health facility level 16.0% (P = 0.000). Mothers with knowledge of ≥3 WHO recognized danger signs compared with those with ≤2 were significantly less likely to delay at household (level 1: 40.7 versus 59.3%) (P = 0.017) and reaching healthcare service (level 2: 19.9 versus 80.1%) (P = 0.028). Delays at health facility level (level 3) occurred more at tertiary health facilities (59.0%), secondary health facilities (39.1%) and primary healthcare facilities (19.7%) compared with private health facilities (13.5%) (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Delays in seeking healthcare at all levels especially those related to transporting the sick newborn to the hospital are a contributor to newborn mortality in Nigeria. Improving access to healthcare could potentially reduce mortality in the sick newborn.