Outcomes of Paediatrics HIV care at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu after ten years of service

Background: Antiretroviral therapy is associated with improved survival among HIV-infected children. In Nigeria, HIV treatment scale up was extended to children over a decade ago. This poses new challenges of sustained quality care. Aim: To determine the outcomes for HIV infected children and factors that influenced retention in care at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu.Methods: This was a study of HIV-infected children seen between September 2004 and October 2015 and at the Paediatric HIV clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu. Data collected include socio-demographics, HAART regimen and outcomes. Data analysis were done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19 (Chicago IL).Results: Five hundred and nineteen of 555 enrolled children with complete data were included in the data analysis. Two hundred and sixty-seven (51.4%) were females. Three hundred and thirty-nine participants (65.3%) were still in care, 12345 (23.7%) had been lost to follow up, or 22 (4.2%) dead while 35 (6.87%) were transferred out to other health facilities or into the adult ART clinic. Factors associated with retention in care were both parents being HIV positive (p<0.0001), commencement of HAART (p<0.0001) and HIV disclosure status of the child (Fisher's exact Test =0.003).Conclusions: About a quarter of our HIV-infected children were lost to follow up. Prompt initiation of HAART and HIV disclosure will positively influence retention in care

Awareness and use of insecticide-treated bed nets among children attending outpatient clinic at UNTH, Enugu - the need for an effective mobilization process.

BACKGROUND: The promotion of insecticide-treated net (ITN) can be a key approach towards the reduction of morbidity and mortality from malaria. OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of mothers using insecticide treated nets for their children and reasons for nonuse. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective hospital-based study. METHOD: Consecutive mothers attending the children's out patient clinic of UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, whose children presented with fever without localizing focus were interviewed with the aid of an open-ended structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Awareness of ITN was found in 184 (80%) of the 230 mothers interviewed, while only 48 (26.1%) use it for their children. There was statistically significant difference in terms of ITN awareness between the highly educated mothers and those with lower educational qualification (p = 0.000) but, in terms of ITN usage, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.40). Socio economic class did not influence the use of ITN (p = 0.153). A greater number; 56 (41.2%) have no reason for non-use. Reasons for nonuse include use of windows and door nets 22 (16.2%) and not convenient to spread 18 (13.2%). CONCLUSION: There was a high awareness of ITN, which did not influence usage.

Awareness and Use of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets among Children Attending Outpatient Clinic at UNTH; Enugu - the Need for an Effective Mobilization Process

Background: The promotion of insecticide-treated net (ITN) can be a key approach towards the reduction of morbidity and mortality from malaria. Objective: To determine the proportion of mothers using insecticide treated nets for their children and reasons for nonuse. Study design: Prospective hospital-based study. Method: Consecutive mothers attending the children's out patient clinic of UNTH; Ituku-Ozalla; Enugu; whose children presented with fever without localizing focus were interviewed with the aid of an open-ended structured questionnaire. Results: Awareness of ITN was found in 184 (80) of the 230 mothers interviewed; while only 48 (26.1) use it for their children. There was statistically significant difference in terms of ITN awareness between the highly educated mothers and those with lower educational qualification (p=0.000) but; in terms of ITN usage; there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.40). Socio economic class did not influence the use of ITN (p=0.153). A greater number; 56 (41.2) have no reason for non-use. Reasons for nonuse include use of windows and door nets 22 (16.2) and not convenient to spread 18 (13.2). Conclusion: There was a high awareness of ITN; which did not influence usage

Vertebral bone collapse in sickle cell disease: a report of two cases.

We describe two female children both nine years of age with sickle cell anaemia and compression deformity of three successive lumbar vertebrae in one child and collapse of one lumbar vertebra in the other. Management for the two children included analgesics, antibiotics and application of a lumbar jacket for stabilisation of the spine. In both patients the vertebral bodies remodelling with re-generation of the tissue. This report is being made to highlight the improved chances of response with early detection and adequate management.