Abnormal hysteroscopy findings among a cross section of infertile Nigerian women.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine lesions are important causes of infertility. This study aims to evaluate the abnormal findings at hysteroscopy among infertile women seen in 2 new Fertility/Gynaecological Endoscopy units in Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective study of 159 infertile women who had diagnostic hysteroscopy in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching hospital Nnewi and Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital, Onitsha to evaluate the intrauterine lesions seen. Data analysis was done with STATA software, version 12.0 SE (Stata Corporation, TX, USA). RESULTS: Secondary infertility was the major type of infertility seen in 56.6% (n = 91) of cases and the mean duration of infertility was 4.3+/- 2.8 years. The indication for hysteroscopy was routine evaluation for infertility in 83.6% cases (n = 133). One hundred and twelve (70.4%) of the women had abnormal findings at hysteroscopy. The lesions detected were intrauterine adhesions (47.8%; n = 76), endometrial polyps (17.6%; n = 28), submucous fibroids (11.9%; n = 19) and mullerian duct abnormalities (10.7%; n = 17). Other findings were lost intrauterine copper devices (IUCD; 6.3%, n = 10), embedded fetal bone (2.5%; n = 4) and incarcerated omentum (1.9%; n = 3). Intrauterine adhesions were mainly moderate (40.8%; n = 31) and mild (34.2, n = 26) in severity while the submucous fibroids were mostly of type 0 (63.2%; n = 12). The commonest Mullerian abnormality seen was arcuate uterus (41.2%; n = 7). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of abnormal findings on hysteroscopy among the studied women mostly intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps and submucous fibroids. These findings indicate a need to incorporate hysteroscopy in the routine evaluation of female infertility in the region.

Evaluation of hormonal changes in menstrual cycle of women infected with pulmonary tuberculosis in Nnewi, south eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the hormonal changes in menstrual cycle of premenopausal women infected with pulmonary tuberculosis in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study involving sixty-seven (67) female participants within the child-bearing age were randomly recruited and grouped based on their tuberculosis status as: Symptomatic TB infected females (n=20), Symptomatic TB infected females on ATT (n=20) and Control females (n=27). After due consent, a detailed medical history was obtained and routine investigations of pulmonary tuberculosis and confirmation using Ziehl Neelsen and sputum culture techniques for AFB and chest x-ray were done. Blood samples collected from the participants were used for hormonal assay using immunoenzymometric method. RESULTS: The results showed that the serum levels of FSH and LH (IU/ml) were significantly higher while progesterone and estradiol were significantly lower in Symptomatic TB females compared to Symptomatic TB females on ATT at follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle (P<0.05). The serum levels of FSH and LH were significantly reduced in Symptomatic TB females on ATT while progesterone and estradiol were significantly increased at follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle (P<0.05). FSH was significantly higher at follicular phase while estradiol was significantly higher at luteal phase of menstrual cycle in Symptomatic TB females on ATT. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis induced hypogonadism in affected women which seemed to be reversed on treatment. Routine investigation for Tuberculosis should be done for women presenting with infertility, since early treatment can reverse the abnormality.

Management outcomes of abruptio placentae at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to determine incidence, risk factors and management outcomes of abruptio placentae (AP) and comparing them with cases without AP who delivered within the same period. METHODS: A 10 year retrospective study of AP managed at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria, between January 2001 and December 2010 was undertaken. Proforma was initially used for data collection before transfer to Epi-info 2008 software. Test of associations were evaluated and P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixty nine cases out of a total delivery of 8,811 were seen, giving an incidence of 0.8%. The mean age and parity of women with AP were 30.8 +/- 0.9 years and 4.1 +/- 0.6 respectively and majority (78.3%) of cases were unbooked (p = 0.0019). Grand multiparity and age = 35 years were significant risk factors ( p < 0.05). Fifty two (75.4%) cases were delivered by caesarean section (c/s) ( P = 0.0000). The sex ratio was 160 ( p = 0.0134). The overall maternal mortality ratio during the study period was 987 per 100,000 live births with AP contributing 3.8% of the maternal deaths while perinatal mortality rate was 52.2%. CONCLUSION: A significant number of cases have high perinatal mortality. Unbooked, high parity, advanced maternal age and previous c/s scar were significant aetiological risk factors.

Inevitable caesarean myomectomy; a case report.

The standard teaching is to avoid caesarean myomectomy as much as possible for the fear of the attendant severe haemorrhage. Classical caesarean section in spite of its risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies had been prescribed in its place. We report a case of a 32 year old nullipara who had an inevitable removal of a huge intramural fibroid in order to assess the baby. A high dose oxytocin infusion, and skillful surgery ensured minimal intra operative and post operative blood loss.

Inevitable caesarean myomectomy.

The standard teaching is to avoid caesarean myomectomy as much as possible for the fear of the attendant severe haemorrhage. Classical caesarean section in spite of its risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies had been prescribed in its place. We report a case of a 32 year old nullipara who had an inevitable removal of a huge intramural fibroid in order to assess the baby. A high dose oxytocin infusion, and skillful surgery ensured minimal intra operative and post operative blood loss.

Knowledge and practice of family planning among antenatal care attendees at Nnewi, south east Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Entrenching an effective family planning program has being a major challenge in Sub Saharan Africa. Determining the knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among the women is very necessary in order to achieve success. The aim of this study iS to determine the knowledge, and practice of family planning among antenatal women in Nnewi, South East, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study of 356 women attending antenatal clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria was carried out over a 5-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the aid of pre-tested interviewer-administered semi structured questionnaires, information on biosocial characteristics, knowledge of, and practice of family planning as well as sources of information on family planning were obtained from the respondents. Data was analysis was done with Epi info statistical package, version 3.5.2 (2008) RESULTS: Three hundred and forty (95.5%) of the respondents knew about family planning out of which 260 (76.5%) had ever used a modern method. The male condom (256; 75.3%) and the natural method (Billings method) (150; 44.1%) were the commonly known methods. Also the commonest used methods were the male condom (144; 55.4%) and Billings method (96; 36.9%). Birth spacing (248; 72.9%) and limiting births (138, 40.6%) were mainly identified as the benefits of family planning and only 6 (1.7%) of the respondents identified family planning as being important in the reduction of maternal mortality. The major sources of information on family planning were health workers (224; 65.9%) and the radio (126; 37.1%). CONCLUSION: The knowledge and practice of family planning has improved among our women. However, the methods commonly used are those associated with high failure rates. Family panning program managers should recognize this limitation. There is need for public sensitization on the correct use of the Billings method and the male condom. Ultimately, our women should be encouraged to accept the more reliable methods of family planning.

Inevitable Caesarean Myomectomy

The standard teaching is to avoid caesarean myomectomy as much as possible for the fear of the attendant severe haemorrhage. Classical caesarean section in spite of its risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies had been prescribed in its place.We report a case of a 32 year old nullipara who had an inevitable removal of a huge intramural fibroid in order to assess the baby. A high dose oxytocin infusion; and skillful surgery ensured minimal intra operative and post operative blood loss

Inevitable caesarean myomectomy.

The standard teaching is to avoid caesarean myomectomy as much as possible for the fear of the attendant severe haemorrhage. Classical caesarean section in spite of its risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies had been prescribed in its place. We report a case of a 32 year old nullipara who had an inevitable removal of a huge intramural fibroid in order to assess the baby. A high dose oxytocin infusion, and skillful surgery ensured minimal intra operative and post operative blood loss.

Knowledge and perceptions of HIV/AIDS and mother to child transmission among antenatal mothers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching hospital, Nnewi.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of HIV/AIDS by pregnant mothers is very important in the prevention of mother to child transmission. This study evaluates the knowledge and perceptions of HIV/AIDS and mother to child transmission among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a University Teaching Hospital. METHODOLOGY: Pre-tested questionnaires were interviewer administered to 312 pregnant women randomly selected at the antenatal clinic of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. RESULTS: The level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among antenatal mothers was very high (99%) and the main sources of information were radio (44.7%), television (38.8%), and print media (34.0%). Though majority (94.2%) was aware HIV infection can coexist with pregnancy, only 76.9% were aware of mother to child transmission. Transplacental (46.1%), breastfeeding (31.7%), and vaginal delivery (16.3%) were the commonly identified routes of vertical transmission. Surprisingly, eighteen respondents (5.8%) indicated that caesarean section is a possible route of vertical transmission. CONCLUSION: Though the percentage of HIV/AIDS knowledge is high, the level of knowledge and perceptions of mother to child transmission is inadequate. This suggests the need to scale up health education about mother to child transmission in our health facilities.

Teenage pregnancy: still an obstetric risk.

A 30-month retrospective and comparative study of the obstetric performance of teenagers and females between 20 and 24 years was performed at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. The prevalence of teenage birth was 21.8 per 1000 deliveries. Females aged 2024 years performed better than teenagers with respect to booking status, marital status, preterm delivery, low birth weight and perinatal morbidity. There was no difference with respect to pre-eclampsia caesarean section and perinatal mortality. Teenage birth is still an obstetric risk factor. There is need to foster the advocacy and reproductive health programmes against adolescent pregnancy and teenage marriage.

The prevalence and practice of female genital mutilation in Nnewi, Nigeria: the impact of female education.

Three hundred and twenty-five consecutive live female deliveries at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi were followed up for 9 months for evidence of any genital mutilation. Their mothers were examined for genital mutilation and a questionnaire based on face-to-face interview of the mothers was also administered. There was no genital mutilation observed among the 200 female babies whose mothers completed the 9 months follow up, The prevalence of genital mutilation among the mothers was 48%. The prevalence of female genital mutilation among the mothers increased with age. The circumcision index C.I. was zero and 3.0 at 16-20 years and 31-35 years age groups, respectively. Also the prevalence decreased with increasing level of education. The circumcision index was 1.0 for mothers at primary level education and least 0.33 at tertiary level of education. There was no relationship with parity. None of the mothers was willing to allow genital mutilation to be performed on her baby but 36% applied local treatment to the clitoris especially powder (28%). Dystocia was the commonest complication in the mothers and the knowledge about female genital mutilation was acquired informally from fellow women. Female education is paramount in the campaign and advocacy against female genital mutilation.

Cervico-isthmic twin pregnancy carried to 37 weeks.

The management of twin pregnancy located in the cervico-isthmic region of the uterus in a primigravida has been described. Cesarean section performed at 37 weeks resulted in live female and male infants weighing 2.5 kg and 2.2 kg, respectively. Complications were primary and secondary hemorrhage and post partum morbidity.

The challenge of grandmultiparity in Nigerian obstetric practice.

A retrospective analysis of 733 Nigerian grandmultiparae seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) over a 3 year period was carried out. A high incidence of grandmultiparity (11%) was noted, and most of them (62%) belonged to the lower socioeconomic class. Anemia, hypertensive diseases, abruptio placentae, breech presentation and abnormal lie were significant complications of grandmultiparity. The incidence of multiple pregnancy, low birthweight babies, cesarean deliveries and perinatal deaths were markedly increased in the grandmultipara. Improvement in socioeconomic conditions of the populace, health education and widespread practice of family planning are suggested to reduce the incidence of grandmultiparity.