Benue State University Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Sex hormone-binding globulin is a valuable diagnostic indicator of gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective: To assess the performance of the Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) assay as a diagnostic indicator of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in the study population.Design: Analytical cross-sectional studySetting: Hospital-based, Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Nigeria.Participants: Women with singleton pregnancies at 24 to 28 weeks gestational age attending Antenatal care at BSUTH, Makurdi.Intervention: Serum SHBG levels were assayed by ELISA during a diagnostic 75-gram Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) for assessment of GDM in the cohort of consecutively selected participants who met the inclusion criteria.Main Outcome Measures: Serum levels of SHBG and presence of GDM in the participants.Result: Serum SHBG was significantly negatively correlated (rpb = - 0.534, p-value < 0.001) with the presence of GDM. It had an area under the ROC curve of 0.897 (95% Confidence Interval = 0.858–0.935; p-value < 0.001). A cut-off value of 452.0 nmol/L indicative of GDM had a diagnostic odds ratio of 21.4 in the study population.Conclusion: SHBG is a valuable diagnostic indicator for GDM in the study population.

Distribution of Helicobacter pylori signal regions of vacA from infected patients of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi in relation to sex and age

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium which causes chronic bacterial infections such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancers and gastric malt lymphoma. The severity of these diseases may be related to sex and age. The vacuolating cytotoxin A gene is a key virulence factor and exhibits genetic diversity most especially in its signal regions. The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of Helicobacter pylori signal regions of vavA from infected patients of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi in Relation to Sex and Age. Methods: A total of 80 patients referred for endoscopy were enrolled, and gastric biopsies taken from the antrum of the patients and tested by PCR then genotyped using standard techniques to identify the signal regions of the vacA gene. Demographic information, including age and sex, was recorded for each participant. Results: The frequency of H. pylori alleles of signal regions of vacA detected in biopsies showed that s1 had the highest frequency of 24 (100%) followed by s1c 22 (92%) while the least were s2 s1+s2. s1a was not detected. Presence of subspecie genotypes was not significantly associated with sex (Chi-square=6.511; p=0.089). However, the occurrence of the different subspecie was found to be significantly associated with age (Chi-square=21.343; p=0.011). Conclusion: The findings of this study show a relationship between H. pylori vacA sigma regions and demographic characteristics. The variations may be due to genetic variations, environmental factors, or a combination of both. H. pylori infection in the study was found not to be associated with gender but was significantly associated with age. Understanding this is crucial for discovering the complexity of H. pylori infections and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

Relationship, association and distribution of Helicobacter pylori infection in endoscopy patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria to the symptoms of nausea and vomiting

The distribution of H. pylori obtained from patients referred for endoscopy at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria in relation to nausea and vomiting was examined in this study. To isolate H. pylori, gastric biopsy samples were obtained from the antrum of 80 consenting patients, and questionnaires were administered to them. The biopsies were placed in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth and were used for isolation. Genomic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (gDNA) was extracted from the biopsies using ReliaPrep spin column method and used for singleplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Out of the 80 patients, 24 (30%) had H. pylori infection as detected by 16S rRNA PCR. There was no significant association between infection and nausea/vomiting (OR = 5.622, 95% CI: 0.683-46.274; p = 0.076), or infection and hematemesis, common symptoms reported by patients (OR = 0.911, 95% CI: 0.304 - 2.729; p = 0.870). The research sheds light on the infection, prevalence and distribution of H. pylori in endoscopy referral patients at BSUTH, with respect to nausea and vomiting, and provides valuable information for both clinicians and researchers.

Distribution of vacA and cagA status of Helicobacter pylori from endoscopy referral patients of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria

Distribution of vacA and cagA status of Helicobacter pylori from endoscopy referral patients of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria

Effect of Occupational Stress on Work Behavior as Perceived by Nurses at Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi.

Every work environment, especially in hospital settings must be conducive, friendly, and stress-free in order to promote quality care and the well-being of healthcare workers, whose job demands are increasing by the day. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived effect of occupational stress on work behavior among nurses at Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. From the facility's population of nurses, a quantitative survey randomly chose 150 respondents nurses, for the purpose of gathering information and testing the hypothesis, a well- developed and validated questionnaire was employed to gather data. Using SPSS, the data were descriptively analyzed, and an inferential analysis with a significance level of 5% was performed using Pearson's Chi-square test (0.05). The majority of participants (56.6%) were men with a higher level of education. This study also shows the effect of occupational stress on work behavior as poor work performance 142 (94.7%), counterproductive work behavior 139 (92.7%), increases the incidence of absenteeism 112 (74.7%), high occurrence of medication error 120 (80%), Negative effect on teamwork 98 (65.3%), increases the incidence of Substance use disorders 95 (63.3), and aggressive attitude toward patients during nursing care 137 (91.3). Furthermore, there is a significant association between occupational stress and job satisfaction (x2 = 25.49, df = 8, and p < 0.001), patient safety (x2 = 51.07, df = 8, and P = 0.002), and nurses' attitudes toward their patients (x2 = 86.67, df = 12, and P = 0.012). We discovered that workplace stress can affect how happy nurses are with their jobs and how they behave while providing nursing care. We recommend that hospital administrators implement a plan to create a stress-free working environment for nurses.

The Incidence and Fetal Outcome of Threatened Miscarriage at a Tertiary Health Centre in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Threatened miscarriage or pregnancy-related vaginal bleeding in the first half of pregnancy without cervical dilatation, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and its incidence varies from one centre to another. Objective: The main objective was to determine the incidence and fetal outcome of threatened miscarriage at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 90 consecutive, eligible pregnant women presenting with threatened miscarriage at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit of Benue State University Teaching Hospital over a two-year period. After discharge, they were followed up at the antennal clinic to determine the fetal outcome of their pregnancies. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 Results: There were 504 gynaecological admissions with 90 threatened miscarriages giving an incidence of 17.9%. The mean age of the subjects was 28.8 (±5.93) years. The mean gestational age at presentation was 10.93 (±3.68) weeks. Seventy-five-point six (75.6%) percent of the cases presented in the first trimester. Fever, due to malaria and UTI, was the major risk factor for threatened miscarriage, occurring in 28.9% of the subjects. Fifty (55.6%) of the subjects progressed to the age of viability whereas 44.4% subjects miscarried prior to the age of viability. Forty-eight (96.0%) delivered at term whereas 2(4%) had preterm delivery at 34 and 35 weeks respectively. The main route of delivery was SVD (84%). The mean birth weight was 3.02 (±0.32) kg. There was no neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Conclusion: The incidence of threatened miscarriage (17.9%) in this study was high. Seventy-five point six (75.6%) of the cases occurred in the first trimester. Fifty-five point six (55.6%) progressed to the age of viability and the fetal outcome was favourable. Close follow up is imperative in maximizing a favourable outcome for cases of threatened miscarriage.

Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Employee Caring Behaviour: a Study of Professional Nurses in Tertiary Health Care Institutions in Benue State, Nigeria

This study examined the effect of emotional intelligence on caring behaviour of professional nurses in tertiary health care institutions in Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically the study sought to examine the effects of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management on caring behaviour of professional nurses in tertiary health care institutions in Benue State. Anchored on Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, the study adopted the survey design. Population of the study consisted of 586 professional nurses working in the two tertiary healthcare facilities in Benue State (312 from the Federal Medical Centre and 274 from the Benue State University Teaching Hospital). A sample size of 245 was arrived at with the aid of Taro Yamene’s sampling formula. Primary data were gathered through questionnaire. The data were coded and analysed with the aid of SPSS. Hypotheses of the study were tested using regression analysis at 5% level of significance. Findings revealed that self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management all have significant effect on caring behaviour of professional nurses in tertiary health care institutions in Benue State, Nigeria. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and caring behaviour of professional nurses in tertiary health care institution in Benue State. The study recommends that in order to ensure quality care to patients, management of tertiary healthcare organisations in Benue State should recognize and develop EI abilities in nurses who constantly struggle to show care since EI can be taught and learnt.

Sonographic assessment of Prostate and Post void Residual Urine Volumes in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy in Makurdi, North-central Nigeria

Background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a major global public health problem and the most common benign prostatic disease in elderly men. Although rarely life-threatening, the increased morbidity significantly lowers men's quality of life, necessitating significant financial commitment to their annual health budgetary expenditure. We aim at determining the sonographic volumes of the prostate and post void residual urine in adult Nigerian men with BPH in Makurdi and to document any relevant relationship between the two values. Materials and methods: This was a 10-month prospective cross-sectional study conducted from June 2021 to April 2022. Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) was used to measure the prostate and post-void residual urine volumes of 78 men aged 40years and older, with normal levels of prostatic-specific antigen (PSA), who were referred to the ultrasound unit of radiology department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft excel with P&lt;0.05. Results: Postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) was observed to increase alongside the prostate volume (PV) from the 5th to the 6th decade of life; however, PVR began fluctuating from the 7th to the 8th decade, even though PV continued to increase steadily to its peak value at the 70-79 years of age, or the 8th decade. Overall, the mean prostate and post void residual urine volumes were 64.07±37.00ml and 76.44±110.34ml, respectively. A statistically significant (P=0.017) relationship existed between age and prostate volume but not between PV and PVR (P=0.128), where there was instead a weak, positive correlation. Although the bladder wall thickness (BWT) was greater than 5mm in more than half of the respondents 43(55.10%), there was no statistically significant (P=0.130) relationship between age and BWT. Conclusion: We established 64.07±37.00ml and 76.44±110.34ml respectively, as the overall mean sonographic volumes of the prostate and post void residual urine in adult Nigerian men with BPH in Makurdi. Despite the weak correlation between the two volumes, they can be used as a baseline for monitoring the progression of prostatic hyperplasia, bladder outlet obstruction and deciding on the best treatment option.

Pattern of Head Computed Tomography Requests, Common Indications and Findings at a Tertiary Health Center in North-Central Nigeria

Background: Since its introduction in the early 1970s, Computed tomography (CT) has evolved over time into a useful diagnostic imaging tool with expanding applications, especially in the evaluation of head pathologies Aim: This study aimed at assessing the pattern of head-CT requests, common indications, and findings at a tertiary health center in north-central Nigeria. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 350 case-files, retrieved from the radiology department's head-CT archives at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) between January and December 2022. Using SPSS version 23 and Microsoft Excel 2007, data was entered into a spreadsheet and analysed. The statistical significance level was set at P&lt; 0.05. Tables, figures, and percentages were used to display the data distribution. Results: Men outnumbered women 2:1 in the 350 head-CT requests that were evaluated. 150 (42.9%) of those scanned were in their second to fourth decade of life, when people are more active and energetic, thus more prone to accidents. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), 77(22.0%) was the commonest clinical indication. The findings were entirely normal in 119(34.0%) head-CTs. The abnormalities that physicians suspected before requesting a head-CT were positive in 231 (66.0%) of the patients. The level of confirmation of abnormality was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: Men had more head-CTs than women. Most of the patients had the abnormalities that the physicians suspected before requesting a head-CT. TBI was the commonest clinical indication, while majority of head-CTs revealed normal findings. This establishes the pattern of head-CT requests, common indications, and findings for future planning and research.

Clinically significant bacteria on doctors stethoscope in Makurdi, Nigeria and their antibacterial susceptibilities

Background: The stethoscope is highly susceptible to contamination, specifically by the diaphragm that comes into contact with the patient’s body. This study aims at determining the presence of, and the most prevalent bacteria on medical interns and doctors’ stethoscopes at the federal medical centre (FMC) and Benue State university teaching hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, assess antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates, and compare the levels of stethoscope contamination between the hospitals. Methods: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study undertaken between December 2020 and May 2021. A total of 99 samples were taken using sterile swab sticks from the diaphragms of the sampled stethoscopes. Standard microbiological and biochemical tests were performed to identify the bacterial diversity. A paired sample t-test was used to compare the numbers of bacteria-contaminated stethoscopes used by doctors and interns in the two hospitals. A p&lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Escherichia coli, and coagulase negative Staphylococci, were found in all of the stethoscopes tested. S. aureus was found to be the most prevalent pathogen in both hospitals (43.43%), followed by CoNS (29.29%), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli (both 16.16% and 11.11%) respectively. All of isolates were susceptible to the antibiotics tested. There was a significant difference in the numbers of stethoscopes contaminated from FMC (58.75, 19.31) and BSUTH (72.5, 18.52); t (3)=28.72, p=(9.27E-05), with BSUTH showing highest contamination. Conclusions: To reduce number of pathogens and risk of transmission, it is recommended that stethoscopes be sanitized after each patient consultation. Disposable stethoscope heads should also be considered to prevent cross-contamination.

Lassa Fever: Patients Profile and Treatment Outcomes at Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Lassa Fever: Patients Profile and Treatment Outcomes at Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Seasonal Blood Pressure Variations in Persons with Hypertension Seen in the Medical Out-Patients Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North Central, Nigeria

Seasonal Blood Pressure Variations in Persons with Hypertension Seen in the Medical Out-Patients Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North Central, Nigeria

Seasonal Blood Pressure Variations in Persons with Hypertension Seen in the Medical Out-Patients Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North Central, Nigeria

Seasonal Blood Pressure Variations in Persons with Hypertension Seen in the Medical Out-Patients Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North Central, Nigeria

Prevalence and risk factors for anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, North-central Nigeria.

In developing countries such as Nigeria, anaemia in pregnancy is thought to be one of the most common complications of pregnancy accounting for a significant level of maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy among women attending the booking Antenatal Clinic (ANC) in Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), North-Central, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from May 2019 to January, 2020 on 299 women. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic, clinical, and nutritional information from pregnant women attending the clinic who consented to participate in the study. Haematocrit levels were stratified according to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) classification as follows: <7mg/dL - severe, 7-8.99mg/dL - moderate, 9-10.99mg/dL - mild anaemia and ≧ 11mg/dL - non-anaemic. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Chi-square test was conducted to determine relationships. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors for anaemia among pregnant women. P-value <0.05 and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were used to assess the association. The mean age of respondents was 29.9, ranging from 18 - 40 years. One hundred and twenty-three (41.1%) women were anaemic (haemoglobin [Hb] < 11.0 g/dL). The majority (95.1%) of these anaemic patients were mildly anaemic, whereas 4.9% were moderately anaemic. There was no case of severe anaemia (Hb < 7.0 g/dL). The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher in those within the age group of 20-24 years and those with lower levels of education (P < 0.05). The patient's gestational age, number of miscarriages and birth interval had no significant relationship with the haemoglobin concentration among the pregnant women in this study (P > 0.05). However, parity, clinical features such as fever, and practices like use of haematinics and non-consumption of meat, poultry and fish were significantly related to anaemia (P < 0.05). The pregnant women who did not take haematinics were 5.8 times likely to develop anaemia (OR=5.8, 95%CI [2.3, 14.5]) while pregnant women who did not eat meat, poultry or fish were 9 times more likely to become anaemic than pregnant women who ate (OR=9.0, 95%CI [1.0, 79.5]). The prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy is high among women attending booking antenatal clinic at BSUTH, North-Central, Nigeria, and requires specific intervention that address the identified risk factors.

Radiographic assessment of the cardiothoracic ratio in the pediatric age group at a tertiary institution in North-Central Nigeria

Objectives: The most common method for detecting cardiomegaly and calculating the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is through the use of chest radiography. Since 1919, when the CTR was first described, there has been an interest in its utility as a predicator of heart size, leading to a lot of research, notably in the adult Caucasian population. However, in the African pediatric age group, there is paucity of data on this subject. We aim to establish normative data on CTR and its determinants in Nigerian children aged 1–15 years, using chest radiographs. Material and Methods: This was a 7-month observational analytical study assessing chest radiographs of healthy children aged 1–15 years at the Radiology Department of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, from May to November 2021. The respondents’ biometrics and chest radiographs were obtained after the protocol was authorized by the institutional Health Research Ethics Committee. The CTR was calculated using measurements of the maximum transverse cardiac diameter (MTCD) and the maximum internal thoracic width (MITW). The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26, and Microsoft Excel 2017. The statistical significance level was selected at P ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 150 pediatric chest radiographs were evaluated, with a male: female ratio of 1.4:1. The study population’s mean age was 6.9 ± 4.8 years. There was a steady decrease in CTR with increasing age across the sexes. The mean CTR of the general population was 49.3%. Weight, height, age, and MITW correlated negatively but statistically significantly with CTR (P = 0.000), while the correlation of CTR with race, MTCD, and sex was not statistically significant (P = 0.657, 0.688, and 0.692, consecutively). Conclusion: The result of the study has established 49.3% as the mean CTR value of the pediatric age group in our environment. We also found out that CTR was significantly influenced by weight, height, age, and thoracic size (MITW).

Assessment of the baseline pattern of obstetric sonography referrals, indications, and findings at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi

Background: In this era of evidence-based medicine and female reproductive health rights, obstetric sonography is the gold standard for diagnosing pregnancies. But despite having the highest rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality, sub-Saharan Africa has yet to fully realize the potential benefits of prenatal ultrasound.Objectives: To assess the baseline pattern of obstetric sonography referrals, indications, and findings at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 827 case-files retrieved from the prenatal ultrasound archives of the radiology department at BSUTH, Makurdi from January to December, 2019. The data was entered into a spreadsheet and analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Chi square was used with the statistical significance at p< 0.05. The data distribution was displayed in tables, figures, and percentages.Results: Most 315 (38.1%) obstetric referrals were aged 26-30 years. Majority 736(89.0%) were married, and more than half 521(63.0%) had tertiary education. The number of patients referred by physicians, self and healthcare workers were 689 (83.3%), 105 (12.7%), and 33 (4.0%) consecutively, with a statistically significant correlation between the source of referral and educational status (p = 0.002). Confirmation of fetal wellbeing was the commonest 224(27.1%) indication for prenatal ultrasound. Majority, 695 (84.0%) of the prenatal sonography findings were negative for the abnormalities suspected by the physicians. Confirmation of PV-bleeding had the highest positive rate of abnormality 18 (13.6%). Conclusion: Physicians were the main source of prenatal referrals at BSUTH, with the referral pattern greatly influenced by biosocial factors. Confirmation of fetal wellbeing was the commonest indication for referral, whereas, majority of findings were negative for the abnormalities the physicians suspected. Thus, establishing the baseline pattern of obstetric sonography referrals, indications, and findings in our environment, which is helpful for planning and future research.

Pattern of Congenital Central Nervous System Anomalies Among Newborns at A Regional Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

Background: Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are important causes of childhood mortality, chronic illness and disability. They have significant implications for childhood growth and development particularly in resource limited settings. Areview of their occurrence is valuable to instituting preventive and curative health care services.Objective: To document the pattern of congenital CNS anomalies in our practice Subjects and Method: A retrospective study of all neonatal admissions with congenital anomalies of the CNS (Patients) admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi-Nigeria, between June 2013 andJanuary 2016. The anomalies were classified according to the ICD 10 Classification. Other parameters assessed were: age at admission, gestational age at delivery, family history of congenital anomalies, maternal age, social class, history of ante natal care, and admission outcome.Results: A total of 73 (9.3%) out of the admitted 785 neonates had congenital anomalies and majority (28, 38.4%) were of the CNS. The affected patients had a male preponderance (20, 71.4%). Myelomeningocele was the commonest CNS anomaly (20, 71.4 %). Poor antenatal care, lack of periconceptional folic acid (pFA) intake, late folic acid supplementation, low socio economic class, and late presentation were all associated with the incidence of congenital CNS anomalies. The patients had a neonatal mortality rate of 7.1% over the study period of 30 months (2.8% per year).Conclusion: Congenital CNS anomalies were the predominant congenital anomalies, and myelomeningocele was the commonest. The study underscores the need to institute a comprehensive healthcare programme for the prevention and management of congenital anomalies of the CNS in our practice.

W163 Effects of cassava processing methods on insulin index, glyceamic profile, glyceamic load and index of cassava (manihot esculeuta) meals in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients seen in Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria

W163 Effects of cassava processing methods on insulin index, glyceamic profile, glyceamic load and index of cassava (manihot esculeuta) meals in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients seen in Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria

Clinical and Brain Computed Tomographic Profile of Stroke Patients in a Tertiary Hospital, North Central Nigeria

Background: Stroke is a common neurological disorder associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aim: The study set out to characterize the clinico-radiologic pattern of stroke patients as well as to determine the correlation between the clinical and computed tomographic (CT) scan findings in a tertiary hospital in Makurdi, North central Nigeria. Method: This was a retrospective study of 145 patients with clinically suspected stroke, who underwent CT imaging at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi Nigeria between December 2020 and June 2022. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Of the 145 clinically diagnosed cases of stroke, 122 (84.1%) were confirmed on CT. 7 (4.8%) were stroke mimics and 16 (11.0%) were normal. There were 65 (53.3%) males and 57 (46.7%) females with a male: female ratio of 1.1:1. The mean age at presentation was 58.7 ± 12.87 years with age range of 69 - 78 years being affected most. Few cases of stroke were seen below the age of fifty years. Ischaemic stroke was the commonest 77 (63.1%) followed by primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) 38 (31.4%) then sub arachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) 5 (4.1%). Most infarcts were below 10 cm2, while for ICH volume those below 10 cm3 and above 100 cm3 occurred in equal proportion. Hypertension was the main risk factor for stroke with respective frequency of 31 (21.4%) and 94 (64.8%) in isolation or associated with other risk factors like Diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia, alcohol, and smoking among others. There was significant correlation between clinical and radiological diagnosis of stroke (p Conclusion: The result showed slight male preponderance with majority of suspected stroke confirmed by CT; these were mostly of ischaemic type. There was significant correlation between clinical and radiologic diagnosis of stroke while hypertension was the main risk factor identified.

An Eight-Year Review of the Frequency and Outcome of Dog Bite and Clinical Rabies in a Teaching Hospital in North Central Nigeria

Introduction: Rabies is a neglected tropical disease that is highly fatal and yet it is under-reported in the developing countries like Nigeria. The domestic dog is the primary reservoir host as well as the most important source of infection usually conveyed by saliva through bites. Aim: This study sought to determine the frequency and outcome of dog bite injury and clinical rabies presented to the Accident and Emergency unit of Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Methods: This retrospective hospital-based study reviewed the medical records of all patients with dog bite who presented over an eight-year period from August 2014 to July 2022. Rabies virus infection was diagnosed on clinical basis. A structured proforma was used to extract relevant information and data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Result: Mean and median age was 27.03 ± 10.98 and 29 years respectively, range of 2 - 47 years and 11 (73.3%) were males. There were 15 cases of dog bite out of 17,187 patients making frequency of 1.14 per 1000 persons constituting 0.09% or about 2 cases yearly. Seven (46.7%) of this total number had clinical rabies infection with 7 (100.0%) mortality. All 7 (100.0%) with clinical rabies had a furious (encephalitic) form. Rabies immunoglobulin was prescribed in 8 (53.3%), 6 (40.0%) received them while 13 (86.7%) received post-exposure rabies vaccine. Conclusion: Dog bite is an uncommon reason for Accident and Emergency visit in our facility with male preponderance. However, about 46.7% of the dog bite victims developed clinical symptoms suggestive of furious (encephalitic) form of rabies with 100.0% fatality.