Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Research Articles

PREVALENCE OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT ESCHERICHIA COLI AND KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE SPECIES ISOLATED FROM URINE SAMPLES OF PATIENTS AT ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Aim and Objective: In hospitals and community, morbidity and mortality are attributed to urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study investigated the prevalence of multi-drug resistant isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species from urine samples of patients visiting Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Ebonyi State. Method: With the use of standard microbiological and biochemical techniques for analysis, a total of 300 mid-stream samples of urine were collected in sterile bottles. Phynotype screening for extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production was achieved by double disc synergy test (DDST). Disc diffusion method was used to check for ESBL producing bacteria susceptible to antibiotics. With specific primers, the presence of temoniera (TEM) and sulfhydryl variable (SHV) beta lactamases genes was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: 88 isolates of E coli and Klebsiella species were isolated from the urine samples; 29 were E coli and 59 were K. pneumonia species. 47 ESBL positive isolates were identified with E. coli, 19 (40%) and Klebsiella, 28 (60%). Escherichia coli isolated from GOPD patients, gynecology, and men's surgery ward were 100% resistant to ofloxacin, ceftazidime, amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, chloramphenicol, and aztreonam, while Klebsiella species isolated from gynecology department, maternity ward, and psychiatric ward were 100% resistant to ofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin and chloramphenicol. Multiple antibiotics resistance index (MARI) of E. coli and Klebsiella species isolated recorded an average of 0.64 for E. coli and 0.41 for Klebsiella species.The molecular analysis revealed that 44.4% of SHV beta lactamase and 65.6% TEM-type β-lactamase genes were present in ESBL producing E. coli while 54.5% of SHV beta lactamase gene and 45.5% TEM-type β-lactamase genes were present in ESBL producing Klebsiella species. Conlusion: In conclusion, TEM and SHV-type β-lactamase genes are the primary cause of β-lactam antibiotic resistance in E. Coli and Klebsiella species resulting in increased infections caused by organisms harboring the ESBL gene. Nitrofurantoin, ceftazidime, cefalexin, and cefotaxime may be the antibiotic of choice in the treatment of UTIs. Peer Review History: Received: 1 January 2023; Revised: 14 February; Accepted: 7 March 2023, Available online: 15 March 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Princess Nourah bint abdulrahman university, Riyadh, amalbgadley@pnu.edu.sa Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, tamer_hassan@pharm.suez.edu.eg Similar Articles: ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIBIOGRAM PROFILES OF BIOFILM FORMING STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI

Determinants of enrolment in health insurance scheme among HIV patients attending a clinic in a tertiary hospital in South-eastern Nigeria.

The study aimed to assess the determinants of enrolment in health insurance schemes among people living with HIV. The study was a cross-sectional study. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 371 HIV clients attending the clinic. Chi-square statistic was used for bi-variate analysis, and analytical decisions were considered significant at a p-value less than 0.05. Logistic regression was done to determine predictors of enrolment in health insurance. The study was carried out in the HIV clinic of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria. HIV clients attending a clinic. Mean age of respondents was 45.4±10.3, and 51.8% were males. Almost all the respondents were Christians. Only 47.7% were married, and most lived in the urban area. Over 70% had at least secondary education, and only 34.5% were civil servants. About 60% of the respondents were enrolled in a health insurance scheme. Being single (AOR: 0.374, CI:0.204-0.688), being self-employed (AOR: 4.088, CI: 2.315-7.217), having a smaller family size (AOR: 0.124, CI: 0.067-0.228), and having the higher income (AOR: 4.142, CI: 2.07-8.286) were predictors of enrolment in a health insurance scheme. The study has shown that enrolment in a health insurance scheme is high among PLHIV, and being single, self-employed, having a smaller family size, and having a higher monthly income are predictors of enrolment in the health insurance scheme. Increasing the number of dependants that can be enrolled so that larger families can be motivated to enrol in health insurance is recommended. None declared.

Association between Placenta Malaria Parasites and Preeclampsia/Eclampsia among Parturient Mothers in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki

In tropical countries, malaria and preeclampsia/eclampsia are common diseases of pregnancy; and placenta have been implicated in the pathophysiology of both disease processes. The two diseases have pathophysiologic similarities in the placenta such as placenta ischaemia, endothelial dysfunction and production of pro-inflammatory cytokine. Yet, there is paucity of studies on the association of these two disease processes. Determining the association between the two disease processes may help to unravel the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and also help in its prevention and patient management. Objective: Determined the association between placenta malaria parasitemia and preeclampsia/eclampsia among parturients at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Materials and Methods: This was a case control study that was conducted in the Labour wards of department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA) and Mile 4 Missionary Hospital Abakaliki, a comprehensive health care centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state. It was conducted over a period of 6 months between 1st October 2021 and 31st March, 2022. The cases in this study were parturients that developed preeclampsia/eclampsia in the course of pregnancy, while the controls were parturient without preeclampsia/eclampsia. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrics and medical histories. Histological examinations were conducted to isolate plasmodium falciparum parasites from placenta samples obtained from the maternal surface of the placenta. The data was processed using Epi Info software. Categorical variables were analyzed using Mc Nemar X2 test, with a p-value of 0.05 considered statistically significant. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI of the association between placenta malaria parasites and preeclampsia/eclampsia was conducted. Relative risk with 95% CI was used to determine both fetal and maternal outcomes. Results: The prevalence of preeclampsia during the study period was 2.9%. Placenta malaria was positive in twenty one (21) of the 67 cases of preeclampsia/eclampsia analyzed, giving a prevalence of 31.3% and in eleven (11) out of 68 controls (normotensive) patients analyzed, giving a prevalence of 16.2%. The presence of placenta malaria significantly increased the odds of developing preeclampsia/eclampsia among parturients (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.0 - 5.4, P value = 0.04). Presence of placenta malaria in mothers with preeclampsia/eclampsia was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as cerebrovascular accident (RR = 19.2, 95% CI = 1.1 - 341.7, P value = 0.04), DIC (RR = 10.9, 95% CI = 1.4 - 88.0, P value = 0.02), abruptio placenta (RR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.2 - 4.8, P value = 0.01), pulmonary edema (RR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1 - 25.9, P value = 0.03), IUGR (RR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 4.5, P value = 0.03) and IUFD (RR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.3 - 11.7, P value = 0.02). Presence of placenta malaria also increased the risk of NICU admission (RR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.1 - 6.0, P value = 0.03), Low 1st minute APGAR score (RR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.2 - 6.1, P value = 0.02) and Low 5th minute APGAR score (RR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.0 - 8.6, P value = 0.04) among neonates delivered by mothers with preeclampsia/eclampsia. However, presence of placenta malaria did not significantly increase maternal and perinatal mortalities. Conclusion: There is a higher prevalence of placenta malaria among mothers with preeclampsia/eclampsia when compared with normotensive controls and this was associated with increased risk of certain maternal and perinatal morbidities. Placental malaria was not associated with increased risk of either maternal or perinatal mortality.

The Burden of Urologic Diseases in a Tertiary Hospital in South-eastern Nigeria: A Three-Year Review.

Urological diseases are an integral part of the surgical burden of diseases. There are national, regional, and global variations. Characterisation of the burden of disease in this specialty is important for the registry and in allocation of the already scarce resource in this sub-region. This study was aimed at characterising the burden of urological diseases in our teaching hospital as a means towards addressing the gap between resources and urological needs. It was a retrospective study of new patients seen over 3 years from January 2019 to December 2021 at the urology clinics of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Data collected included sex, age, and diagnosis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26. A total of 2893 patients were available for analysis, of which 2777 (96%) were male patients whereas 116 (4%) were female patients with a male-to-female ratio of 23.9:1. The mean age of the patients was 58.11 ± 16.76 years. The common presentations were benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) 1515 (52.4%), cancer of the prostate (CAP) 349 (12.1%), urethral stricture disease 268 (9.3%), and urinary tract infection (UTI) 192 (6.6%). In men, the three most common diagnoses were prostate-related diseases 1864 (67.1%), urethral stricture disease 268 (9.70%), and UTI 170 (6.1%), whereas, in women, urolithiasis, urinary tract infection, and hydronephrosis accounted for 50 (43.1%), 22 (19%), and 20 (17.2%), respectively. BPE, CAP, and urethral stricture disease were the most common presentations in men whereas urolithiasis, UTI, and hydronephrosis were common in women. This knowledge can be used to channel hospital resources appropriately.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Clinical Isolate of Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background and Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are among the top tier of the list of antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens that pose the greatest threat to human health. In recent years, the rate of carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa has increased worldwide and has become of great concern since it significantly restricts the therapeutic options for patients. Therefore this study was undertaken to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the clinical isolate of Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
 Methodology: A total of five hundred (500) clinical samples were collected from patient’s attending Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State (AFEUTHA). The collected samples were analyzed for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standard microbiological techniques for isolation and characterization of bacteria. Further strain confirmation was performed using VITEK 2 System. Phenotypic detection of Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was performed using Modified Hodge testing. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by employing Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and the results were interpreted using the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) zone diameter breakpoints.
 Results: The occurrence rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinical samples accounted for 119(23.8%) consisting of a high proportion from urine sample 81(27.4%) followed by wound swabs 13(25.5%), high vaginal swabs 17(20.7) while the least occurrence rate was observed against catheter tips 5(12.8%) and sputum 3(9.4%). Modified Hodge testing revealed 31(6.2%) carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa comprising of high proportion of 24(8.1%) from urine samples followed by wound swab 5(9.8%) while Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was absent in High Vaginal Swab recording 0(0.0%). Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were highly resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic 100%, colistin 100%, tetracycline 100%, nitrofurantoin 70.8%, aztreonam 87.5% but were susceptible to nalixidic acid 50.0 %, ofloxacin 75.0%, and ciprofloxacin 100%.
 Conclusion: As in-vitro susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin is known, their judicious utilization will accelerate a significant improvement in the patient's condition. As such, there is a substantial need for the evaluation of a wide spectrum and new therapies in different classes to counteract this imminent crisis of resistance among Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

2023/2024, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Admission Form is out c

2023/2024, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Admission Form is out c

COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among community members and health workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: study protocol for a concurrent-independent mixed method analyses of intention to receive, timeliness of the intention to receive, uptake and hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination and the determinants

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has gravely affected the lives and economies of the global population including Nigeria. The attainment of herd immunity through mass COVID-19 vaccination is the foremost control strategy,...

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Preconceptional Folic Acid supplementation among pregnant women (18-45years) attending antenatal clinic in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: Folate deficiency is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in women, especially those of reproductive age. Folic acid intake prior to, and during, the first months of pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of fetal neural tube defects. Maternal folate status has been associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, malformations (orofacial clefts, Neural tube defects, anencephaly and encephalocele resulting from incomplete neural tube closure during early embryogenesis), spontaneous abortion, fetal death, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery. Methods: The study embraced a cross-sectional study that assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of preconceptional folic acid supplementation among pregnant women (18-45years) attending antenatal clinic in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. 152 women attending antenatal clinics in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21 for frequency and percentage at P < 0.05 significance level. Results: 98.7% of the participants had heard about folic acid, but an analysis of data shows that 26.6% of them knew that folic acid is a vitamin. In addition, very few (29.6%) knew that folic acid could prevent neural tube defects. The main source of information about folic acid supplementation among the surveyed women were through the health workers. Incidence of at least one episode of adverse pregnancy outcome was noted in about 35.5% of the population under study though a majority indicated the form for their loss were miscarriage and stillbirth. Finding showed that 37.5% of the respondent claimed to have used folic acid before pregnancy while 40.1% of the women in this study were aware of the right time to start using folic acid. 46% of the women took folic acid during Antenatal care and their reason were attributed to late presentation for antenatal care, delayed prescription of the folic acid for women during pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy while others claimed they are getting enough folate from food. Approximately 40.8% of the respondents had started supplementation on antenatal booking and from analysis of data on the preferred/normal booking time of the respondents it shows that a high percentage of them attended antenatal from the third month of pregnancy this shows that the majority of the respondents started supplementation too late which is inconsistent with the ideal time to start folic acid supplementation in prevention of neural tube defect. In this study it has been revealed that 48% of the respondents could identify green leafy vegetable as the only source of folate in local foods and 0.7% could identify other food sources like legumes and fruits as sources of folate. Conclusion: There is a low overall level of awareness of folic acid among pregnant women including lack of understanding of its natural sources, usefulness in preventing Neural Tube Defects and preconceptional intake recommendation. Health education regarding the preconceptional use of folic acid among women of reproductive age is recommended.

Prevalence and determinants of use of traditional methods of infertility treatment among women attending infertility clinic in Southeast Nigeria.

Infertility, an obstacle to healthy living, makes its victims patronize traditional methods of infertility treatment (TMIT) in spite of associated complications. They turn to hospitals when this method fails. This is actually a serious issue because the presence of contaminated herbal products and the relationship between the use of TMIT and noncompliance with biomedical treatment regimens constitutes a major concern in medical practice. And the use of traditional methods of infertility treatment has been correlated with severe and fatal consequences. Therefore, the study assessed prevalence/determinants of TMIT use among patients visiting the gynaecology clinic at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA). Descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the research. Only 263 women took part in the study. The research instrument was questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that 95.4% of these women have used traditional methods for infertility treatment and factors influencing infertile women's use of TMIT are demographic characteristics, infertility duration, husbands' relatives' pressure and cheap cost of traditional medical treatment. Again, inability of infertile women to disclose TMIT use to healthcare providers makes effective treatment difficult. Therefore, these impediments expose infertile women to use TMIT. The result is a guide to healthcare providers who are expected to know the extent of their parents' use of TMIT.

Wound Bed Preparation Using Unripe Pawpaw in a Resource-poor Environment: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUNDChronic wounds affect mainly the productive age group in developing countries and stretch the limited healthcare facility. We aimed to establish the efficacy or otherwise of pawpaw dressing in management of common forms of wounds in resource-poor settings using the Nigerian pawpaw in humans.METHODSThis study was a prospective research carried out at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria between September 2019 and August 2020 using patients with lower extremity wounds. Thirty patients who had lower extremity wounds that required debridement were enrolled in the study after giving consent. They had wound dressing with unripe pawpaw as an enzymatic debriding agent to evaluate the rapidity of eschar separation and bacterial clearance. The data obtained with a proforma were analyzed using IBM SPSS.RESULTSThere were 16 males and 14 females with an average wound size of 127.13+ 103cm2. Eschar separation occurred earliest after 3 d of dressing and the latest after 14 d with a mean period of 5.5+ 2.255 days. A case had negative bacterial culture on the first test. Others had a variable period of clearance with a maximum of 18 d and a mean of 6.73+3.750 days. Both eschar separation and bacterial clearance correlated positively with the wound size.CONCLUSIONWound bed preparation with unripe pawpaw dressing showed promising outcomes with rapid eschar and slough separation, and bacterial clearance resulting in a faster wound healing. This is recommended for wounds needing debridement in which the patients are not fit for anesthesia or could not afford the cost of surgery.

Malaria rapid diagnostic test positivity rate among febrile patients seen at the Paediatric emergency unit of a tertiary care facility

Background: Malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the female Anopheles mosquito is one of the infectious causes of fever in children. In Nigeria, malaria remains one of the most important health problems, accounting for 25% of infants and 30% of under-five mortalities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria among febrile children presenting at the children's emergency room (CHER) of a tertiary health facility in Abakaliki using a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT).
 Methodology: This was a retrospective study that involved children presenting with fever in CHER over a 3-year period. A total of 1,273 febrile children below 18 years of age were tested with a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) kit during this period. Medical records of the patients were assessed to retrieve information such as age, gender, and clinical diagnoses. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
 Results: A total of 707 (55.5%) were males and 883 (69.4%) were below 5 years of age. The overall prevalence of malaria by the mRDT test was 26% (n=331). Uncomplicated malaria, 283 (22.2%) was the commonest clinical diagnosis made while the least was malnutrition 3 (0.2%). Children aged 10-<18 years were predominantly affected as mRDT positivity rate was significantly higher in children age group 10-<18 years (40.4% 76/189) than other age groups (X2=44.76, p<0.001). Similarly, the rate was significantly higher (OR 9.625, 95% CI 7.233-12.808, p<0.0001) in children with the clinical diagnosis of malaria (55.2%, 235/426) than those with the clinical diagnosis of other illnesses (11.3%, 96/847), and significantly higher (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.1186-0.3043, p<0.0001) among those clinically diagnosed with complicated (79.7%, 114/143) than those with uncomplicated malaria (42.8%, 121/283).
 Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of malaria among febrile children presenting at the CHER of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Children age group 10-<18 years were predominantly affected. The use of mRDT should be encouraged both as a screening and diagnostic tool with a protocol such that febrile children who have positive results are confirmed as having malaria while those with negative results are further evaluated with microscopy.

Monitoring of bone fractured healing using biochemical markers among patients attending federal teaching hospital abakaliki and bone setter home in onueke ebonyi state, Nigeria

The monitoring of bone fractured healing using Alkaline phosphatase, calcium ion and inorganic phosphate was evaluated among patients with fractured bone in two different centers, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and Bone Setters Home, Onueke, Ezza in Ebonyi State between August 2017 and September 2018. : A total of 90 adults patients from 18 years to 78 years were examined using phenolphthalein monophosphate colorimetric end point method. Out of the 90 patients, 30 were healthy normal subjects, another 30 were patients in AE-FUTHA while the remaining 30 patients were in bone setter home. : Patients without bone fracture had the least mean serum level of alkaline phosphatase, 28.5 ± 9.0µl followed by those admitted in bone setter home with a mean serum level of 38.2±17.9µl while patients admitted in AE-FUTHA had the highest mean serum level of 41.4±6.5µl (P<0.05). The mean serum level of calcium was significantly higher 10.9± 2.6mg/dl in healthy normal patients compared to mean serum level of 9.2 ± 3.3mg/dl and 7.4 ± 1.3mg/dl for patients admitted in AE-FUTHA and bone setter home respectively. The mean serum level of inorganic phosphate indicate that patients admitted in bone setter home had the highest mean of 4.1 ± 1.0mg/dl followed by patients admitted in AE-FUTHA 3.4 ± 0.2mg/dl while that of healthy normal individuals had the least mean serum level of 3.2 ± 0.5mg/dl. : Out of the three parameters examined, alkaline phosphatase test was more precise, reliable and patient doctor friendly; hence it can be used as a veritable tool to monitor the process of bone fracture healing effectively.

Comparative effects of 6-weeks progressive resistance exercise and moderate intensity aerobic exercise on CD4 count and weights of people living with HIV/AIDS in Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Ebonyi State.

Introduction:The most significant clinical challenges in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are decline in CD4+ T helper cells and abnormal weight reduction. Consequently, PLWHA who are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) or Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) are usually predisposed to coronary artery diseases due to abnormal weight gain (lipohypertrophy), though with improved and unstable Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) counts.The main aim of this study was to compare the effects of 6 weeks progressive resistance exercise (PRE) and moderate intensity aerobic exercise (MIAE) on CD4 count, and weight of PLWHA in Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Ebonyi State.Method:The study adopted quasi experimental research design. The population of the study was 60 Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome patients that attended HIV clinics at Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA) which formed 58 sample sizes for this study.Simple random sampling technique was adopted for the study and flow cytometry, Heel Densitometer (X-rite 331C), and Omron BF 400 were the instrument used for data collection of CD4 counts and weight respectively; and they are standardized hence not validated. Mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA) were used to analyze the data obtained. The reliability coefficient obtained from the pilot study was 0.848 and 0.994 for CD4 and WEIGHT respectively.Results:The major findings revealed a significant difference after 6 weeks’ PRE and MIAE on CD4 and Weight of PLWHA.Conclusion:Health promotion policy maker's arm of the government and Healthcare givers should integrate and enforce the use of exercises either as a single regimen or combined exercises into the management plan of PLWHA for greater boost in absolute CD4 count bearing in mind that both have positive effects. Physiotherapist should be integrated in the managements of PLWHA for appropriate prescription and education of therapeutic exercises for body weight.

Post Stroke Depression: Experience at Abakaliki Nigeria

Background: Post stroke depression (PSD) is the most common psychiatric complication following stroke. There has not been any study to demonstrate its burden in Abakaliki, Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that we embarked on this study of the frequency and pattern of PSD in Abakaliki Nigeria. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational hospital based study undertaken at the Adult Neurology Outpatient Clinics of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria from February 2021 to July 2021 (6 months period). Results: Amongst the 110 stroke survivors enrolled in the study, 36 (32.7%) had Post Stroke Depression (PSD) with preponderance of mild type. Female gender and young age were associated with the presence of PSD. Conclusion: Post stroke depression is prevalent amongst stroke survivors in Abakaliki, Nigeria and more preponderant in women and young individuals.

Fetal and maternal outcome of higher-order multiple pregnancies in a tertiary hospital: A 5-year single-center observational study from Nigeria.

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and outcomes of higher-order multiple pregnancies in a tertiary hospital in NigeriaMethods:This is a retrospective review of all cases of higher-order multiple pregnancies that were managed between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016 in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria. Data obtained were represented with frequency tables, percentages, bar charts, and odds ratio.Results:There were 22 higher-order multiple pregnancies over the study period and 12,002 deliveries, giving a higher-order multiple prevalence rate of 0.2%. Five of the mothers (four triplets and one quadruplet) had in vitro fertilization (0.4 per 1000 deliveries), while other mothers conceived naturally. Many of the women (12, 54.6%) were in the 30–34 years age group, and more than half (16, 72.7%) were multiparas. More than half of the neonates were delivered preterm (13, 59.1%). Being booked is associated with better neonatal outcomes although not significant (odds ratio = 3.06. 95% confidence interval: 0.55–16.83, p = 0.197). Anemia was common in the antepartum and postpartum periods. Half of the women (11, 50%) were delivered by elective cesarean section and 7 (31.8%) by emergency cesarean section (C/S), while 4 (18.2%) had a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The neonates had a mean birth weight of 2.14 ± 0.35 kg. Overall, 61 neonates (91.0%) were born alive and 6 (9.0%) suffered perinatal deaths, giving a perinatal mortality rate of 89.8 neonates per 1000 live births.Conclusion:Our study shows that higher-order multiple pregnancies are high-risk pregnancies that are associated with fetal and maternal complications. Anemia is the commonest complication seen in our study. The majority had preterm delivery. Proper antenatal care and close feto-maternal monitoring are important in reducing adverse outcomes associated with these pregnancies.

SERVICOM and Service Delivery in the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA)

The study was carried out to investigate SERVICOM and service delivery in the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA). The study employed Content Analysis Approach to achieve the objectives. The study examined the degree of improvement recorded using SERVICOM to enhance quality service delivery in the hospital. Hence, it is established that public awareness about service charters and existence of SERVICOM units where client’s complaints with regard to service failure can be handled within government agency is obviously weak in its responsibilities. It is the findings of the study, that the hierarchical structure associated with delay in provision of medical services required or expected by the patients are worrisome, attributable to poor services which has increased low confidence. SERVICOM effort to improve service delivery is jeopardized with observable gaps associated with service delivery in the Institution. The implication of this finding is that the loss of revenue based on ineffectiveness in service delivery has created an opportunity for poor turnout and to a reasonable extent loss of confidence in public hospitals. Hence, the infectiveness in service delivery in the institution is attributable to dominant situation of the implementation of SERVICOM charters principle and such has continued to be a source of concern to relevant stakeholders and policymakers. Consequently, the study recommended that Federal Government should be encouraged to adopt proper implementation strategy for SERVICOM to enable service intervention policy tackle the problem of poor service delivery in teaching hospitals in Nigeria.

Universal versus selective screening for gestational diabetes mellitus among antenatal clinic attendees in Abakaliki: using the one-step 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test

AimTo compare universal screening with selective risk factor based screening for GDM, using the one-step 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).Materials and methodA cross-sectional, comparison between universal and selective risk factor based screening for GDM, among 400 antenatal care clients at Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA). All the participants had 75 g OGTT at 24–28 weeks of gestation and risk factor screening for GDM. All 400 participants formed the universal group while participants with one or more of the considered risk factors formed the selective risk factor group.Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Statistical comparison was done using t- test for continuous variables. Logistics regression was used to determine the level of associations of the independent predictors for hyperglycemia. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsThe point prevalence of GDM using universal and selective screening were 11.51 and 7.93% respectively, giving a selective screening miss rate of 31.11%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 73.58, 48.82, 19.12 and 92.51% respectively for the selective risk factor based screening compared to universal screening.On multivariate analysis; age ≥ 35 years, weight ≥ 90 kg, history of previous GDM and hypertension were significantly related to the development of hyperglycemia.ConclusionSelective risk factor based screening missed 31.11% of patients with GDM when compare to Universal screening with one step 75 g OGTT. Universal screening for GDM using the one step 75 g OGTT is recommended for pregnant women and more studies are needed to compare pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women diagnosed with GDM with and without risk factors.

Burns in pregnancy: Five-year experience in a tertiary hospital in southeastern Nigeria.

Burns in pregnancy is often associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality especially when the total burn surface area (TBSA) involved is high. This study aims to review management outcome of cases of burns in pregnancy at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA). A five year retrospective study of all pregnant women that presented at AE-FUTHA with burn injury between April 2014 and March 2019. Information was collected from the medical records using a proforma and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) using descriptive statistics. A total of 222 cases of burns were managed but only 8 were pregnant, giving an incidence of 3.6%. The commonest causes were flame (62.5%), scald (25%) and friction (12.5%) occurring mostly during the harmattan season. The median age of participants was 25-34 years. The burns affected 12.5% of the patients in the first trimester and 62.5% and 25% in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively. Most patients (62.5%) had superficial burns while 25% had other associated injuries in addition to burns. About 87.5% had term spontaneous vaginal delivery. There was no maternal death but, there was an early neonatal death. The good outcome observed in this study with a 100% survival, could be explained by inter-disciplinary management approach given, even as most cases were minor degrees of burns. Early involvement of obstetricians in all burns affecting pregnant women is advised especially in burn centres where obstetricians are hardly in the employ.

Waiting time analysis in a paediatric outpatient clinic in South East Nigeria

Objective: Waiting time is a resource investment by the patient for the desired goal of being attended to by the physician. It is the time taken or spent in waiting to be attended to by a physician in a health facility. It is important because waiting time is an essential determinant of patient satisfaction in health care practice, and its study would expose the bottleneck areas in patient’s time-flow so that the facility can improve services with that regard.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of time spent by paediatric patients in the outpatient department of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki by secretly following the patients from arrival at CHOP till after consultation. Means were calculated of time spent in various areas. &#x0D; Results: Of the 384 patients observed, the mean (SD) total time spent in the hospital was 142.58 (23.17) minutes while waiting time and consultation time were 113.15(18.01) and 24.43 (10.38) minutes respectively. The mean time spent at the nurse’s bay was 23.79 (6.47) minutes, while that spent at the queue was 22.94 (8.98) minutes. The time spent at the records unit was the highest, with a mean time of 47.2 (17.42) minutes. &#x0D; Conclusion: The long waiting time obtained from the current study is mostly attributable to delays from the records/registration unit, therefore conceited efforts aimed at improvement of service delivery in this unit will reduce patient waiting time and invariably patient satisfaction.

Surfaces in the neonatal unit of a Nigerian tertiary hospital harbor antibiotic-resistant organisms: Implications for infection prevention and control

Background: Babies hospitalized in neonatal units have high rates of antibiotic use and are exposed to contaminated healthcare environment/equipment leading to increased risks of antibiotic resistance. This study assessed bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance patterns of isolates from surfaces and equipment in the Neonatal Special Care Unit (NSCU) of a large tertiary hospital in Nigeria Methods and materials: Samples were collected from the equipment and inanimate surfaces in the in-born and out-born sections of the NSCU of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Samples were cultured in blood and chocolate agar and incubated at 37 °C for 18–24 h. Isolates were identified using morphology and standard biochemical tests. Microsoft Excel was used for data entry and analysis Results: A total of 31 and 35 items were sampled in the in-born and out-born NSCU sections respectively. The commonest equipment/surfaces sampled were incubators, resuscitaires, baby cots, phototherapy machines, air conditioner vents, and stethoscope diaphragms. In both sections, the bacterial contaminants were Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) and Entamoeba coli. In the in-born section, Streptococcus species was identified while Klebsiella species and Pseudomonas species were only cultured from the out-born section. Lockers (9.7%), sinks (8.6%), and stethoscope diaphragms (5.4%) were the most contaminated in both sections. In the in-born subdivision, all organisms were resistant to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime except streptococcus species. All organisms were resistant to oxacillin except S.aureus and Streptococcus species. Each organism was resistant to Cloxacillin except CoNS. There was resistance to vancomycin, erythromycin, mupirocin and ofloxacin, gentamicin by S.aureus. In the out-born section, all organisms were resistant to ceftriaxone. Only S.aureus was sensitive to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, oxacillin, and augmentin. Bacillus species, E.coli, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species were resistant to vancomycin, ofloxacin, and erythromycin while S.aureus and Bacillus species were both resistant to gentamicin and cloxacillin Conclusion: Commonly used fomites in this study harbored a variety of bacterial organisms resistant to different classes of frequently used antibiotics. We recommend intensified infection prevention and control practices, surveillance for antibiotic-resistant pathogens and training of health workers on judicious use of antibiotics