Hospital In Calabar Research Articles

Prevalence Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Pregnant And Non-Pregnant Women In Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Calabar was studied. Blood, high vaginal swabs (HVS) and Endocervical swab (ECS) samples were aseptically collected from five hundred and sixty two (562) antenatal pregnant women attending two tertiary hospitals in Calabar (the General Hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital ) and randomly from one hundred and eight (108) non-pregnant women in Calabar, and investigated for various etiologic agents of STDs including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis (Bacterial vaginosis), Treponema pallidum (Syphilis), Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg), Human immunodeficiency virus and Chlamydiae species, using standard microbiological methods. The HVS and the ECS swabs were analyzed using direct wet smear, Gram-stained smear and culture techniques while blood samples were examined serologically using standard proprietory reagents. Out of the 562 pregnant and 108 non-pregnant women examined, 250(44.5%) and 51(47.2%) were infected with various aetiologic agents respectively. In pregnant women, Candida albicans had the highest percentage of infections 121(21.5%) followed by HIV 38(6.8%) and Chlamydiae species 35(6.2%). Others were Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 8(1.4%); Trichomonas vaginalis, 29(5.2%); Gardnerella vaginalis (Bacterial vaginosis), 12(2.1%) and Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) 7(1.2%). Neisseria gonorrhoeae was not isolated among the pregnant women. In non-pregnant women, Candida albicans also had the highest percentage of infections 23(21.3%) followed by Chlamydia species 11(10.2%) and HIV 9(8.3%). Others were Trichomonas vaginalis 4(3.7%); Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 3(2.8) and Gardnerella vaginalis, 1(0.9). Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Treponema pallidum were not isolated. The prevalent rates of infections were inversely associated with increase in age and educational status. Increased pre/post conception screening for STDs is essential in preventing disease transmission and adverse pregnancy outcomes among these groups.

A baseline study of entrance dose and image quality for lumbar spine radiography in Calabar, Nigeria

Purpose To obtain baseline data for implementing optimisation protocols in Nigeria, a study of the patient entrance surface doses (ESDs) and image quality for lumbar radiography in the two major hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria has been carried out. Method A total of 74 patients cutting across the two hospitals were monitored during lumbar X-ray examination for entrance surface doses (ESDs) using Lithium Fluoride Thermoluminescent dosimeters (LiF-TLDs). Image quality of ensuing radiographs was studied by three experienced Radiologists using the European Commission (EC) criteria for lumbar radiography. Results Mean patient entrance dose for the studied population was about 10.5 mGy (AP) and 23.1 mGy for the lateral projection. Third quartile ESD values suggest that up to 75% of the exposed population in lumbar radiography may be receiving doses above the EC reference level. Image quality scores against a reference image were marginally above average. There was no correlation between dose and image quality per radiograph. Results confirm the need for optimisation of procedure in the area. Conclusion Procedural changes are suggested in order to lower the patient doses and improve on the image quality of radiographs. These results are to be used as a reference for future review after the optimisation protocol is put in place.

Treatment of relatives by doctors: experience from Calabar, Nigeria

To determine the involvement of medical practitioners working in a tropical setting in the treatment of their relatives. Cross-sectional. Medical practitioners of all cadres working in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. A large teaching hospital in Calabar, Nigeria. A referral centre for two states. Extent, type and effect of involvement in the practice. Majority (90.9%) of medical practitioners in our centre were found to have been involved in the treatment of their relatives. Services rendered included consultation, in which all respondents (100%) have partaken. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (16.9%) and emergency surgery were performed by only a few (3.1%). Though fees were not charged for services provided by most; a few (13.1%) did so. Outcome of involvement was unfavourable in some instances: 9.4% lost relatives they were involved in treating. Majority of the respondents 51.7% believed it is unethical to treat relatives and advocated for only limited involvement. This is because the pressure from relatives for care cannot be entirely ignored. It is difficult in our environment not to accede to request to treat family members. We recommend that practitioners may offer only consultation, and in some cases treat minor ailments while referring more serious ones to appropriate colleagues.

Open fractures of the femur treated by the pin-in-plaster technique

In order to cope with the frequent lack of adequate and sufficient external fixator systems in Third World countries, the pin-in-plaster technique was adopted and used in the management of open fractures of the femur. It consists of the use of Steinmann and Schanz pins incorporated into a plaster of Paris cast. The technique was successful in 13 of 15 open fracture cases treated at the University Teaching Hospital in Calabar (86.6%). The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed. The method is recommended as an effective improvisation of the Hoffman apparatus for use in exceptional circumstances, such as war and adverse socioeconomic conditions as are found in most Third World countries.