Tertiary Hospital In North-Western Nigeria Research Articles

Pattern of Uropathogens and Antibiotics Susceptibility in a Tertiary Hospital in North-Western Nigeria

Background: A uropathogen is a microorganism capable of causing urogenital tract infection (UGI). The most common uropathogens are Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonia. They lead to UGI in patients with urinary tract obstruction, indwelling catheter/stent, elderly and patients with immunosuppression. There is increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics due to empirical misuse of antibiotics The objective of this study is to document pattern of uropathogen and their antibiotics susceptibility in our hospital. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive urological patients with features of urinary tract infection (UTI) in our hospital from June 2017 to June 2018. Data was collected using a semi-structured proforma and analysed using SPSS version 20.0 for windows. Results were reported in percentages and mean ± standard deviation. Results: There were 126

Prevalence of endometriosis among women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy at a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria

Background: Endometriosis is a complex gynecological disease in its physiopathological aspects and clinical implications. Signs and symptoms include pain and subfertility. The most common sites are pelvic organs and peritoneum. This study evaluated the prevalence of endometriosis among women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain and infertility at a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria over a 3-year period (from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of women who had diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain and infertility in our hospital was conducted. Theater operation register records and files of women who had laparoscopy for the same indications were retrieved and reviewed. Information on sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics as well as laparoscopic findings were extracted and reviewed. Results: The total number of women who had laparoscopy for the above indications over the study period was 92, of which 74 files were retrieved and analyzed. The prevalence of endometriosis was found to be 8.1%. Endometriosis was found to be more common in women whose complaint was chronic pelvic pain and/or dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: Endometriosis is a common, underreported gynecologic condition among women of reproductive age group presenting with infertility and chronic pelvic pain.

Audit of carotid doppler sonography: Spectrum of findings at a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria.

Introduction:Doppler sonography of the cervical segment of the carotid arteries is becoming a popular tool for evaluating atherosclerosis of the carotid artery. We present the audit of findings on carotid ultrasound examination among patients with clinical suspicion and risks for cerebrovascular disease and possible correlates in Northern Nigeria.Materials and Methods:We performed carotid ultrasound examination on all patients referred for screening and clinical suspicion of cerebrovascular disease within the year 2017. The patients' characteristics, risk factors, presence of atheroma and characteristic of the atheroma, degree of stenotic disease as well as the presence of incidental ultrasound findings were reviewed and documented.Results:Out of the 62 patients, 55 (88.7%) of them had various degrees and types of atheromatous plaques in different segments of the cervical carotid arteries, whereas 7 (11.3%) were normal. The predominant risk factor was smoking followed by diabetes mellitus, whereas the highest indication for the scan was transient ischemic attack. Incidental thyroid lesions such as nodules and cysts were encountered in 14 (22.6%) of the patients. There is a statistically significant difference between sex and age with the side of lesion, degree of stenosis, segment involved, and type of atheromatous plaque.Conclusion:There is a statistically significant difference between sex and age with the side of lesion, degree of stenosis, segment involved, and type of atheromatous plaque. About one-fifth of our patients had incidental thyroid lesions. Therefore, routine screening of population at risk is highly recommended.

Morphological spectrum of excised conjunctival lesions in a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria

Context: Conjunctiva is a transparent membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and the globe up to the corneoscleral limbus. It is a common site for the growth of lesions in the eye. Depending on their origin, conjunctival lesions could be non-neoplastic and neoplastic. The neoplastic lesions are either benign or malignant. These lesions can be distinguished based on the patient's history, clinical presentation and histopathological features. Aims: In this study, the pattern of excised conjunctival lesions was determined. Methods and Material: This was a 6-year (2010–2015) retrospective study of all excised conjunctival lesions diagnosed at the Pathology Laboratory of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Statistical analysis used: Data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 20.0; SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 198 conjunctival lesions were diagnosed during the period. The male patients were 136 (68.70%), whereas the females were 62 (31.30%) with male-to-female ratio of 2.2:1, with a mean age ± standard deviation of 37.69 ± 16.39 years. The neoplastic nature of the lesions was as follows: 54 (27.3%) were malignant, 61 (30.8%) were pre-malignant and 83 (41.9%) were benign. The most common lesions observed were conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, dysplasia and squamous papilloma with frequencies of 50 (25.30%), 46 (23.20%) and 24 (12.10%), respectively. Conclusions: Benign lesions are the most common conjunctival lesions, whereas squamous papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common benign and malignant lesions, respectively.

Antimicrobial prescription pattern in a tertiary hospital

Background: Antimicrobials are nonreplaceable in the treatment of bacterial infections and thus should be used judiciously. In Nigeria, there is currently no restriction on the prescription and sale of antimicrobials. This study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial prescription pattern of physicians at a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A point prevalence survey was carried out among all inpatients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in June 2015. Those receiving an antimicrobial agent during the survey period were included in the study while patients admitted on the day of the survey were excluded from the study. Data were obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and abstraction from patient records. Information obtained included demographic data, antimicrobial agents prescribed, indication for treatment, laboratory data, and stop/review dates of prescriptions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Twenty-three wards with a total number of 318 inpatients were enlisted. Of these, 210 (66%) patients were on treatment with antimicrobials. Male: female ratio of patients on antimicrobials was 1.2:1, and age of respondents ranged from 1 day (0.0027 years) to 75 years. The overall antimicrobial prevalence rate was 210 (66%) with surgical prophylaxis 100 (47.6%) as the most common indication. Overall, 332 antimicrobials were prescribed with cephalosporins as the most common class prescribed 96 (28.9%). Majority of the prescriptions (328, 98.8%) were based on empirical treatment, 288 (86.7%) were open prescriptions, and only 4 (1.2%) were according to treatment guidelines. Conclusion: The high prevalence of antimicrobial use highlights the need for an antimicrobial stewardship program in this facility.

Use and pattern of previous care received by infertile Nigerian women

BackgroundPrevalence of infertility in sub-Saharan Africa is high yet fertility care, its development and access is limited in resource-poor countries like Nigeria so infertile women resort to different forms of treatment. This study aimed to determine the use and pattern of previous treatments.MethodologyThis was a descriptive Cross Sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria. Interviewer administered pretested questionnaires were administered to 236 consenting clients seen at their first visit to the gynaecology clinic with complaints of inability to conceive, between January 2016 to March 2018. We collected information on demographic and reproductive characteristics, previous fertility treatment and other data relevant to infertility. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty six clients participated in the study and majority were 20–29 years (44.5%), with a mean age of 31.5 ± 7.4, while the mean age of their husbands was 41 ± 8.0. More clients were educated up to secondary level or above (80.9%), with more Muslims (65%) than Christians. All clients were married except one, most clients had been married for 5 years or more, 18.2% were in their second order of marriage and 28% were in polygamous marriages. Many of the clients were homemakers (46.6%) and earned an average monthly income of less than fifty thousand naira. About 59.3% of clients presented with primary infertility, with 15.7% being infertile for duration of more than 10 years. One hundred and forty six respondents (61.9%) had received previous hospital treatments before presentation to our facility, 37% had visited more than three hospitals, 70% did not have adequate investigations done, treatment was successful in 15% while 40.7% received traditional treatments. Husbands of women receiving previous treatment were slightly older (p value < 0.05).ConclusionMajority of woman have multiple and unnecessary visits to several hospitals for infertility care with little positive results despite time and resources spent. Quality of infertility care needs to be improved.

Pattern of pediatric fine needle aspiration cytology and its utility in management of head and neck swellings in a tertiary hospital in northwestern Nigeria

Childhood malignancies have emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Diagnosis need to be accurate and fast to reduce this. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is an accepted modality employed in the diagnosis of adult and pediatric tumors. This study aims to review the pattern of pediatric FNAC from all sites done over a 10-year period, and its utility in the management of head and neck swellings. Records of all pediatric FNAC within the 10-year study period were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed. Data regarding age, sex, site of biopsy and FNAC diagnoses were extracted. Subsequent histologic diagnoses from the head and neck region were correlated with initial FNAC diagnoses from the same region. Data were presented in frequencies and percentages in tabular form. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of head and neck lesions were calculated. A total of 301 pediatric FNAC were recorded. There were 160 (53.8%) males and 141 (46.2%) females with a M: F ratio of 1.1:1. The average age was 7.2 ± 3.9 years. The highest frequency of 134 (44.5%) was seen in the 5-10 years age group. Benign cytological diagnoses were rendered in 243 (80.7%) while the remaining 58 (19.3%) were malignant. Of the total, 244 FNAC were from head and neck Swellings, 209(80.7%) were benign while the remaining were malignant. Sixty-two (62) cases of head and neck FNAC had subsequent histologic tissue diagnoses (considered the gold standard) which were compared with prior FNAC results. FNAC of the head and neck showed an accuracy 82.1%, sensitivity of 53.0%, specificity of 93.3%, PPV and NPV of 75.0% and 84.0% respectively. FNAC is an easy, fast, cheap and minimally invasive screening tool that is accurate for diagnosis in the management of pediatric head and neck swellings in our setting.

Clinical Profile of Epistaxis in Sokoto: A 12-Year Analysis

Epistaxis is bleeding from the Nose and Paranasal sinuses and could be a life threatening emergency requiring urgent attention. The aim is to determine the aetiological factors and highlight treatment modalities in a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. This was a 12-year retrospective study of all patients managed with epistaxis between January 2000 and December 2011in the otorhinolaryngology department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Ninety-five patients were reviewed, out of which 61 [64%] were males and 34 [36%] were females. Age group 20-29 years had the highest prevalence [21.1%]. The commonest aetiology was hypertension in 24.2% of patients followed by idiopathic 21.1%, rhinosinusitis 20%, trauma 14.7%. Anterior nasal packing was the most common method of treatment [49.5%]. Epistaxis is a common Otorhinolaryngological condition. Hypertension was the commonest cause in this study, with most cases seen in patients’ aged 20 – 29years.

Prevalence and factors associated with cryptococcosis among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients of a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Cryptococcosis is an important opportunistic infection and major contributor to mortality in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients. There have been increasing reports of varied prevalence for cryptococcosis among HIV patients in Nigeria. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with risk of cryptococcosis among HIV/AIDS patients from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study at HIV clinic of UDUTH, Sokoto, Nigeria, was conducted. The participants were HIV positive enrolled by systematic random sampling. Information on sociodemographics and clinical features of the participants was recorded. Blood was collected to determine the CD4 count/presence of cryptococcosis among the participants. Their CD4 counts were determined, and the presence of cryptococcal antigen was detected in the blood sample using IMMY CrAg LFA (cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay test kit). Statistical analysis using Epi Info version 7.2/SPSS version 20.0 was done. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were done. Results: Of 326 HIV-positive patients recruited, 36 of them were positive to cryptococcal antigen (prevalence of 11%). The highest proportion of patients positive to cryptococcosis (13 [36.1%) had CD4 values <50 cells/μL. Weight loss was the most common presenting symptom (11 [30.6%]) among those who were Cryptococcus positive. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that cryptococcosis is a burden among HIV patient in Sokoto, and its occurrence is associated with decreasing levels of CD4.

Prevalence and pattern of hearing loss in patients with chronic kidney disease in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a serious public health issue, may be associated with hearing loss. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of hearing loss among adult patients with CKD in Northwestern Nigeria. Participants and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with CKD in a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. Non-CKD population matched for age and sex were enrolled as controls. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant bodies. Informed consent was obtained. Data were obtained from clinical interview and audiometric evaluation of the participants. The data were descriptively analyzed using SPSS version 20. The Chi-square test was used, and the level of significance was set at P

Genitourinary fistulas experience in a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria

Background: Genitourinary fistulas are devastating, with obstetric fistula being the most common type and a major public health problem in the developing world.Aims and Objectives: This study was designed with an aim to determine the epidemiology of genitourinary fistulas in our centre.Materials and Methods: A 5 year (1st January 2013 to 31st December 2017) retrospective review based on data extracted from the case files of patients managed for gynecological fistulas at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria, was conducted. A proforma was used to extract data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24 computer statistical software package.Results: A total of 52 patients with genitourinary fistulas were managed in the period under review. The mean age of the patients was 28.25 ± 10.0 years, and majority of them (65.4%) were aged less than 30 years. Most of them (94.2%) had no formal education, and were full-time housewives (98.1%). Majority of the fistulas (69.2%) were due to prolonged obstructed labor, and close to a quarter of fistulas (23.1%) were of iatrogenic origin. About a third of patients (32.7%) have had at least a previous fistula repair. Most of them (92.3%) had surgical repair done, and it was successful in 65.4% of cases.Conclusion: Although, the genitourinary fistulas in this study were majorly of obstetric origin, a relatively high proportion of cases were of iatrogenic origin. Government should provide universal access to timely and appropriate obstetric care, and also empower women.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(6) 2018 31-36

Extended-Spectrum beta-lactamase production and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of uropathogens in a Tertiary Hospital in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Globally, there is a changing trend in the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Gram-negative uropathogens to the conventional drugs used in the treatment of urinary tract infections due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Aim: This study aimed to determine ESBL production and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in uropathogens. Materials and Methods: Five hundred urine samples submitted to the Medical Microbiology Department of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital from January to June 2012 were analyzed by conventional methods. Modified standardized Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. ESBL production by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was screened for using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines 2012 and confirmed by the double-disc synergy tests. Results: Five hundred samples were analyzed. Of these, a total of 175 Gram-negative isolates were obtained. Isolation rates were E. coli – 56%, K. pneumoniae – 20%, Proteus mirabilis – 16%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – 4%. ESBL production was observed in 34.3% of all the isolates. Fifty percent (50%) of E. coli and 40% of K. pneumoniae were identified as ESBL producers and were found to be resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents. Imipenem and nitrofurantoin had sensitivity of 100% and 70%, respectively, while susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin was low at 35% and 30%, respectively, although 96% sensitivity was observed with amikacin. ESBL producers and nonproducers showed a high level of resistance of over 95% to ampicillin, amoxycillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: This study found a high rate of ESBL production (34.4%) among uropathogens with multidrug resistance. Clinical microbiology laboratories should routinely incorporate ESBL detection methods in their laboratory procedures for continuous surveillance of multidrug-resistant isolates and antibiograms to guide empirical therapy.

A prospective study of hospital-acquired infections among adults in a tertiary hospital in north-western Nigeria.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This study examined the epidemiology, clinical outcomes and microbiological profile of HAIs. This prospective study was carried out on patients identified to have developed HAIs while admitted to the medical wards, surgical wards, dialysis unit and intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. Patients were recruited consecutively until the target study population was reached. A clinical evaluation and relevant laboratory investigations were carried out. A total of 100 patients who had 144 episodes of HAIs were studied. Rates of HAIs were 7.16%, 18.63% and 1.75% in the medical wards, ICU and surgical wards, respectively. The most common HAI was urinary tract infection caused by Escherichia coli. High-level resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, especially ampicillin and ceftriaxone, was observed among causative bacteria. The burden of HAIs is high and similar to other parts of Nigeria. There is a need for continued surveillance of HAIs in all the wards of the hospital in order to fully describe the extent of the problem.

Pap smear awareness, utilization, and pattern of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among women attending a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Globally, cervical cancer affects approximately 528,000 women each year, with about 80% of them occurring in developing countries. Developed countries have successfully reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by 70% through organized cervical screening programs. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the level of Pap smear awareness and utilization among adult females attending the general outpatient clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Northwestern Nigeria, in order to encourage early detection of premalignant cervical cancer. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that assessed Pap smear awareness, utilization, and pattern of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among 422 adult females in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. The sociodemographic characteristics of participants, risk factors of cervical cancer, and awareness and utilization of Pap smears by participants were expressed in means and proportions. The Chi-square test was used to explore associations between categorical variables. Logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of Pap smear awareness and its utilization among the study participants. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 422 women who participated in the study, the majority (292, 69.2%) had never heard of Pap smear screening while 130 (30.8%) were aware of Pap smear. Similarly, 342 (81.0%) women who participated in the study had never undergone a Pap smear. Three hundred and eight (74%) had normal cytology results, 107 (25%) had inflammatory changes, 4 (0.8%) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 1 (0.2%) had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Having higher education and being employed were associated with Pap smear awareness while increasing age and educational level were associated with Pap smear utilization. Conclusion: This study revealed a low awareness and utilization of Pap smear screening in Northwestern Nigeria.

Post-exposure prophylaxis following occupational exposure to HIV and hepatitis B: an analysis of a 12-year record in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. We aim to examine the utilisation and outcome of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for both HIV and hepatitis B (HBV) among HCWs. This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria. We reviewed data on HIV or HBV PEP given to HCWs between 2004 and 2016. A total of 115 HCWs presented for PEP during the study period. Intern doctors were the most exposed group (40/115; 34.8%). There were 86/115 (74.8%) needle stick exposures. While 53/115 (46.1%) of the sources of exposure were HIV-positive, 9/115(7.83%) were HBV-positive. Zidovudine-based regimen (40/70) was the most commonly prescribed. No seroconversion occurred among those that completed PEP treatment and follow-up. No seroconversion occurred among those that received either or both HIV and HBV PEP and completed PEP treatment.

Prevalence of pterygium in a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria

Pterygium is a wing shaped conjunctival growth that encroaches onto the cornea. It was initially believed to be a conjunctival degeneration arising from pinquecula. However, it is now believed to be an active invasive inflammatory process leading to fibrovascular proliferation. The ocular symptoms of pterygium includes: tearing, redness, foreign body sensation and blurring of vision. Treatment option includes use of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and various surgical options. A retrospective study was conducted from 1st January 2014- 31st December 2014. Folders of patients seen over this period were retrieved and reviewed. The following information were extracted; socio-demographics (age, gender, occupation, tribe), complaints, visual acuity at presentation, grade of pterygium, treatment offered, history of pterygium surgery, laterality and use of antimetabolities during surgery. The data was recorded and analysed using SPPS version 18. Out of 2760 patients, 98 patients presented with pterygium with a prevalence of 3.6%. Among these, 60.2% were males and 39.8% were females with a range of 22years-73 years (mean 40.28 ± 11.78years). Majority of the patients (31.6%) were between 30years to 39years. Most of the patients were house wives (31.6%) and Hausa (79.6%) by tribe. Most of them had bi-lateral pterygium (66.5%). Majority of the pterygium (46.9%) were of grade 1 followed by 39.8% grade 2. Only 9.2% had surgical procedure and intraoperative application of 5 Fulourouracil (5FU). Three out of 9 cases operated had recurrent pterygium. The prevalence of pterygium is low in this population, majority of cases affecting young and middle age population.

Trend of modern contraceptive uptake and its predictors among women accessing family planning service in a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria, 2000–2014

Background: Client preference and availability of contraceptives are important determinants of uptake in developing countries. In this study, we investigated the trend of contraceptive uptake and factors associated with client choice among women accessing family planning services in an urban tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Time-trend analysis was performed on registry data of contraceptives dispensed between January 2000 and December 2014 at the family planning unit of Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria. Five-year periods (2000–2004, 2005–2009, and 2010–2014) were identified, and the prevalence of contraceptive methods for each period is expressed as moving averages. Predictors of client choice were determined by logistic regression expressed as odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]). Results: A total of 5992 family planning consultations were made during the 15-year study period. Compared with the intermediate 5 years, there was a rise from 1723 (2000 to 2004) to 2128 (2005–2009) and a decline in the final 5 years to 1912 (2010–2014). Cumulatively, the most preferred contraceptive was injectables (40.7%). Women aged ≥35 years showed significant positive association with contraceptive uptake (OR 2.243, 95% CI = 1.489–3.380; P Conclusion: Injectable contraceptive was the most common method used. Women's age and educational attainment were the major factors influencing choice and uptake of modern contraceptives.

Paediatric renal diseases in a rural tertiary hospital in north-western Nigeria: pattern and outcome

Paediatric renal diseases in a rural tertiary hospital in north-western Nigeria: pattern and outcome

Paediatric renal diseases in a rural tertiary hospital in north-western Nigeria: pattern and outcome

Context The trend of paediatric kidney disease is steadily rising and is contributing significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality. Aim This study aimed at determining the trends, pattern, and outcome of renal diseases in children over a 10-year period. Participants and methods This was a retrospective study of all the consecutive children admitted with renal diseases from January 2006 to December 2015. All relevant data were extracted from their case notes and analyzed appropriately. Results One hundred and two of 6269 children admitted during the study period had kidney disease, giving an overall prevalence of 1.2%. Sixty-one were boys whereas the remaining 41 were girls, with a male : female of 1 : 0.7. The age ranged from 10 to 180 months. There was a progressive increase in the number of admissions due to renal diseases from 0.9% in 2006 up to 3.4% in 2013 of the total annual admissions. Acute glomerulonephritis was the most common renal condition. The majority of children [94 (92.2%)] recovered fully, four (3.9%) were referred, one (0.98%) child left with his parents against medical advice, whereas three children died, giving a mortality rate of 2.9%. Conclusion There is a progressive increase in the prevalence of renal diseases among children studied, with acute glomerulonephritis being the most common condition seen.

Pattern and Outcome of Paediatric Surgical Admissions in a New Tertiary Hospital in Northwestern Nigeria

The pattern and outcome of pediatric surgical admissions may be crucial to policy formulation in a new tertiary hospital. This study reports the pattern and outcome of pediatric surgical admissions in Northwestern Nigeria. This is a retrospective review of all medical records of patients admitted with pediatric surgical pathologies over a 14 months period. Data was extracted from the admission records and case notes of children admitted in the hospital during the study period. Information obtained included the patients’ age, sex, diagnosis, duration of admission and outcome. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 for Windows. There were 191 pediatric surgical admissions representing 12.5% of the total pediatric admissions with a mean age of 71 months and a male to female ratio of 1.2:1 (M 105: F86). Sixty percent of the patients were admitted to female surgical ward, others were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit, male surgical ward, pediatric medical ward and emergency pediatric unit due to shortage of manpower and lack of pediatric surgical facilities. The most common diagnostic categories were congenital anomalies 35.1% (67/191), trauma 30.9% (59/191) and surgical infections 29.8% (57/191). Eighty percent of our patients did well and were discharged. However, we recorded a mortality rate of 9.9%. Our report shows that wide spectrums of pediatric surgical conditions are seen in our hospital with congenital anomalies being the most common. Most of our patients were treated and discharged.