Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Ferritin Level in Pre and Postmenopausal Women Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto

Ferritin Level in Pre and Postmenopausal Women Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto

Oral and maxillofacial tumours in children and adolescents: Clinicopathologic audit of 75 cases in an academic medical centre, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria.

Background:Maxillofacial tumours in children and adolescents have been documented worldwide; however, few studies were reported from Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, most of the studies emanated from the Southwest region.Aim:To present an audit of clinicopathologic features and treatment of orofacial tumours in children and adolescents in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria.Patients and Methods:Clinicopathologic records of the Departments of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Paediatrics and Histopathology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, were reviewed for all the oral and maxillofacial tumours managed in children <19 years from January 2011 to December 2015.Results:Two hundred and twenty-two tumours were noted in all age groups during the study duration and 75 (33.8%) of these occurred in children and adolescents. A total of 45 (60%) males and thirty (40%) females constitute the patient population with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. There are 32 (42.7%) benign tumours and 43 (57.3%) malignant tumours. Burkitt's lymphoma was the most common malignant tumour in 24 cases (55.8%), whereas pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign soft tissue tumour in 4 cases (30.8%) and fibro-osseous lesions were the most common benign jaw tumours in 10 cases (52.6%). Chemotherapy alone was the treatment modality in 24 cases of malignant tumour whereas 13 cases had combination chemotherapy and irradiation.Conclusions:Our findings established that oral and maxillofacial tumours in children and adolescents are quite common in Sokoto, Northwest region of Nigeria, particularly the malignant types. There is a need for improved universal healthcare insurance for all citizens to adequately manage these children effectively.

Assessment of commonly used Hospital Disinfectants on Bacteria isolated from the Operating Theatre

Assessment of commonly used hospital disinfectants on bacteria isolated from the operating theatre of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto was evaluated. Bacterial species were isolated by settling plate method, using Nutrient and MacConkey agar as the isolating medium. The isolates were fully characterized by standard methods. Isolated bacteria includes; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus sp and Bacillus subtilis. The in house disinfectants (Povidone iodine and Izal) used in the operating theatres was obtained and evaluated using Agar ditch diffusion method. Povidone iodine obtained from the operating theatre showed no zones of inhibition in all the isolates tested, Izal solution obtained from the theatres showed appreciable zones of inhibition. Povidone iodine purchased from a pharmacy store in town however produced zones of inhibitions ranging from 7.75 mm to 18.00 mm. Killing rate for the most resistant isolates showed that B. megaterium, S. aureus and B. cereus required 25 to 30 minutes of exposure time for 8% Izal dilution to bring about the death of all resistant isolates. It was concluded that disinfection remain one of the most effective ways of reducing nosocomial pathogens in hospital environment as demonstrated in the results of this research work. However, from time to time potency of the in house used disinfectant must be evaluated in order to keep pace with degradation of disinfectant which normally occurs with time.

Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency among Malnourished Children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency among Malnourished Children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

English

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection threatens the health of populations across the globe. It is an important occupational risk for health care workers (HCWs); they are known to be at high risk of the infection following needle stick injuries and accidental exposure to infected blood and other body fluids. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception and hepatitis B vaccination status of HCWs in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study among 124 HCWs selected by multistage sampling technique was conducted in the months of February to April 2013. Informed consent was taken and information was collected by a pre-designed questionnaire, data analysis was done using computer software, SPSS version 20. Majority of respondents (86.3%) demonstrated good knowledge of HBV infection. Most of the respondents (92.7%) perceived themselves to be more at risk of HBV infection as compared to the general population by virtue of their profession. Only 50 (40.3%) of the 124 respondents have been vaccinated against HBV infection. In addition, only 28 (56.0%) of the 50 respondents that have been vaccinated against HBV infection had the recommended three doses of the vaccine. This study demonstrated poor uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs in UDUTH, Sokoto, Nigeria, despite good knowledge and high risk perception. Periodic education of staff on prevention of transmission of blood and other body fluids borne pathogens in the hospital setting, and promotion of accessibility to vaccines against relevant vaccine preventable diseases in the healthcare facilities are hereby suggested. Key words: Knowledge, risk perception, hepatitis B, vaccination status, healthcare workers.

Serum Albumin and Selected Antioxidants Status in Children with Protein Energy Malnutrition in Sokoto, Nigeria

Aims: To assess the serum albumin and selected antioxidant status in 51 children with protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in Sokoto, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was performed comparing two groups of children, one with confirmed case of PEM and the other apparently healthy children; both groups were gender, age and socioeconomically matched. Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, between April, 2014 and September, 2015. Methodology: We included fifty (51) children (of both sexes, aged range 6-60 months) with Original Research Article Mainasara et al.; BJMMR, 15(2): 1-7, 2016; Article no.BJMMR.25130 2 confirmed cases of protein energy malnutrition were included in this study. The modified Wellcome classification was used to classify the protein energy malnourished children into underweight (14), marasmus (17), kwashiorkor (10) and marasmic-kwashiorkor (10). Fifty (50) genderage-and socioeconomically-matched apparently healthy children were used as controls. The subject selection, anthropometric parameters and clinical examinations were performed by the consultant paediatricians in the clinic. Standard procedures were used for the analyses of biochemical parameters. Results: Our results showed that, mean mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight, body mass index (BMI), were significantly (P 0.05) different among the different classes of PEM. Serum Albumin, α-tocopherol, copper and zinc were significantly (P<0.001) lower in the malnourished group compared with the control group. Serum Albumin, αtocopherol, copper and zinc decreased significantly (P<0.001) with increasing severity of malnutrition. Conclusion: Our results showed that serum albumin, α-tocopherol, copper and zinc were significantly lower in the malnourished group than the control group (p<0.001). The decrease in the serum albumin, α-tocopherol, copper and zinc progressed with the increasing severity of malnutrition among the children. These findings suggest an altered protein and antioxidant status in protein energy malnutrition. In addition to providing proteins and calories, adequate supplementations of zinc, copper and α-tocopherol should be provided. These should be part of nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished children in order to achieve optimal results of management and avoid clinical complications associated with zinc, copper and vitamin E deficiencies.

Prevalence and pattern of sexual assault in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

IntroductionSexual violence is an important public health problem of growing concern all over the world. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and pattern of sexual assault managed in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria.MethodsIt was a retrospective study that looked into cases of sexual assault admitted into the hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. Information on patients’ biodata, and relevant details on the cases were extracted from the patients’ case files and analyzed.ResultsOut of the 5317 gynecological admissions during the period under study, 45 (0.84%) were cases of sexual assault. Of these, only 34 case files were available for data extraction. The patients’ ages ranged from 2 to 37 years (mean = 12.6 + 8.3). About two thirds (61.8%) of those affected were young children (aged 12 years and below). In majority of cases (70.6%) the assault was penetrative, and in most of the cases (91.2%) only a single assailant was involved. In close to two thirds of cases, the assailant was either an acquaintance (38.2%) or a family member (20.6%). Although law enforcement agents were informed in majority (58.8%) of cases, arrests were made in less than half (41.2%).ConclusionAlthough the prevalence of sexual assault in this study appears to be low, a major cause for concern is the fact that those affected were predominantly young children. Parents should be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s movement, and stringent laws should be enacted and enforced to curb this heinous act.

The relationship between maternal body mass index and the birth weight of neonates in North-West Nigeria

Background: Birth weight (BW) is an important determinant of infant's well-being. Several factors such as mothers' genetic characteristics, sociocultural, demographic, behavioral factors, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), and gestational weight gain contribute to BW. Objective: This study assesses the association between the maternal BMI at the first visit to the BW of their babies in women attending antenatal care clinic in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto Nigeria. Methodology: This was a hospital-based longitudinal study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of UDUTH, Sokoto, between November 01, 2011 and October 30, 2012. Two hundred and five pregnant women with singleton gestation and uncomplicated pregnancies were consecutively recruited during the antenatal booking visit after the second missed menstrual period and before 13 weeks of gestation and followed up to delivery. Relevant sociodemographic data including the BMI and BW of the Neonates were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 Armonk, NY, USA. Results: The ages of the women range from 16 to 44 years with a mean of 27.45 (±5.32) years. The mean BMI at first visit was 25.09 kg/m 2 (6.06), while the mean BW of the babies was 3.07 (0.54) kg. There was a significant correlation between maternal BMI at their first visit to the BW of the neonates (r = 0.607, P < 0.001). This shows that maternal BMI is directly related to the neonatal BW. Conclusion: Our study has shown that there is a significant relationship between the maternal BMI and the BW of the neonates among antenatal attendees at UDUTH, Sokoto. Further expansion of the work is recommended including adjustment for maternal age, gestational weight gain, and ethnicity.

Oral and maxillofacial malignancies: An analysis of 77 cases seen at an academic medical hospital

Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial malignancies (OMMs) consist of a wide range of lesions, which constitute varying proportions of the total incidence of malignancies in the human population. Available epidemiological data vary across racial, geographical, gender, and occupational divides. They are often associated with significant impairment of patients' quality of life. Materials and Methods: A review of hospital records of patients with histologically diagnosed primary OMM, who presented to the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, over a 5-year period, was done. Data including age, gender, site, and type of tumor, and histological grade of tumor were retrieved and analyzed with the SPSS version 20.0. Results: A total of 77 cases of OMMs were identified with a male/female ratio of 1:1.03. The mean (±standard deviation) age was 50.1 (17.8) years. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequently seen epithelial malignancy constituting 35.1% of all malignancies, with most patients in advanced stages of the disease. Osteosarcoma was the most frequently diagnosed sarcoma, constituting 11.7% of all malignancies seen. Salivary gland malignancies constituted 29 (37.7%). Other malignancies seen include, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant melanoma. Conclusion: OMMs constitute a significant health burden in our region. Thus, adequate resources should be allocated toward improving awareness among the populace. Policy shifts and regular dental visits which may increase the likelihood of early intervention should be instituted.

Changing pattern in the treatment of mandibular fractures in North-Western Nigeria

Background: Maxillofacial fractures constitute a significant proportion of fractures seen at tertiary hospitals. Management of maxillofacial fractures is challenging and often associated with reduced quality of life among patients if not properly managed. This study was designed to analyze the trend in management of maxillofacial fractures at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria between 2011 and 2016. Materials and Methods: Data on the sociodemographic characteristics, etiology, type of fracture, and treatment done were retrieved. Data analysis was done with SPSS and comparisons were made using Chi-square and t-test. Statistical significance was set at P Results: A total of 341 fracture sites were observed in 201 patients, the majority were males giving a male to female ratio of 6.2:1. The overall modal age group at presentation was the 21–30 year age group accounting for 78 (36.3%) of all cases seen. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the principal etiological factor accounting for 137 (63.7%) of the fracture cases seen. The mandibular body and dentoalveolar sites were the most frequently occurring fracture sites on the mandible accounting for 69 (20.2%) and 42 (12.3%) of all fractures. A comparison of the etiological factors among groups of patients based on the year of presentation and gender was statistically significant (P = 0.02). A comparison of the mode of treatment (open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] or closed reduction) among patients based on the year of treatment was statistically significant (P Conclusion: RTA remains the foremost cause of maxillofacial fractures in our environment. Despite a variety of challenges, ORIF is gradually being embraced as a viable mode of treatment in our center.

Haematological variables of healthy pregnant women in Sokoto, North-western Nigeria

Context: Pregnancy exerts changes on the haematological system with consequences on interpretation of laboratory results and subsequent diagnosis or intervention. Furthermore, significant variations in haematological variables are known to occur between populations reflecting interplay between genetics and environment.Aim: To determine the values of haematological variables for normal pregnancy in Sokoto.Settings and Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a 6-week period at antenatal clinics of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, North-western Nigeria.Subjects and Methods: Apparently healthy pregnant women who presented at the antenatal clinics of UDUTH, Sokoto for booking were recruited and had automated full blood count conducted on their blood sample.Statistical Analysis Used: Data were entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 17 for descriptive analysis while analysis of variance was employed to compare haematological variables among the trimesters of pregnancy. Level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.Results: A total of 404 pregnant women were recruited and had mean haematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) counts and platelet counts of 33.00 ± 3.62%, 7.78 ± 2.21 × 109/l and 242.51 ± 63.18 × 109/l, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found across the three trimesters of pregnancy in respect of haematocrit, WBC counts and platelet counts (P > 0.05).Conclusion: This study has provided the values for haematological variables during normal pregnancy, which could serve as reference values for Sokoto and possibly other parts of North-western Nigeria.

Knowledge of Palliative Care Among Medical Interns in a Tertiary Health Institution in Northwestern Nigeria.

Background:Palliative care is the proactive care which seeks to maximize quality of life for people and families facing life-threatening illnesses.Objectives:To ascertain the existing knowledge of palliative care among medical interns and determine the effect of a structured educational intervention on improvement of their knowledge levels.Subjects and Methods:This is a quasi-experimental, interventional study with a one group pre- and post-test design involving medical interns rotating through the various departments of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. The study population was chosen by convenience sampling method. The interns completed a pre- and a post-test assessment following a structured educational intervention for the evaluation of knowledge of palliative care. Knowledge was evaluated by a self-administered structured questionnaire.Results:A total number of 49 medical interns were recruited, among whom were 41 males and 8 females. Their ages ranged from 21 to 36 years with a mean of 27.7 (standard deviation 2.14) years. In the pretest, 11/49 (22.5%) of the respondents had poor knowledge level of palliative care; however, in the postintervention, only 2/49 (4.1%) of the respondents had poor knowledge. Similarly, good knowledge levels appreciated from 9/49 (18.4%) to 14/49 (28.6%) while very good knowledge increased from 10/49 (20.4%) to 19/49 (38.8%). This effect was statistically significant (Chi-square test 11.655 df = 3, P = 0.009).Conclusion:There is poor knowledge of palliative care among the interns due to ignorance. Following an educational intervention, the knowledge levels appreciated significantly. Palliative care should be part of the medical curriculum.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in a 9-year-old girl at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart disease in which all the four pulmonary veins drain into the right atrium instead of the left. Without surgical intervention, 80% of the patients die before the age of 1 year. We report a 9-year-old girl with unrepaired supracardiac TAPVC complicated by severe pulmonary artery hypertension. The patient was managed conservatively including the use of pulmonary antihypertensive (sildenafil), with significant improvement. She is currently on follow-up at our pediatric cardiology clinic. TAPVC requires surgical intervention in early infancy to prevent the onset of pulmonary hypertension, which may contraindicate surgery. High index of suspicion and improved diagnostic skill will enhance early diagnosis and enable timely intervention.

Pattern of Salivary Gland Tumour in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Background: Salivary gland tumours though rare but constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours accounting for 5% of head and neck tumours with a high incidence reported in other part of the world compared with studies in Sub-saharan Africa. Aim: To describe the dermographic and histopathological patterns of salivary gland tumuors in a tertiary health institution Sokoto. Materials and Method: This was a five-year descriptive and retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed and managed with salivary gland tumour in the department of ear, nose and throat, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto between January 2010 and December 2014. Clinical records and histopathological slides of these patients were retrieved and data extracted from the case files included patients demography, site of the tumour, and histopathological diagnosis. Data obtained were analysed using IBM-SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 103 salivary gland tumours (SGTs) during the study period. Age ranged from 1 year to 75 years with a mean age of 41.66 (±17.80) years. There was a male preponderance of 53.4% and 46.6% female with a M:F of 1.2:1. Histologically, 35 (34.0%) were benign and 68 (66.0%) were malignant lesion. Minor salivary gland 63 (61.2%) was the commonest gland involved followed by the parotid 27 (26.2%) gland. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was most frequent malignant lesion and pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign tumour. Conclusion: Minor salivary glands of the palate are the principal site for salivary gland malignancy with male preponderance and SCC being the most frequent malignant lesion. Therefore any SGTs should raise a high index of suspicion.

Normal anatomical variations of maxillary sinus septa using computerized tomography from Sokoto Northwestern Nigeria

Background/Aim: The maxillary sinus is the largest paranasal sinus and represents a complex anatomical structure with significant inter-individual variation. Computerized Tomography (CT) in the assessment of the maxillary sinus yields much more information. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, number and location of maxillary sinus septa using CT. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty subjects (79 males and 51 females), between 20–80 years, with normal maxillary sinus CT anatomy, from head CT scans carried out at the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, over a period of 5 years, were studied. Head CT scans were obtained from the local data base of the CT machine and back up compact disc from the CT library. Images were taken with Neusoft Dual Slide Helical CT machine, and films were viewed on the computer monitor. Septa were identified as bony projections from the sinus walls into its cavity on axial and coronal slides. Results: In this study, septa were present in 14.23% (37 septa out of 158) males sinuses, while in females, 10.34% (27 out of 102) had septa. The overall prevalence of maxillary sinus septa was 24.62%. Conclusion: Maxillary sinus septa appear common and are capable of complicating sinus membrane surgeries. CT may be useful in surgical evaluation and planning.

Clinical Analysis of Hoarseness in Children as Seen in Otorhinolaryngology Department of a Tertiary Health Institution in North-West, Nigeria

Normal phonation is produced in the larynx by the blast of pulmonic air stream that vibrates the vocal cords. Hoarseness reflects changes in the structure or function of the vocal cords. Objective: This is to describe the clinical profile of hoarseness in children and aetiological factors in a tertiary health institution. Methodology: This is a retrospective eight-year (2006-2013) study of clinical records of patients with hoarseness as their main symptom seen in the ENT department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto. Results: Fifty-two children with hoarseness were studied. Thirty three (63.5%) were males, while 19 (36.5) were female with a male: female ratio of 1.7:1. The age range was 1 - 13 years with a mean age of 5.1 years. Age group 4 - 7 years (38.5%) were observed to be more affected with duration of hoarseness ranging from 1 day to 5 years. RRP 23 (44.2%) was the most common aetiology of hoarseness followed by foreign body 15 (28.8%) and Acute Laryngeal infections 9 (17.3%). Tracheostomy was done in 29 (55.8%) of patients. Two patients died post operatively due to improper tracheostomy tube care in the ward. Conclusion: With delayed presentation and its attendant grave sequelae, it has become imperative that persistent hoarseness in children lasting more than three weeks should be endoscopically evaluated by an otorhinolaryngologist.

Prevalence of Rhesus c and e Phenotype Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Prevalence of Rhesus c and e Phenotype Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Ludwig′s angina: Analysis of 28 cases seen and managed in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, seasonal presentation, and management of Ludwig's angina in Northwest Nigerian Tertiary Health Facility. Patients and Methods: Cases of Ludwig's angina that presented and managed by the Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, between 2013 and 2015 were retrieved. Data were stored and analyzed using IBM SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) Statistics for windows version 20. Results: Over the review period, 36 patients presented with clinical features of Ludwig's angina. Only 28 cases were analyzed and 8 cases had incomplete data and were excluded from the analysis. Of the 28 patients, 23 (82.1%) were males while 5 (17.9%) were females with a male: female ratio of 4.6:1. The mean age of the sample was 32.3 ΁ 11.6, range 18-60 years. A majority of the patients were in low socioeconomic group with 11 (39.3%) patients being peasant farmers. Odontogenic infection was responsible for the disease in 27 (96.4%) cases while only 1 (3.6%) case was idiopathic. Of those with odontogenic etiology, 18 (64.3%) were due to sequelae of caries. Microbiology, culture, and sensitivity in few cases revealed Streptococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Most of the cases recorded no bacterial growth after 24 h incubation period. Twenty-five patients (89.3%) survived the disease while 3 (10.7%) died. Conclusions: Management of Ludwig's angina in a resource- and personnel-scarce setting can be very challenging. Early surgical decompression, aggressive empirical antibiotics, and nutritional support have contributed to the low mortality in our series.

Caesarean section at usmanu danfodiyo university teaching hospital: A cross sectional study

Caesarean section at usmanu danfodiyo university teaching hospital: A cross sectional study

Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and temporal bone: An analysis of seven cases in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a common childhood soft tissue sarcoma but rare in the ear and temporal bone region, often mimicking features of chronic suppurative otitis media. Objective: The objective of this analysis is to determine the clinical pattern, stage at presentation, traditional healer intervention, and outcome. Methodology: A retrospective study of patients under the age of 15 years with histological diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and temporal bone, who presented at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, from January 2000 to July 2015. Results: A total of seven patients were seen. Two (28.6%) were male and 5 (71.4%) were female. The age ranged between 3 and 9 years with mean age of 6.7 years. Clinical features mimic that of chronic suppurative otitis media. All were advanced embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Traditional healers performed incision in 3 (42.9%) patients with the aim of draining pus from the swelling. The incision was done with a knife and hot iron. Multimodality treatment was offered: mortality and discharge on parole to source for funds to undergo radiotherapy was recorded in 3 (42.9%) patients, but they never came back for follow-up. Conclusion: Advanced embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the ear and temporal bone were seen in all the patients with clinical presentation mimicking that of chronic suppurative otitis media. Outcome was not favorable because of the advanced tumor stage presentation, dangerous traditional healer intervention, and financial constraints. We recommend creation of patients' awareness and the improvement of the populace socioeconomic status.