A Comparative Study of Plasma Trace Elements (Copper, Iron and Zinc) Status in Anaemic and Non-anaemic Pregnant Women in Abakaliki, Nigeria

For a comparative study of plasma copper, iron and zinc between anaemic and non-anaemic pregnant women, data for anaemic (n = 223) and non-anaemic (n = 126) pregnant women drawn from a cohort of 351 pregnant Nigerians recruited at gestational age of ≤ 25 weeks for the study of impacts of trace element status on pregnancy outcomes were analysed. With the exception of plasma copper which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in anaemic women in comparison to the non-anaemic women (10.11 ± 10.15 vs. 8.68 ± 7.92 µmol/l), plasma iron and zinc were lower (p > 0.05) in the former. While plasma copper, iron and zinc concentration were not correlated with maternal haemoglobin concentration, plasma zinc significantly correlated negatively (r = -0.141, p < 0.05) with plasma copper. It is thus concluded that anaemia in pregnant women in this population may partly be due to a combination of trace element deficiencies and their interactions with each other. While interventions should go beyond improving intakes, more research is desired to clearly define these interactions

The hidden cost of 'Free Maternity Care' in a low-resource setting in south-eastern Nigeria

No Abstract

Assessing clients'satisfaction at a free antenatal care clinic in a limited-resource population

No Abstract

Implementing The NewWHO Antenatal Care Model: Voices From End Users In A Rural Nigerian Community.

Context: The recommended WHO antenatal focused visits with reduced number of visits and tests is yet to be implemented in many communities in rural Nigeria. Aim: This paper evaluated the attitude of antenatal clients in a rural mission hospital to the new antenatal model. Study Design: Focus group discussions were carried out bi-weekly for 12weeeks with consenting booked antenatal clients. The topic guide was developed following interactions with prenatal clients at a referral tertiary center. Results: One hundred and forty-four clients were interviewed. Prior to discussion, none had heard of the new antenatal care model. More than half of them will prefer the traditional policy with multiple visits to the new model. The traditional visit was said to be more reassuring and provides the clients time away from their routine chores/occupations and afford them the opportunity to interact with other expectant mothers and get acquainted with the health care providers. Conclusion: To realize the goals of the new WHO recommended antenatal model in rural Nigeria, mass enlightenment and education must precede its gradual and cautious introduction. Keywords: Antenatal Care, Clients, Rural, WHO. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (3) 2008: pp. 260-26

Second trimester ultrasonography: an objective tool in predicting risk of cervical incompetence and preterm births in a Nigerian population

No Abstract. Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 63-6

Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies: A report of two cases

Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies are rare occurrences. Two recently managed cases are discussed. The first was a single, sexually active 23-year-old nullipara with family history of twinning who presented with eight weeks amenorrhea, positive pregnancy test, lower abdominal discomfort and other clinical and ultrasound findings suggestive of unruptured left tubal pregnancy. Intra-operatively, unruptured bilateral tubal pregnancies were found and bilateral salpingotomy performed with uneventful recovery. Histology of the specimens confirmed the intraoperative diagnosis. She was appropriately counseled. Case 2, a 30-year-old multiparous housewife who had been on clomid for secondary infertility, presented with signs and symptoms of ruptured tubal ectopic. Intra-operatively, ruptured left and unruptured right tubal pregnancies were found and salpingectomy and salpingotomy were done respectively, with uneventful recovery. The diagnosis was also confirmed histologically and counseling given as in case 1. Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies appear to be increasing with twin proneness and use of fertility drugs as risk factors. Whether spontaneous or induced, the hallmarks of good management include early presentation, high index of suspicion, meticulous ultrasound scanning, good case selection, judicious intra-operative inspection of the contralateral tube, histology of specimens and appropriate patient counseling

Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women in Rural Nigeria to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)

Background: It is not immediately clear if awareness campaigns against the HIV/AIDS have filtered down the rural communities. Methods: This study ascertained awareness and attitude of pregnant women in rural Nigeria to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), for Human immunodeficiency virus infection. Results: Six hundred expectant mothers who consented were interviewed using semi structured questionnaire in a cross sectional study that spanned six months in eight rural communities of Ebonyi State. Five hundred and two women (82.3%) have heard of HIV/AIDS. The churches were the primary source of information. Prior to the interview, only thirty-one expectant mothers have heard of VCT. However, after education, 66.3% and 57.0% respectively believed it would be of benefit to their babies and themselves and 69.8% would want to have VCT for Human immunodeficiency virus infection. Conclusion: There is need for more organized health education on HIV/AIDS among pregnant women in the rural communities to increase uptake of VCT services. Keywords: Knowledge, AIDS, prevention, counseling, testing, rural Nigeria.Nigerian Medical Journal Vol. 48 (2) 2007: pp. 27-3

Prevalence of Low Sperm Count and Abnormal Semen Parameters in Male Partners of Women Consulting at Infertility Clinic in Abakaliki, Nigeria

In order to provide an insight to the prevalence of low sperm count and abnormal semen parameters in suspected subfertile/ infertile men in our environment, semen samples collected from one hundred and seventy (170) men aged 21-50 years, whose wives were seen at a private fertility clinic in Abakaliki, Nigeria with diagnosis of primary and secondary infertility (78 and 92 respectively) were analysed in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines. Significantly high proportion (70%) of the study population had low sperm count (p < 0.05) with significantly high defective parameters (64%). Asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia were the major abnormal parameters recorded. Higher prevalence of oligospermia was found in the civil servants and age-group 31-40 years (74% and 75% respectively). Using 105 cfu/ml as a significant level of bacteria growth, the prevalence of bacteria growth was found to be 56% of which 18% were from normospermic semen d 38% from oligospermic semen.Keywords: Abnormal semen parameters, male partners, genital infection, infertilityAfrican Journal of Reproductive Health Vol. 12 (1) 2008: pp. 67-7

Ruptured Ectopic in Heterotopic Pregnancy: Management and Spontaneous Vertex Delivery of a Live Baby at Term

Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy is an uncommon clinical condition in which there is a simultaneous development of intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancies. It is a life‑threatening emergency when the ectopic ruptures. We present Mrs. EC, a 27‑year‑old G1P0 + 0 with a family history of multiple gestations who had a heterotopic pregnancy at a gestational age of 7 weeks. She presented with features of threatened miscarriage at early pregnancy with an ultrasound confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy. The diagnosis of ruptured ectopic pregnancy coexisting with intrauterine gestation was made with ultrasound findings as well as clinical features necessitating emergency exploratory laparotomy. Thereafter, pregnancy was carried to term, and she delivered a live male baby that weighed 3.0 kg. Heterotopic pregnancy should be sort for in all pregnancies during the early scan, especially in those with predisposing factors for multiple gestations and risk factors for ectopic gestation. A high index of suspicion is necessary for making a diagnosis in women with intrauterine pregnancy, with or without symptoms of ectopic gestation, and irrespective of the existence of risk factors for ectopic pregnancy.Keywords: Exploratory laparotomy, heterotopic pregnancy, live baby, ruptured ectopic, vaginal deliver

Pre-Induction and Intrapartum Correlates of Successful Induction Of Labour Using Oxytocin and Misoprostol in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Context: Induction of labour (IOL) is a therapeutic challenge and an alternative to Caesarean section. Objectives: To evaluate the success rate of IOL and its determinants at the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH), Abakaliki. Methods: A retrospective study involving 251 parturients who had induction of labour over a five-year period. Results: IOL accounted for 2.9% of the 8,676 deliveries during the study period. The overall success rate for labour induction in EBSUTH was 83.1%. Multiparous women achieved a success rate of 91.4%, grandmultipara 95.7%, and primigravida 58.2%. IOL using Misoprostol had a success rate of 83.1% and Oxytocin titration with synchronous fore water amniotomy 83.1%. Common indications for IOL included prolonged pregnancy (69.0%), and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (15.7%). Factors influencing outcome included parity, booking status, gestational age, pre-induction cervical status and latent period interval. Conclusion: Induction of labour EBSUTH had a high success rate of 83.1%. Booking status, pre induction cervical Bishop's score ans parity amongst others significantly influenced the success rate in this study.Key Words: Induction, labour, oxytocin, misoprostol, EBSUTH, outcome