Pediatric Endocrinology Practice in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward

The prevalence of endocrine disorders in children in Nigeria is not well known. Therefore the burden of these diseases is often overlooked as most cases are undiagnosed or diagnosed too late; and yet they constitute a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. There has been a paucity of Paediatric Endocrinologists, absence of laboratory equipments and even drugs for the treatment of these diseases are often not in stock. The desired attention these endocrine diseases should receive from both health care institutions and the government is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this review article was to highlight the challenges facing the practice of Paediatric endocrinology in Nigeria and to proffer a way forward to building a robust endocrine care services in health institutions in Nigeria. Keywords: Challenges, endocrinology, paediatrics, way forwar

Factors Influencing Antenatal Haematinics Prescription Behaviour of Physicians in Calabar, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Routine iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnancy have been proved to be effective in reducing the prevalence and morbidities of anaemia. However, there is limited data regarding the prescription habits of physician obstetric care givers.AIM: This study set to investigate the attitudes and factors which influence the practice among physicians in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly recruited physician offering antenatal services between August and September 2015. Systemic sampling was used to select 70 doctors in the departmental duty roster. Data were presented in percentages and proportion. Chi-square test was used to test the association between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.RESULTS: The response rate was 100%. The mean age of the respondents was 30.26 ± 6.67 years. All the respondents routinely prescribed haematinics to pregnant women but 34.3% of them did not prescribe to apparently healthy clients in their first trimester. Only 30% and 11.4% of them prescribed it in the postnatal and preconception periods respectively. Brands that contained iron, folate and vitamins as a single capsule were mostly favoured, and information about brands of drugs was mostly provided by the pharmaceutical sales representatives. Younger doctors were more likely to offer haematinics with nutritional counselling compared to older respondents. However, there was no significant relationship between haematinics prescription and sex (p = 0.3560), Age (p = 0.839), current professional status (p = 0.783), and client complaint of side effect of medication (p = 0.23). Oral medication was mostly utilised.CONCLUSION: Effort to effectively control anaemia in pregnancy should involve re-orientation of physician obstetric care providers especially about prenatal and postnatal medication and counselling

Antenatal Deworming and Materno-Perinatal Outcomes in Calabar, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that administration of anthelmintic drugs in pregnancy can reduce the incidence of maternal anaemia; however, data on other maternal and perinatal outcomes are limited.AIM: This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the direct impact of mass deworming on delivery and perinatal outcome.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 560 healthy pregnant women in their second trimester were randomised to receive a single dose of oral mebendazole (500 mg) and placebo. Each participant received the standard dose of iron supplement and malaria prophylaxis. They were followed up to delivery and immediate postpartum period to document the possible impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes.RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia at term, 37 weeks gestation and above, among the treatment arm was 12.6% compared with 29.9% in the placebo arm (p < 0.001). Caesarean section rates was higher in the treated group and the placebo (p = 0.047).There were no statistically significant differences in incidences of postpartum haemorrhage (p = 0.119), Puerperal, pyrexia (p = 0.943), low birth weight (p = 0.556) asphyxia (p = 0.706) and perinatal death (p = 0.621).CONCLUSION: Presumptive deworming during the antenatal period can significantly reduce the incidence of peripartum anaemia. However, more studies may be needed to prove any positive perinatal outcome

Secondary analysis of the WOMAN trial to explore the risk of sepsis after invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between the use of invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage and the risk of sepsis and severe sepsis. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of the WOMAN randomized controlled trial, including 20 060 women with postpartum hemorrhage in 21 countries. Logistic regression with random effects was used. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence was 1.8% for sepsis and 0.5% for severe sepsis. All-cause mortality was 40.4% in women with severe sepsis versus 2.2% for women without. After adjusting for bleeding severity and other confounders, intrauterine tamponade, hysterectomy, and laparotomy increased the risk of sepsis (aOR 1.77 [95% CI 1.21-2.59], P=0.004; aOR 1.97 [95% CI 1.49-2.65], P<0.001; and aOR 6.63 [95% CI 4.29-10.24], P<0.001, respectively) and severe sepsis (aOR 2.60 [95% CI 1.47-4.59], P=0.002; aOR 1.97 [95% CI 0.83-2.46], P=0.033; and aOR 5.35 [95% CI 2.61-10.98], P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this secondary data analysis, certain invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage appear to increase the risk of sepsis. Further research is needed to confirm this finding and investigate the role of prophylactic antibiotics during these procedures. The harms and benefits of such interventions must be carefully weighed, both in treatment guidelines and during individual patient management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN76912190

Preeclampsia and COVID-19: results from the INTERCOVID prospective longitudinal study

Background: It is unclear whether the suggested link between COVID-19 during pregnancy and preeclampsia is an independent association or if these are caused by common risk factors. Objective: This study aimed to quantify any independent association between COVID-19 during pregnancy and preeclampsia and to determine the effect of these variables on maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Study Design: This was a large, longitudinal, prospective, unmatched diagnosed and not-diagnosed observational study assessing the effect of COVID-19 during pregnancy on mothers and neonates. Two consecutive not-diagnosed women were concomitantly enrolled immediately after each diagnosed woman was identified, at any stage during pregnancy or delivery, and at the same level of care to minimize bias. Women and neonates were followed until hospital discharge using the standardized INTERGROWTH-21st protocols and electronic data management system. A total of 43 institutions in 18 countries contributed to the study sample. The independent association between the 2 entities was quantified with the risk factors known to be associated with preeclampsia analyzed in each group. The outcomes were compared among women with COVID-19 alone, preeclampsia alone, both conditions, and those without either of the 2 conditions. Results: We enrolled 2184 pregnant women; of these, 725 (33.2%) were enrolled in the COVID-19 diagnosed and 1459 (66.8%) in the COVID-19 not-diagnosed groups. Of these women, 123 had preeclampsia of which 59 of 725 (8.1%) were in the COVID-19 diagnosed group and 64 of 1459 (4.4%) were in the not-diagnosed group (risk ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.61). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors and conditions associated with both COVID-19 and preeclampsia, the risk ratio for preeclampsia remained significant among all women (risk ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–2.52) and nulliparous women specifically (risk ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–3.05). There was a trend but no statistical significance among parous women (risk ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–2.73). The risk ratio for preterm birth for all women diagnosed with COVID-19 and preeclampsia was 4.05 (95% confidence interval, 2.99–5.49) and 6.26 (95% confidence interval, 4.35–9.00) for nulliparous women. Compared with women with neither condition diagnosed, the composite adverse perinatal outcome showed a stepwise increase in the risk ratio for COVID-19 without preeclampsia, preeclampsia without COVID-19, and COVID-19 with preeclampsia (risk ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.63–2.86; risk ratio, 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–4.45; and risk ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.67–4.82, respectively). Similar findings were found for the composite adverse maternal outcome with risk ratios of 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.35), 2.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.20–3.57), and 2.77 (95% confidence interval, 1.66–4.63). The association between COVID-19 and gestational hypertension and the direction of the effects on preterm birth and adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes, were similar to preeclampsia, but confined to nulliparous women with lower risk ratios. Conclusion: COVID-19 during pregnancy is strongly associated with preeclampsia, especially among nulliparous women. This association is independent of any risk factors and preexisting conditions. COVID-19 severity does not seem to be a factor in this association. Both conditions are associated independently of and in an additive fashion with preterm birth, severe perinatal morbidity and mortality, and adverse maternal outcomes. Women with preeclampsia should be considered a particularly vulnerable group with regard to the risks posed by COVID-19

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early administration of tranexamic acid reduces deaths due to bleeding in trauma patients. We aimed to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, hysterectomy, and other relevant outcomes in women with post-partum haemorrhage. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited women aged 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of post-partum haemorrhage after a vaginal birth or caesarean section from 193 hospitals in 21 countries. We randomly assigned women to receive either 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid or matching placebo in addition to usual care. If bleeding continued after 30 min, or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo could be given. Patients were assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. We originally planned to enrol 15 000 women with a composite primary endpoint of death from all-causes or hysterectomy within 42 days of giving birth. However, during the trial it became apparent that the decision to conduct a hysterectomy was often made at the same time as randomisation. Although tranexamic acid could influence the risk of death in these cases, it could not affect the risk of hysterectomy. We therefore increased the sample size from 15 000 to 20 000 women in order to estimate the effect of tranexamic acid on the risk of death from post-partum haemorrhage. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN76912190 (Dec 8, 2008); ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00872469; and PACTR201007000192283. Findings Between March, 2010, and April, 2016, 20 060 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (n=10 051) or placebo (n=10 009), of whom 10 036 and 9985, respectively, were included in the analysis. Death due to bleeding was significantly reduced in women given tranexamic acid (155 [1·5%] of 10 036 patients vs 191 [1·9%] of 9985 in the placebo group, risk ratio [RR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·65–1·00; p=0·045), especially in women given treatment within 3 h of giving birth (89 [1·2%] in the tranexamic acid group vs 127 [1·7%] in the placebo group, RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52–0·91; p=0·008). All other causes of death did not differ significantly by group. Hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (358 [3·6%] patients in the tranexamic acid group vs 351 [3·5%] in the placebo group, RR 1·02, 95% CI 0·88–1·07; p=0·84). The composite primary endpoint of death from all causes or hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (534 [5·3%] deaths or hysterectomies in the tranexamic acid group vs 546 [5·5%] in the placebo group, RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·87-1·09; p=0·65). Adverse events (including thromboembolic events) did not differ significantly in the tranexamic acid versus placebo group. Interpretation Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage with no adverse effects. When used as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, tranexamic acid should be given as soon as possible after bleeding onset. Funding London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Pfizer, UK Department of Health, Wellcome Trust, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Case Report; Heterotopic Pregnancy Following Induction of Ovulation

Heterotopic pregnancies are occurring more commonly with the increasing use of assisted reproductive methods. No single investigation can predict the presence of heterotopic pregnancy. Heterotopic pregnancy should be suspected in any patient who presents with lower abdominal pain in the early phase of an obvious intrauterine pregnancy following fertility treatment. Transvaginal ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic adjunct. Early intervention is essential to salvage the intrauterine pregnancy and avoid maternal morbidity and mortality. Key Words: Pregnancy, Ectopic, Heterotopic, Ovulation Induction .[Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2002, 19: 115-116

The Pattern and Spectrum of Severe Maternal Morbidities in Nigerian tertiary Hospitals

Maternal morbidities are precursors to maternal mortality as well as potential causes of life time disability and poor quality of life. This study aimed to determine the pattern and spectrum of life-threatening maternal morbidities seen in tertiary reproductive health facilities in Nigeria. All cases of severe maternal outcome (SMO), maternal near-misses (MNM), or maternal death (MD), attending 42 tertiary hospitals across all geopolitical zones of Nigeria were prospectively identified using the WHO criteria over a period of 14 months. The main outcome measures were the incidence and outcome of severe maternal outcome by geopolitical regions of Nigeria. The participating hospitals recorded a total of 4383 severe maternal outcomes out of which were 3285 maternal near-misses and 998 maternal deaths. The proportion of maternal near-miss was similar across all the geopolitical zones but the maternal mortality ratio was highest in the southwestern zone (1,552) and least in the northcentral zone (750) of the country. Haemorrhage was the leading cause of severe maternal morbidities followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The mortality index of about 41% using the organ dysfunction criterion was triple the figures from other parts of the world. The findings reflect poor obstetric care in the tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. The health facilities in the country urgently need to be revamped. Keywords: Pattern and spectrum, severe maternal outcome, maternal near-miss, maternal death, WHO near-miss criteriaLes morbidités maternelles sont des précurseurs de la mortalité maternelle ainsi que des causes potentielles d'invalidité à vie et d'une mauvaise qualité de vie. Cette étude visait à déterminer le modèle et le spectre des morbidités maternelles potentiellement mortelles observées dans les établissements de santé de la reproduction tertiaire au Nigéria. Tous les cas de résultats maternels graves (SMO), de quasi-accidents maternels (MNM) ou de décès maternels (MD), fréquentant 42 hôpitaux tertiaires dans toutes les zones géopolitiques du Nigéria ont été prospectivement identifiés en utilisant les critères de l'OMS sur une période de 14 mois. Les principales mesures de résultats étaient l'incidence et l'issue des issues maternelles graves dans les régions géopolitiques du Nigéria. Les hôpitaux participants ont enregistré un total de 4383 issues maternelles graves, dont 3285 quasiaccidents maternels et 998 décès maternels. La proportion de quasi-accidents maternels était similaire dans toutes les zones géopolitiques mais le taux de mortalité maternelle était le plus élevé dans la zone sud-ouest (1 552) et le moins dans la zone centre-nord (750) du pays. L'hémorragie était la principale cause de morbidités maternelles sévères, suivie de troubles hypertensifs de la grossesse. L'indice de mortalité d'environ 41% en utilisant les critères de dysfonctionnement des organes était le triple des chiffres des autres parties du monde. Les résultats reflètent la médiocrité des soins obstétricaux dans les hôpitaux tertiaires au Nigéria. Il est urgent de réorganiser les établissements de santé du pays. Mots-clés: Schéma et spectre, issue maternelle grave, quasi-accident maternel, décès maternel, critères WHO de quasi-acciden

The impact of motorcycle accidents on the obstetric population in Calabar, Nigeria

Contexts: Motorcycle accidents are very common in most cities in Nigeria since the introduction of motorcycle for public commercial transportation in the early 1980s and because most pregnant women use this popular means of transport it may contribute to non-obstetric causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The impact of this on our obstetric population is yet to be studied in Calabar. Objectives: is to assess the influence of motorcycle accidents on maternal and perinatal performance in patients manage in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Study Design, Setting and Subjects: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the maternity Annex of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar. One hundred and four patients managed as a result of motorcycle accidents in the index pregnancy over two years were studied. Results: Motorcycle accounted for 7.1% of all obstetric emergencies during the period. The victims were mostly married (43.3%); multiparous (23.1%) and 34.6% were civil servants. Twenty (19.2%)of patients were ridding the motorcycles themselves. Of the 64 victims who were passengers, 68.8% sat sideways. Most of the victims (40.4%) were in the third trimester of gestation while 23.0% were actually in labor. The maternal complications included premature labour and deliveries (7.6%), abruptio placentae (3.8%) and ruptured uterus (1.9%). Complications occurred in 33.0% of the babies, which included birth asphyxia and prematurity with perinatal death of 5.5%. Conclusion: Motorcycle accidents are common among the Obstetric population in Calabar. There is high rate of life threatening maternal complications and perinatal morbidity. Relevant authority should ensure that only those duly licensed are allowed to ride the motorcycle when carrying pregnant women who should be the only passenger and sit astride.Keywords: motorcycles accidents, obstetric populationTropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 22(2) 2005: 164-16