Clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with thyroid disorders seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A five year review

Background: Thyroid disorders constitute a large proportion of endocrine diseases in children and adolescents. Diseases of the thyroid have profound effect on metabolism, cognition, growth and development in children. The pattern of thyroid disorders in children in our region is still under reported.Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with thyroid diseases seen over a 5 year period in a tertiarycentre in Port HarcourtMethods: A retrospective review of all cases of thyroid disorders seen in the Paediatric endocrinology clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 2009 to December 2013.The information obtainedfrom endocrine registers and case files were patients’ biodata, clinical features, diagnosis, management, challenges and outcome. Diagnosisof each disorder was based on clinical features, relevant laboratoryinvestigations and imaging studies.Result: Eighteen (29.3%) out of 62 children with various endocrine disorders had thyroid diseases, accounting for 0.1% of all childrenseen in the specialist outpatient clinics. Age range at presentationof children reported was 5days to 13 years with male to female ratio1.7:1. Of the 18 children, 5(27.8%) had hyperthyroidism with a case of neonatal thyrotoxicosis, 10(55.6%) hypothyroidism and 3(16.7%) euthyroidism. eight (44.4%) had goiter. Nine (90.0%) of the children with hypothyroidism had congenital hypothyroidism with two cases of transienthypothyroidism. Mean age at diagnosis of children with congenital hypothyroidism was 9.81months. Only 2(22.2%) with congenital hypothyroidism presented before the age of 3weeks, the mean durationof neck swelling before presentation of children with goitre was 19.6months. One (5.6%) child had thyroid cancer. Initial wrong referrals and lost to follow up in 22.2% of cases each were common challenges encountered in management.Conclusion: Congenital hypothyroidism was the commonest thyroid disorder in this report, delayed diagnosis and its consequences were noted, emphasizing the need for routine new-born screening in Nigeria.Keywords: Thyroid disorders, children, endocrine diseases, antithyroid treatmen

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents secondary school students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) in children and adolescents is on the increase, therefore, prevention and early detection are important.Objective: To assess for easily identifiable risk factors (overweight/obesity, hypertension, Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) and family history of diabetes) for T2DM in adolescents in public secondary schoolsResult: Eight hundred and eighty adolescents aged 10 to 19 years were screened and 124(14.1%) were overweight/obese. 457 (51.9%) of students had none of the risk factors while 272(30.9%) had at least one risk factor. Using the American Diabetes Association criteria for identification of those at risk for T2DM, 21(2.4%) were identified. The frequency of presence of risk factors was more in females (3.3%), mid adolescent age group (3.1%) and those with positive family history of diabetes. These findings were however not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant association between presence of hypertension and impaired fasting glucose and risk factor for type 2 DM.Conclusion: The significant risk factors identified in this study were prehypertension/hypertension and impaired fasting blood glucose.Key words: Adolescence, Risk factors, Type 2 diabetes mellitu

Effect of Different Rates of Liming Materials on the Production of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogeae) In Owerri Southeastern Nigeria

This work evaluated liming effects on the production of groundnut. The field work was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD).Three lime materials (Calcium oxide, wood ash and palm bunch ash) were used at three rates (2,4,6tons ha- 1) and the control (Otonha-1) to give a total of 10 treatments. The treatments were replicated three times. Plant growth parameters collected at 2,4 and 8 week after planting includes% emergence at 2WAP; leaf area, plant height and number of leaves per stand at 4 and 8 WAP. Pod yield parameters per hectare. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of (ANOVA). Results of the analysis showed significant difference at 5% probability level except for number of leaves at 4WAP which manifested at 8WAP. Soils of Owerri are acidic in nature and this could be as a result of parent materials, land use and climate. However, results of the post planting physiochemical analysis were promising at it showed considerable improvement in the soli system and the effective distribution and uptake of nutrient is an indication of the response of the crop due to liming. Highest performance of the crop was obtained from treated with 2 tons ha-1 of wood ash followed by palm bunch ash at 4tons ha -1 . The least performance was obtained from the control experiment. Key word: Lime and liming materials, groundnut production, soils of Owerri, Nigeri

Prevalence of overall and central obesity among adolescent girls in Port Harcourt: a comparison of different methods

There is no universally accepted criterion for classification of overall weight status and central obesity in adolescents. Several criteria have been used which include that recommended by Centre for Disease control, World Health Organization and the International Obesity Task Force.Aim: The study compared various methods for determination of overall obesity in adolescents using the BMI percentiles recommended by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) BMI Z score and determination of central obesity using the waist circumference (WC), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) and Waist Height Ratio (WHtR).Methods: The study subjects consisted of 1320 girls aged 10-19 years from randomly selected girl’s high school. Weight status to determine overall obesity was determined according to the CDC, IOTF and WHO criteria and central obesity determined using the WC, WHR, and WHtR. Comparison of methods was done and analysed.Results: Prevalence of overall and central obesity varied with different methods. The prevalence of overall obesity was 106(8.02%), 69(5.22%) and 39(2.75%) using the CDC, WHO and IOTF criteria respectively. Prevalence of central obesity was 1.5%, 16.26%, 47.81% using the WC, WHtR, and WHR respectively. The agreement between criteria of WHO Z score and BMI Percentile was highest for overall obesity. (K=0.81). There was a statistically significant association between overall weight status and central obesity using the different criteria of determination of central obesity.Conclusion: Prevalence of overall obesity and central obesity varied based on the methods used. The highest level of agreement for overall obesity determination was obtained between WHO Z score and BMI percentile compared to WHO Z score and IOTF criteria. Prevalence of central obesity increased significantly with overall obesity in study population.Key words: adolescents, Girls, overall and central obesit

Productivity of Maize/ Bambara Groundnut Intercrop with Poultry Manure Rates.

A field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The main objective was to determine the productivity of maize/bambara groundnut intercrop with poultry manure in Owerri ultisol. The experiment consists of two (2) factors; poultry manure with 4 levels (0, 4, 8 and 12t/ha) and cropping system; sole cropping system and intercropping system (sole maize, sole Bambara and maize/bambara groundnut intercrop). This was a 4×3 factorial experiment fitted in a randomized complete block design with three (3) replications. Data on the pre and post-soil physicochemical properties, vegetative growth and yield parameters of the component crops were investigated and statistically analyzed. The results indicate that 12t ha-1 poultry manure application gave the highest growth and grain yield in maize while 4t ha-1 gave the highest grain yield in bambara groundnut as excessive manure led to delayed maturity and lush vegetative growth at the expense of pod production. Productivity indices as indicated by LER shows that maize/bambara groundnut intercropping was productive i.e has yield advantage over sole cropping. The soil pH status was significantly increased with poultry manure application after the experiment in 2016 and 2017 indicating the liming ability of poultry manure. Other soil physicochemical properties were improved with poultry manure and intercropping system. Maize/bambara groundnut intercropping system with 12t ha-1 poultry manure rate for maize as main crop and 4t/ha poultry manure rate for bambara groundnut as the inter crop are therefore recommended for adoption by farmers for efficient production and sustainable land use in Owerri ultisol South eastern Nigeria. Keywords: maize, Bambara groundnut, poultry manure, intercrop, ultisol, productivity

Effect of Oil Palm Bunch Refuse Ash Rates as Soil Amendment for Increased Maize Production in Nigeria

Maize (Zea mays L.) one of the oldest and widely cultivated world cereal is an annual of the order Poacea and it is an important member of the Graminaea family. It provides food for man, feed for livestock and raw materials for industries. In many parts of West Africa, this is a staple food and is occasionally cultivated on garden scale where it cannot be grown as a farm crop. It is an important source of carbohydrate and vitamins. Oil palm bunch refuse ash is a plant derived ash that serves as an effective liming material and also a source whereby major soil and plant nutrients are enhanced (Owolabi et al., 2003). In Port Harcourt South eastern Nigeria most soils are acidic due to the nature of their parent material, land use and climate. These inherently infertile soils are called ultisols, formed from coasted plain sands and are low in mineral reserve and fertility (Eshett, 1993). The soils are deficient in essential plant nutrient in a few years of cropping, hence, the need for a suitable liming programme. Due to scarcity and high cost of liming materials, research into low cost, internally sourced, cheap and affordable organic material that could serve as liming agent was carried out. Earlier Omoti et al., (1989), had indicated that there was great potential of reducing fertilizer bill in oil palm plantation by recycling empty oil palm bunch waste. However, very little has been reported on crop response to unorthodox liming materials Obi and Ekerigin (2001). However, Adetunji (1997), studied effect plant derived ash on maize yield. According to Ojeniyi and Adejobi (2002), the use of wood ash can ameliorate soil acidity. Other studies carried out in parts of Africa found that plant derived ash increase P, K, Ca, Mg status of soil and pH and yield of vegetable, rice, millet and maize (Adu-Dapaah et al., 1994). However, the potential of oil palm bunch refuse ash as a liming material has not been adequately investigated in the field. Hence, this work is geared towards putting together the gain derived from the use of oil palm bunch refuse ash for the production of organic manures and agricultural development with respect to Maize (Zea mays L.)

Post-Neonatal Hypoglycaemia and Paediatric Emergency Room Admissions: A Study In The University Of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Background: Hypoglycaemia, a common complication of many childhood diseases, significantly increases disease-related morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, morbidity pattern and outcomes of hypoglycaemia at admission of postneonatal children in the Children's Emergency Ward (CHEW) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching (UPTH).Methods: All post-neonatal children admitted into the UPTH CHEW from September 2007-January 2008 who met the inclusion criteria were prospectively studied using a pre-tested proforma which obtained their sociodemographic and clinical data. In all subjects, plasma glucose was determined on admission (using glucometer and glucose oxidase tests) before management. Data analysis was with EPI Info version 6.04 and statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results: Three hundred and seventy children aged 1month-15 years (mean 36.7±40 months) with 272(78.9%) under-fives were studied. Their plasma glucose levels ranged from 1.0-12mmol/l with 19(5.1%) children among whom were 15(78.9%) under-fives being hypoglycaemic (plasma glucose-1.0-2.4mmol/l, mean 1.4 + 0.2mmol/l). All cases of hypoglycaemia were detected by both methods of estimation. The commonest diseases diagnosed in the study population, irrespective of the plasma glucose level, were malaria, anaemia and diarrhoea. Overall, 49 (13.2%) children of whom 7(14.3%) were hypoglycaemic died. Hypoglycaemia was associated with longer hospital stay and higher mortality rate (36.8%) (p=0.001).Conclusion: Hypoglycaemia, detectable by bedside glucometer test, significantly increases morbidity and mortality associated with common childhood diseases. There is therefore a need for its prevention, early diagnosis and prompt management in all paediatric care settings, especially in resource-limited countries, as recommended in the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness algorithm.Keywords: Hypoglycaemia; Post-neonatal; Paediatric emergencies; Nigeria

Response of ZEA MAYS to Oilfield Wastewater Treatment

This study was carried out to determine the impact of various concentrations (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of oilfield wastewater treatment on the physiology of Zea mays L( maize) which is commonly cultivated in the Niger Delta. The Physiology of the plants such as plant height and girth, leaf length, width and area and root density were determined (Akonye and Nwauzoma,2003); chlorophyll content, crude fibre and total ash were also determined using AOAC(1984) method difference at . Statistical analysis using one way ANOVA showed significant difference P= 0.005 for all the physiological characteristics of the plant. Chlorophyll content was highest at 50% for Z. mays . The girth and height of Z. mays were highest at 50% on the 56th day after planting (DAP). Generally, the leaf area was highest at 50% concentrations except at the 14th DAP. The control plants were consistently taller and had highest values  at 14 DAP; leaf area was generally highest in the control. At 56 DAP; the leaf area was also highest at the 50% concentration. Fibre content and total ash for Zea mays was highest in control and the 100% concentrations respectively. Absorption of total hydrocarbon and other hazardous constituents of the oilfield wastewater by the plants which serve as sources of food for humans pose a serious health hazard. The oilfield wastewater has been shown to have serious deleterious effect on soil and plants, leading to eco-toxicological and agro soil fertility problems that could create an artificial food scarcity

Palm Bunch Ash Effect on Soil Base Saturation and Growth of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.)

This study was carried out to assess the effect of Palm Bunch Ash (PBA), at various levels (0, 2, 4t/ha) on soil Base Saturation and growth of Cucumis sativus L. at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. PBA, and Soil samples (0 – 15cm) before and after application, from the experimental plots, were collected and analyzed with standard methods for Physico-chemical properties and Base Saturation calculated. A total of 9 treatments were used with T0 (Control), T2, and T4, where T represents PBA as treatment, and the subscripts 0, 2, and 4 represent the levels. The experiment was a 1x3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. 18 seeds of cucumber (2 per hole) from NSPRI, Port Harcourt were planted on each treatment plot of 2 x 2m at plant spacing of 45 × 45cm. Thereafter, it was thinned to one (1) per hole after emergence. This implies that there were a total number of 10,000 plants per hectare. Growth parameters include shoot height (cm), 3, 6, and 9WAP, and a number of leaves, 3, 6, and 9WAP. Data generated from the field were subjected to a one-way ANOVA test using the Minitab package and the means were separated using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference at 95% probability. The results revealed that Base Saturation increased (p<0.05) as the treatment level increased in the treated soil with the highest 65.96 of 4t/ha. Again, there was a significant effect (p<0.05) on shoot height, as the PBA level, increased in treated soil with the highest values  13.97 recorded in 2t/ha, and 48.13 and 77.90 recorded in 4t/ha for 3, 6, and 9WAP. Similarly, for a number of leaves, the highest values were recorded in 4t/ha, also for 3, 6, and 9WAP.  Hence, PBA is recommended as a good amendment for acid soil neutralizer, Base Saturation booster, and nutrient buffer and supplier to the soil and ultimately to plants

Newborn cord care practices amongst mothers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background:Cord care is an important community based intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality in newborns. Poor cord care practices promote neonatal infections which account for a large proportion of the annual global neonatal deaths most of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study explored cord care practices amongst mothers in Port Harcourt. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out amongst mothers presenting with children 0-6 months old to the Paediatric Outpatient and Infant Welfare Clinics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a simple structured questionnaire. Information obtained included biodata, age and sex of last baby, social class, place of antenatal care and delivery, and cord care practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0 Results: Two hundred and ten mothers participated in the study. 71.9% were of high social class. Over 80% received antenatal care in recognized Government hospitals, while 24 (11.5%) had traditional birth attendant (TBA)/home deliveries. Mothers' level of education was significantly associated with place of antenatal care and place of delivery (p= 0.000). 36.2% of mothers did not know what was used to cut baby's cord. 200 (95.3%) used methylated spirit to clean the cord but 69 (32.4%) applied potentially dangerous substances after cleaning with methylated spirit. 2.9% of mothers reported cord problems. Conclusion: Although most mothers had antenatal care in Government hospitals, there was a high rate of use of potentially dangerous substances for cord care. There is need for continued education of mothers on correct cord care practices