Pattern of Head Computed Tomography Requests and Findings in a Specialist Hospital in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Background: Computed tomography (CT) has become a useful imaging modality in medical imaging and its role is increasing and diversifying in the past decades, most especially in the assessment of head pathologies.   Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the pattern of head computed tomography referrals, requests and findings among patients in State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi State.   Methodology: This study is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted from the month of May to August 2016. Thirty six (36) patients who presented for head CT scan were studied. Data collected include demographic information such as date of examination, age and gender of patients, referring clinic, indications for the examinations, and radiological diagnosis. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were presented and Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between the findings and referrals. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.   Results: There were 27 (75%) males and 9 (25%) females aged 18 to 94 years. A significant proportion of referrals (69.4 %; n = 25) were patients from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, a neighbouring tertiary hospital. The highest indication for head CT was head injury due to RTAs (27.8%), with infarction (25%) being the commonest findings.   Conclusion: This study has shown that head injury due to road traffic accidents is the major indication for head CT in Bauchi with the commonest finding being infarction. Computed tomography is a useful modality for diagnosis of various pathologies.   &nbsp

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prevalence Among Clinical Radiographers in Teaching Hospitals in North-Western Nigeria

  Background:  The components and activities within the scope of radiography practice pose high risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) to radiographers in the course of performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of WMSDs and identify the possible causes among radiographers within the study locality. Methods: A validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all registered and licensed radiographers working in teaching hospitals within the region. The questionnaire contained 21 questions, divided into 3 sections; “A” captured demographic data; “B” captured educational qualifications and work experience; and “C” captured the prevalence, possible causes and responses to WRMSDs. Results: The respondents were basically within the age range of 21 – 30 years (66.6%), with most of them being male. Most radiographers had clinical working experience between 1 to 10 years, and worked  between 6-8 hours and above daily, with a case load of 30 patients and above. The reported case of WRMSD was 93.3%. The major identified causes of WRMSDs were maintaining of prolonged static position (20%), and frequent bending and twisting (16.7%). This study showed no statistically significant correlation between gender and WRMSDs. Conclusion: There was remarkable evidence of WRMSDs among the practicing clinical radiographers within the North-Western Nigeria.   &nbsp

Assessment of Background Radiation Levels at the Radiology Department of a Tertiary Hospital in North-central Nigeria

Background: Background radiation has over the years become a public health concern. It is therefore, imperative to ascertain its levels within strategic areas in our radiology facility for monitoring and compliance with international standards.Objectives: To determine the background radiation levels in the Radiology Department of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nigeria.Methodology: The design was prospective and cross-sectional and involved the measurement of background radiation levels at various locations in the radiology department. Calibrated thermo Scientific RadEye TM B20 / B20-ER survey meter, an associated scalar counter, and a stopwatch, were used for measurements at each point, based on standard guidelines recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).Results: The least mean radiation (0.11µSv/hr) was detected in the computed tomography (CT) suite while the maximum value (0.13µSv/hr) emanated from the radiographers' common room. The coefficient of variation for the Chief Radiographers office, Head of Department's office and the Radiologist’s office were similar 8.3%. The radiographers’ common room was slightly higher (10.9%). The main diagnostic room and seminar room had 16.7%, while it was 9.09% for the CT suite. The standard error ranged between 0.002 and 0.004. There was statistically significant difference in all test values at a level of significance of 5% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Background radiation values obtained were within recommended standards. However, there is need for regular radiation monitoring as part of radiation safety culture in our radiology facility

Sonographic assessment of the portal vein diameter in apparently healthy adults in a Northern Nigerian population.

Background: Sonography is a valuable tool in the assessment of porto-systemic pathologies. This study aimed at determining the mean portal vein diameter based on age, gender and anthropometric variables. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among 201 apparently healthy adults in Bauchi Metropolis. Participants were recruited from the school of nursing AbubakarTafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. Ultrasound machine ALOKA SSD-1000, (IP-1233EV, SN-57324, Japan) with curvilinear transducer with frequency of 3-5MHz was used for a period of four months, (December 2015 to April 2016). Participants\u2019 heights were measured while standing against a meter rule with the head in Frankfurts\u2019 position and weight measured using a weighing scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), and Pearson\u2019s Correlation were used. Results: The mean portal vein diameter was 9.60 \ub1 1.41mm for both sexes. The mean value for males was 9.71 \ub1 1.42mm, and 9.35\ub11.46mm among females. There was a positive correlation correlation between the PV diameter and Body Mass Index (P 64 0.01). Conclusion: This study found the mean values of PV diameter in apparently healthy adults in our environment to be 9.60 \ub1 1.41mm and that PV diameter positively correlates with anthropometric variables

Interdisciplinary Collaboration among Health Professionals: A Panacea for Effective and Evidence based Health Care delivery

Introduction: Interdisciplinary collaboration (IDC) is important in health care settings as the complex nature and demands of the health care work environment requires the expertise and knowledge of different individuals or specialists working together to solve multifaceted and complex patient care problems. Objective: To assess the health professionals attitude towards the development of an interdisciplinary collaborative approach to patient care in health institutions and to systematically review the impact of IDC as a panacea for effective health outcomes in Nigeria. Methodology: The research is a systematic review that provides various approaches for studying interdisciplinary teams. Fifty articles were selected from different search engines such as Google, google scholar, science direct and research gate with the search term Interdisciplinary collaboration among health care professionals. Articles were arranged based on most relevant, relevant and closely related articles. Result: The study revealed that IDC is pivotal in evidence-based care and contributes immensely to effective and efficient health outcomes. It puts the patient at the centre of the healthcare team s focus and allows all health professionals, with the patient, to collaboratively provide input, be part of the decision making, and improve outcomes. Although there are several obstacles to IDC, adopting this team-based culture of mutual respect and understanding is possible and, in fact, necessary. Conclusion: This study reveals that there are many benefits to IDC. It can improve safety and healthcare delivery, as well as reduce costs. The interprofessional team supports patient and personnel engagement, organizational efficiency and innovation

Pattern of Pelvic Ultrasound Request and Findings in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi

Background: Pelvic ultrasonography involves the evaluation of pelvic organs and structures. It is valuable in the diagnosis of pathological conditions which are likely causes of pelvic pain.Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of pelvic ultrasound request and findings in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the radiology department of ATBUTH. A total of 1,320 ultrasonography records of patients for pelvic examination were reviewed from January 2016 to February 2017,and tabulated according to age, sex, clinical indication and ultrasound findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 to determine the mean, frequency and percentages. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between clinical indication and ultrasound findings.Results: The age group of 21-30 years and 31- 40 years had the highest frequency (n = 627, 47.5 %) and (n = 321, 24.3%), respectively. Gender distribution were 1158 (87.7 %), for females and 162 (12.3 %) for males. Pelvic pain had the highest indication, 72.3% (n = 955), followed by PID, 9.2% (n = 121), then BPH, 3.4% (n=45) and, ovarian cyst, 2.7 % (n = 36). Conclusion: The highest indication and findings are pelvic pain and pelvic inflammatory diseases, among females while benign prostatic hypertrophy was the highest in males

Establishment of local Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for radiography examinations in north eastern Nigeria

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) is an essential optimization tool in radiography and radiological sciences. The objective of the study is to establish DRL for radiography examinations in north eastern Nigeria. A Prospective cross- sectional study conducted in two university teaching hospitals in north eastern Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty (750) patients were considered for the study. Thermoluminiscent dosimeter (TLD) chips were exposed for each examination. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between the dose and anthropotechnical parameters. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. The DRL for PA chest x-ray and lateral were 0.59 mGy and 1.02 mGy, PA skull x-ray and lateral skull x-ray were 1.02 mGy and 1.01 mGy. The DRL for PA elbow and lateral elbow are 0.57 mGy and 1.77mGy. AP shoulder x-ray and lateral were 0.71 mGy and 0.83 mGy The DRL for dorsi-plantar foot and dorsi-plantar oblique foot were 0.58 mGy and 0.61 mGy .AP dorsal spine x-ray and lateral dorsal spine are 1.03 mGy and 1.09 mGy. AP cervical spine and lateral were 0.62 mGy and0.79 mGy. Lumbosacral spine AP and lateral was 1.22 mGy and 1.59 mGy. AP wrist, lateral wrist, AP knee, lateral knee, Abdominal x-ray, pelvic x-ray, hand dorsi-palmar ,hand dorsi-palmar oblique and dental x-ray were 0.52mGy,0.87mGy, 0.50mGy, 0.50 mGy, 0.91 mGy, 1.01 mGy, 0.82 mGy,0.28 mGy, 0.83 mGy and 0.46 mGy respectively. DRLs in this work recorded lower values compared to international established work. Regular dose optimization etiquette’s are required to ensure good practice.Keywords: Diagnostic reference levels, Radiography, Thermoluminiscent dosimeter, Dental, x-rays, Entrance skin dos

PREVALENCE OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A NORTHERN NIGERIAN POPULATION

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among primary school pupil in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 360 urine samples were collected. Samples were investigated using standard World Health Organization guidelines for identification of parasite and they were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. Out of the 360 children screened, Yelwa Primary School had a prevalence rate of 2%, ECWA Transfer Primary School had a prevalence rate of 8%, Majema Primary School had a prevalence rate of 15%, Baptist Primary School had a prevalence rate of 10%, Kofar Hausa Primary School had a prevalence rate of 12% and Saint Williams Primary School had a prevalence rate of 6% while the overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in the six schools is 53%.There was no significant difference in the prevalence rate between the six primary schools (P>0.05) Children of age group (5-8year) were more infected with urinary schistosoma. Male had higher prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium (34%) than the female (19%). statistically there was significant different in prevalence infection of Schistosoma haematobium among males and females investigated. Children whose parents are farmers and fishermen had the highest prevalence infection, followed by Artisan, Civil servant and the Businessmen respectively. However, the overall total pupils infected is 88% and uninfected 511%. Conclusively, School based treatment campaign and health education should be encouraged in ensuring the prevention and control of the disease in Nigeria

Impact of Antiretroviral Drugs on Renal Doppler Indices of Adult Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Sub-Saharan African Population

Background: The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy in the management of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome has drastically reduced the morbidity and mortality as a result of HIV infections worldwide. However, there have been associated organ toxicities including nephro-toxicity. The main objective of the study was to determine the impact of   antiretroviral drugs on renal Doppler indices of adult patients with HIV/AIDS in a Sub-Saharan Africa population. Materials and Methods: This study design was a prospective cohort conducted from July 2019 to April 2020 in Kano, Nigeria. A purposive sampling method was employed to obtain a sample size of 396 participants. The sampling for the renal RI and PI was performed at the level of the interlober arteries in between the medullary pyramids. Results: Subjects on Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Navirapine regimen had the highest values of resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) (0.66±0.05 and 1.44±0.09). Those on Tenofovir Disoproxil Furamate /Lamivudine /Lopinavir/ritonavir had the lowest values of resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) (0.61±0.01 and 1.38±0.06). There was a statistically significance difference in the mean of the RI and PI between the different groups of the drugs regimens (p=0.000). Conclusion: In this study Zidovudine/Lamivudine/Navirapine regimen had the highest negative impact on RI and PI while Tenofovir Disoproxil Furamate /Lamivudine /Lopinavir/ritonavir had the lowest