Outcome of Term Singleton Breech Deliveries in a Tertiary Health Care Centre

Context: Breech delivery is generally associated with higher perinatal morbidity and mortality than cephalic presentation, and the optimal mode of delivery continues to be a source of debate. Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with term breech delivery, with a view to identifying ways of improving the outcome. Study Design, Setting and Subjects:This was a retrospective study involving 222 term singleton breeches out of 11,571 deliveries conducted at Jos University Teaching Hospital between January 1994 and December 1998 Results:The incidence of singleton breech delivery at term was 1.9%. This statistically rose with increasing age and parity of the mothers (

Safety, Efficacy and Acceptabilty of NorplantR Implants in Jos, Northern Nigeria

Context: NorplantR is a long acting reversible progestogen method suitable for women of all ages. It is however not without side effects that may affect its continuous usage. Documentation of such changes is important for counselling acceptors to achieve user\'s satisfaction. Objective: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and acceptability of NorplantR amongst its acceptors. Study Design, Setting and Subjects: This study was part of ongoing prospective longitudinal studies that involved 23 women who had complete records at three years out of the 37 healthy non breast feeding informed volunteers recruited from our family planning clinic in August 1997. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual pattern, packed cell volume, weights, blood pressure, side effects and user\'s satisfaction were analysed. Results: The mean age and parity of the acceptors were 31.7 ± 3.4 years and 4.7 ± 1.0 respectively. Even though the mean weight at 12months (63.2 ± 11.7kg was not statistically different (p 0.5) from the mean weight at pre-insertion (62.5 + 11.2kg), there were statistical significant increases in weights at 2years (66.9 ± 12.1kg; p= 0.001) and at 3years (65.9 ± 11.6kg; p 0.01). Apart from the slight statistically significant increase (p 0.02) in systolic blood pressure at 2years, the blood pressure changes at 1year and 3years did not show significant changes. Main side effects were menstrual abnormalities, weight changes, headache, abdominal pain and dizziness. The packed cell volume significantly increased. Continuation rate was 100% and there was no pregnancy recorded. Users were satisfied with the method because of its convenience, low risk of pregnancy and long duration of action. Conclusion: NorplantR subdermal implant was an effective safe and acceptable method of contraception amongst the acceptors, despite its minimal side effects. Key Words: NorplantR Implants, Safety, Efficacy and Acceptability NorplantR is a registered trademark of The Population Council for levonorgestrel subdermal implants [ Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004;21:95-99

Acceptability of Vasectomy in Jos, Northern Nigeria

Objective: The paper reports on the ten cases of vasectomy performed in our institution over a sixteen year period. Design: It is a retrospective study of clients\' case-notes from January 1985 to December 2000. Setting: Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. Results: During the 16 year period, a total of ten males volunteered to have vasectomy performed on them in contrast to 3585 females who had surgical contraception via minilaparotomy during the same period, giving an incidence of 0.28%. Their age range was 41-62 years, range of children per family of 3-14, with 3-11 children alive at the time of the procedure. They were in stable marriages and chose vasectomy because they had completed their family sizes. Compilations attributed to the procedure were minor and resolved with treatment. Conclusion: Vasectomy even though safe, simple and effective is not readily acceptable as a method of fertility control in our institution and this part of Nigeria. Key Words: vasectomy, contraception, safe, effective. [Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004;21:56-57