Objectives: To evaluate the changes in the prevalence of dental caries in Lagos State over a 3 years period and the role of age, sex, and playing in the changes observed. Materials and Methods: Three primary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria were randomly selected for the study. Six hundred and thirty-three children age 2-12 years, were examined for caries in 2000 while 513 children were examined in 2003. The prevalence of tooth decay and the prevalence of untreated tooth decay were calculated for the two years, that is, 2000 and 2003. Also the degree of unmet treatment need among the population with caries experience was measured. Differences in the prevalence and severity of dental caries in the primary and permanent dentition were assessed. Results: Approximately 18% of children had untreated tooth decay in their primary dentition in 2003: A 26.1% increase from 2000. About 12.0% of the decay, extracted, and filled teeth (deft) index was seen with decayed teeth in 2000 and 16.6% in 2003. Extracted primary teeth decreased from 2.5% in 2000 to 1.5% in 2003. The change in mean deft between 2000 (0.42) and 2003 (0.47) was 11.9%. Over the study period, the overall reduction in the prevalence of dental caries was 34.8% in the permanent dentition. The decline was larger among children aged 5-9 years (62.1%) and among females (75%). Conclusion: The study showed no overall changes in caries severity but a decrease in caries prevalence in the permanent dentition over the study period. The largest decline in caries prevalence in the permanent dentition was observed in children aged 5-9 years and females. On the contrary, there was an increase in the caries prevalence in the primary dentition.

Background: No adherence of safe injection policies remains a major challenge, and, worldwide, annually, it leads to 21 million new hepatitis B cases and 260,000 HIV infection cases. This descriptive observational survey was conducted to determine the level of adherence to universal precaution for safe injection practices in the hospital. Materials and Methods: The study units were selected using a simple random sampling of injection services provider/phlebotomist in 27 units/wards of the hospital. The study instruments were observation checklist and interviewer administered questionnaires. EPI info (version 3.5.2) software was used for data entry and generation of descriptive statistics was done with units of analysis (units/wards) on injection safety practices of health workers, availability of logistics and supplies, and disposal methods. Results: Only 33.3% of the units (95% CI, 16-54) had non-sharps infectious healthcare waste of any type inside containers specific for non-sharps infectious waste and 17 (77.3%) of the observed therapeutic injections were prepared on a clean, dedicated table or tray, where contamination of the equipment with blood, body fluids, or dirty swabs was unlikely. Absence of recapping of needles was observed in 11 (50.0%) units giving therapeutic injections. Only 7.4% of units surveyed had separate waste containers for infectious non-sharps. Conclusions: This study depicts poor knowledge and a practice of injection safety, inadequate injection safety supplies, and non-compliance to injection safety policy and guidelines.

Background: Postural hypotension (PH) indicates the presence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy and in diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with adverse outcome. Nonetheless, PH has been rarely characterized in young persons in Sub-saharan Africa where suboptimal care of DM is prevalent. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of PH in young patients with type 1DM and its relationship with the duration of DM and glycemic control. Settings and Design: It was a cross-sectional, case control study carried out in the pediatric out-patient clinic. Materials and Methods: Each study participant had blood pressure (BP) measured in the supine and standing positions. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were determined and disease duration was documented. Statistical Analysis: The mean BP in the different positions was determined. The occurrence of PH, duration of disease and HbA1c levels was determined with logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 26 diabetic subjects and 26 age and sex matched controls were studied. 12 (46.2%) diabetic subjects had evidence of PH while none of the controls had PH. Diabetic subjects with PH had significantly longer duration of DM than those diabetics without PH (6.79 ± 4.81 vs. 2.83 ± 2.36, P = 0.023). The mean HbA1c level was similar in both groups of diabetic subjects (9.79 ± 2.07 vs. 9.17 ± 2.35). On logistic regression, age, duration of disease, HbA1c level and body mass index were not significant predictors of PH. Conclusion: PH is common in young persons with type 1 DM, with higher frequency in those with long standing disease.

Introduction: Urethrocutaneous fistula is an unusual but preventable complication following circumcision. We describe our experience with the management of this potentially challenging condition. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all patients who had surgical repair of post-circumcision urethrocutaneous fistula from September 2008 to September 2011 in our institution. Results: Thirty-one cases presenting at age 4 weeks to 12 years were managed. Twenty-six (84%) had had circumcision in the neonatal period. Most circumcisions (81%) were carried out by nurses using the dissection method and without anesthesia. In 30 (97%) patients, the fistula was single. The fistula size ranged from 1.5 to 12 mm in the widest diameter. Modified Mathieu's flap procedure was used in the repair of 18 (56%) fistulae and 9 (28%) fistulae were by simple closure. Recurrence of the fistula was seen in 8 (25%) patients with large fistulae > 5 mm in diameter. The recurrent fistulae were small and were repaired by simple closure. Conclusion: Urethrocutaneous fistula post-circumcision is frequently seen in our practice and the surgical repair is challenging and associated with high recurrence rate in large fistulae. This preventable condition may be avoided by proper education and training of circumcisers.

Introduction: The present study compared the effect of bupivacaine and bupivacaine + sufentanil on hemodynamic parameters and characteristics of spinal anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) under spinal anesthesia. Technical Considerations: The study included 40 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-III patients scheduled to undergo TURP. Patients were blindly and randomly divided into two groups. Group B (n = 20) received 10 mg of intrathecal bupivacaine and group BS (n = 20) received 7.5 mg of bupivacaine + 5 μg of sufentanil. Sensory and motor block characteristics, hemodynamic changes, side effects, and time to first analgesic requirement were recorded. No differences in mean arterial pressure or heart rate, time for sensory blockade to reach the T10 level, and maximum sensory level were observed between the two groups. The time to first analgesic request was longer in group BS (P < 0.05). Motor block was significantly higher in group B (P < 0.05). In terms of side effects, no statistically significant differences occurred between the groups. Conclusions: Similar hemodynamic stability and sufficient level of sensory blockade were provided by bupivacaine and bupivacaine + sufentanil used for spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing TUR. Due to the fact that less motor block was observed and the time to first analgesic request was longer, the combination of bupivacaine + sufentanil might be appropriate for patients undergoing TUR.

Objective: This study determined the prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: Vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological risk factors were collected from 400 consecutive pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Association between variables was compared by using the Chi-square (χ² ) and Fisher's exact tests while P < 0.05 was considered significant at 95.0% confidence level. Result: The prevalence of BV among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge was 17.3%. Age 20-24 years, multigravidity, lack of western education and unemployment were associated with increased prevalence of BV. Yellowish, watery vaginal discharge (P = 0.001) was associated with BV. Dysuria, dyspareunia and lower abdominal tenderness were associated with BV (P = 0.001). Fifty three (77%) of patients had BV during the second trimester compared to 6 (9%) who had it in the 1 ^st trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The high prevalence of BV in this study may necessitate adequate screening of pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge in order to give appropriate treatment and avoid complications associated with it.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the characteristics of angle closure glaucoma (ACG) in eye clinic patients of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 336 consecutive new glaucoma patients of all age groups who presented to the glaucoma clinic of UCH over a 1 year period between December 2009 and November 2010 were evaluated. Each patient had a complete ophthalmic evaluation, including relevant history, visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy with a Posner lens and standard automated perimetry. Patients with previous incisional surgery and corneal opacities precluding gonioscopy were excluded. Results: Of the 336 patients, 60 eyes of 31 patients (9.2%) had angle closure with or without glaucoma. The mean age was 59.0 ± 15.4 years and there was a female predilection (58.1%). Forty eight eyes (80%) had primary angle closure glaucoma, eight eyes (13.4%) had primary angle closure, two eyes (3.3%) had plateau iris syndrome and two eyes (3.3%) had secondary ACG (post uveitis). Also, 45.2% of the patients presented with at least one blind eye (<3/60). The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at presentation was 28.7 ± 12.7 mmHg. A total of 54.8% presented with advanced glaucoma (mean deviation >12 dB). Twelve eyes underwent laser iridotomy or surgical iridotomy and others had trabeculectomy or antiglaucoma medications. Mean IOP post intervention was 17.4 ± 6.9 mmHg. Conclusion : ACG is not an uncommon disease. Early and effective diagnosis is important to prevent blindness.

Background: Patients with sickle cell disease have an amplified vulnerability to urinary tract infection, because of abnormally dilute and alkaline urine, which favors bacterial proliferation. This is due to altered blood flow in the renal vasculature, which causes papillary necrosis and loss of urinary concentrating and acidifying ability of the nephrons. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common, but the prevalence in populations varies widely with age, gender, sexual activity and the presence of genitourinary abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of significant bacteriuria in symptomatic and asymptomatic sickle cell patients in Lagos. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients attending the sickle cell clinics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. Single voided aseptically collected mid-stream urine was obtained from each patient and all samples processed immediately, were sent for urinalysis and culture. Isolates were considered significant if there were ≥10 ⁵ colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) with two or less isolates, doubtful significance if ≤10 ⁵ CFU/ml. Significant isolates were selected for identification. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, Ill). Results: A total of 100 consenting participants were recruited into the study. The mean age was: 23.42 ± 8.31 years and a range of 14-50 years. Only 9% (9/100) had significant bacteriuria while 44.4% (4/9) participants who had significant bacteriuria were asymptomatic. Escherichia coli was isolated in 66.6% (6/9) participants who had significant bacteriuria while Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus (11.11%) was isolated in each of the remaining three participants. Conclusions: Significant bacteriuria is found in only one-tenth of sickle cell patients, nearly half of the participants who had significant growth had asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Background: Malaria is a leading cause of mortality as well as a barrier to economic and social development in developing countries. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for malaria vector control is effective in controlling malaria attacks in pregnant women and under-5 children. The Nigerian government, in its bid to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 and 5 distributes free ITNs to pregnant mothers and under-five children in the Roll Back Malaria programme (RBM). Aim: This study compared the benefit incidence analysis of this government program between urban and rural areas. Materials and Methods: Pretested, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 150 pregnant women and also 150 mothers of under-5 children, who were randomly selected from each of the two communities (rural and urban) from a local government area (LGA) in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study was conducted within the rainy season periods (March-August) of 2008. The information obtained included some socio-economic variables, accessibility, usage and benefits of usage of ITNs. Data entry and analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0(Chicago IL, USA). Student's t-test and Chi-square were used for comparison where appropriate. Significant values were taken as P value. Value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The respondents' mean monthly expenditures on food utilities and anti-malarials in the rural area and urban areas were N266.1 (74.02), range (143.3-395) and N473 (90) range (380-495.7) respectively (P < 0.001). Within each socio-economic stratum (SES), the average monthly expenditure in the urban community was higher than that of the rural community except for least poor SES (P < 0.05). For the urban community, 106 (71.6%) respondents used ITNs as against 99 (66.9%) in the rural community [P = 0.778, OR = 1.3 (95% CI: 0.76, 2.05)]. Also, ITNs were always accessible to 112 (75.7%) and 54 (36.5%) respondents in the urban and rural communities respectively [P < 0.001, OR = 5.4 (95% CI: 3.28, 8.96)]. In the urban community, 130 (87.7%) respondents expressed some benefit from ITNs as against 123 (83.1%) respondents from the rural community [P = 0.258, OR = 1.5 (95% CI: 0.76, 2.28)]. Conclusion: Most pregnant women and mothers of under-five children in the rural study area belong to the poorest socio-economic classes and they spend less on anti-malarial treatment. Majority of the free ITN's beneficiaries in both urban and rural study areas have used and benefitted from them

Objectives: This study sought to explore the epidemiological association between the exclusive use and the combined use of snuff and smoking on the prevalence of osteoporosis in a national population sample of South African women who were 40 years and older. Materials and Methods: This study involved a nationally representative sample of South African women who were 40 years and older and took part in the 2003/2004 South African Demographic and Health Survey (n = 2050). Data on tobacco use patterns, dietary calcium intake and other relevant factors were obtained through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. As part of the data collection procedure, participants were asked whether a doctor, a nurse or any other health professional had ever told them they had osteoporosis. Those who answered in the affirmative and/or presented medications for osteoporosis were regarded as having osteoporosis. Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis was higher among those who had ever used both snuff and smoked (17.2%) either in the past or currently than among those who had ever used snuff only (5%) or smoked only (5.1%). Even after controlling for potential confounders in a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, the combined use of snuff and smoking remained positively associated with osteoporosis (odds ratio = 3.60, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-12.61). However, higher dietary calcium intake was negatively associated with osteoporosis. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the combined lifetime use of both snuff and cigarettes may increase the odds of developing osteoporosis among women who are 40 years and older.

Purpose: To estimate the nitrate levels in private wells located in different parts of Enugu and discuss the future health implications following chronic ingestion of well water. Materials and Methods: The map of Enugu was used to divide the city into many 25 units, using grid lines 1 cm apart. Cluster sampling method was used to collect samples. These samples were sent to two laboratories for estimation of nitrate levels. The people drawing water from the different wells were interviewed to determine what they used the water for. Result: The subjects who were interviewed said they ingested the water. The nitrate levels found in these wells (median value of 31 mg/L) were significantly higher than the internationally accepted levels of nitrate in water for ingestion, (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: High nitrate levels drinking water is dangerous to health and can cause methemoglobinemia in children. It may also increase cancer risk in adults because nitrate is endogenously reduced to nitrite and subsequent nitrosation reactions give rise to N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which are highly carcinogenic and can act systemically.

Purpose: We aimed to determine the effect of intravenous thrombolytic therapy on QT dispersion (QTd) and its role in the prediction of reperfusion arrhythmias. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) were enrolled in the study. Measurements of QTd were carried out prior to thrombolytic therapy and before discharge. The patients were examined for ventricular arrhythmias with 24-h Holter electrocardiography monitoring after treatment and the relationship between ventricular arrhythmias and the QTd values in the early phase of MI was investigated. Results: The values of QTd were significantly higher during the early phase of MI (60 ± 5.32 ms) than those in the late phase (53.35 ± 4.07 ms) (P = 0.032). There was no correlation between isolated, bigeminal, trigeminal and total ventricular premature beats, accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) with QTd values. However, the patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), prolonged VT and sustained AIVR had higher corrected QTd (92 ms ^1/2 , 97.8 ms ^1/2 , 81.7 ms ^1/2 , respectively) than the patients without these arrhythmias (74 ms ^1/2 , 56.3 ms ^1/2 , 58.28 ms ^1/2 , respectively) (P = 0.022, 0.013, 0.018). Conclusion: The values of QTd may be significantly reduced in the 1 ^st week of acute MI and measurement of QTd in the early phase of MI may have a correlation with the following reperfusion arrhythmias: Sustained VT, prolonged VT and AIVR.

Background: There has been an increasing interest by couples in child adoption due to its acceptability in recent times in our locale. The enactment of the Child's Right Act in Nigeria has harmonized child adoption process across the nation. With the rising demand for babies from child care institutions by many Nigerian couples, there is need to ascertain their perception of child adoption. Objectives: To evaluate the perception of child adoption among parents/care-givers of children attending Pediatric Clinics in Enugu. Materials and Methods: The parents and care-givers of children attending pediatrics out-patients clinics in Enugu, Enugu State, South East, Nigeria served as the respondents. Two hundred and fifty nine of them were selected by convenience sampling method after obtaining their informed written consent. The data were obtained using semi - structured questionnaire that was administered by an interviewer and subsequently analyzed using SPSS Version 15.0. Results: Many caregivers (respondents) (94.2.7%) had heard of child adoption and 79.2% of them understood the actual meaning of the term child adoption. About 1.9% of them had adopted previously. Majority of the respondents (73.87%) prefers to adopt a child during its neonatal age with a slight preference for adoption of male babies. 15.1% and 8.9% of the respondents gave private hospitals and middle men, respectively, as sources of child adoption. Knowledge of the Government adoption laws and process was generally below average (49.2%) among the respondents. Conclusion: Continued advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns should be strengthened in order to harmonize adoption process in our setting.

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children has been reported to be rising locally and globally. There is a dearth of data and inadequate facilities for the management of CKD in children in most of the developing countries like Nigeria. Objectives: The objective of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of CKD among children seen at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, South-East Nigeria and also to determine the stage of CKD at presentation, possible etiology, treatment options offered and the outcome. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of pediatric ward admissions in UNTH over a 5 year period (July, 2007 to June, 2012) was done. Information, including the age at presentation, symptoms, level of renal function, management and outcome, were obtained from the medical case notes. Results: There were 3002 pediatric admissions within the period of review, of which 98 (3.3%) had CKD, giving incidence of 3.0 new cases per million-child population per year and the prevalence of 14.9 per million children population. Majority (54.1%) of those with CKD were over 10 years of age. Edema, oliguria and hypertension were the most frequent clinical features. The most common etiology was glomerular disease (63.6%) and 44.9% presented in CKD stage 4 and 5. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was offered to 25 (25.5%) of the patients; 6 (24%) of whom had hemodialysis and 3 (12%) had acute peritoneal dialysis while 16 (64%) were managed conservatively. None of the patients had chronic or adequate dialysis. The overall outcome showed that 8 (8.2%) died while on admission, 15 (15.3%) left against medical advice (discharge against medical advice) because of financial constraints and could not access the therapy, 25 (25.5%) were discharged on conservative management and lost to follow-up while another 50 (51.0%) were discharged and still on follow-up. Conclusion: CKD in children poses myriad of challenges in management in our setting with late presentation of patients and limited resources being prominent. The majority of patients could not access and sustain RRT and the outcome continues to be daunting.

Context: Radial head subluxation, also known as 'pulled elbow', 'dislocated elbow' or 'nursemaid's elbow', is one of the most common upper extremity injuries in young children and a common reason to visit Emergency Department (ED). Aim: To compare supination of the wrist followed by flexion of the elbow (the traditional reduction technique) to hyperpronation of the wrist in the reduction of radial head subluxations (nursemaid's elbow) maneuvers in children presented to ED with painful pronation and to determine which method is less painful by children. Settings and Design: This prospective randomize study involved a consecutive sampling of children between 1-5 year old who were presented to the ED with painful pronation. Materials and Methods: The initial procedure was repeated if baseline functioning did not return 20 minutes after the initial reduction attempt. Failure of that technique 30 minutes after the initial reduction attempt resulted in a cross-over to the alternate method of reduction. Statistical analysis used: Datas were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 16.0. Mean, standard deviation, independent samples t test, Chi-square test, and paired t test were used in the assessment of pain scores before and after reduction. Results: When pain scores before and after reduction were compared between groups to determine which technique is less painful by children, no significant difference was found between groups. Conclusions: It was found that in the reduction of radial head subluxations, the hyperpronation technique is more effective in children who were presented to ED with painful pronation compared with supination-flexion. However, there was no significant difference between these techniques in terms of pain.

Aim: Labor is one of the most painful experiences a woman may face during her lifetime. One of the most effective methods used for eliminating this pain is epidural analgesia. The aim of this study to determine the impact of adding morphine to low-dose bupivacaine epidural anesthesia on labor and neonatal outcomes, and maternal side effects. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized double-blind study comparing two regimens of anesthetic agents used for epidural anesthesia in labor. A total of 120 pregnant women were randomized into two groups with 60 subjects in each study arm. A catheter was inserted, and 0.1% bupivacaine + 2 μg/mL fentanyl in 15 mL saline were given to Group bupivacaine-fentanyl (Group BF), while 0.0625% bupivacaine + 2 μg/ml fentanyl + 2 mg morphine in 15 mL saline were given to Group bupivacaine-fentanyl-morphine (Group BFM) with no test dosing from the needle. No morphine was added to the subsequent epidural injections in Group BFM. Results: The total dose of bupivacaine was significantly lower in Group BFM relative to Group BF (P = 0.0001). The visual analogu scalescores at 15, 30, and 45 min were significantly lower in Group BF compared to thosein Group BFM (P = 0.0001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.006, respectively). The second stage of labor was significantly shorter in Group BFM relative to Group BF (P = 0.027 and P = 0.003, respectively). The satisfaction with analgesia following the first dose was higher in the nonmorphine group (P = 0.0001). However, maternal postpartum satisfaction was similar in both groups. Either nausea or vomiting was recorded in eight patients in Group BFM. Conclusion: We believe that epidural analgesia comprised of a low-dose local anaesthetic and 2 mg morphine provides a painless labor that significantly reducesthe use of local anesthetic without changing the efficiency of the analgesic, ensuring the mother's satisfaction without leading to an adverse effect on the mother or foetus, while mildly (but significantly) shortening the second stage of labor.

Aim: In developing African nations, late presentation and occurrence of complications adversely affects survival. This study aims at identifying initial clinical and basic laboratory features of multiple myeloma (MM), which will aid the physician to entertain a high index of suspicion and therefore target his investigations in order to prevent late presentation and avert complications. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 32 patients diagnosed and managed in Nigeria, West Africa was done. Information on the clinical, laboratory, and radiological data as well as response to treatment was obtained at presentation, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months and analyzed. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 62 years, 17 (53.1%) males and 15 (46.9%) females. The median duration of follow-up was 24 weeks (range, 2-288 weeks). The average percentage of bone marrow plasmacytosis at diagnosis was 38%. Clinical features at presentation were anemia (71.9%) and bone pains (78.1%), while pathological fractures were found in 69%, and nephropathy in 13.8%. The longest duration of survival of 288 and 252 weeks were recorded in patients on melphalan and prednisolone with or without thalidomide. Conclusion: Presence of bone pain and anemia in elderly patients should alert the clinician to investigate along the lines of MM. Majority of patients have osteolytic lesions on X-ray and pathological fractures, and benefit from melphalan based combinations in situations where facilities for transplant are not available.

Background: Measurement of treatment satisfaction in diabetes is important as it has been shown to be associated with positive outcomes, reduced disease cost and better health. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between treatment satisfaction of diabetes patients and socioeconomic, clinical, medication adherence and health-related factors in Qatar. Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Setting: The survey was carried out in primary health care centers and hospitals from April 2010 to May 2011. Subjects: Of a total of 3000 diabetic patients, 2582 patients gave their consent to take part in the study, with a response rate of 86.1%. Materials and Methods: The Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to measure the patient satisfaction. The modified Morisky Medication Adherence was used to measure medication taking behavior. A multivariate stepwise linear regression model was performed to identify factors independently associated with patients' satisfaction instrument. Results: Of the studied patients, majority of the diabetes patients were Qataris (61.2%), married (86.1%), above secondary education (46.9%) and unemployed (28.6%). Diabetes patients who had professional jobs (3.97 ± 0.65; P = 0.009) and those who were staying alone had a significantly higher treatment satisfaction score (4.01 ± 0.64; P = 0.001) compared with the other patients. Patients who were taking tablets were significantly more satisfied with treatment (4.08 ± 0.60; P < 0.001). Diabetes patients of primary health care centers (3.96 vs. 3.80; P < 0.001) were more satisfied with treatment than patients visiting hospitals. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age of the patient (P < 0.001), expatriates (P = 0.023), patients visiting hospitals (P < 0.001), treatment with insulin (P < 0.001) and any diabetes complications (P < 0.001) were significantly less satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that patient satisfaction was positively associated with sociodemographic variables like high income, employment, married individuals and those with higher levels of education. We found a lower treatment satisfaction in patients with diabetes-related complications and insulin treatment.

Background: Safety issues are an important aspect of anesthesia practice. The relevance of medication and drug administration errors in our everyday practice is an important aspect of medical audit. Although there have been few case reports of drug administration errors by anesthetists, there is paucity of information regarding medication errors in anesthetic practice in Nigeria. We set out to study the incidence of medication errors among anesthesia practitioners in Kaduna State, North Western Nigeria and to suggest ways to minimize such errors. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among physician anesthetists and nurse anesthetists working in the major secondary and tertiary hospitals in Kaduna State, North Western Nigeria. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS Version 17.0 and the data presented in relevant charts and tables. Results: A total of 43 persons responded to the questionnaire with a high response rate of 86% and a male/female ratio of 2.3:1. Most of the anesthetists (38 or 88%) work in tertiary government hospitals. Twenty-four (56%) of them admitted to ever having a medication error, and 34 (79%) of them attributed the medication error to problems with drug labeling from manufactures using similar labels for different drugs. Untoward sequelae resulted in 44% of the patients that were affected by these medication errors and these ranged from cardiac arrest to delayed recovery from anesthesia. Majority of the respondents recommended vigilance, double checking of drug labels, and color coding of syringes as ways to minimize medication errors. Conclusion: Medication errors do occur in the everyday practice of anesthetists in Nigeria as in other countries and can lead to morbidity and mortality in our patients. Routine audit and reporting of critical incidents including errors in drug administration should be encouraged. Reduction of medication errors is an important aspect of patient safety, and vigilance remains the watchword.

Background: Medical students are a population who are at great risk of having bad sleep practice and hygiene due to demanding clinical and academic activities. Poor sleep practices are a disturbing and destabilizing phenomenon. It affects many people and can affect the quality of work, performance and education of medical students. Determining the sleep practices and behaviors could be useful to establish a systematic mental health curriculum in medical schools. Objectives: The objectives of this study is to describe sleep practices among undergraduate medical students in a Nigerian University. Materials and Methods: Sleep practices were investigated using a convenience sample of medical students from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku Ozalla, Enugu from October 2012 to February 2013. Results: A total number of participants enrolled were 241 consisting of 150 male and 90 female medical students. However, 222 (response rate: 92.1%) completed and returned the questionnaire. The median number of hours of night sleep on a weekday and weekend were 6 and 7 h respectively. There was a significant correlation between the number of hours of sleep and use of caffeine (Spearman r = −0.148, P < 0.0321). Ninety two (45.3%) had a sleep latency of 10-30 min while 157 (70.7%) woke up 1-2 times/night. Twenty five (11.3%) experience unusual sleep practices such as sleep walking, talking or night terrors. Conclusion: Medical students in our institution have varying degrees of sleeping practice and behavior and this may affect academic performance.

Objective: To determine the basic demographic patterns and the frequency of medical causes of deaths in medical wards of a tertiary health center located in a rural community of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients' records admitted into medical wards of the Federal Medical Centre Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria between January 2009 and December 2011 was carried out. Analysis of data was carried out using the simple descriptive statistics with Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago IL) SPSS version 16 software. Results: A total number of 1456 patients were admitted into the medical wards during the study period and 79 deaths were recorded. Male mortality was 94 (52.5%) while female mortality was 85 (47.5%) with male to female ratio 1.1:1.0. The age range was 18-100 years with the mean of 56.15 + 19.63 years. Deaths from non-communicable diseases (63.1%) were higher than those from communicable diseases (36.9%). Conclusion: The most common cause of deaths in medical wards were non-communicable diseases, worse on the elderly especially males. Stroke and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were the principal contributors to medical mortality.

Background and Objectives: Attitude and orientation of doctors to the doctor-patient relationship has a direct influence on delivery of high quality health- care. No study to the knowledge of these researchers has so far examined the practice orientation of doctors in Nigeria to this phenomenon. The aims of this study were to determine the orientation of Kano doctors to the practice of doctor-patient relationship and physicians' related-factors. Materials and Methods: Participants were doctors working in four major hospitals (i.e., two federal-owned and two state-owned) servicing Kano State and its environs. The Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire were completed by the 214 participants. The PPOS has 18 items and measures three parameters of a total score and two dimension of "sharing" and "caring". Results: The mean age of participants was 31.72 years (standard deviation = 0.87), with 22% being females, 40.7% have been practicing for ≥6 years and about two-third working in federal-owned health institution. The Cronbach's alpha of total PPOS scores was 0.733 and that of two sub-scale scores of "sharing" and "caring" were 0.659 and 0.546 respectively. Most of the doctors' orientation (92.5%) was towards doctor-centered (i.e., paternalistic) care, majority (75.2%) upheld the view of not sharing much information and control with patients, and showing little interest in psychosocial concerns of patients (i.e., 'caring'=93.0%). Respondents' characteristics that were significantly associated with high doctor 'caring' relationship orientation were being ≥30-year-old and practicing for ≥6 years. Working in State-owned hospitals was also significantly associated with high doctor "sharing" orientation. Conclusion: This paper demonstrated why patient-centered medical interviewing should be given top priority in medical training in Nigeria, and particularly for federal health institutions saddled with production of new doctors and further training for practicing doctors.

The purpose of this study is to report a case of bilateral congenital eversion of the upper eyelid in an 8 h- old male baby. JD is an 8 h-old male baby born by normal vaginal delivery after prolonged labor, to a 24-year-old primigravida. Pregnancy was said to be term but was complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension. A midwife delivered the baby and it was by spontaneous vertex delivery. He was said to have cried immediately after birth, but shortly afterward parents noticed a reddish fleshy swelling over the eyes and this made it difficult for them to see the eyeballs. The reddish swelling steadily increased in size necessitating their prompt referral to our center. On examination, a full term baby was seen with complete eversion of both upper eyelids and marked conjunctival chemosis. Ocular examination revealed normal globes with healthy cornea and briskly reactive pupils. The child was admitted and started on 3-hourly chloramphenicol ointment, ciloxan eye drop (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride United States Pharmacopeia equivalent to ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/v) - 8 times daily and 5% hypertonic saline patch over the chemosed conjunctiva. The pediatrician was also invited to co-manage the patient. After 9-days of treatment, the conjunctival chemosis fully resolved and lids reverted back to normal position. At 4-week follow-up, the lids continued to maintain their normal position and child could now open eyelids spontaneously. Congenital upper eyelid eversion is a rare clinical entity even though it is said to be commoner in blacks. Knowledge of its complete resolution with conservative management will help in future management of such cases thereby preventing complications that may arise from poorly treated cases.

Apart from reporting about a case of spontaneous subgaleal aerocele this paper looks at the possible causes and management also. A 35-year-old Igbo-Nigerian female, about 4 weeks post-natal, with a 10-month old steadily and gradually enlarging mass around the back of her head, including both temporal regions was referred to us. Plain skull radiographs showed air in this mass. Needle puncture produced air leading to immediate and complete flattening of the lesion. A few hours after this procedure while still in the hospital premises, she had generalized convulsions, for which she was hospitalized and treated. With no further attacks, her request for discharge the following day was granted. At the next visit, 7 days later, there was a re-accumulation, which was treated the same way as previously and with the same result. She has not reported back since then, though she was advised to visit us again in 7 day-time. This lesion should be considered when masses on the head are presented. Our health institutions should have adequate investigative facilities.

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is a renal stromal neoplasm of infancy. It comprises 3-10% of all pediatric renal tumors. We report a case of CMN in a 30 week old premature female neonate seen at autopsy who was born to a 26-year-old woman by emergency cesarean section on account of polyhydramnios.

Patients with orocutaneous fistulas suffer from discomfort in terms of facial esthetics, food spill over and lack of psychological confidence to present them socially. Prosthetic camouflaging of facial defects and use of silicone maxillofacial material are the alternatives to the surgical retreatment. Silicone elastomers provide more options to clinician for customization of the facial prosthesis which is simple, esthetically good when coupled with bio magnets for retention.