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Biomedical subjects

R S Oruamabo

Publications and source records attributed to R S Oruamabo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

A seven-year audit of a diarrhoea training unit (DTU) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The Diarrhoea Training Unit [DTU] of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Nigeria was established in 1991 and has, in addition to treating cases, been involved in training medical students, paediatric residents, health workers and mothers caregivers on correct case management of diarrhoeal disease. The accomplishment of the Unit over a defined time frame, January 1993 to December 1999, was evaluated by employing predetermined indicators and the data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package PEPI [Computer Programs for Epidemiologic Analysis Version 2.07a]. Eight thousand, four hundred and eighty-six cases (4557 males and 3929 females) of acute diarrhoea were treated. Those with severe dehydration were eleven times fewer in 1998 and eight times fewer in 1999 than in 1993. The number of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) sachets used in the Unit increased from 3064 in 1993/94 to 17,549 in 1998/99. There was no reduction in the number of cases treated, but the case-fatality rates dropped from 6 per 1000 in 1993 to 0.6 per 1000 in 1999 [likelihood ratio chi2 = 9.874, p = 0.02]. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with bloody stools towards the end of the observation period [chi2(trend) = 82.60, 1 df, p = 0.000 (1.00E-19)]. These results indicate some positive impact on the severity of diarrhoea in the area, but preventive measures should now constitute the main thrust.

Caregivers↗
PubMed1996

Neonatal tetanus in Port Harcourt.

In a previous study on neonatal tetanus (NNT), we provided information on clinico-epidemiological data and reported a case-fatality rate of 60.3%. The present report covers a 7-year period, January 1984 to December 1990, and amongst others, focuses on tetanus toxoid vaccine (TT) coverage of pregnant women. The subjects were those with a diagnosis of NNT and other neonatal admissions. Total neonatal admissions, NNT admissions, neonatal deaths, and NNT deaths were: 4,315, 471, 727, and 221 respectively. The overall NNT case-fatality rate was 46.9%. The highest NNT admission rate was in the third quarter of 1984, with a significant decline subsequently except for the increase in 1989. The neonatal tetanus rate began dropping appreciably from 1988 although less than 10% of the mothers in 1990 received two doses of TT. The improper immunization of the mothers during pregnancy with TT is worrying particularly several years into the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), more so as the experience is not unique to Port Harcourt. We suggest intervention at the community level, operational research, and ethnographic studies to determine possible underlying factors to be carried out in all health zones of the country.

Female↗
PubMed1993

Childhood convulsions: a hospital survey on traditional remedies.

A study of one hundred and thirty five children with convulsions admitted in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria over a 15-month period, October 1986 to December 1987 showed that 65 (48%) of the children received some traditional remedy at home prior to presentation in hospital. Crude oil and palm kernel oil either singly or in combination were the most commonly administered remedies. The central nervous system was more affected by remedies containing crude oil than others (P < 0.05). Administration of cow's urine to convulsing children, reported from other parts of Nigeria, was not observed in the present study and would appear to be uncommon in this part of the country.

Central Nervous System Diseases↗
PubMed1989

Antenatal care and fetal outcome, especially low birthweight, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

A total of 820 singleton babies and 73 babies from multiple births were studied, all born in a 7-month period in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. At birth, 8.9% of the singleton babies and 70% of those of multiple birth weighed less than 2500 g. Maternal factors significantly associated with increased incidence of low birthweight were antepartum haemorrhage, short stature, age and parity. However, the effects of these were nullified by antenatal care. Amongst the babies, the major contributory factor was intrauterine growth retardation, the cause of which in most cases was not apparent and was not affected by antenatal care. We suggest that a lot more attention be focussed on this category of low-birthweight babies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Seasonality and other variation trends in birth weights of 4000g and above: A preliminary report from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal evidence appears to suggest a progressive increase in the proportion of large babies born at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Nigeria. The objective of this study is to examine retrospectively the profile of birth weights at the UPTHover a defined time frame. METHODS: The birth weights of all babies born in the hospital from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1999 were analyzed with the focus on weights = 4000g. The ten-year period was elongated into 20 six-monthly observation points and the periodic fluctuations in the proportion of birth weights = 4000g smoothed by using exponentially weighted moving averages with a weighting factor of 0.18. Seasonal variations in rates of birthweight = 4000g were calculated using Ratchet Circular Scan Test for a short seasonal peak. Proportions were compared using chi-square statistic. RESULTS: Fourteen thousand three hundred and seven birth weights were recorded; 7111 males and 7196 females. Nine hundred and four (12.7%) and 434 (6.0%) of males and females respectively were 4000g and above. There was a sustained increase in the proportion of the = 4000g category during the observation period although the slope was steeper among the males (slope with [95% Confidence Interval] for males = 0.4131 [0.3213 to 0.5050] and for females 0.1801 [0.05565 to 0.3045]. There was a significant 3-month peak August to October of males only of birth weight = 4000g, (3-month peak; August to October, 30.3% of events. Test Statistic 3.46, p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: There has been a steady increase in the proportion of babies of birth weight =4000g at the UPTH in the ten-year period studied. This trend could be potentially dangerous for both mother and baby; therefore the authors believe it would be a good idea to carry out a prospective investigation along similar lines but using a much broader study base.

Anthropometry↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Blood transfusion therapy in neonates admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is associated with potential risks and adverse effects; it is therefore pertinent to ensure that it is given only when it is indicated. The objective of this study is to determine the rate and the indications of blood transfusion in neonates admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt. METHOD: A prospective study of Neonates admitted into SCBU between January 1st 2003 and December 31st 2004 and who had blood transfusion during their hospitalization was carried out. RESULTS: Preterm babies are more likely to be transfused and are also more likely to receive multiple blood transfusions. Severe neonatal jaundice and severe anaemia are the commonest indication for blood transfusions in the neonates. Exchange blood transfusions (EBTs) were utilized more often than top up transfusions even among preterms. Adverse events were seen more in those that had EBT CONCLUSION: The rate of blood transfusion is still very high among neonates. Concerted efforts should be made to prevent severe neonatal jaundice and severe anaemia and thus reduce the rate of blood transfusion.

Anemia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anthropometric indices in singleton term neonates and their possible value in predicting some metabolic problems: a preliminary study.

We studied possible sources of variations in selected anthropometric indices and their relationship to neonatal metabolic problems in seventy-four singleton neonates born at an approximate gestation of 40 weeks, by selected anthropometry. There were significant differences particularly in values obtained for birth weight, mid upper arm circumference, chest circumference and the Ponderal Index. At the moment it is not possible to set discriminant values on any of the anthropometric indices as this will require a much larger sample size, however the authors believe that the use of anthropometry in predicting metabolic problems in neonates has some potential and serial measurements of particularly chest circumference, mid upper arm circumference and the Ponderal Index could form the basis of future studies.

Anthropometry↗