African health sciences
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African health sciences · Dec 2012
Case ReportsA rare case of a patient with a foreign body in the esophagus for two years which perforated into the mediastinum.
A 6-year-old girl was referred to the ENT (Ear nose and throat) unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital with a foreign body in the esophagus diagnosed by routine chest radiograph. The child's parents recall she had ingested a round object (galvanised iron umbrella cap of a roofing nail) two years prior to this, but they thought that the child had passed it out in stool since she had continued eating and swallowing normally. ⋯ The cardiothoracic surgeons were consulted, and they removed the foreign body via a thoracotomy. The child recovered well and was discharged from hospital on day 55.
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African health sciences · Dec 2012
Epidemiology of death in the emergency department of a tertiary health centre south-south of Nigeria.
The emergency department (E.D) of any hospital is an important entry point of critically ill patients. The initial management of these patients is often challenging, and for valuable lives to be saved, the in fracture and manpower should be up to date. ⋯ Road traffic accidents and cardiovascular disorders are the common causes of emergency death in UCTH. A recorded death rate of 8.6% is high, suspected contributory factors include systemic deficiencies such as the lack of a trauma system, prehospital care; late presentation, the role of chemist operators, traditional healers, and delayed referral systems.
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African health sciences · Dec 2012
Halitosis amongst students in tertiary institutions in Lagos state.
Halitosis is defined as a noticeable unpleasant odor from the mouth. It is a medico-social problem that affects a significant number of people around the world. Research reveals that nearly 50% of the adult population has halitosis. ⋯ There is high level of awareness of halitosis among the respondents. The prevalence of the disorder is low, however, it is recommended that enlightenment campaigns be mounted in schools to improve level of awareness and treatment seeking.