Niger J Clin Pract
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Over 90% full term normal newborns are known to pass meconium (first stools) within the first 24 hrs of life especially among Caucasians. This has not been fully documented among African neonates. This study was therefore done to determine time of passage of first stools (meconium) in African neonates and also the serum levels of calcium and magnesium in these children in order to establish a data base for normal standards. ⋯ This study has shown a relatively shorter time of passage of first stools (meconium) in Nigerian neonates (blacks) than in the Caucasians. The implication of the findings in this study is that a delay in the passage of first stools (meconium) and early appearance of jaundice in normal black neonates could be due to gastrointestinal abnormalities. This observation could lead to early identification of these neonates with resultant early intervention.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Glycated haemoglobin and glycaemic control of diabetics in Ilorin.
With increasing adoption of Western Lifestyle in Nigeria, the incidence of Diabetes Mellitus is on the increase in the country with its attendant complications. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of patients at risk of developing diabetic complications in Ilorin, Nigeria, among our patients with diabetes mellitus. ⋯ The mean HbA1c values between the patients and the control subjects were significantly different. Diabetics in our environment with mean HbA1c value of 8.0% are prone to developing complications because of poor glycaemic control. We therefore advise that, periodic estimation ofglycated haemoglobin be carried out along side fasting blood glucose, in our diabetics.
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Hypertension is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Paradigm shift and novel drugs that go beyond blood pressure control have debuted in the last decade globally and in Nigeria. The study therefore proposed to investigate the effect of the above if any on hypertension related acute deaths in patients admitted to the emergency room of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. ⋯ There is a trend towards reduction of hypertension related acute deaths. However stroke remains a major cause of acute hypertensive death and the patients are still dying young.
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Efficient pre-hospital transport (emergency medical services, EMS) is associated with improved outcomes in road traffic injuries (RTI). This study aims to discover possible interventions in the existing mode of transport. ⋯ This study has identified three groups of persons involved in pre-hospital transport with nearly 50% getting to ER within 1 hour without any intervention or prior notification of ER. Absence of EMS obscures pre-hospital death records. The P/F responsible for only 40% of transport should be trained and equipped to offer basic trauma life support (BTLS). The REL and BS (both responsible for 60% of transport) represent a pool of volunteers for BTLS to be trained.