Niger J Clin Pract
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The aetiology of primary open-angle glaucoma is still uncertain. However certain factors are known or suspected of having an aetiologic role. ⋯ Others are diabetes, which is prone to selection bias, myopia, a history of typical migraine headaches, thinner central corneal thickness and the ability to taste phenylthiourea. If a particular patient is identified as having one or more of these risk factors, that patient is by definition, at greater risk of developing glaucoma than a patient who does not.
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Prostate cancer which tends to take an aggressive course in black populations can be detected by digital rectal examination (DRE). There are concerns however that medical students are not acquiring the necessary DRE skills. We therefore studied their experience and attitude towards DRE for prostate cancer to assist us make any necessary adjustments in training. ⋯ Students have received adequate teaching on DRE, have the right attitude and perspective, have adequate knowledge on DRE findings suggestive of prostate cancer but have not translated this knowledge into practice. This is mainly due to the students not feeling competent. Teachers need to intensify practical supervision to enable medical students acquire the necessary experience during clinical training.
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Electrical injuries, though uncommon usually have devastating consequences. They are largely preventable. The objectives of the study were to highlight the pattern of severe electrical injuries seen in our environment, the management problems faced here compared with other studies and proffer suggestions for improvement and prevention. ⋯ Late presentation of patients to specialised centres, inadequate management at the primary centres of treatment, poverty and inadequate facilities even at the specialised centres were the main problems encountered. We recommend re-education of the populace including medical practitioners, enforcement of safety rules in the home and workplaces and upgrading of our health facilities to decrease the menace of severe electrical injuries.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Intraoperative diclofenac for post-adenoidectomy analgesia in small children.
We investigated the analgesic effect of intra-operative intravenous diclofenac in a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled paralled group study after adenoidectomy in 150 children aged 1-7 years. A standard anaesthetic method was used and all children received oral diazepam as premedication. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone and maintained with halothane and nitrous oxide in oxygen with controlled ventilation. ⋯ Standard deviation, means, ranges and students' t-test statistics were used for data analysis. Worst pain observed in the recovery room was lower in the diclofenac group both at rest and during swallowing. It was therefore concluded that intravenous diclofenac given intra-operatively has analgesic effect in the immediate post-operative period and it is recommended for small children during adenoidectomy.
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The causes and incidence of the commonly observed phenomenon of leaving against medical advice (LAMA) in our hospitals have not been studied. This retrospective study was aimed at evaluating its incidence and pattern in order to suggest possible solutions. ⋯ The youths are the most vulnerable group and the principal causes in our environment are ignorance and poverty. Because of poor documentation in our centres, it was not possible to know where these patients go and the results of their treatments. There is therefore a need for further studies.