West African journal of medicine
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Anaemia is a common disorder occurring in about 33% of the global population. It is an important cardiovascular risk factor and a key indicator of some chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This study aimed to determine the burden of anaemia and its correlation with some clinical and biochemical parameters among patients with DM attending a tertiary health facility in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria. ⋯ The burden of anaemia amongst patients with DM is high in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria, and it is associated with poor glycaemic control. Hence, the need to include haematological assessment as part of routine care of patients with DM.
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The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) has been used in different countries and in different versions to assess the impact of oral health conditions on preschoolers. This study aimed to develop the Nigeria Pidgin English version of ECOHIS and investigate its psychometric properties. ⋯ The NAIJA ECOHIS version was valid and reliable for assessing oral health related quality of life of preschool children whose parents/caregivers speak the Nigerian Pidgin English.
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Retinoblastoma, the commonest childhood malignant intraocular tumour, is diagnosed late, with less than 50% survival in developing countries, including Ghana. ⋯ Low awareness of the cause, treatment and prognosis of retinoblastoma exists among caretakers of children with advanced retinoblastoma. This may contribute to the late stage of the disease presentation.
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The recommended time for decision-delivery-interval (DDI) in emergency caesarean section is 30 minutes, though this is rarely achieved in practice. Good perinatal outcome has been achieved with DDI up to 240 minutes. ⋯ The average DDI in this study was 401 + 315mins. Whilst perinatal deaths were not significantly affected when the time exceeded 240 minutes, 5-minute Apgar scores and SCBU admissions were significantly higher. The 30-minute recommendation may remain the target if these outcomes are to be improved.
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the initiation of basic and advanced life support to restore spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest. It is one of the most frequently performed procedures in the intensive care unit both in the adult and paediatric population. There are, however, significant differences in the aetiology of cardiac arrest and CPR in both age groups. The sequence and outcome of CPR for children, therefore, vary from that of the adult. ⋯ The outcome of CPR in the paediatric population in our general ICU is poor. Perhaps, regular training of ICU staff in paediatric advanced life support and provision of an ICU dedicated to the care of paediatric patients may help improve outcome.