The Central African journal of medicine
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To determine the most common causes, population most at risk and the pattern of mortality of burn injuries at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. ⋯ Children under five years of age were the major victims of burn injuries in this study. There is, therefore, need to mount effective awareness campaigns in order to target the root causes of burns in children.
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To determine the prevalence of hypothermia, factors associated with hypothermia and risk factors for mortality in hypothermic newborn infants. ⋯ Neonatal hypothermia on admission remains a major problem in our population. There is need to increase awareness among nursing staff and mothers about the serious consequences of hypothermia particularly in very low birth weight newborns. Training in this area is called for.
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To review our experience with bronchiectasis complicating prolonged endobronchial retention of foreign bodies (FB) among patients with a history of aspiration of FB seen between 1975 and 1998. ⋯ Prevention of aspiration of FB is better than cure. In every medically treated child with persistent cough with or without a history of aspirated FB, the possibility of retained FB should be borne in mind.
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To determine the prevalence and risk factors for hypothermia among neonates on admission to the Neonatal Care Unit. Hypothermia in newborn babies is a problem in tropical countries despite warm environmental conditions and it contributes to a high neonatal morbidity and mortality. ⋯ It is concluded that there is cause for concern about hypothermia in the neonates at Muhimbili Medical Centre. Efforts should be made to sensitize and educate all levels of staff dealing with neonates, and low-reading thermometers should be part of the essential kit in the unit.