ben onankpa | Usmanu Danfodiyo University , Sokoto (original) (raw)
Papers by ben onankpa
Nigerian journal of paediatrics, Apr 9, 2024
Saliva is secreted by the salivary gland, and as a screening medium, saliva offers more advantage... more Saliva is secreted by the salivary gland, and as a screening medium, saliva offers more advantages over serum for the determination of lipid levels as documented in previous studies.Prevalence of dyslipidaemia is rising especially in the developing world, where 80% are said to be at risk for dyslipidaemia. Dyslipidaemia can be traced to childhood for any adult suffering complication from the lipid abnormality. More so, the 2011 experts on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular risk reduction on lipid screening in childhood and adolescents endorsed universal screening for all children and adolescents to identify dyslipidemia at an early age of 2 years. For children with obesity, their first cholesterol test should be by 2 years but not later than 10 years of age. In other to make this ensure compliance to this screening test, the use of serum and saliva was employed to ascertain their comparability. This influence this study on the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and sociodemographic c...
borno medical journal, 2020
Background: Poor nutrition contributes to deaths associated with the infectious diseases especial... more Background: Poor nutrition contributes to deaths associated with the infectious diseases especially among under-5 children in developing countries. The growth of young children could be impacted with increasing burden of HIV/AIDS and increasing food insecurity. This results in an increased malnutrition among this vulnerable group. Objective: To determine the nutritional status of children aged ≤5 years newly diagnosed with HIV infection in UDUTH, Sokoto. Methods: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study among children aged ≤5 years newly diagnosed with HIV infection at the Paediatric units and Paediatric ART Clinic, UDUTH, Sokoto between January 1 st , 2015 and December 31 st 2019. The nutritional status was determined using WHO growth standards. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and p-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Sixty-seven children aged ≤5 years were diagnosed with HIV infection in UDUTH within the period. Twenty (30.3%) were aged 1.1-2.0 years with the mean age of 2.9(±1.4) years. The M:F ratio approximately 2:1. Forty-five (67.2%) were from lower socioeconomic class. Sixteen (23.9%) were diagnosed using PCR for HIV-DNA. Forty-eight (71.6%) presented in clinical stage I. Twenty-three (34.3%), 24 (35.8%) and 12 (17.9%) of the children were stunted, underweight and wasted respectively. The rate of undernutrition was found to be significantly related to the age of the child (p=0.03) and socioeconomic status of the family (p=0.02). Conclusion: The nutritional status of young children newly diagnosed with HIV infection was suboptimal and majority was stunted and underweight in our environment.
Data on a study conducted among children 2 to 10 years in Wamakko LGA of Sokoto, Nigeria. The stu... more Data on a study conducted among children 2 to 10 years in Wamakko LGA of Sokoto, Nigeria. The study determined the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and the endemicity of malaria in the community. It also measured the prevalence of clinical malaria, symptoms and determinants.
Correlation of serum and salivary lipids has been a recent topic to determine the relationship se... more Correlation of serum and salivary lipids has been a recent topic to determine the relationship serum and salivary lipids share, though still at the rudimentary stage, in order to have a better understanding of their relationship, the degree of accuracy, as well a validity test, need to be simultaneously checked. These have not been tested especially in children, as it has been tested in adults in the underdeveloped world, like Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Few studies discussed this entity in children even in the developed world.Objectives: To determine the correlation of serum and salivary lipids and their degree of accuracy as well the validity of the test.Settings and Design: Descriptive and cross-sectional.Materials and Methods: A total of 200 apparently healthy primary school children aged 5-12 years, who had no medical complaints or any major medical condition. The parameters assessed included serum and salivary; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipopr...
Sahel Medical Journal, 2017
Background: Malaria and HIV are important health problems in developing countries. They cause mor... more Background: Malaria and HIV are important health problems in developing countries. They cause more than 4 million deaths a year globally. The interaction of these two infections is both synergistic and bidirectional. We determined the prevalence of malaria coinfection in HIV-infected children attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of all HIV-infected children attending the ART clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, over a 5-year period was carried out. Malaria parasite was identified by Giemsa-stained blood films using a light microscopy. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The total numbers of children screened were 236. Of those, 73 (31%) had malaria/HIV coinfection. One hundred and twenty-one (51.3%) were males and 115 (48.7%) were females. The mean age of the children was 8.63 ± standard deviation 3.76 years (range of 1–17 years). Conclusions: The study shows ...
Research Journal of Health Sciences, 2015
Objective: Studies have reported high prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among pati... more Objective: Studies have reported high prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among patients with microalbuminuria. Both left ventricular hypertrophy and microalbuminuria (MA) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine the predictive value of spot urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) for echocardiography-based LVH in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: LVH was defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of >115g/m2 in males and >95g/m2 in females. Microalbuminuria was defined as ACR >30 mg/g and diagnostic value of MA for LVH assessed using X2 2by2 table and the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve plot. Results: Sixty six (48.5%) males and 70(51.5%) females with a mean age of 44.8(10.5 %) years were studied. Left ventricular hypertrophy was observed in 36.8% while 42.7% had MA. The prevalence of MA in those with LVH was 66%. Microalbuminuria showed a sensitivity of 64% and s...
Pediatrics, 2020
Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a threat to public health. Anti... more Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a threat to public health. Antibiotic stewardship is a practice dedicated to prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and, when antibiotics are considered necessary, promoting use of the appropriate agent(s), dose, duration, and route of therapy to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing the unintended consequences of antibiotic use. Because there are differences in common infectious conditions, drug-specific considerations, and the evidence surrounding treatment recommendations (eg, first-line therapy, duration of therapy) between children and adults, this statement provides specific guidance for the pediatric population. This policy statement discusses the rationale for inpatient and outpatient antibiotic stewardship programs; essential personnel, infrastructure, and activities required; approaches to evaluating their effectiveness; and gaps in knowledge that require further investigation. Key guidance for bo...
Malaria Journal, 2020
Background Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Africa. The... more Background Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Africa. There is inadequate information regarding malaria transmission-intensity in some of the worst-affected parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) was developed in 2006, to project estimates of malaria transmission intensity where this data is not available, based on the vector behaviour for malaria. Data from malariometric studies globally were obtained and modelled to provide prevalence estimates. The sensitivity of these maps, however, reduces with unavailability of data. This necessitates a validation of these maps locally, and investigation into alternative methods of predicting prevalence to guide malaria control interventions and improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This study was conducted to compare the true estimates in Sokoto, Nigeria, with the MAP projections for north-western Nigeria, and it proposes an alternative way of mapping malaria intensity ...
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 2020
Background: An important component of the first-trimester scan is nuchal translucency thickness a... more Background: An important component of the first-trimester scan is nuchal translucency thickness at 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days of gestation. A nuchal translucency ≥3.3 mm is a significant early pregnancy scan finding associated with Trisomies 13, 18, and 21 and congenital heart diseases. Aims: To determine the prevalence and outcome of increased fetal nuchal translucency among pregnant women. Subjects and Methods: A prospective cohort study at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto. This was a prospective study of 265 consecutively recruited women in the first trimester of pregnancy who presented to antenatal clinics over a 20-week period. An NT scan was conducted at 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days followed by an anomaly scan at 18–22 weeks. Patients were followed up to delivery and 6-week post-partum. The neonates were examined at delivery and at 6-week postnatal life. Data entry and analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 20. The level of significance was set at less than 0.05. Frequency distribution; student t-test and Chi-squared test. Results: The 95th percentile NT was 3.3 mm and the prevalence of increased NT above 3.3 mm was 3%. The mean maternal age of the participants was 28.1 ± 5.1 years and the modal parity was Para 0. The most common anomalies associated with increased NT were ventricular septal defect and spina bifida. A congenital anomaly was significantly associated with increased NT (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of increased fetal nuchal translucency is relatively high in our environment and is associated with congenital fetal defects. Routine screening with first-trimester ultrasound will help detect congenital anomalies early.
The Pan African medical journal, 2017
When breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet a child's nutritional needs, foods oth... more When breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet a child's nutritional needs, foods other than breast milk are introduced gradually into the baby's diet, first to complement breast feeding and progressively to replace it and get the child used to adult diet. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing complementary and weaning practices among women in rural communities of Sokoto state, Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional study. Using a multi-staged sampling technique, 296 mothers of children 6-24 months were recruited. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Chi square test was used to test associations between categorical variables. Binary logistic and multinomial regression was used to compute the determinants of complementary and weaning practices. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the State Ethical Committee. Timely introduction of complementary fee...
International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 2014
Background: The length of hospital stay for every neonate admitted for care is more often than no... more Background: The length of hospital stay for every neonate admitted for care is more often than not at the mercy of the parents/caregivers. Aims: To determine the pattern of request for discharge against medical advice of neonates. Methodology: A 5-year cross-sectional study at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. All babies that were discharged against medical advice (DAMA) between January, 2008 and December, 2012 were recruited. Both baby/maternal information and the indications for the discharge were documented. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 Results: Admission to SCBU for the period was found to be 2,426 (20.2%). Forty two (1.7%) babies were DAMA; males 17 (40.5%), females 25 (59.5%); M: F; 0.7:1.5. Twenty seven (64%) delivered in UDUTH, 15 (36%) outside the facility. Birth weights ranged from 1.0 – 4.8kg with mean SD of 3.03 ± 0.8. 36 (85.7%) were spontaneous vertex deliveries, and term babies accounted for 78.6%. Babies delivered vaginally had more DAMA. Birth asphyxia was the commonest diagnosis. The mean duration of hospital stay was 8.2 ± 5.4 days. Nineteen babies (45.2%) were DAMA in the first 8 days of admission, majority of these were from the low and middle income groups. Four neonates (9.5%) were re-admitted. The commonest reason for DAMA was financed (45.2%) and father was the main signatory to the DAMA (92.9%). Conclusions: Discharge against medical advice remains a paediatric problem in the study area despite adequate counselling.
Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics, 2014
Background: Congenital malformation(s) do occur in newborns and are thought to be often responsib... more Background: Congenital malformation(s) do occur in newborns and are thought to be often responsible for a significant proportion of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: This prospective study was designed to determine the pattern and outcome of congenital malformation(s) among newborn deliveries admitted to the special care baby unit (SCBU) of the
International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 2014
The Pan African medical journal, 2014
Early infant diagnosis (EID) provides a critical opportunity to strengthen follow-up of HIV-expos... more Early infant diagnosis (EID) provides a critical opportunity to strengthen follow-up of HIV-exposed children and early access to antiretroviral treatment. The study is designed to determine PCR pattern of HIV- exposed infants. A 2-year cross-sectional study at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. All pregnant women that presented to our ANC between January, 2011 and December, 2012 were screened for HIV; confirmation for seropositivity was from a positive ELISA and then a Western Blot assay. PCR was done for all the HIV-exposed babies at 6-8 weeks of age. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Otal delivery was 6,578. One hundred and sixty three babies from 162 mothers were HIV-exposed; 88 males, 75 females, with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Eighty eight (54.0%) of the mothers were on HAART before pregnancy; 63 (39.0%) commenced HAART during pregnancy while, 12 (7.0%) never received HAART. Three (1.8%) of the HIV-exposed babies had ...
Background: Malaria is caused by one of five currently known Plasmodium parasite species causing ... more Background: Malaria is caused by one of five currently known Plasmodium parasite species causing disease in humans. While modelling has provided information of the vector, the same is not entirely the case for the parasite. The World Malaria reports of 2014 to 2016 reported 100% of confirmed cases from Nigeria being due to Plasmodium falciparum. Generally, about 98% of cases of uncomplicated malaria in most regions surveyed in Nigeria recently is due to P. falciparum, with the remainder being due to P. malariae. This study aimed to determine the proportions of Plasmodium parasites causing uncomplicated malaria in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, north-western Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted during the rainy season and dry season in north-western Nigeria. The area has a ‘local steppe’ climate and Sudanian Savannah vegetation. Sampling was via multistage cluster sampling. Selected participants were examined for pallor, palpa...
Sahel Medical Journal, 2007
Objective: With paucity of documentation of congenital clinical malaria in the world literature, ... more Objective: With paucity of documentation of congenital clinical malaria in the world literature, we therefore aimed to review its rates, presentation, management and out come of this problem in neonates at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Methodology: This prospective study was carried out in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria over a 10- month period; (January 2006 to October, 2006). The study populations were the admitted neonates to the emergency paediatric unit and the Special Care Baby Unit that presented with fever and other clinical features suggestive of malaria and/or septicaemia. Diagnosis of malaria was by Giemsa stain on blood smears and that of septicaemia was by positive blood culture. Results: 162 babies [aged ≤28days] were admitted with fever amongst other clinical features during this period. 156 (96%) of the babies admitted, 82 (53%) were males, and 74 (47%) females, giving a M: F ratio of 1.2:1, and these were positive for malaria parasite alone. Of the babies with the specific morbidity of clinical neonatal malaria, 68(44%) were aged seven days or below, and were considered to be congenital. Our encountered incidence was high; 50 per 1000 live births. The mean (SD) birth weight was 2.76(0.28) kg, mean (SD) gestational age, 39.24 (1.18) weeks and mean (SD) temperature 38.4(0.5) 0 C. Plasmodium falciparum trophozoites were the only species observed in this study. There was no recorded case of transfusion malaria. The postnatal age group of 0-7 days was the commonest age group at which the neonates were admitted. The distribution of malaria density was in favour of malaria density (+), 39(57%). Fever was the commonest (100%) presentation followed by refusal of feeds (93%) and irritability (76%). Of the 68 babies in the study group, 32(47%) were delivered to pimiparas. The subjects were treated with arthemeter-lumenfantrine tablets for three days. No baby in the study group died. However, 6 babies that had both neonatal malaria and septicaemia died while, 5 babies that were negative for both malaria parasite and blood culture but with worsening clinical signs and persistent fever also died despite adequate treatment for possible septicaemia and malaria. Conclusion: Although no mortality occurred in congenital clinical malaria, however, a diverse pattern of morbidity was shown. There is the need for continuing health education to increase the awareness amongst pregnant mothers of the importance of ante natal clinic visits for prescription of malaria chemoprophylaxis. The efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine combination in the treatment of clinical congenital malaria is strongly highlighted. Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 10 (1) 2007: pp. 24-28
Sahel Medical Journal, 2011
Background : Implications of continuing HIV/AIDS pandemic in Nigeria is very grave for children. ... more Background : Implications of continuing HIV/AIDS pandemic in Nigeria is very grave for children. Lack of financial resources means care of children with HIV/AIDS is exceedingly difficult to provide. We described the clinical pattern and highlight the problems in the management of HIV/AIDS in children seen in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria over a two-year period. Methods : This prospective study was carried out between 1st January 2001 and 31st December 2002. The clinical presentation of each patient satisfying the WHO diagnostic criteria for paediatrics HIV/AIDS, admitted consecutively into our Emergency Paediatrics Unit (EPU) was documented. Laboratory diagnosis was by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for HIV- I and HIV- II in affected children and their mothers while confirmatory test was by Western blot. Treatment of each patient was individualised. Results : A total of 41 children with HIV/AIDS were admitted into EPU over the study period. There were 22 males and 19 females with ratio of 1.2:1. Age ranged from 0.25 years to 14 years with mean (SD) of 1.5 (2.2) years. Forty - one (97.6%) patients were aged 5 years and below. Modes of transmission were vertical in 40 (97.6%), while 1 (2.4%) was by homosexual abuse. The commonest clinical feature was weight loss in 41 (100%), followed by fever (>one month) 39 (95%), chronic diarrhoea 39 (95%), recurrent cough 37 (90%) and oro-pharyngeal candidiasis 35 (85%) in that order. Thirty- six (87.8%) patients had protein – energy malnutrition (PEM), marasmus constituting 58%. Thirtytwo (78%) patients were in WHO clinical stage 3 while the remaining 9 (22%) patients were in stage 4. The main types of infections were oral candidiasis, pneumonia, malaria, septicaemia, urinary tract infections, and tuberculosis. Case fatality rate was 91%. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was not freely available to children during the period of our study. Conclusion : The mortality of these antiretroviral naive HIV/AIDS children was very high. It is anticipated that current availability of HAART to children free of charge would improve the outcome of HIV/AIDS in this group.
Sahel Medical Journal, 2006
Objective : To determine the birth weight of apparently healthy newborns delivered at Usmanu Danf... more Objective : To determine the birth weight of apparently healthy newborns delivered at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. The criteria were booked mothers, mothers with regular menstrual cycles, availability of mother's last menstrual period ± report of an obstetric ultrasound scan and absence of first trimester vaginal bleeding. Maternal weight, height, birth order and socioeconomic status were also obtained. 253 babies were enrolled. Results : There were 131 males and 122 females giving a male: female ratio of 1.1:1. Gestational age by maternal dates ranged from 28 to 44 weeks. There was a consistent increase in mean values of weight as the gestational age increased. The mean (SEM) weight for 24 babies of 42 weeks had mean (SEM) weight of 3668.48(106.63) grams. The mean birth weight of the 253 infants in the study was 2472grams. Social class effect on birth weights recorded showed a higher birth weight series for social class I and II, and least for social class IV. Conclusion : These findings are at variance from studies elsewhere within the country. The birth weight remains an important factor for a continuing re-appraisal of any nation's health care delivery system. Keywords : birth weight, healthy Nigeria newborns, UDUTH, Sokoto Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 9(1) 2006: 19-22
Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a metabolic enzyme involved in the pentos... more Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a metabolic enzyme involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, its especially important in red blood cell metabolism. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is an X-linked recessive hereditary disease characterised by abnormally low levels of G6PD. About 400 million people worldwide have a deficiency of this enzyme. The remarkable geographic correlation of G6PD deficiency distribution with historical endemicity patterns of malaria has led to suggestions that the two could be linked. Some studies have concluded that G6PD deficiency confers resistance to malaria. Objective: To determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency, and determine its relationship with prevalence and incidence of P. falciparum infection among children in Uganda. Methods: This was longitudinal study involving 245 children, 135 were actively followed up for 12 months. G6PD status was assessed for using PCR-RFLP method. A thick smear was done to determine presence of plasmodium trophozoites and parasite densities. Results: A total of 245 children between 6 months and 9 years were recruited. Of these 46.5% were males. Overall prevalence for the X-linked G6PD A-mutation was; 79.59% wild type, 12.65% heterozygous and 7.76% homozygous or hemizygous. Among the males 14% were hemizygous. At baseline, 40.8% had asymptomatic P falciparum infection. There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence and incidence rates of malaria infection among the different G6PD genotypes with prevalence among heterozygous, homozygous, and wild type being 29%, 42.6% and 43% respectively (p = 0.11) and incidence among heterozygous and wild type being 0.56 and 0.52 episodes/year (p = 0.5). The heterozygous G6PD A-females had a lower parasite density compared to the wild type (2505 vs 941 parasites/μL; P = 0.024). Conclusions: This study showed that 20.41% of the population in this part of Uganda carry the G6PD A-mutation, within the range of 15-32% seen in other parts of Africa. P. falciparum infection incidence and prevalence rates are similar among the G6PD genotypes though, once infected, P. falciparum parasite densities are lowest among G6PD A-heterozygous females. This suggests differences in P. falciparum infection rates and severity of disease could be mediated by differences in parasite densities among the different G6PD genotypes.
Nigerian journal of paediatrics, Apr 9, 2024
Saliva is secreted by the salivary gland, and as a screening medium, saliva offers more advantage... more Saliva is secreted by the salivary gland, and as a screening medium, saliva offers more advantages over serum for the determination of lipid levels as documented in previous studies.Prevalence of dyslipidaemia is rising especially in the developing world, where 80% are said to be at risk for dyslipidaemia. Dyslipidaemia can be traced to childhood for any adult suffering complication from the lipid abnormality. More so, the 2011 experts on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular risk reduction on lipid screening in childhood and adolescents endorsed universal screening for all children and adolescents to identify dyslipidemia at an early age of 2 years. For children with obesity, their first cholesterol test should be by 2 years but not later than 10 years of age. In other to make this ensure compliance to this screening test, the use of serum and saliva was employed to ascertain their comparability. This influence this study on the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and sociodemographic c...
borno medical journal, 2020
Background: Poor nutrition contributes to deaths associated with the infectious diseases especial... more Background: Poor nutrition contributes to deaths associated with the infectious diseases especially among under-5 children in developing countries. The growth of young children could be impacted with increasing burden of HIV/AIDS and increasing food insecurity. This results in an increased malnutrition among this vulnerable group. Objective: To determine the nutritional status of children aged ≤5 years newly diagnosed with HIV infection in UDUTH, Sokoto. Methods: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study among children aged ≤5 years newly diagnosed with HIV infection at the Paediatric units and Paediatric ART Clinic, UDUTH, Sokoto between January 1 st , 2015 and December 31 st 2019. The nutritional status was determined using WHO growth standards. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and p-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Sixty-seven children aged ≤5 years were diagnosed with HIV infection in UDUTH within the period. Twenty (30.3%) were aged 1.1-2.0 years with the mean age of 2.9(±1.4) years. The M:F ratio approximately 2:1. Forty-five (67.2%) were from lower socioeconomic class. Sixteen (23.9%) were diagnosed using PCR for HIV-DNA. Forty-eight (71.6%) presented in clinical stage I. Twenty-three (34.3%), 24 (35.8%) and 12 (17.9%) of the children were stunted, underweight and wasted respectively. The rate of undernutrition was found to be significantly related to the age of the child (p=0.03) and socioeconomic status of the family (p=0.02). Conclusion: The nutritional status of young children newly diagnosed with HIV infection was suboptimal and majority was stunted and underweight in our environment.
Data on a study conducted among children 2 to 10 years in Wamakko LGA of Sokoto, Nigeria. The stu... more Data on a study conducted among children 2 to 10 years in Wamakko LGA of Sokoto, Nigeria. The study determined the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and the endemicity of malaria in the community. It also measured the prevalence of clinical malaria, symptoms and determinants.
Correlation of serum and salivary lipids has been a recent topic to determine the relationship se... more Correlation of serum and salivary lipids has been a recent topic to determine the relationship serum and salivary lipids share, though still at the rudimentary stage, in order to have a better understanding of their relationship, the degree of accuracy, as well a validity test, need to be simultaneously checked. These have not been tested especially in children, as it has been tested in adults in the underdeveloped world, like Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Few studies discussed this entity in children even in the developed world.Objectives: To determine the correlation of serum and salivary lipids and their degree of accuracy as well the validity of the test.Settings and Design: Descriptive and cross-sectional.Materials and Methods: A total of 200 apparently healthy primary school children aged 5-12 years, who had no medical complaints or any major medical condition. The parameters assessed included serum and salivary; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipopr...
Sahel Medical Journal, 2017
Background: Malaria and HIV are important health problems in developing countries. They cause mor... more Background: Malaria and HIV are important health problems in developing countries. They cause more than 4 million deaths a year globally. The interaction of these two infections is both synergistic and bidirectional. We determined the prevalence of malaria coinfection in HIV-infected children attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of all HIV-infected children attending the ART clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, over a 5-year period was carried out. Malaria parasite was identified by Giemsa-stained blood films using a light microscopy. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The total numbers of children screened were 236. Of those, 73 (31%) had malaria/HIV coinfection. One hundred and twenty-one (51.3%) were males and 115 (48.7%) were females. The mean age of the children was 8.63 ± standard deviation 3.76 years (range of 1–17 years). Conclusions: The study shows ...
Research Journal of Health Sciences, 2015
Objective: Studies have reported high prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among pati... more Objective: Studies have reported high prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among patients with microalbuminuria. Both left ventricular hypertrophy and microalbuminuria (MA) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine the predictive value of spot urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) for echocardiography-based LVH in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: LVH was defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of >115g/m2 in males and >95g/m2 in females. Microalbuminuria was defined as ACR >30 mg/g and diagnostic value of MA for LVH assessed using X2 2by2 table and the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve plot. Results: Sixty six (48.5%) males and 70(51.5%) females with a mean age of 44.8(10.5 %) years were studied. Left ventricular hypertrophy was observed in 36.8% while 42.7% had MA. The prevalence of MA in those with LVH was 66%. Microalbuminuria showed a sensitivity of 64% and s...
Pediatrics, 2020
Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a threat to public health. Anti... more Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a threat to public health. Antibiotic stewardship is a practice dedicated to prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and, when antibiotics are considered necessary, promoting use of the appropriate agent(s), dose, duration, and route of therapy to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing the unintended consequences of antibiotic use. Because there are differences in common infectious conditions, drug-specific considerations, and the evidence surrounding treatment recommendations (eg, first-line therapy, duration of therapy) between children and adults, this statement provides specific guidance for the pediatric population. This policy statement discusses the rationale for inpatient and outpatient antibiotic stewardship programs; essential personnel, infrastructure, and activities required; approaches to evaluating their effectiveness; and gaps in knowledge that require further investigation. Key guidance for bo...
Malaria Journal, 2020
Background Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Africa. The... more Background Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Africa. There is inadequate information regarding malaria transmission-intensity in some of the worst-affected parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) was developed in 2006, to project estimates of malaria transmission intensity where this data is not available, based on the vector behaviour for malaria. Data from malariometric studies globally were obtained and modelled to provide prevalence estimates. The sensitivity of these maps, however, reduces with unavailability of data. This necessitates a validation of these maps locally, and investigation into alternative methods of predicting prevalence to guide malaria control interventions and improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This study was conducted to compare the true estimates in Sokoto, Nigeria, with the MAP projections for north-western Nigeria, and it proposes an alternative way of mapping malaria intensity ...
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 2020
Background: An important component of the first-trimester scan is nuchal translucency thickness a... more Background: An important component of the first-trimester scan is nuchal translucency thickness at 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days of gestation. A nuchal translucency ≥3.3 mm is a significant early pregnancy scan finding associated with Trisomies 13, 18, and 21 and congenital heart diseases. Aims: To determine the prevalence and outcome of increased fetal nuchal translucency among pregnant women. Subjects and Methods: A prospective cohort study at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto. This was a prospective study of 265 consecutively recruited women in the first trimester of pregnancy who presented to antenatal clinics over a 20-week period. An NT scan was conducted at 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days followed by an anomaly scan at 18–22 weeks. Patients were followed up to delivery and 6-week post-partum. The neonates were examined at delivery and at 6-week postnatal life. Data entry and analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 20. The level of significance was set at less than 0.05. Frequency distribution; student t-test and Chi-squared test. Results: The 95th percentile NT was 3.3 mm and the prevalence of increased NT above 3.3 mm was 3%. The mean maternal age of the participants was 28.1 ± 5.1 years and the modal parity was Para 0. The most common anomalies associated with increased NT were ventricular septal defect and spina bifida. A congenital anomaly was significantly associated with increased NT (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of increased fetal nuchal translucency is relatively high in our environment and is associated with congenital fetal defects. Routine screening with first-trimester ultrasound will help detect congenital anomalies early.
The Pan African medical journal, 2017
When breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet a child's nutritional needs, foods oth... more When breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet a child's nutritional needs, foods other than breast milk are introduced gradually into the baby's diet, first to complement breast feeding and progressively to replace it and get the child used to adult diet. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing complementary and weaning practices among women in rural communities of Sokoto state, Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional study. Using a multi-staged sampling technique, 296 mothers of children 6-24 months were recruited. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Chi square test was used to test associations between categorical variables. Binary logistic and multinomial regression was used to compute the determinants of complementary and weaning practices. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the State Ethical Committee. Timely introduction of complementary fee...
International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 2014
Background: The length of hospital stay for every neonate admitted for care is more often than no... more Background: The length of hospital stay for every neonate admitted for care is more often than not at the mercy of the parents/caregivers. Aims: To determine the pattern of request for discharge against medical advice of neonates. Methodology: A 5-year cross-sectional study at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. All babies that were discharged against medical advice (DAMA) between January, 2008 and December, 2012 were recruited. Both baby/maternal information and the indications for the discharge were documented. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 Results: Admission to SCBU for the period was found to be 2,426 (20.2%). Forty two (1.7%) babies were DAMA; males 17 (40.5%), females 25 (59.5%); M: F; 0.7:1.5. Twenty seven (64%) delivered in UDUTH, 15 (36%) outside the facility. Birth weights ranged from 1.0 – 4.8kg with mean SD of 3.03 ± 0.8. 36 (85.7%) were spontaneous vertex deliveries, and term babies accounted for 78.6%. Babies delivered vaginally had more DAMA. Birth asphyxia was the commonest diagnosis. The mean duration of hospital stay was 8.2 ± 5.4 days. Nineteen babies (45.2%) were DAMA in the first 8 days of admission, majority of these were from the low and middle income groups. Four neonates (9.5%) were re-admitted. The commonest reason for DAMA was financed (45.2%) and father was the main signatory to the DAMA (92.9%). Conclusions: Discharge against medical advice remains a paediatric problem in the study area despite adequate counselling.
Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics, 2014
Background: Congenital malformation(s) do occur in newborns and are thought to be often responsib... more Background: Congenital malformation(s) do occur in newborns and are thought to be often responsible for a significant proportion of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objective: This prospective study was designed to determine the pattern and outcome of congenital malformation(s) among newborn deliveries admitted to the special care baby unit (SCBU) of the
International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 2014
The Pan African medical journal, 2014
Early infant diagnosis (EID) provides a critical opportunity to strengthen follow-up of HIV-expos... more Early infant diagnosis (EID) provides a critical opportunity to strengthen follow-up of HIV-exposed children and early access to antiretroviral treatment. The study is designed to determine PCR pattern of HIV- exposed infants. A 2-year cross-sectional study at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. All pregnant women that presented to our ANC between January, 2011 and December, 2012 were screened for HIV; confirmation for seropositivity was from a positive ELISA and then a Western Blot assay. PCR was done for all the HIV-exposed babies at 6-8 weeks of age. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Otal delivery was 6,578. One hundred and sixty three babies from 162 mothers were HIV-exposed; 88 males, 75 females, with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Eighty eight (54.0%) of the mothers were on HAART before pregnancy; 63 (39.0%) commenced HAART during pregnancy while, 12 (7.0%) never received HAART. Three (1.8%) of the HIV-exposed babies had ...
Background: Malaria is caused by one of five currently known Plasmodium parasite species causing ... more Background: Malaria is caused by one of five currently known Plasmodium parasite species causing disease in humans. While modelling has provided information of the vector, the same is not entirely the case for the parasite. The World Malaria reports of 2014 to 2016 reported 100% of confirmed cases from Nigeria being due to Plasmodium falciparum. Generally, about 98% of cases of uncomplicated malaria in most regions surveyed in Nigeria recently is due to P. falciparum, with the remainder being due to P. malariae. This study aimed to determine the proportions of Plasmodium parasites causing uncomplicated malaria in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, north-western Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted during the rainy season and dry season in north-western Nigeria. The area has a ‘local steppe’ climate and Sudanian Savannah vegetation. Sampling was via multistage cluster sampling. Selected participants were examined for pallor, palpa...
Sahel Medical Journal, 2007
Objective: With paucity of documentation of congenital clinical malaria in the world literature, ... more Objective: With paucity of documentation of congenital clinical malaria in the world literature, we therefore aimed to review its rates, presentation, management and out come of this problem in neonates at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Methodology: This prospective study was carried out in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria over a 10- month period; (January 2006 to October, 2006). The study populations were the admitted neonates to the emergency paediatric unit and the Special Care Baby Unit that presented with fever and other clinical features suggestive of malaria and/or septicaemia. Diagnosis of malaria was by Giemsa stain on blood smears and that of septicaemia was by positive blood culture. Results: 162 babies [aged ≤28days] were admitted with fever amongst other clinical features during this period. 156 (96%) of the babies admitted, 82 (53%) were males, and 74 (47%) females, giving a M: F ratio of 1.2:1, and these were positive for malaria parasite alone. Of the babies with the specific morbidity of clinical neonatal malaria, 68(44%) were aged seven days or below, and were considered to be congenital. Our encountered incidence was high; 50 per 1000 live births. The mean (SD) birth weight was 2.76(0.28) kg, mean (SD) gestational age, 39.24 (1.18) weeks and mean (SD) temperature 38.4(0.5) 0 C. Plasmodium falciparum trophozoites were the only species observed in this study. There was no recorded case of transfusion malaria. The postnatal age group of 0-7 days was the commonest age group at which the neonates were admitted. The distribution of malaria density was in favour of malaria density (+), 39(57%). Fever was the commonest (100%) presentation followed by refusal of feeds (93%) and irritability (76%). Of the 68 babies in the study group, 32(47%) were delivered to pimiparas. The subjects were treated with arthemeter-lumenfantrine tablets for three days. No baby in the study group died. However, 6 babies that had both neonatal malaria and septicaemia died while, 5 babies that were negative for both malaria parasite and blood culture but with worsening clinical signs and persistent fever also died despite adequate treatment for possible septicaemia and malaria. Conclusion: Although no mortality occurred in congenital clinical malaria, however, a diverse pattern of morbidity was shown. There is the need for continuing health education to increase the awareness amongst pregnant mothers of the importance of ante natal clinic visits for prescription of malaria chemoprophylaxis. The efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine combination in the treatment of clinical congenital malaria is strongly highlighted. Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 10 (1) 2007: pp. 24-28
Sahel Medical Journal, 2011
Background : Implications of continuing HIV/AIDS pandemic in Nigeria is very grave for children. ... more Background : Implications of continuing HIV/AIDS pandemic in Nigeria is very grave for children. Lack of financial resources means care of children with HIV/AIDS is exceedingly difficult to provide. We described the clinical pattern and highlight the problems in the management of HIV/AIDS in children seen in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria over a two-year period. Methods : This prospective study was carried out between 1st January 2001 and 31st December 2002. The clinical presentation of each patient satisfying the WHO diagnostic criteria for paediatrics HIV/AIDS, admitted consecutively into our Emergency Paediatrics Unit (EPU) was documented. Laboratory diagnosis was by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for HIV- I and HIV- II in affected children and their mothers while confirmatory test was by Western blot. Treatment of each patient was individualised. Results : A total of 41 children with HIV/AIDS were admitted into EPU over the study period. There were 22 males and 19 females with ratio of 1.2:1. Age ranged from 0.25 years to 14 years with mean (SD) of 1.5 (2.2) years. Forty - one (97.6%) patients were aged 5 years and below. Modes of transmission were vertical in 40 (97.6%), while 1 (2.4%) was by homosexual abuse. The commonest clinical feature was weight loss in 41 (100%), followed by fever (>one month) 39 (95%), chronic diarrhoea 39 (95%), recurrent cough 37 (90%) and oro-pharyngeal candidiasis 35 (85%) in that order. Thirty- six (87.8%) patients had protein – energy malnutrition (PEM), marasmus constituting 58%. Thirtytwo (78%) patients were in WHO clinical stage 3 while the remaining 9 (22%) patients were in stage 4. The main types of infections were oral candidiasis, pneumonia, malaria, septicaemia, urinary tract infections, and tuberculosis. Case fatality rate was 91%. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was not freely available to children during the period of our study. Conclusion : The mortality of these antiretroviral naive HIV/AIDS children was very high. It is anticipated that current availability of HAART to children free of charge would improve the outcome of HIV/AIDS in this group.
Sahel Medical Journal, 2006
Objective : To determine the birth weight of apparently healthy newborns delivered at Usmanu Danf... more Objective : To determine the birth weight of apparently healthy newborns delivered at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. The criteria were booked mothers, mothers with regular menstrual cycles, availability of mother's last menstrual period ± report of an obstetric ultrasound scan and absence of first trimester vaginal bleeding. Maternal weight, height, birth order and socioeconomic status were also obtained. 253 babies were enrolled. Results : There were 131 males and 122 females giving a male: female ratio of 1.1:1. Gestational age by maternal dates ranged from 28 to 44 weeks. There was a consistent increase in mean values of weight as the gestational age increased. The mean (SEM) weight for 24 babies of 42 weeks had mean (SEM) weight of 3668.48(106.63) grams. The mean birth weight of the 253 infants in the study was 2472grams. Social class effect on birth weights recorded showed a higher birth weight series for social class I and II, and least for social class IV. Conclusion : These findings are at variance from studies elsewhere within the country. The birth weight remains an important factor for a continuing re-appraisal of any nation's health care delivery system. Keywords : birth weight, healthy Nigeria newborns, UDUTH, Sokoto Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 9(1) 2006: 19-22
Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a metabolic enzyme involved in the pentos... more Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a metabolic enzyme involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, its especially important in red blood cell metabolism. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is an X-linked recessive hereditary disease characterised by abnormally low levels of G6PD. About 400 million people worldwide have a deficiency of this enzyme. The remarkable geographic correlation of G6PD deficiency distribution with historical endemicity patterns of malaria has led to suggestions that the two could be linked. Some studies have concluded that G6PD deficiency confers resistance to malaria. Objective: To determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency, and determine its relationship with prevalence and incidence of P. falciparum infection among children in Uganda. Methods: This was longitudinal study involving 245 children, 135 were actively followed up for 12 months. G6PD status was assessed for using PCR-RFLP method. A thick smear was done to determine presence of plasmodium trophozoites and parasite densities. Results: A total of 245 children between 6 months and 9 years were recruited. Of these 46.5% were males. Overall prevalence for the X-linked G6PD A-mutation was; 79.59% wild type, 12.65% heterozygous and 7.76% homozygous or hemizygous. Among the males 14% were hemizygous. At baseline, 40.8% had asymptomatic P falciparum infection. There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence and incidence rates of malaria infection among the different G6PD genotypes with prevalence among heterozygous, homozygous, and wild type being 29%, 42.6% and 43% respectively (p = 0.11) and incidence among heterozygous and wild type being 0.56 and 0.52 episodes/year (p = 0.5). The heterozygous G6PD A-females had a lower parasite density compared to the wild type (2505 vs 941 parasites/μL; P = 0.024). Conclusions: This study showed that 20.41% of the population in this part of Uganda carry the G6PD A-mutation, within the range of 15-32% seen in other parts of Africa. P. falciparum infection incidence and prevalence rates are similar among the G6PD genotypes though, once infected, P. falciparum parasite densities are lowest among G6PD A-heterozygous females. This suggests differences in P. falciparum infection rates and severity of disease could be mediated by differences in parasite densities among the different G6PD genotypes.