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Biomedical subjects

M Mphahlele

Publications and source records attributed to M Mphahlele.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1982

Determination of the mode of transmission of cholera in Lebowa. An epidemiological investigation.

In early November 1981 an epidemic of cholera broke out in the Mokerong district of Lebowa. A large proportion of patients originated from the village of Moletlane. A matched-pair case-control study was conducted in the village at the height of the epidemic (18-24 November), and the investigation revealed that the consumption of water from the Gumpies River was significantly more common among cholera patients than among matched controls. The drinking of water sold by water-vendors was also positively associated with an increased risk of contracting cholera.

Cholera↗
PubMed1982

Dietary restriction for the prevention of disproportion and obstructed labour among the Pedis of yester-year.

The practice of Pedi midwives of yester-year of restricting the food intake of expectant mothers to prevent difficult labour due to large babies producing disproportion, is described. This practice is currently being investigated scientifically. Although teaching in the UK 4 decades ago recognized increase of weight in pregnant women as one of the easily detectable indications of pre-eclampic toxaemia, restriction of diet to prevent 'disproportion' in labour was not considered important.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1981

The epidemiology and geographical distribution of trachoma in Lebowa.

The prevalence of active trachoma and its potentially blinding sequelae have been estimated in ten settlements scattered throughout rural Lebowa. The disease represents a major public health problem only in northern Lebowa where 25% of subjects over 60 years of age were found to be suffering form visual disability as a result of the infection. Although the disease is endemic in most other parts of lebowa it rarely causes blindness and impaired vision. A rational approach to the control of trachoma in the area which takes into account both local considerations and recent advances in the knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Fetal wastage and 'bad obstetric history' in a developing country.

An analysis of a prospective study of 82 patients with 'bad obstetric history' is presented. Sixty-four babies were born alive, 11 did not survive, and 7 mothers were lost to the study. The patients had had a total of 402 pregnancies (including the pregnancy under study). The study revealed the difficulty of pin-pointing the causes of or factors involved in the previous fetal loss. Organic and socio-economic factors combine to cause abortion, premature labour or stillbirth. It is pointed out that enough emphasis has been placed on bad obstetric history as an important cause of fetal wastage. Even in simple maternity wings lacking modern sophisticated equipment for monitoring patients during the antenatal period or in labour commendable results can be obtained, at the cost of a long stay in hospital to improve the general state of health.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1977

The challenge of obstetrics in a developing country.

For the 13 months between 1 May 1975 and 31 May 1976 a prospective study was made in a maternity wing of a hospital in a developing country. Out of 2196 mothers who gave birth, 278 were classified as requiring special care. The rate of caesarean section showed a steep fall, from 30,76% in 1967 to 2,98% in 1976. The rate for the present series was just over 3%. The series has highlighted the challenges the obstetrician has to meet in a developing country. Patients with pre-eclampsia rank high in the admissions, as do patients with a bad obstetric history, Venereal disease is commonly encountered and requires adequate treatment. Lack of adequate medical services is among the important factors responsible for the obstetric difficulties encountered. Lack of communication and transport facilities aggravates the problems of midwives and obstetricians in developing countries. This study shows how a simple plan and hard work by all concerned can achieve commendable results in spite of the overwhelming inadequacies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Obstructed labour at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia - April 1972 - December 1973.

Sixty-three cases of obstructed labour encountered at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia, are analysed for the period April 1972 - December 1973. For the same period there were 27 348 deliveries and 1 432 Caesarean sections. The management of choice was Caesarean section, because of a lack of experienced medical staff and the poor results obtained, together with the serious complications which follow destructive operations before vaginal deliveries. Eighty-five per cent of the babies were delivered alive. There was no maternal death. Twenty-six mothers remained in hospital for longer than 10 days. There was 1 case of a burst abdomen.

Arm↗
PubMed1975

Clinical experience of eclampsia at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka. An analysis of 50 cases.

A clinical analysis of 50 cases of eclampsia for the period June 1971-June 1973 is presented. During the same period there were 32 011 deliveries--an incidence of 0,156%. Of these 50 cases, only 8 were booked. There were 40 primigravidas. The highest number of fits recorded in any one patient was 6, and 13 patients has had fits before admission. Thirty-four patients were in established labour on admission. Only 12 patients had postpartum fits. The basis of management was heavy sedation, anticonvulsant therapy and emptying of the uterus as soon as it could be achieved. Biochemical studies and urine production measurements were important supplementary measures. Twenty patients achieved vaginal delivery and 3 had symphysiotomy, assisted by vacuum extraction, low forceps and midcavity forceps, to complete the delivery. Seventeen patients were delivered by Caesarean section. The remaining 10 had vaginal delivery assisted by vacuum extraction. One mother did not survive. Of the 51 babies, 7 did not survive the neonatal period, and 4 were stillborn.

Adolescent↗