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Biomedical subjects

R S Oruamabo

Publications and source records attributed to R S Oruamabo.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Neonatal tetanus in Port Harcourt.

In a previous study on neonatal tetanus (NNT), we provided information on clinico-epidemiological data and reported a case-fatality rate of 60.3%. The present report covers a 7-year period, January 1984 to December 1990, and amongst others, focuses on tetanus toxoid vaccine (TT) coverage of pregnant women. The subjects were those with a diagnosis of NNT and other neonatal admissions. Total neonatal admissions, NNT admissions, neonatal deaths, and NNT deaths were: 4,315, 471, 727, and 221 respectively. The overall NNT case-fatality rate was 46.9%. The highest NNT admission rate was in the third quarter of 1984, with a significant decline subsequently except for the increase in 1989. The neonatal tetanus rate began dropping appreciably from 1988 although less than 10% of the mothers in 1990 received two doses of TT. The improper immunization of the mothers during pregnancy with TT is worrying particularly several years into the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), more so as the experience is not unique to Port Harcourt. We suggest intervention at the community level, operational research, and ethnographic studies to determine possible underlying factors to be carried out in all health zones of the country.

Female↗
PubMed1993

Childhood convulsions: a hospital survey on traditional remedies.

A study of one hundred and thirty five children with convulsions admitted in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria over a 15-month period, October 1986 to December 1987 showed that 65 (48%) of the children received some traditional remedy at home prior to presentation in hospital. Crude oil and palm kernel oil either singly or in combination were the most commonly administered remedies. The central nervous system was more affected by remedies containing crude oil than others (P < 0.05). Administration of cow's urine to convulsing children, reported from other parts of Nigeria, was not observed in the present study and would appear to be uncommon in this part of the country.

Central Nervous System Diseases↗
PubMed1989

Antenatal care and fetal outcome, especially low birthweight, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

A total of 820 singleton babies and 73 babies from multiple births were studied, all born in a 7-month period in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. At birth, 8.9% of the singleton babies and 70% of those of multiple birth weighed less than 2500 g. Maternal factors significantly associated with increased incidence of low birthweight were antepartum haemorrhage, short stature, age and parity. However, the effects of these were nullified by antenatal care. Amongst the babies, the major contributory factor was intrauterine growth retardation, the cause of which in most cases was not apparent and was not affected by antenatal care. We suggest that a lot more attention be focussed on this category of low-birthweight babies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Anthropometric indices in singleton term neonates and their possible value in predicting some metabolic problems: a preliminary study.

We studied possible sources of variations in selected anthropometric indices and their relationship to neonatal metabolic problems in seventy-four singleton neonates born at an approximate gestation of 40 weeks, by selected anthropometry. There were significant differences particularly in values obtained for birth weight, mid upper arm circumference, chest circumference and the Ponderal Index. At the moment it is not possible to set discriminant values on any of the anthropometric indices as this will require a much larger sample size, however the authors believe that the use of anthropometry in predicting metabolic problems in neonates has some potential and serial measurements of particularly chest circumference, mid upper arm circumference and the Ponderal Index could form the basis of future studies.

Anthropometry↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Survival in very low birthweight infants at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Between January 1984 and December 1987, 1509 singleton neonates were admitted into Special Care Baby Unit at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital; 29(1.9%) of these were Extreme Low Birthweight (ELBW), 86(5.7%) were Very Low Birthweight (VLBW), 406(26.9%) were Low Birthweight (LBW) and 988 (65.5%) were Normal Birthweight (NBW) infants. Survival rates in the four categories were 10.3%, 46.5%, 89.2% and 94.7% respectively. Factors which significantly influenced survival in the VLBW infants included higher mean birthweight (p less than 0.01) longer mean gestation (p less than 0.001) and lower incidence of birth asphyxia (p less than 0.02 with Yates's correction). Furthermore the survivors were significantly more mature for their gestation than those who died (p = 0.008, Fisher's Exact test). Care of the VLBW infant is not beyond the capabilities of Special Care Baby units in developing countries. In the light of our report, survival of Low Birthweight infants is a strong reflection of that of VLBW infants and survival of this category of babies could be improved by instituting general measures such as those aimed at reducing the incidence of LBW in the environment and by specific measures like carrying out prompt and effective resuscitation of the asphyxiated neonate and preventing sepsis.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mortality in infants of birthweight 2500g and above: a hospital-based review in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

In order to study mortality patterns among full-grown infants, the records of all babies of birthweight 2500g and above admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, over a three-year period were retrieved and examined. There was a total of 1519 admissions during the period, 878 (58%) of whom weighed 2500g and above, and 39 of these full-grown babies died. Common associated findings among infants who died were birth asphyxia and congenital malformations. Furthermore birth asphyxia occurred more commonly among the large and mature babies and was a significant cause of first week deaths. It should be possible to reduce the magnitude of wastage of this group of babies by encouraging pregnant women to make use of the available facilities. High risk pregnancies should be recognised promptly and above all there should be intimate cooperation among all those involved in delivery and care of the newborn; paediatricians, midwives, obstetricians and anaesthetists.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Determinants of tetanus toxoid immunization of parturient women: a community-based study in Rivers State of Nigeria.

A community-based study carried out in the Rivers State of Nigeria on tetanus toxoid immunization status of parturient women showed a complete, partial and no coverage status of 41.2, 17.0 and 41.8 per cent respectively of women surveyed. Formal education to the secondary school level was very strongly associated with complete coverage status (p < 0.001). Also of importance was the peculiar geographical terrain of the state since the place of obstacles as a negative factor was significantly more pronounced among the riverine community (p < 0.001). Generally, communities in the state will require more logistics support than elsewhere in the country for any intervention measure to have an appreciable impact and on the long term the institution of measures aimed at raising the literacy level of the population as a whole will bring about overall improvement in the vaccine coverage in the state.

Educational Status↗