Ferritin concentrations in low-birth babies in South-west Nigeria

In the absence of acute phase reaction, ferritin concentration has been used as a standard measurement of iron stores. Low birth weight babies are at risk of developing iron lack because ferritin concentration at birth is influenced by duration of gestation, maternal iron status and conditions altering maternal­foetal iron exchange. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the ferritin concentrations of low birth weight babies in comparison with that of normal birth weight babies. Materials and methods: Fortyfour normal birth weight (NBW) babies and 40 low birth weight (LBW) babies were recruited for the study. About 1.0ml of venous blood was drawn aseptically from each subject into a micro EDTA tube, centrifuged at 5000rpm for 5 minutes, the plasma separated into cryotubes and stored at-20oC until ready for quantitative determination of ferritin concentrations using direct immunoenzymatic colorimetric method.Data obtained was analysed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS,version 23, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Gestational age correlated positively with ferritin concentrations in LBW neonates (p<0.05)while APGAR score correlatepositively with ferritin concentrations in normal birth weight babies (r=0.398; p<0.05). Thoug not statistically significant (p=0.214), median values for ferritin concentrations were 188.5µg/ dl and 373µg/dl for LBW and NBW neonates respectively. Conclusion: Gestational age correlated positively with ferritin concentrations in LBW neonates

Predictors of family functionality amongst human immunodeficiency virus-serodiscordant couples in two major hospitals in Kumasi, Ghana

Background: Family instability and partner conflicts are reportedly common in serodiscordant relationships. To date, the family adaptability, partnership, growth, affection and resolve (Family APGAR), a standardised tool for assessing family function, has not been used in any published literature involving this peculiar group. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of family functionality and its association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serodiscordance. Setting: The study was undertaken at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Method: This was a cross-sectional study. A systematic sampling method was used to select HIV-positive clients whose partners were seropositive (concordant) or seronegative (discordant). A standardised format was used to extract relevant data. All data were analysed using STATA® (version 14). Results were reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for study and outcome variables. Results: The study recruited 374 respondents, of which 52% (195) were in HIV-discordant relationships. Approximately 68% (254) of the respondents rated their families as functional, 15% (57) rated as moderately dysfunctional and 17% (63) rated as severely dysfunctional. A statistically significant relationship was found between family functionality and gender, as well as between family functionality and HIV status disclosure to the partner. No association was found between the Family APGAR and HIV serodiscordance. Conclusion: Amongst HIV couples, the strongest predictors of family functionality are gender and status disclosure. Healthcare providers should invest efforts into addressing gender-based challenges, utilise the Family APGAR and support disclosure of HIV status, especially amongst discordant couples

Influence de la co-infection paludéenne placentaire et VIH sur la biométrie et l'indice d'Apgar du nouveau - né à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo

Introduction: La co-infection VIH-paludisme est très fréquente dans les régions d'endémie palustre et de haute prévalence du VIH/SIDA. Dans les régions de paludisme stable, l'infection par le VIH augmente les risques de paludisme asymptomatique, d'accès palustre simple et de létalité liée à cette parasitose. Evaluer l'impact de la co-infection VIH et l'infection paludéenne placentaire sur les paramètres biométriques et l'indice d'Apgar du nouveau-né sont les objectifs de ce travail. Matériel et Méthodes: Nous avons conduit une étude transversale comparative. 146 VIH+ et 149 VIH-mères consentantes et leurs nouveau-nés ont été recrutés dans 7 Maternités de Kinshasa (RDC). Les biopsies placentaires examinées au Service d'anatomopathologie de l'Université de Kinshasa confirment la présence de trophozoïtes. Les tests Chi carré, exact de Fisher et le t-Student ont servi aux analyses statistiques des données Résultats: La prévalence de l'infection paludéenne placentaire était de 72%. Cette infestation était plus importante dans le groupe des mères VIH+ avec 91% vs 53,70% pour les mères VIH-(p<0,0001).La moyenne de poids de naissance (PN) des nouveau-nés nés des mères co-infectées était inférieure à celle des enfants nés de mères VIH-avec placentas infectés (3033 ±524 g vs 3236 ±565g, p=0,009). Les nouveau-nés dont l'Apgar à la 5ième minute était <7 sont tous nés de mères co-infectées (p=0,009). Conclusion: La co-infection VIH et paludisme placentaire des gestantes influence négativement le PN et l'Apgar à la 5ième minute des nouveau-nés

Assessment of Partogram use during Labour in Rujumbura Health Sub District; Rukungiri District; Uganda

Background: A partogram is a universal tool for monitoring labour. It is used for labour management in Rujumbura HSD; Rukungiri District. However; the District Health Officer reported only 30use of a partogram. The study intended to find out why the low use; and suggest strategies in scaling up. Objectives: To establish extent of use of a partogram; health facility and health workers' factors that affected its use during labour plus the relationship between foetal Apgar score and its use. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving observations; record reviews and interviewing of staff in 8 health facilities (4 Public and 4 Private Not For Profit) in Rujumbura HSD in Rukungiri district was conducted from May 23rd to 27th June 2008. It employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Results: The partogram was used in 69.9of deliveries. The partographs that fulfilled the standard monitoring of foetal heart rate were only 2. There were few trained health workers and lack of guidelines on partogram use. A good Apgar score was associated with standard foetal monitoring and was statistically significant (P 0.001). Conclusions and recommendations: There was poor use of partograms during labour mainly affected by health input factors. We recommended training of health workers on partogram use; provision of guidelines and adequate resources