Postnatal foot length in the estimation of gestational age in relation to intrauterine growth pattern among Nigerian neonates

Objectives: To determine the relationship between postnatal foot lengths and estimated gestational age (EGA) in relation to intrauterine growth patterns determined at birth among Nigerian neonates. Design: Hospital-based, cross-sectional. Setting: Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria. Participants: 260 neonates with EGA 30- 42 weeks within 48 hours of life. Interventions: Postnatal foot lengths (FL) were measured with Vernier digital calliper in millimetres. The intra-uterine growth pattern was determined using the Lubchenco chart. Pearson correlation and regression analysis tests were performed. Main outcome measures: Postnatal foot length in relation to Intra-Uterine Growth Pattern. Results: The mean postnatal FL had a strong positive correlation with the EGA from 30 through 42 weeks (r = 0.855, p < 0.001). The overall mean foot length for preterm neonates was 65.44 (6.92) mm, while that of term neonates was 77.92 (4.24) mm. The linear regression equation was generated as: EGA = 9.43 + (0.37 × FL), p < 0.001. The EGA as measured by FL had the highest positive correlation with Small for Gestational Age (SGA) intra-uterine-growth pattern, followed by Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) and least by Large for Gestational Age (LGA) respectively (r = 0.936> 0.861 > 0.666). Conclusion: The postnatal foot length correlated well with estimated gestational age, and the correlation was best among SGA infants

Intraocular pressure values using icare® rebound tonometer and correlation with postconceptional age in premature infants

Purpose: This study aimed to determine a normative range of intraocular pressure (IOP) values measured with Icare rebound tonometer in premature infants and evaluate IOP variation over time and its correlation with the progression of postconceptional age (PCA). By doing so, we also evaluated advantages of this IOP-measuring method in this population when compared to more traditional methods. Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective study that included premature infants (gestational age ≤32 weeks) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca. The study took place between January and December 2021. IOP was measured using Icare tonometer on the occasion of the first retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening requested by the NICU and again after a two-week interval if PCA was still ≤37 weeks. IOP measurements were stopped at 37 weeks or if the infant was discharged. The evaluated outcomes were mean IOP values and their correlation with PCA. Results: Thirty-four eyes of 17 preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 29.4 ± 2.3 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1222.9 ± 361.9 gr were evaluated. The mean IOP registered was 16.1 ± 6.4 mmHg, with a median value of 15.3 mmHg. The top 90 mmHg. The average IOP reduction was 4.8 ± 6.7 mmHg (P = 0.0019) within the two-week interval of PCA.

Cord Blood Lipid Profile of Term and Preterm Newborns in a Tertiary Hospital in South East Nigeria: Relationship with Gestational Age and Birth Weight

Background: Early-onset atherosclerosis is a marker of future cardiovascular diseases. However, indicators of early dyslipidemia for primary prevention are generally lacking in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at describing the cord blood lipid profile among apparently healthy newborns in a tertiary hospital in Southeast Nigeria, and its relationship with gestational age and birth weight.Methods: Cross-sectional study of 167 consecutively recruited apparently well newborns in a tertiary hospital whose cord blood lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL ­C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL ­C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL ­C)) were assessed using an autoanalyzer (BiOLis 24i). Lipid variables were presented with descriptive statistics whereas their relationship with gestational age and birth weight was highlighted using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Dunnett's T3 Post Hoc analysis was used for pairwise comparisons.Results: The 167 newborns recruited included 15 (9%) moderate preterm, 46 (27.5%) late preterm and 106 (63.5%) term babies of which 79 (47.3%) were males and 88 (52.7%) were females. The number of recruited SGA, AGA and LGA were respectively 13 (7.8%), 142 (85%), 12 (7.2%). Mode of delivery was majorly vaginal delivery (69.5%) while the rest (30.5%) was by caesarean section. The median values (in mg/dL) of TC, TG, HDL ­C, LDL ­C and VLDL ­C were 60.0, 30.5, 29.0, 25.8 and 6.1 respectively, all within the normal international ranges. Triglycerides and VLDL-C had a moderate positive correlation with gestational age (rs = 0.4;p < 0.001) and were significantly higher in small-for-gestational-age newborns. Total cholesterol, HDL ­C, and LDL-C had a weak negative correlation with gestational age and birth weight (spearman rs˂-0.3). Birth weight, gestational age, and paternal age were the common predictors of lipid profile variability.Conclusion: The finding of a significant relationship between lipid variables with gestational age and birth weight underscores the need to clinically interpret these given the relationship. The relationship with paternal age is another interesting finding which needs to be replicated and the mechanism(s) elucidated.

Malformations fœtales diagnostiquées à l'échographie obstétricale au CHU de Bouaké: à propos de 43 cas (Côte d'Ivoire) / Fetal Malformations diagnosed by Obstetrical Ultrasound at the University Hospital of Bouake : 43 cases reported (Cote d'Ivoire)

L'échographie obstétricale est l'examen de référence dans l'étude et le suivi des malformations fœtales que sont des anomalies morphologiques et fonctionnelles congénitales. L'objectif était de déterminer la fréquence et les types de malformations fœtales diagnostiquées à l'échographie obstétricale à Bouaké. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale rétrospective descriptive de 2010 à 2019 au centre hospitalier et universitaire (CHU) de Bouaké. Ont été incluses dans l'étude, toutes les femmes enceintes ayant présenté au moins une malformation fœtale au cours de la grossesse. Les variables étudiées étaient : l'âge de la mère, l'âge gestationnel, le sexe du fœtus et les caractéristiques échographiques des malformations fœtales retrouvées. L'analyse statistique s'est faite à l'aide des tests de Khi2 et de Fisher au seuil de signifi cativité situé à 5% (P<005). Résultats : Les malformations fœtales représentaient 43 cas sur 11879 échographies obstétricales soit une prévalence de 0,36%. L'âge moyen des gestantes était de 40,23 ± 6,34 ans avec des extrêmes de 16 et 43 ans. Les malformations fœtales découvertes au troisième trimestre représentaient 67,44% des cas. Les anomalies malformatives prédominaient sur les fœtus de sexe masculin avec 62,8%. Les anomalies du système nerveux central (SNC) étaient les plus représentées avec 51,16 % suivies des anomalies uro-génitales (30,23 %). L'hydrocéphalie était la principale malformation du SNC avec 63,63% des cas. L'hydronéphrose représentait 76,93% des anomalies uro-génitales et l'omphalocèle était la malformation abdominale la plus représentée avec 60% des cas. Conclusion: L'échographie obstétricale occupe une place incontournable dans le dépistage, le suivi et la prise en charge des malformations fœtales

Association of socioeconomic status with adverse birth outcomes at the Women and Newborn Hospital of the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Low socioeconomic status has generally been associated with adverse birth outcomes worldwide. Adverse birth outcomes significantly contribute to perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide with some literatures showing conflicting results. At Women and New-born Hospital in Zambia, this relationship had remained unclear among women who experienced poor neonatal outcome; hence the study was done to explore this association between socioeconomic status and adverse birth outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Secondary data from ZAPPS study that had been collected prospectively between August 2015 and September 201 7 was retrieved. Altogether, 1,450 participants' information was retrieved, out of which 1,084 data records were set out for analysis after excluding those not meeting eligibility criteria. Socioeconomic status was an explanatory variable which was estimated using the standardized wealth score derived from principal component analysis of 14 variables. The wealth quintiles were further categorised into poor and not poor. Response variables were low birth weight, preterm birth and small for gestation age. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis and p value< 0.05 was significant Results: This study found the incidences of SGA, LBW and preterm births to be 164, 124 and 13 5 per 1000 live births respectively. In survival analysis, the proportion of babies who survived LBW among mothers who were poor was lower (82.9%) compared to babies born to rich mothers (87.5%) (p-value = 0.189). Furthermore, the proportion of babies who survived SGA for the poor was lower (79 .1 % ) compared to babies born to none poor mothers (85.8%) (p-value = 0.032) and preterm birth for the poor (78.4%) compared to babies born to mothers who were rich (83 .6%) (p-value = 0.022). In multiple Cox regression analysis socioeconomic status was not a significant risk factor for SGA ( aHR = 1.08; 95% CI; p=0.099), LBW and preterm birth (aHR = 1.17; 95% CI; p= l.41). However, male babies (aHR = 1.80; 95% CI; p=0.012), domestic violence or abuse during pregnancy (aHR = 3.48; 95% CI [1.59 - 7.34]; p = 0.002) and maternal anaemia (aHR = 2.1; 95% CI; p = 0.019) were risk factors for SGA while prior preterm birth ( aHR = 2.02; 95% CI; p = 0.002), HIV infection (aHR = 1.22; 95% CI; p = 0.040) and anaemia (aHR = 1.37; 95% CI; p = 0.009) were predictors of preterm delivery. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant association between low socioeconomic status and adverse birth outcomes although being pregnant with a male baby, HIV infection, anaemia and prior preterm birth were significantly associated with SGAand preterm

Normative references of fetal chest circumference in a Nigerian population

A linear relationship between gestational age and fetal thoracic size has been observed, with growth occurring at a regular rate from 16 to 40 weeks.Objective: To determine the fetal chest circumference in normal late second and third-trimester pregnancies in a Nigerian population.Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on gravid women with normal singleton pregnancies at 22 ­ 38 weeks gestational age. We recruited 440 eligible gravid women. The fetal gestational age was estimated from the last menstrual period and an early first trimester ultrasound report (< 10 weeks). The fetal chest circumference was measured on an axial view of the fetal chest after ensuring adequate visualisation of the four cardiac chambers, both fetal lungs and ribs. The other fetal biometric parameters were determined using the previously established guidelines. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were used as appropriate. Statistical tests were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 29.8 ± 4.6 years (range = 18-45 years). The chest circumference of the fetuses ranged from 16.56 ± 0.29 cm to 30.87 ± 6.88 cm. The fetal chest circumferences increased with advancing gestational age (16.56 ± 0.29 cm at 22 weeks to 30.87 ± 6.88 cm at 37 weeks gestational age). There was strong positive correlation between chest circumference and menstrual gestational age (r=0.85, p=<0.0001), biparietal diameter (r=0.88, p<0.0001), abdominal circumference (r=0.90, p<0.0001) and fetal length (r=0.88, p<0.0001).Conclusion: The fetal chest circumference grew as the pregnancy progressed. There was a positive linear correlation between fetal chest circumference and menstrual gestational age as well as the other fetal biometric parameters.

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

Caractéristiques cliniques de la dégénérescence maculaire chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH / Clinical characteristics of macular degeneration in people living with HIV

Objectif : Décrire les caractéristiques cliniques de la dégénérescence maculaire (DM) chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH).Patients et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude observationnelle menée dans le service d'infectiologie du CHU de Libreville. Il était inclus les adultes âgés de plus de 17 ans, vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) type 1 et ayant le même protocole thérapeutique antirétroviral. Les paramètres recueillis étaient l'âge, le sexe, le taux de CD4, l'ancienneté de l'infection au VIH, le délai de mise sous traitement antirétroviral et les lésions rétiniennes en rapport avec la DM. Les paramètres des PVVIH sans DM (DM-) étaient comparés à ceux avec DM (DM+) (p < 0,05). Résultats : L'enquête avait concerné 772 personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) dont 30 avaient présenté une DM+, soit une fréquence de 4%. La moyenne d'âge des DM+ était de 50,3 ± 12,8 ans et celle des DM- de 44,9 ± 10,8 ans (0,0083).Le sex-ratio était de 0,3 chez les DM+ et de 0,24 chez les DM- (p = 0,5950). Parmi les DM+, 28 avaient une forme intermédiaire et 2 une forme tardive. Il n'existait pas de différence significative entre l'ancienneté de l'infection à VIH (p = 0,1599), le taux de CD4 (p = 0,8666) et le délai de mise sous traitement antirétroviral (p = 0,9040) entre les deux groupes (DM+, DM- ).Conclusion : Ce travail permet de constater que la dégénérescence maculaire chez les PVVIH est fréquente et précoce,avec une prédominance de la forme intermédiaire

Objective: To describe the clinicals characteristics of macular degeneration (MD) in people living with HIV.Patients and methods: This was an observational study carried out in the infectious disease department of the University Hospital of Libreville. It was included adults over the age of 17, living with type 1 HIV (PLHIV) and having the same antiretroviral therapy protocol. The parameters collected were age, gender, CD4 count, age of HIV infection, time to antiretroviral treatment, and retinal lesions related to MD. The PLHIV were divided into two groups, those without MD (MD-) and those with MD (MD+ ) (p <0.05).Results: The survey concerned 772 people living with HIV (PLHIV), of whom 30 presented with MD+, either a frequency of 4%. The mean age of DM+ was 50.3 ± 12.8 years and that of MD- 44.9 ± 10.8 years (0.0083). The sex ratio was 0.3 in DM+ and 0.24 in DM- (p = 0.5950). Of the MD+, 28 had an intermediate form and 2 had a late form. There was no significant difference between the age of HIV infection (p = 0.1599), CD4 count (p = 0.8666) and time to antiretroviral treatment (p = 0.9040) between the two groups (MD+, MD-).Conclusion: This work has shown that macular degeneration in PLHIV is frequent and early, with a predominance of theintermediate form

Factors associated with reduced foetal movements in Iringa, Tanzania

Introduction: Maternal perception of foetal movement ensures foetal wellbeing. Reduced foetal movement is associated with foetal hypoxia, stillbirths, and intrauterine foetal growth restriction (IUFGR). This study aimed at assessing factors that are associated with maternal perception of reduced foetal movements. Method: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital from 1st January ­ 30th June 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used, and SPSS version 25 software was used for data analysis. Results: 41.3 % of study participants were aged 24 ­ 34 years, with a mean and SD of 29.08 ±7.53. 75% were not employed, 52.8 % of study participants delivered from 37 ­ 42 weeks of gestational age, 66.1% had a posterior placenta and only 24.0 % had an anterior placenta. Women who delivered at 28 ­ 36 weeks of gestational age were about 4 times more likely to experience reduced foetal movement compared to those who delivered at 37 ­ 42 weeks of gestation (AOR=4.162, 95% CI 2.174 - 7.966, p= =0.0067). Conclusion: Reduced foetal movements are associated with lower gestation age at delivery and decreased antenatal clinic attendance in Iringa, Tanzania. All pregnant women should be encouraged to make early antenatal clinic attendance and should attend adequate visits. Healthcare providers should educate and create awareness on methods of assessing foetal movements.

Extraperitoneal (RT) Renal Ectopia ­ asymptomatic case report

Renal ectopia anatomically results from altered migration of kidneys to their normal position in the lumbar region. Few case reports have been reported in literature. Visceral-tissue variation was in form of quadratus lumborum and psoas major in place of the RT kidney. A 21 year old female with positive HCG (pregnancy test) presented for radiological (ultrasound) confirmation of cyesis, though no sonic evidence of gravidae was observed (< 5 wks GA); confirmatory ectopic kidney was diagnosed on completion of ultrasound. This report underscores the importance of imaging the RT groin and illiac region before surgical intervention thus preventing iatrogenic injury genesis. Treatment of this condition will depend on the functional capacity of the kidney, while nephrectomy is recommended for 'static' non-functional kidneys. Non-complicated cases and anatomic variation can be managed conservatively

Clinical Abdominal Palpation for Predicting Oligohydramnios in Suspected Prolonged Pregnancy

Objective. In view of the scarcity of ultrasound in low-resource settings; to evaluate abdominal palpation for prediction of oligohydramnios in suspected prolonged pregnancy; using the ultrasound-obtained amniotic fluid index (AFI) as a gold standard; taking into account maternal and fetal factors that may affect amniotic fluid volume. Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital; Johannesburg; South Africa; on women referred from midwife-run clinics with suspected gestational age ?41 weeks. Eligible women had their AFI measured; then had abdominal palpation by the researcher; who was blinded to exact gestational age and AFI findings. Palpation focused on ballottability of fetal parts; ease of feeling fetal parts; and impression of fetal compaction. Gestational age was then recalculated using information from earlier ultrasound scans and menstrual dates. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed with oligohydramnios (AFI 5 cm) as the dependent variable.Results. Of 100 women; 45 had a recalculated gestational age ?41 weeks. Twenty-three had oligohydramnios. Gestational age was a significant independent predictor for oligohydramnios (odds ratio (OR) 1.78; 95 confidence interval (CI) 1.08 - 2.94). The only component of palpation significantly associated with oligohydramnios; after adjustment for gestational age; was non-ballottability of the presenting part (adjusted OR 4.02; 95 CI 1.05 - 15.4). Non-ballottability had a sensitivity and specificity for oligohydramnios of 87 and 40; respectively; with a negative predictive value of 91.Conclusion. When ultrasound is not available; ballottability of the presenting part may have value for excluding oligohydramnios and assisting clinical decisions in suspected prolonged pregnancy

Cornual molar ectopic pregnancy: a case report with difficult management in poor resources settings

Molar pregnancy is a rare entity and ectopic location of pregnancy in the uterine horn represents the least frequent site of implantation. This paper presents a rare case of molar cornual ectopic pregnancy at advanced gestational age with a particular difficulty in diagnosis and management. A 35-year-old woman; gravida 4 para 3 with a history of 12 weeks amenorrhea; was operated for presumed ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Per-operative findings showed swollen villi in clusters that looked like bunches of grapes; characteristic of a complete hydatiform mole; located at the left horn of the uterus. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. Bleeding could not be controlled with suturing and hysterectomy was eventually done. Although rare; molar pregnancy can be ectopic. If it is located at the uterine horn; bleeding may be difficult to control if at a gestational age of 12 weeks or more

Proximate Predictors of early Antenatal Registration among Nigerian Pregnant Women

Background : Provision of antenatal care (ANC) is included in the pillars of maternal health care promoted as effective answers to maternal mortality. Early antenatal registration has been linked with optimal utilization and appreciable reduction of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the profile and possible predictors of pregnant women who presented early for antenatal registration. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among 796 women presented for antenatal registration at a tertiary hospital. Information was obtained by a self-administered open- and closed-ended questionnaire and analyzed with Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) 12.0 software. Results : The mean gestational age at booking was 20 weeks. Univariate analysis showed that first trimester booking was significantly with more educated women; professionals; women of lower parity and those who have had previous stillbirths (P 0.05). Low parity (OR 1.76; 95CI 2.79-1.11) and previous stillbirth (OR 2.97; 95CI 1.61-5.51) were significant predictors of early booking on multivariate analysis. Conclusion : Long-term advocacy and investment in female education will contribute significantly to primary prevention of late or non-attendance of ANC. Pre-conception clinics and community awareness campaigns would be necessary tools to reach these women and encourage them to register early when pregnant

The Incidence; Pattern and Management Outcomes of Early Pregnancy Losses at the Ebony State University Teaching Hospital; Abakaliki

Background: Early pregnancy losses are a source of deep emotional trauma to any woman; her family and the attending Gynaecologist. This study evaluated the prevalence; pattern and management outcomes of such losses at a tertiary Health Institution. Methods: Data of all women who suffered early pregnancy losses between 1st January; 2002 and 31st December; 2004; were reviewed in a descriptive study. Information obtained from their case notes which related to the early pregnancy event; their socio demographics; obstetric history and management outcomes were collated. Univariate analysis was performed and frequency tables and figures were constructed where appropriate. Results: Early pregnancy losses comprised miscarriages; molar pregnancy and ectopic gestations accounted for 32.1of all gynaecological admissions during the period. Miscarriages were the commonest diagnosis and incomplete abortion constituted the bulk of this. Women of all parities were involved but rate of loss increased down the socio economic class strata. Majority were unbooked. A maternal mortality rate of 1.8attended all forms of early pregnancy losses during the period. Conclusion: Early pregnancy loss constitutes a major gynaecological problem in our centre. Health care providers must institute prompt and appropriate clinical management for a good clinical outcome

A Pilot Study of the Normal Sonographic Measurements of the Liver in Normal Pregnant Women in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital; South South Nigeria

Background: The liver is affected by the various processes that occur during pregnancy. Ultrasound assessment of the intra abdominal organs during pregnancy is done on a daily basis. We want to determine the normal length of the liver by ultrasound scan in normal pregnant women in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital thus establishing normal and reference values and also to study the effect if any of the gestational age; parity and body mass index on the liver size. Materials And Methods: One hundred and fifty normal pregnant women were evaluated. The dimensions of the liver were measured in the midclavicular line. Other parameters such as the gestational age; parity and body mass index were obtained and a test of variance carried out. Results: The average longitudinal diameter of the liver (midclavicular line) was 14.21+1.82cm (median; 14.2 cm; range; 8.0-18.9 cm). Results of the multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between the liver length and body mass index but not with the parity and gestational age. Conclusion: This study will be of importance in the daily practice in the radiology and other clinical department in the assessment of the liver in pregnant women