Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria using the complete Amsel's diagnostic criteria

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women remains a cause for clinical concern among clinicians and health care professionals. BV has been linked to prenatal, antenatal and postnatal challenges in pregnant women. Information on prevalence of BV across trimesters of pregnancy is expected to give better clinical insight into the pathophysiology of this polymicrobial disorder. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of BV in pregnant women attending the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women (40 in each trimester of pregnancy) who had symptoms suggestive of BV, selected by systematic random sampling from among the women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) clinic of NAUTH, Nnewi. Each subject participant was examined by the attending clinician, and high vaginal swab (HVS) sample was collected for diagnostic analysis of BV using with complete Amsel's clinical criteria, which consists of three of the four criteria; (i) adherent and homogenous vaginal discharge, (ii) vaginal pH > 4.5, (iii) detection of clue cells on saline wet mount, and (iv) amine odor after the addition of potassium hydroxide (positive Whiff test). Results: The mean age of the 120 selected participants was 27.25±6.09 years. The age groups 25-29 (36.7%) and 20-24 years (33.3%) constituted the largest proportion, while age groups <20 (5.0%) and 40-45 years (5.0%) constituted the least. Of the 120 participants, 26 (21.7%) were positive for BV by the Amsel's criteria. Pregnant women in age group <20 years had the highest prevalence of BV (100%, 6/6), followed by those in the age groups 20-24 (27.5%), 40-45 (16.7%), 25-29 (15.9%), 30-34 (9.1%) and 35-39 years (0%) (X 2=28.063, p=0.0001). Prevalence of BV was significantly higher in single (unmarried) pregnant women (45.5%, X 2=4.038, p=0.045), women with primary school education level (66.7%, X 2=14.530, p=0.001), unemployed women (36.1%, X 2=13.278, p=0.0013), and nulliparous women [36.4%, X 2 (for trend) = 4.805, p=0.0274), while there was no significant difference in the prevalence of BV with relation to trimester of pregnancy (X 2=2.750, p=0.253). Conclusion: This study reveals a relatively high prevalence of BV and significant association with factors such as age group, education and occupational status among pregnant women attending NAUTH Nnewi. Regular screening of women for BV prenatally may enable appropriate interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes

Diabète gestationnel (DG) en consultation prénatale: dépistage systématique dans un centre de sante urbain de Conakry / Gestational Diabetes in Antenatal Consultation: Systematic Screening In an Urban Health Center of Conakry

Contexte. Pathologie obstétricale fréquente en Guinée, souvent de découverte fortuite, car il n'y a pas de dépistage systématique. L'objectif : était de déterminer la prévalence du diabète gestationnel (DG) en consultation prénatale dans un centre de santé urbain de la ville de Conakry. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective de type descriptif et analytique Elle a été menée au centre de santéde Koulewondy du 1er novembre 2019 au 29février 2020. Le dépistage était proposé à toutes les femmes enceintes entre 24 et 27 SA. Les comparaisons statistiques étaient à l'aide du test Chi2. Les différences étaient considérées signifi catives pour p<0,05. Résultats.Le passage du dépistage ciblé sur les facteurs de risques à un dépistage systématique a permis d'avoir une prévalence du diabète gestationnel en Consultation Prénatale Recentrée (CPNR) de 16,78% dans notre série. Le profi l épidémiologique était celui d'une gestante ménagère sans niveau instruction, mariée et dont l'âge moyen était de : 28,7± 6,5 ans, la parité moyenne était de : 2,11± 1,9 accouchements , l'âge gestationnel moyen était de 27,1± 5,6 SA , la valeur prédictive positive du test de dépistage en fonction des facteurs de risque était de 32,6% et la sensibilité 0,157. Conclusion. Le dépistage demeure le meilleur moyen de prévention.

Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in west coast region of the Gambia

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) during pregnancy remain a public health concern especially in developing countries including The Gambia. This study assessed the knowledge of STIs and its associated factors amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in West Coast region of The Gambia. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Two hundred and eighty pregnant women attending antenatal care in Brikama District Hospital, Brikama, and Bandung Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Bandung, who gave their consent, participated in this study. The instrument for data collection was an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS for Windows, version 21.0. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05. All the respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS and their main source of information was from health care providers. However, most of them 263 (93.9%) had poor knowledge of STIs. Level of education (p < 0.001) and employment status (p = 0.001) had significant association with level of knowledge of STIs. This study also identified low level of education [AOR: 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01 ­ 0.35)], and unemployment [AOR:21.97 (95% CI: 1.57 ­ 306.65)] as statistically significant predictors of low level of knowledge of STIs amongst the respondents. There is need for mass media campaigns and other public health measures aimed at increasing knowledge of STIs as this will herald effective intervention strategies towards the prevention of STIs

Factors Contributing to Non-Compliance with the Standard Antenatal Visits among Women in Nyaruguru District; Southern Province; Rwanda

Background: Non-compliance with at least four standard antenatal care (ANC) visits is a critical public health problem. In Rwanda; the proportion of pregnant women who follow the four ANC remains relatively low (43.9%) although it has relatively increased.Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge of selected pregnant women on the importance of using the ANC service; to determine the proportion of pregnant women attending the four ANC and to identify factors limiting the women to the four standards ANC compliance.Design: A descriptive; cross-sectional; quantitative study.Setting: Nyaruguru District.Subject: All women on term and those with child aged one year. They were randomly selected from each village until the sample size of the study (n = 367) was attained.Results: About 13.4% of pregnant women made at least four ANC visits. The low ANC attendance was significantly associated with the long walking distance from home to the health centre (p=0.05); insufficient knowledge on the importance of the use of the ANC service (p=0.01). Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen education and awareness on the importance of ANC in that community in order to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Nyaruguru District

The Patient-Provider Relationship and Antenatal Care Uptake at two Referral Hospitals in Malawi: A Qualitative Study

Background.Approximately 90% of Malawian women attend antenatal care at least once during their pregnancies; however; most mothers first present during months five and six and do not adhere to the World Health Organization's recommended four visits. The objective of this study was to explore the role the patient-provider relationship has on antenatal care uptake.Methods. A qualitative study; consisting of interviews with 20 urban pregnant mothers and eight health workers; was conducted from September to December 2014. Two large tertiary care hospitals in the Central and Southern regions of Malawi were selected as study sites. Results.Several factors influenced antenatal care attendance. Significant barriers reported included the patient-provider relationship; clinic wait times; family and friend support; distance from home to the clinic; transportation; cost; and number of visits. The patient-provider relationship appears to have a large impact on antenatal clinic participation. Mothers indicated that health workers often mistreat or demean them during visits. Additionally; health workers revealed that; due to staff shortages; patients often do not receive the care they deserve. Conclusions.The results of this study suggest that; in addition to other factors; healthcare provider attitudes influence antenatal clinic attendance. Improving the patient-provider relationship may increase antenatal clinic attendance and decrease complications during pregnancy. Professional development opportunities and quality improvement programmes would help improve patient care and health outcomes while the continued staff shortages in the country are addressed

L'accouchement gémellaire à la maternité Issaka Gazobi : à propos d'une étude rétrospective de 710 cas colligés sur 4 ans (janvier 2009 au 31 décembre 2012

L'avènement d'une grossesse gémellaire et son déroulement, constitue une situation à haut risque maternel et périnatal. Le pronostic de la grossesse gémellaire dépend de son diagnostic précoce, de la qualité du suivi prénatal et de l'accouchement en milieu spécialisé. Ainsi une étude rétrospective sur 4 ans, allant du 1er janvier 2009 au 31 décembre 2012 à la MIG nous a permis de noter que : * La fréquence de l'accouchement gémellaire est de 3,42% * L'âge maternel moyen est de 27,75 ans avec une prédominance de la tranche de 25 à 29 ans avec 207 cas (29,2%). * L'ethnie Zarma-Sonrai est l'ethnie majoritaire 54,37% suivi de l'ethnie Haoussa 22,68%. * Plus de ¾ des patientes sont sans professions (78,59%) ; * 51,1% des patientes sont non scolarisé. *Les paucipares et les nullipares sont les plus nombreuses avec respectivement 24,93% et 24,79%. * 43 patientes n'ont effectuées aucune consultation prénatale 6,1%. * La plupart des grossesses gémellaires ont été suivies par les sages-femmes 350 cas (49,30%) puis les infirmières 229 cas (32,30%). * 396 échographies obstétricales (53,66%) sont réalisées au 3ème Trimestre. * 59,01% des patientes sont référées des autres centres. * La prématurité représente 319 cas (44,93%). * 63,61 % des accouchements sont survenus après opérations de césariennes. * Nous déplorons 8 décès maternel soit un taux de mortalité de 1,13%.La principale cause est la crise d'éclampsie /PES avec 5 cas (62,5%). * Le taux de létalité périnatal est de 13,39% pour les 1ers jumeaux et 15,93% pour les 2èmes jumeaux

Les encéphalocèles : aspects épidémiologiques cliniques et thérapeutiques à propos de 96 cas colligés à l'hôpital national de Niamey

Objectifs : L'objectif de ce travail est d'étudier le profil épidémiologique, clinique et thérapeutique de l'encéphalocèle et d'alerter pour une stratégie préventive adaptée suivant les réalités locales de prise en charge des patients. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective et prospective effectuée à l'Hôpital National de Niamey du 29 Février 2008 au 28 Février 2013 avec un suivi de seize (16) mois. Sont inclus dans notre étude les enfants de tous les sexes, âgés de zéro (0) à quinze (15) ans qui présentent une tuméfaction cranio-faciale ayant bénéficié systématiquement d'un scanner cérébral et /ou d'une échographie transfontanellaire qui confirme le diagnostic d'encéphalocèle aboutissant à une cure chirurgicale. Résultats : Durant cinq (5) années une étude sur les encéphalocèles est menée à l'Hôpital National de Niamey au service de Neurochirurgie. Quatre-vingt-seize(96) patients sont vus et chez lesquels, après une TDM cérébrale, le diagnostic d'encéphalocèle fut posé. Il en résulte que: 64,6% des patients sont de sexe féminin contre 35,4% de sexe masculin avec un sexe ratio de 0,55; l'âge des patients varie de 3jours à 5ans1mois 18jours avec une moyenne de six(6) mois; l'encéphalocèle occipitale est le type le plus fréquent : 81,25% ;nos patients sont issus à 32,29% d'une grossesse mal suivie et à 42,71% d'une grossesse non suivie et à 4,16% d'une grossesse bien suivie; dans 10,4% des cas l'accouchement a eu lieu à la maternité; aucun antécédent familial d'encéphalocèle n'est retrouvé dans les familles des patients; aucune des mères de nos patientes n'a pris de l'acide folique pendant qu'elle était en grossesse; le diagnostic est toujours confirmé par une TDM cérébrale dans 100% des patients opérés; le traitement qu'on a entrepris est la cure chirurgicale de l 'encéphalocèle; dans 17,71% des cas l'encéphalocèle est associée à une hydrocéphalie en préopératoire et dans 42,71% à une hydrocéphalie post-opératoire, dans 2,08% des cas elle est associée au spina bifida et/ou à un syndrome de Dandy Walker. A 6 mois l'évolution post-opératoire est favorable dans 86,5% des cas. Néanmoins nous déplorons six (6) cas de décès parmi les 96 patients dont un en post opératoire, un autre en peropératoire et quatre(4) autres au service ce qui nous fait 6,25% de décès en cinq (5) ans. Conclusion : L'encéphalocèle est une pathologie congénitale fréquente au Niger ; elle est responsable d'une mortalité et d'une morbidité importante. Le devenir de la pathologie peut tourner autrement si elle est diagnostiquée en anténatal ou prévenue très tôt par la prise d'acide folique d'où l'intérêt du diagnostic anténatal et de la prévention

Grand multiparity: Obstetric performance in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; Nigeria

Objective: The objective was to review the obstetric performance of booked grand multiparae. Design and Setting: A 5-year prospective observational study of cases between January 1; 2002; and December 31; 2006; was conducted in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; a tertiary institution; in Kano; Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The antenatal complications and pregnancy outcomes among booked grand mulitparous women (pregnancy after fifth delivery); who delivered in our labor ward; were compared with those of the booked mulitparae (parae 1-4) who delivered immediately after a grand multipara. Outcome Measures: These were obstetric factors of maternal age and parity; antepartum hemorrhage; fetal malpresentations; and multiple pregnancy. Medical complications were gestational diabetes; hypertension; anemia; and heart disease. Pregnancy outcomes measured were gestational age at delivery; birth weight; mode of delivery; postpartum hemorrhage; and maternal and perinatal mortality. Results: The age range of the grand multiparae was between 22 and 43 years; with a mean age of 29.72 + 2.07 years. The parity range was between 5 and 15; with a mean parity of 7.78 + 0.63. There was increased occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 12.55; CI = 6.72-23.91); hypertension (OR = 3.07; CI = 2.07-4.59); heart disease (OR = 2.01; CI = 0.70-6.08); anemia (OR = 3.16; CI = 1.42-7.24); antepartum hemorrhage (OR = 2.18; CI = 1.22-3.92); fetal malpresentations (OR = 3.04; CI = 2.38-3.88); cephalopelvic disproportion (OR = 2.09; CI = 1.33-3.29); and fetal macrosomia (OR = 2.27; CI = 1.72-3.00) among the grand multiparae compared with multiparae. Conclusion: The effects of these complications were minimized by good antenatal care

Preliminary Outcome of the Management of Eclampsia at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital

Background: Eclampsia continues to be a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality in developing countries. Early identification and management of pre-eclampsia will help reduce the mortality due to eclampsia. Aim: This study aims at determining the prevalence and management outcome of eclampsia in our centre with a view to proffering solutions for an optimal or near optimal care.Methods: A retrospective review of the case records of patients managed for eclampsia at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH); Orlu from 1st October 2004 to 30th September 2009 was carried out. Data on socio-demographic characteristics as well as clinical management and outcome were extracted and analyzed.Results: The prevalence of eclampsia was 2.7of all the deliveries. The prevalence was significantly higher in the unbooked than the booked patients (p0.05). The prevalence was also significantly higher in primigravidae than in multiparae (p0.05). Twenty-eight (93.3) of the eclampsia occurred antepartum. Twenty-eight (93.3) had severe hypertension on presentation. Twenty nine (95.8) of the patients had 2-5 episodes of convulsions prior to presentation to the hospital. Twenty-six (86.7) of the patients had emergency Caesarean section was carried out; mostly for unfavourable cervix. The perinatal mortality was 6.7while maternal mortality was 3.3. Complications included acute renal failure; aspiration pneumonitis and abruptio placentae. Conclusion: The prevalence of eclampsia is unacceptably high in our centre. Early antenatal booking; antenatal care follow-up to identify the imminent signs and prompt treatment of cases of pre-eclampsia will reduce the burden of eclampsia in this environment

Courbe de la hauteur uterine des gestantes de Kinshasa

Objectifs. Determiner la croissance de la hauteur uterine(HU) de la gestante congolaise de Kinshasa et etablir une courbe de croissance de la HU pour cette population gravidique. Methodologie. Cette etude prospective de cohorte sur la courbe de la HU de 261 gestantes Congolaises de Kinshasa a ete realisee a la maternite du Centre Hospitalier de Kingasani. L'age gestationnel a ete determine par l'echographie et la HU a ete mesuree par la meme personne toutes les 4 semaines; de la 20e a la 40e semaine. Resultats. La croissance de la HU de le gestante congolaise de Kinshasa est de 15;4 cm entre la 20e et la 40e semaine. La croissance hebdomadaire de sa HU est de 0;875 cm entre 20 et 24 semaines; de 0;975 cm entre 25 et 28 semaines; de 0;875 cm entre 29 et 32 semaines; de 0;8 cm entre 33 et 36 semaines; et de 0;575 cm entre 37 et 40 semaines. Conclusion. Cette courbe de croissance de la HU etablie sur une population gravidique normale de Kinshasa est un outil qui pourrait permettre de detecter les troubles de croissance intra-uterine chez les enfants en milieu peu equipe

HIV prevalence amongst clients attending antenatal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi

Background: Evidence from the 2005 National HIV Seroprevalence Sentinel Survey showed that Benue state has the highest seroprevalence rate of HIV infection in the country. Seroprevalence rate amongst antenatal women is a reflection of what is happening in the larger society. Knowledge of seroprevalence rate amongst pregnant women would help in targeting intervention strategies for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Methods:The objective of the study is to determine the seroprevalence rate of HIV infection amongst clients attending antenatal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. Methods:Cross-sectional study of 262 randomly selected women that booked for antenatal care at the Federal Medical Centre Makurdi between 1 January 2007 to 30 April; 2007 was carried out. Information regarding age; parity; gestational age at booking; educational status and HIV sero-status of the clients were looked into. Results:A total of 50 women out of the 262 women studied were positive; giving a seroprevalence rate of 19.1. The highest seroprevalence rate was amongst 25-29 years age group (40.8). Women of parity 1-4 constituted the highest group (53.4). Majority of them (45.5) had secondary school education while 60 (22.9) had tertiary education. One hundred and ten (42) booked in the 3 trimester while only 34 (13) booked in the 1 trimester. Conclusion:HIV seroprevalence is high amongst antenatal women in Makurdi and intervention strategies should be scaled up for prevention of vertical transmission of the virus

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

Determinants of Acceptance of Voluntary HIV Testing among Antenatal Clinic Attendees at Dil Chora Hospital; Dire Dawa; East Ethiopia

Back ground: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is one of the best interventions to reduce mother to child transmission of HIV. Despite the proven benefits of VCT; many women are not willing to have HIV testing. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify factors that determine the acceptance of voluntary HIV testing among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Dil Chora Hospital in Dire Dawa. Method: The study employed unmatched case control study which was conducted from August 20 to September 10; 2006. The study population consisted of 234 antenatal care followers. Cases were antenatal care followers who were counseled and tested for HIV in the current pregnancy. Controls were antenatal care followers who were counseled but not tested for HIV in the current pregnancy. Data were collected by trained enumerators using structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out using SPSS version 12.0.1 software. Results: The majority (79.5) of respondents (97.4of cases and 60.5of controls) had good knowledge on HIV; mother to child transmission and VCT. Marital status; knowledge about HIV; mother to child transmission and VCT; attitude towards VCT; antenatal care follow up and perceived benefits of VCT were independent predictors of acceptance of voluntary HIV testing. Conclusion: Knowledge on MTCT and VCT; positive attitude towards VCT; antenatal care follow-up were predictors of acceptance of VCT. During the VCT session; health professionals should focus on knowledge; attitude; and benefits of VCT

Prevalence of malaria at booking among antenatal clients in a secondary health care facility in Ibadan, Nigeria

The prevalence of malaria parasitemia at booking was studied in 1,848 pregnant women in a secondary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. Main outcome variables were patent parasitemia and fever. 8.4% had patent malaria parasitaemia. Most clients (89%) with parasitemia were asymptomatic. Febrile subjects booked at an earlier gestational age [22.7 versus 24.2 weeks] than afebrile patients (p = 0.0052). Anemia was more prevalent among patients with patent parasitemia than those without (58.1% versus 22.6%, p<0.0001). Malaria parasitaemia was higher among nulliparous women than other parity groups (p<0.0001). Symptomatic malaria was associated with early booking for antenatal care and malaria parasitemia was a significant determinant of anemia. The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in this study is much lower than in previous reports. (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[2]:141-152)

Quality of antenatal services at the primary care level in Southwest Nigeria

A survey of 452 pregnant women accessing care at first level public health facilities in a local government area in southwest Nigeria was conducted to assess their perspectives on the quality of antenatal care received. Majority of the women expressed satisfaction with the level of expertise and basic technical competence of their careproviders. Less than 30% were pleased with the existing patients' referral mechanisms. At least two-thirds received as much information as desired in salient aspects of antenatal health information needs. Frequency of antenatal visits was "about the same as expected" for 93.6% of the women. The mean reported waiting time before antenatal consultation was 131.1 minutes although 106 (43.3 %) women expected to be attended within 30 minutes of arrival. Approximately two-thirds of women were unhappy about their involvement in decision-making with respect to birth planning and postpartum contraception. Compared to other elements of quality, women were least pleased with constellation of services especially sanitary facilities and number of skilled healthcare providers. On the whole, respondents expressed a high level of overall satisfaction (81.4%) with the care received. The survey indicates that antenatal women may generally express satisfaction with the quality of services despite some inconsistencies between received care and their expectations of the facilities

Ethical scrutiny of HIV testing in the ante-natal clinic of a secondary health care facility in Rivers State; Nigeria

Background: HIV testing has been shown to be a crucial gateway to treatment; prevention; and support services; hence the urgent need to swiftly scale-up testing in a wide range of clinical encounters; as a means of controlling the pandemic. Fears have however been expressed that such swift scale-ups might result in unethical practices; espe- cially in developing countries without strong civil institutions and legal protection. Aim: To carry out an ethical scrutiny of HIV testing; in a secondary health care facility; in an urban community in south-south Nigeria. Methods: The study was carried out in March 2006; in Omoku General Hospital; a secondary health care facility; with the full comple- ment of staff and facilities. In-depth interviews were held with the relevant staff of the hospital; to ascertain the HIV testing procedure in the ante-natal clinic of the hospital. These were corroborated with exit interviews of women attending the clinic. Results: The HIV testing procedure showed several ethical breaches. The women that attended the ante-natal clinic had mandatory HIV test; were inadequately counselled; and tested without proper linkage with prevention; care and treatment facilities. Conclusion: Most of the ethical breaches stemmed from poor funding; and improper linkage with other services. Funding of HIV testing programmes must go beyond the provision of test kits

Meconium peritonitis in nigerian children

Background: Meconium peritonitis is a rare disease with a fatal outcome. In Nigeria and Africa; there are only the occasional case reports on the subject matter. Methods: This is a 10-year retrospective study of all patients with meconium peritonitis treated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital; Maiduguri; Borno State; the Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Lagos State; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals complex; Ile-Ife; Osun State and the Federal Medical Centre Gombe; Gombe State; Nigeria. Results: There were 10 neonates comprising 6 girls and 4 boys. The median age at presentation was 4 days (range 2-6 days). Six of the mothers of the children with meconium peritonitis had a supervised antenatal care and 4 had antenatal ultrasonography but meconium peritonitis was missed. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal distension at birth in 9 of 10 patients. The abdominal X- rays showed calcification and homogenous opacity in 4 patients and pneumoperitoneum in 2 patients. At laparotomy; all the patients had inflammatory adhesion bands and matted bowel loops. The generalized type was the commonest form observed (7 patients) and giant pseudocyst was noted in 2 patients. The commonest sites of perforation were the ileum in 4 patients and jejunum in 3 patients. In one patient the perforation had sealed at laparotomy. Intestinal obstruction was the commonest cause of meconium peritonitis in 7 of 10 patients. In the remaining 3 patients the cause is unknown. The commonest procedure performed was resection and anastomosis (4 patients).The mortality rate was high (50). Conclusion: Our data revealed the rarity of meconium peritonitis and intestinal obstruction as the commonest cause. It is recommended that in patients with an unidentifiable cause a rectal biopsy should be done to rule out Hirschsprung's disease. Early diagnosis; proper operative procedure and meticulous post-operative care should improve their survival