Pattern of childhood gynaecological presentations in a Nigerian tertiary health facility

Background: Gynaecological problems in children and adolescents are often both medically and psychologically unique and require a highly skilled approach differing from those utilized for an adult female population. There is paucity of data on childhood gynaecological problems in our environment. The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence and pattern of common gynaecological problems in the prepubertal child at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria; Northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study involving case file-based data analysis over a 10-year period (1995-2004) of 62 children aged 1 month-12 years at the Gynaecology unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria; Northern Nigeria. Results: Sixty-two children were seen; 17 infants; 14 under 5 years of age; and the rest (31) were aged 6-12 years. The commonest condition was labial fusion (33.9); urethral prolapse (14.5); and suspected sexual assault (12). Ambiguous genitalia (9.7); vaginitis (6.5); and ovarian tumour (4.8) were also encountered. Conclusion: Labial fusion; urethral prolapse; and suspected sexual assault are the commonest childhood gynaecological morbidities in Zaria. Provision of gynaecological services at every level of health care system to cater for young females is advocated

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Following Induction of Labour with Misoprostol

Background: Disseminated Intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) has been reported following use of Misoprostol which is an old drug with new indications in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Its effectiveness; low cost; stability in tropical conditions and ease of administration as well as side effects like gastrointestinal effect; uterine rupture and post partum haemorrhage (PPH) have been documented. Method: This is to report a case of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) associated with use of misoprostol for induction of labour and to call for extra vigilance in its use.Result: This was a case of 22-year old gravida 2 para 1 at 42 weeks gestation that was induced with 100?g of isoprostol and delivered a live female baby with good Apgar score. She subsequently developed PPH and epistaxis simultaneously; then conjunctival haemorrhage 30 minutes later. She was managed with fresh whole blood and had a satisfactory recovery. Conclusion: Life threatening complication could result from use of Misoprostol. More research and high index of suspicion are needed to establish the association of prostaglandins with DIC

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Following Induction of Labour with Misoprostol

Background: Disseminated Intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) has been reported following use of Misoprostol which is an old drug with new indications in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Its effectiveness; low cost; stability in tropical conditions and ease of administration as well as side effects like gastrointestinal effect; uterine rupture and post partum haemorrhage (PPH) have been documented. Method: This is to report a case of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) associated with use of misoprostol for induction of labour and to call for extra vigilance in its use.Result: This was a case of 22-year old gravida 2 para 1 at 42 weeks gestation that was induced with 100?g of isoprostol and delivered a live female baby with good Apgar score. She subsequently developed PPH and epistaxis simultaneously; then conjunctival haemorrhage 30 minutes later. She was managed with fresh whole blood and had a satisfactory recovery. Conclusion: Life threatening complication could result from use of Misoprostol. More research and high index of suspicion are needed to establish the association of prostaglandins with DIC