Determination of X-ray shielding thickness in two tertiary hospitals in Kano metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Radiation dose depends on the total workload (Wtot) which is affected by the number of patients, tube potential, and tube current. Despite the increment in patients visiting the X-ray units under study and X-ray tube revolutions, changes have not been made in the shielding material to suit the current situation. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the thickness of X-ray shielding barriers in two tertiary hospitals in Kano Metropolis using XRAYBAR software. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study and was undertaken from March 2017 to October 2017. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select two hospitals out of five. The two were named A and B, respectively. The minimum required thickness in each barrier was determined by XRAYBAR software. Results: The Wtot (workload) for room I, II and III was found to be 199.9, 146, and 149.1 mA-min per week. The shielding barrier thickness required to reduce the unshielded radiation dose to the design dose limit for wall 1, 2, 3, 4, and operating console of the Room I was found to be 17.5, 5.5, 0.2, 0.00, 3.3 cm, that of wall 1, 2, 3, and 4 of room II was found to be 9.1, 3.4, 0.02, 2.3 cm, while for the wall 1, 2, 3, 4, and operating console of room III was found to be 12.3, 4.8, 3.8, 3.2, and 26.5 cm, respectively. Conclusion: The calculated shielding barrier thickness from XRAYBARR code when compared to the design barrier thickness was found to be adequate

Trends in the clinical Pattern, diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis in a sub-urban tertiary health centre

Background: Rhinosinusitis (RSS) is a common form of upper airway disease encountered by Otolaryngologists. Objectives: To describe the trends in the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of RSS in a tertiary hospital.Methods:Retrospective analysis of clinical information retrieved from the hospital records of patients with RSS managed in the ENT department of OOUTH Sagamu over an 18-month period was done.Results: Out of 1814 patients, 143 had RRS with the prevalence rate of 7.9%. The male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1, the age ranged from 7 to 79 (median = 32.4) years. The presenting symptoms included mucoid nasal discharge (68.7%), nasal congestion (61.5%) and excessive sneezing (46.8%). Most (71.3%) of the patients presented after 3weeks of the onset of symptoms and the median duration was 3.2 months. The leading physical findings included engorged nasal turbinates (78.3%), ooedematous nasal mucosa (72.0%), mucopurulent anterior rhinorrhoea (28.6%) and pale nasal mucosa (25.9%). The investigations done included plain X-Rays of the sinuses (86.0%), full blood count (67.1%) and computerized tomographic (CT) scan of the sinuses (8.4%). Plain X-Ray abnormalities were most common in the maxillary sinuses (45.5%) while 30.1% had multi-sinusitis. The trend of diagnosis ranged from infective RSS in 51.7% to allergic RSS in 38.5%. About a quarter had different forms of non-endoscopic surgical intervention. Recorded complications included nasal polyps in 11.9%. Conclusion: The trend of RSS observed relative affectation of adults and mostly chronic infective types, and sometimes allergic types.Radiological assessment was by plain X-Rays in most cases, management was either medical or non-endoscopic surgical methods, frequently complicated by polyps

Grossesse et risques d'irradiations en radiodiagnostic : etat des connaissances des usagers au CHU de Yopougon

Objectifs : Evaluer l'etat des connaissances des usagers et des professionnels de la sante sur les risques d'irradiation de la femme enceinte au cours des explorations radiologiques et l'observation de l'application des regles de radioprotection relative a la femme enceinte par les utilisateurs de rayons X. Materiel et methodes : Notre etude prospective; realisee au CHU de Yopougon; a dure 6 mois. Nous avions interroge 60 femmes en grossesse ou susceptibles de l'etre; 30 medecins prescripteurs non radiologues; 29 techniciens d'imagerie medicale et 21 aides soignants sur les risques d'irradiation et les mesures de protection de la femme enceinte avant et pendant la realisation d'un examen radiologique utilisant les rayons X. Resultats : 73;68des medecins prescripteurs n'avaient pas de culture en radioprotection chez une femme enceinte ou en age de procreer. 93;10des patientes enceintes ou en age de procreer ignoraient l'existence des rayons X en radiodiagnostic et leur nocivite pour une femme enceinte ou susceptible d'etre enceinte. 80des manipulateurs de radiologie respectaient pas les regles elementaires de radioprotection. Conclusion : La sensibilisation des usagers des rayons X sur les risques d'irradiations chez une femme enceinte ou susceptible de l'etre est necessaire au CHU de Yopougon

Safety Awareness in Selected X-ray Diagnostic Centres in Surulere and Ikeja Local Government Areas of Lagos State; Nigeria

Background: Health hazards are associated with exposure to ionizing radiations such as x-rays. Many private x-ray diagnostic clinics in Lagos State operate with inadequate safety and protection devices; which make the conditions unsafe to patient and environment. Objective: To assess the working conditions; protection measures put in place; safety awareness and attitudes of both employees and employers to safety and protection in radiodiagnostic centers in Surulere and Ikeja Local Government Areas.Methodology: Questionnaires were used for collecting information on socio-demographic data; occupational history; activities; working conditions; knowledge and experience of radiation hazards in x-ray centers. Interviews were conducted with Heads of Departments and Radiologists using the checklist adapted from the International Atomic Energy AgencyResults: 88.9 of the participating centers had adequate space and some safety assessment performed prior to installation of the facility. 81.5 had few basic protection devices. Only 40.7employed adequate and qualified staff while 25.9 provided personnel training and 22.2 had quality control programme. 14.8 had radiation protection programme. 60.2of respondents were aware of health hazards associated with radiation exposures; 57.8 of which were males. Conclusion : Operation conditions in most private diagnostic centers are below standard due to grossly inadequate provision of safety and protection devices. Employment of qualified staff and continuous education need be emphasized and enforced

Radiotherapy in cancer management at Mulago Hospital; Kampala; Uganda

Five hundred and seven cancer patients who received radiotherapy using the newly upgraded facilities at the Mulago Hospital over a 16 month period following the inception of the services are reviewed. Previously available facilities had been limited to teletherapy using only a 300 KV orthovoltage X-ray machine which had proved inadequate to cope with the current needs at the department. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna recently upgraded the available services through the provision of facilities for cobalt-60 teletherapy; brachytherapy and computerised treatment planning and dosimetry as well as providing training for all cadres of the radiotherapy department. We review the impact of this new service on the referral pattern and types of patients who received radiotherapy since inception. Over 60of all the patients were women who presented with carcinoma of the cervix and breast. Apart from the apparent increase in cases of cervical carcinoma; the current AIDS pandemic in Uganda did not appear to reflect any increase in the incidence of other AIDS-related cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkins lymphomas treated at the department. The need for more patients and earlier referrals to the department is stressed in order to maximise the use of the improved radiotherapy services