Retained placenta: still a cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in a Nigerian semi-urban population

Retained placenta is associated with morbidity and mortality when left untreated. This study was done to determine the occurrence of retained placenta in our setting as well as to ascertain the possible risk factors, morbidities and mortality. This was a retrospective review of all cases of retained placenta over a three year period [March 2005 to March 2007]. There were 3542 deliveries, and of which 64 cases were of retained placenta. The incidence of retained placenta was 1.8% of all deliveries with a higher incidence in unbooked patients and a case fatality of 3.12%.The commonest complication was postpartum haemorrhage in 51[79.68%] of cases with blood transfusion rate of 47%. Complications associated with retained placenta could be reduced by adequate utilisation of health care facilities manned by skilled attendants; availability of blood transfusion services as well as effective and safe anaesthesia

Effect of pregnancy on total antioxidant capacity in Nigerian women

To assess the total antioxidant capacity during the 3rd trimester of normal pregnancy with the aim of establishing the status of total antioxidant capacity [TAC] in pregnant Nigerians. The subjects consisted of 20 pregnant Nigerian women and 20 non-pregnant women. The cases were age matched with the controls. Total antioxidant capacity was assayed in both the cases and controls using standard methods of total antioxidant capacity assay. The total antioxidant capacity was lower in the pregnant women 0.84 mmol/L compared with the controls 1.00 mmol/L, P = 0.007 't' test. We observed low total antioxidant capacity in Nigerian women with normal pregnancy. This preliminary report, calls for further investigations