Neonatal Blood Pressure and Anthropometric Indices in Newborns of Pre-Eclamptic and Normal Mothers in Jos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preeclampsia is a significant public health problem associated with increased risk of hypertension for offsprings. We compared the blood pressure and presence of hypertension between neonates born to women with preeclampsia and those with normal pregnancy as well as its relationship to anthropometric indices. METHODS: This is a comparative cross-sectional study of 40 neonates born to women with preeclampsia and those born following normal pregnancy in four tertiary health facilities located in Jos, Nigeria. Anthropometric and blood pressure values were measured within 6-12 hours of delivery using standard protocols. SPSS version 25 was used in all analyses. Statistical significance was taken at p <0.05. RESULTS: The mean birth weight for neonates of preeclamptic women was 2,476.1±810.8 grams, compared with 2,994.2±529.6 grams in babies of normal pregnancy (p=0.002). The mean birth length for neonates of preeclamptic women was 45.4±6.2 cm compared with 49.8±3.1 cm in babies of normal pregnancy (p<0.001). The mean ponderal index (PI) in neonates of preeclamptic women was 2.6±0.6 g/cm3 compared with 2.4±0.4 g/cm3 in babies of normal pregnancy (p=0.17). The mean systolic blood pressure in neonates of women with preeclampsia was 74.53±16.99 mmHg compared with 75.26±15.20 mmHg in neonates following normal pregnancy (p=0.85). The mean diastolic blood pressure in neonates born following preeclampsia was 47.52±15.76 mmHg compared with 45.12±16.9 mmHg in those following normal pregnancy (p=0.46). Six (16%) of the neonates born to women with preeclampsia had systolic hypertension compared with 3(8%) of neonates of women with normal pregnancy. Similarly, 5(14%) of neonates born to women with preeclampsia had diastolic hypertension compared with 2(5%) of neonates of women with normal pregnancy. No significant association between neonatal hypertension and anthropometric indices. CONCLUSION: Newborns of women with preeclampsia have associated higher odds of elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure has no significant relationship to birthweight, length or ponderal index. Early infant blood pressure surveillance is advocated in order to monitor and hence prevent complications ensuing in later life.

Patients who present late to HIV care and associated risk factors in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to assess trends in late presentation and advanced HIV disease (AHD) and determine associated risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who had received care and treatment at the AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria Plus (APIN)/Harvard School of Public Health-President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria from 2005 to 2010. We used the European Consensus Definition to assess trends in late presentation (CD4 count < 350 cells/µL or AIDS-defining illness) and AHD (CD4 count < 200 cells/µL or AIDS-defining illness) and evaluated associated risk factors using logistic regression methods. RESULTS: Among 14,487 eligible patients, 12,401 (85.6%) were late presenters and 9127 (63.0%) presented with AHD. Late presentation decreased from 88.9% in 2005 to 80.1% in 2010 (P < 0.001). Similarly, AHD decreased from 67.8% in 2005 to 53.6% in 2010 (P < 0.001). In logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic and biological variables, male sex [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60-2.04], older age (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.22-1.54), civil service employment (aOR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.00-2.21), referral from out-patient (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.53-3.08) and in-patient (aOR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.11-2.17) services, and hepatitis B virus (aOR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.26-1.63) and hepatitis C virus (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.02-1.37) coinfections were associated with late presentation. Predictors of AHD were male sex (aOR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.54-1.82), older age (aOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.16-1.36), unemployment (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.00-1.79), referral from out-patient (aOR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.84-3.14) and in-patient (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.51-2.57) services and hepatitis B virus coinfection (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.19-1.42). CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to reduce the proportion of patients who first seek care at late stages of disease are needed. The identified risk factors should be utilized in formulating targeted public health interventions to improve early diagnosis and presentation for HIV care.

DECLINING PREVALENCE OF HIV AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN JOS, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are key reservoirs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from which transmission to the general population fuels epidemics. STIs amplify HIV infectiousness and susceptibility. We determined the status of HIV and STIs among brothel-based FSWs in Jos as part of an ongoing prevention intervention. METHOD: Between January and May 2012, consenting consecutive brothel-based FSWs were recruited from previously designated brothels across Jos. HIV counseling and testing as well as screening for gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomonasis, candidasis and Bacteria vaginosis (BV) were performed. Positive cases were provided free treatment and follow-up at Solat Women Hospital, Jos. Ethical clearance was obtained from Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) ethical committee. RESULT: Two hundred FSWs aged 27.6 ± 4.6 years (range 15-55 years) were recruited and of these, 47 (23.5%) were HIV Positive, 20 (10.0%) had syphilis, 9 (4.5%) had Neisseria gonorrhea, 3 (1.5%) had Trichomonas vaginalis and 86 (43.0%) had BV. The association between HIV and bacterial vaginosis was statistically significant (OR of 2.2, 95% CI of 1.1-4.2, P-value=0.02). In comparison to similar prevalence in 2006, the current findings represent 51.5% decline in HIV prevalence, 40.8% decline for syphilis and over 83.3% decline in prevalence for Trichomonas vaginalis. There was no significant change in the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoea and BV. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV and STIs among brothel-based FSWs in Jos remain unacceptably high, although, there is a declining trend. A comprehensive HIV prevention program targeting these women is required to block transmission to the general population.

Integrating syndromic case management of sexually transmitted diseases into primary healthcare services in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a huge public health problem; both the aetiological and clinical approaches to management have limitations. WHO has therefore developed an alternative strategy--the syndromic case management approach. This paper reports a training of healthcare providers at the Primary Health Centers aimed at integrating STD care into other services in the PHCs to improve management at the community level. METHODS: Sixteen nurses, from eight PHCs were trained on this new strategy. The training included: identification of STDs, use of flow charts, patient education and counseling, clinic management issues and record keeping and reporting. RESULTS: Over a period of eight weeks post training, about 731 clients were attended to, 451 (61.7%) had signs and symptoms of various STDs (genital discharge, genital ulcer, genital warts and lower abdominal pains). They were treated using the syndromic case approach. About 18.6% (84/451) were males and 81.4% (367/451) were Females. Singles (never married) constituted 32.8% (148/451) while 28.6% were married. About 26.6% and 12.0% were divorced and separated respectively. Age group 20-35 years was at highest risk of infection CONCLUSION: Syndromic case management of STDs can be conveniently integrated into the primary health care delivery system in Nigeria.

Establishment of reference values of CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte subsets in healthy Nigerian adults.

A total of 2,570 apparently healthy human immunodeficiency virus-negative adults from the six geopolitical zones in the country were enrolled in our study in 2006. The samples were assayed using the Cyflow technique. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The majority (64%) of the participants had CD4 counts within the range of 501 to 1,000 cells/microl. The reference range for CD4 was 365 to 1,571 cells/microl, while the reference range for CD8 was 145 to 884 cells/microl.

Evaluation of cardiovascular morbidity in Nigerian women after 3 years of Norplant contraception.

This study was conducted to determine any cardiovascular morbidity with Norplant use by electrocardiography. Thirty Nigerian women seeking long-term reversible contraception were recruited. The clients had baseline blood pressure checks and electrocardiography (ECG) tracings. These were repeated at the 12, 24 and 36 months follow-up visits and the results were analysed. The mean age of subjects was 32.4 +/- 3.98 years. The mean weight at pre-insertion and at the 12, 24 and 36 months follow-up visits showed a statistically significant rise after 2 years (p < 0.01). The blood pressures did not show any significant changes throughout the period of study. There was statistically significant prolongation of the PR and QRS intervals at the 12 month visit; mean PR interval (seconds) pre-insertion 0.153 +/- 0.003, and at 12 months 0.173 +/- 0.006 (P = 0.019), mean QRS interval (seconds) pre-insertion 0.056 +/- 0.003 and at 12 months 0.074 +/- 0.002 (P = 0.005). After 3 years of Norplant use, prolongation of the mean QRS interval remained evident (p = 0.011) while mean PR interval had returned to pre-insertion levels. There is a tendency to prolongation of PR and QRS (ECG) intervals in Norplant users; accordingly, it may be prudent for clients with cardiac conditions showing longer ECG intervals, to consider alternative methods of contraception.

Rapid HIV testing and counselling in labour in a northern Nigerian setting.

Between April and August 2004, all pregnant women in labour at JUTH, were offered rapid HIV testing and counselling with opportunity to decline testing. HIV positive women were offered the standard nevirapine mono-therapy prophylaxis regimen (HIVNET 012). Four hundred and thirty (99.8%) of the 431 pregnant women who were offered rapid HIV testing and counselling, agreed to test. A sero-conversion rate of 2.1% (5 of 235) was found among women who had previously tested negative for HIV during the index pregnancy. A seroprevalence rate of 9.6% (16 of 166) was found among women with unknown HIV status. One patient who had an indeterminate HIV status prior to labour tested positive in labour. Rapid HIV testing and counselling in labour is a useful practice in high prevalence settings since it detects a substantial number of HIV-infected women and HIV-exposed babies that would otherwise have missed interventions to prevent MTCT.

HIV and hepatitis B seroprevalence in trauma patients in North Central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: With the high prevalence rate of HIV and Hepatitis B virus infections in sub-Saharan Africa, infected surgical patients, especially those with fresh open wounds, pose significant danger of occupationally-acquired infections to health workers. METHOD: A two-year double blind study aimed at determining the seroprevalence rates of HIV and Hepatitis B virus infections among trauma patients with fresh open wounds in North Central Nigeria. RESULTS: There were 134 patients with fresh open wounds in this study; their ages ranged between 17-80 years with a mean of 30.9 +/-9.6 years and the male:female ratio was 5:1. All the patients were tested for both HIV and Hepatitis B virus infections. Six(4.5%) patients were positive for HIV-1 while 95(70.9%) patients were positive for Hepatitis B. In all, 3(2.2%) male and 3(2.2%) female patients tested positive for HIV-1 while 77(57.4%) males and 18(13.4%) females tested positive for Hepatitis B; 5(3.7%) patients tested positive for both HIV and Hepatitis B. Though every social class was represented, HIV infection rate was higher in Social Class V than in Social Class 1 but the class incidence rate for Hepatitis B was about the same ranging between 1.2 and 1.6 for both the upper and lower classes. The significance of this study was that the incidence of Hepatitis B virus infection in trauma patients was remarkably higher than the incidence of HIV infection. The implication is that emphasis on control of exposure of health care workers to blood borne infections in the workplace should be as strong for Hepatitis B virus infection as it is for HIV. CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study was the determination of the seroprevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B virus infections in trauma patients with open wounds which underpinned the dangers they pose to health care workers.

Partner disclosure of HIV status among HIV positive mothers in Northern Nigeria.

Partner consent and support can substantially enhance adherence to PMTCT interventions. This study explores the issues concerning disclosure of HIV status to partners of HIV sero-positive mothers in a PMTCT programme in Jos, Northern Nigeria. Previously field-tested questionnaires were administered by trained counsellors to 570 consenting HIV positive mothers who were participating in the PMTCT programme at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos. The findings were entered into Epi Info and analysed using frequencies. The median age of respondents was 29 years while that of their partners was 37 years. Five hundred and fifty-five (99.5%) of respondents were married. Majority of the women were Christians (82.9%) while 16.9% were Moslems. Seventy four percent (419/563) of the mothers were aware of their husband's HIV sero-status. Of these, 65.4% (274/419) of the partners were HIV positive while 34.6% were sero-negative. Eighty nine percent (500/560) of the women have disclosed their HIV status to their partners. Of these, 39.6% (199/502) required the assistance of health workers while 59.4% (298/502) did it by themselves. Following disclosure of HIV status, 86.9% (430/495) of the partners were supportive, 5.7% were indifferent, 6.7% were quarrelsome and abusive while 1.0% was violent. The reactions of partners of HIV positive mothers to disclosure of their wives' HIV status are predominantly supportive. This should strengthen strategies to promote partner disclosure.

HIV infection among pregnant women in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors for HIV among pregnant women (N = 2657) receiving antenatal services in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria. METHODS: Information about potential risk factors was obtained at interview. Biological samples were collected for detection of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV was 8.2%. Women aged 20-29 years had more than 4-fold increased risk of HIV. Women of Catholic (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.01-2.95) and Pentecostal (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.46-4.52) denominations were more likely to be HIV-infected when compared to Moslem women. The risk of HIV was also increased among women with multiple marriages and in women married to a banker/accountant. Other predictors of HIV were having a husband with other partners, perceived risk of HIV, STIs, candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. CONCLUSIONS: Development of effective interventions, including behavioral change, expansion of perinatal HIV prevention services and STI control, should be given the highest priority.

Prolongation of electrocardiographic intervals in women on Norplant contraceptive: what dangers?

This study used electrocardiography to determine any inherent cardiovascular dangers with the use of Norplant, an implant contraceptive among Nigerian females using the device. As part of a major study of metabolic, physical and cardiovascular changes consequent upon the use of Norplant implant contraceptive, all subjects underwent serial electrocardiograms at pre-insertion, 3, 6, and 12 months of use. Given the observed prolongation ofelectrocardiographic intervals, the ECG of all the study subjects were secondarily analysed for QT and corrected QT (QTc) dispersions. QT intervals was measured from the ECG of each of the 21 subjects who were available at pre-insertion and 12 months post-insertion; from the onset of QRS to the end of T wave or nadir of the curve between T and U waves as the case may be. Corrected QT intervals was calculated by determining the RR interval and using the Bazett's formula. The difference of the lowest and highest QT intervals and QTc intervals over the 12 leads determined their respective dispersions. These were then analysed. The subjects whose ages ranged from 25-45 years weighed between 43 and 87.2 kg. The mean QT dispersion increased with time but did not reach statistical significance by the twelve month visit (ANOVA - QT dispersion 0 month vs 12 months: F=0.98, p=0.48). However the mean QTc dispersion increased and reached statistical significance by 12 months (0 month vs 12 months: F=5.49, p=0.006). QT and QTc dispersion increases are known to predict cardiovascular death in health and disease. With the use of this device, these indices rose gradually with time reaching statistical significance by 12 months only with the QTc dispersion. The use of this device may increase the tendency to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Whether this translates into real risk will require a long-term study to determine. For now, application of the device on patients with cardiovascular disease or tendency thereof should still attract caution.

Assessment of the skeletal health of healthy Nigerian men and women using quantitative ultrasound.

The dietary intake of calcium by African populations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is relatively low compared to the recommended intake for US adults. However, the rate of osteoporotic fractures in West African women is reported to be less than that for Caucasian populations. Because there is little published data regarding the skeletal status of African men and women, we used quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to assess the bone density of 435 Nigerian women and 321 Nigerian men between 16 and 89 years of age. A progressive decline in bone quality was observed beginning at about 40 years of age for both men and women. The mean stiffness index (SI) for the women between 20 and 35 years of age (n = 186) in this study was 102 +/- 17. The equation that best described the age versus SI relationship for women was SI = 79.7 + 1.887 (age) + -0.043 (age)2 + 0.00020 (age)3. For Nigerian men, the peak SI of 115 +/- 17 was seen in the 20- to 29-year-old age group. For men, the SI values remained above 100 until about age 60 years when a significant decline in SI was then observed. The best-fit curve of SI versus age for men was SI = 134.9 - 1.27 (age) + 0.019 (age)2 - 0.00014 (age)3. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and SI values for the Nigerian men and women were comparable to or higher than those reported for Caucasian and Asian populations. These data should serve as reference values for adult men and women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Fifteen years analysis of complications following minilaparotomy female sterilization in Jos Nigeria.

A retrospective analysis of complications following female sterilization via minilaparotomy performed in Jos University Teaching Hospital between January 1985 and December 1999 was undertaken to determine the incidence, the type of complications and identify ways of improving the service. 2986 clients had female surgical contraceptions. Major surgical complications occurred in 0.87% of the clients. Minor complications were seen in 4.15% with wound sepsis contributing 3.75% to the rate. The crude failure rate was 0.23%. Re-anastomosis was the reason for the failures not surgical misapplication of devices nor fistulous opening as found elsewhere. There was no death in the series. Clients seeking surgical contraception should be counseled about the minimal major surgical and minor complications that could occur during the procedures. Our center will need to focus on infection prevention in female surgical contraception in order for the services to enjoy continuous acceptance by the clients.

Evaluation of menstrual and haematological parameters, after 36 months of Norplant contraception.

This ongoing prospective longitudinal study involved 23 women who had complete records, of 37 healthy non-breastfeeding informed volunteers recruited from our family planning clinic since August 1997 to the Norplant training programme. Packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) concentration (total and differential and platelet concentration were analysed at pretreatment and at 12, 24 and 36 months' followup. Statistical analysis was with paired t-tests. The level of significance was set at 5%. Each acceptor received a menstrual calendar to document all events of bleeding. The mean PCV was 40.5 +/- 2.4% at pretreatment. This rose to a statistically significant (P < 0.001) mean value of 44.9 +/- 4.4% at 36 months. The mean WBC concentration at pretreatment was 5552 +/- 1423 per mm3 which declined statistically (P < 0.001) to a mean value of 4400 +/- 1281 per mm3 at 12 months without any further significant changes at 24 months (P > 0.6; 4143 +/- 1301 per mm3 and at 36 months (P > 0.9; 4070 +/- 875 per mm3). At 24 months of study the mean concentration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes eosinophils and basophils did not change significantly from their respective mean concentrations at 12 months. These insignificant changes were also manifested at 36 months of study in the lymphocytes (P > 0.2), eosinophils (P > 0.5) and basophils (P > 0.2), even though there was a significant decrease in the neutrophils (P < 0.05) with a corresponding significant increase (P < 0.001) in the monocyte concentration. However, there was still a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the WBC at 36 months of study compared with the mean preinsertion value, which was manifested mainly in the neutrophil concentration (1403 +/- 517 per mm3 (P < 0.001). The mean value of platelet count (136260 +/- 27664 per mm3) at 24 months showed no significant change compared with the 12 months value (126174 +/- 37977 per mm3). The value at 36 months (125391 +/- 18858 per mm3), however, still showed a significant decline over the pretreatment mean concentration (208043 +/- 27250 per mm3). None of the acceptors had thrombocytopenia at 24 and 36 months. At 2 years and 3 years of studies 60.9% and 47.8% of Norplant users reported irregular bleeding patterns, mainly of reduced episodes. The continuation rate at 36 months was 100%. Women using the Norplant implant are at an advantage, because in spite of the variable aberrations in their menstrual pattern, the packed cell volume increased. The changes ob-served in the white cell and the platelet concentrations did not lead to adverse effects.

Glucose metabolism among Norplant users in northern Nigeria.

Twenty-one women who were consecutive acceptors of Norplant were recruited for this study in our centre in August 1997. The patients had baseline (pre-insertion) investigations including a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). At their regular 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up visits, the OGTT was repeated and results were analyzed. The mean age of the clients was 31.3+/-4.51 years (range 24-40 years). The mean weights were 61.60+/-11.35, 57.63+/-7.51, 62.60+/-11.98, and 62.17+/-11.56 kg at pre-insertion, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up visits respectively. The differences were statistically insignificant. All OGTT values at pre-insertion and at the follow-up visits were within the normal range. However, in comparison to pre-insertion levels (4.00+/-0.10 mmol/L), the fasting blood glucose concentration at 12 months (3.39+/-0.12 mmol/L) showed a statistically significant decline (p <0.001). The area under the glucose curve (AUC) rose by 5.8% (p = 0.018) at 3 months but declined by 5.8% (p = 0.110) and 7.3% (p = 0.103) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The peak pre-insertion plasma glucose level following OGTT occurred at 30 min. At 3 months, the peak OGTT glucose level occurred at 30 minutes and plateaued until 60 min while at 6 and 12 months this occurred at 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. The overall trend of OGTT results within the study period showed that 12 months of Norplant use in Northern Nigerian women has no detrimental effect on glucose metabolism.

Changes in menstrual and haematological indices among Norplant acceptors.

A longitudinal study of women using Norplant(R) was conducted to determine the effects of levonorgestrel implants on menstrual and haematological indices among the acceptors. Packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) concentrations (total and differential), and platelet concentration were performed at pre-insertion and at the 12-month follow-up. Each acceptor received a menstrual calendar to chart all bleeding, and spotting events. The mean PCV was 40.5 +/- 2. 4 at insertion and had a statistically significant (p <0.01) rise to a mean value of 42.2 +/- 2.6 at 12 months. The mean WBC concentration had a significant decrease at 12 months (p <0.001) when compared with the pre-insertion value. Similarly, the neutrophil and lymphocyte concentration had a statistically significant decrease (p <0.05 and p <0.01, respectively) at 12 months of use. The reduced values in the concentrations of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils did not reach significant levels. The mean value of the platelet concentrations had a significant decline at 12 months of use (p <0.001). Reduced bleeding patterns were more commonly reported compared to increased bleeding episodes. This pattern was associated with increased PCV, a change that may prevent anaemia in developing countries. The decline in the platelet concentration at 12 months of study was, however, a source of concern that will require follow-up.

Twins in Jos Nigeria: a seven-year retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective analysis of twin pregnancy was carried out between 1st January 1992 and 31st December 1998 to determine the incidence, epidemiological variables perinatal and maternal outcome of twin pregnancy in the institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The case notes of the 413 twin pregnancy, 6 triplets and 1 quadruplet delivered during the period, and the labour records of all the deliveries were analyzed. Statistical analysis was with chi-squared test. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: The incidence of twin pregnancy was 28/1000, triplet 0.4/1000 and quadruplet 0.07/1000. The age range of the twin mothers was 15-47 years with a mean of 28 +/- 5.4 years. The parity range was 0-14 years with a mean of 3.3 +/- 2.6. Rising maternal age and parity were associated with twinning rate. The mean fetal weight was 2.21 +/- 0.66 kg. There was no statistical significant difference in weight between the 1st and 2nd twins. Male babies however weighed heavier (p < 0.02) than the female infants. The incidence of low birth weight babies (< 2500 g) was 58.7% with a perinatal mortality rate of 278.4/1000. The perinatal outcome was worst for the very low birth weight babies (< 1500), 817.5/1000 8.5% of twin mothers had a retained 2nd twin. The perinatal outcome of the 27 unbooked mothers who delivered their 1st twin at home was (12) 44.4/1000, compared to the rate of 12.5/1000 (1) in 8 booked mothers, who delivered the 1st twin in the hospital. Among the 771 babies who were alive at the time of presentation in the labour ward, delivery by caesarean section had a better perinatal outcome (6.8%), compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery (13.1%) and assisted breech delivery (21.4%). The unbooked twin mothers had a perinatal mortality rate of 318.7/1000 compared to booked mothers 82.3/1000. The overall perinatal mortality rate was 186.4/1000. The clinical causes of death were prematurity 74.6%, retained 2nd twin 7.3%, antepartum haemorrhage 6.1%, severe pregnancy induced hypertension/eclampsia 3.0%, birth asphyxia 2.4%, congenital malformation 1.8%. The incidence of postpartum haemorrhage was 3% and there was no maternal mortality in the series. The institution will need to put in place adequate resuscitating facilities and manpower to manage the low birth weight infants so as to reduce the current high perinatal wastage.

Immunosuppressive activities in the seminal plasma of infertile men: relationship to sperm antibodies and autoimmunity.

Semen samples from infertile men were assessed for sperm autoimmunity by direct immunobead assay for immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG sperm antibodies and mucus penetration test. Immunosuppressive activity in seminal plasma was measured by an in-vitro bioassay employing dose-dependent inhibition of phytohaemagglutinin-induced activation of rat thymocytes, in the presence or absence of hydroxylamine (0.1 mM), an inhibitor of polyamine oxidation. All seminal plasma samples, regardless of autoimmune status, caused inhibition of T-lymphocyte activation, and hydroxylamine reduced this bioactivity by appproximately 50%. Dialysis (<3500 molecular weight) also significantly reduced seminal plasma bioactivity, both in the presence and absence of hydroxylamine. In the presence of hydroxylamine, there was a negative correlation between IgA, but not IgG, antibody concentrations and lymphosuppressive activity in seminal plasma. Antibody-positive samples displaying impaired sperm function, as indicated by the mucus penetration test, had reduced activity compared with other samples. In contrast, there was no relationship between sperm autoimmunity and lymphosuppressive activity assayed in the absence of hydroxylamine. The data indicate that T-lymphocyte inhibition by human seminal plasma is due to multiple factors, and reduced amounts of these factors may contribute to the development and/or persistence of sperm autoimmunity in infertile men; however, differences in polyamine substrates available for oxidation in semen do not appear to be a major contributing factor.

Umbilical cord venous progesterone at term delivery in relation to mode of delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the umbilical cord venous progesterone at term delivery is related to the mode of delivery. METHODS: Thirty-nine pregnant patients at term were divided into three groups: elective cesarean section (control), spontaneous vaginal delivery, and emergency cesarean section. Umbilical cord venous and maternal serum progesterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's t-test, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Umbilical cord venous progesterone was significantly higher in babies delivered by emergency cesarean section (P < 0.001) and in those who had spontaneous vaginal delivery (P < 0.02), compared with the control group. Maternal serum progesterone concentrations showed no significant differences between the three groups. The Apgar scores of the stressed group of babies were significantly lower (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that the fetuses exposed to stress during labor produce higher progesterone secretion. This could be one possible way the fetus protects itself against the sequelae of hypoxia.