Prevalence of low-dose aspirin prophylaxis and its impact on maternal and fetal outcome in pre-eclamptic patients.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of low-dose aspirin (LDA), missed opportunities in pre-eclampsia prevention and its impact on maternofetal outcomes among patients with pre-eclampsia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of pre-eclampsia patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, prospectively recruited from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical records.

Prevalence, characteristics, and treatment outcome of congenital malaria in Nigeria: a systematic review.

Background: Congenital malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions with high malaria endemicity. The increased vertical transmission of malaria is partly associated with the high susceptibility of women to malaria during pregnancy. This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment outcomes of congenital malaria in Nigeria.

Effect of steroid-soaked throat pack on postoperative throat complications following major oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Background: Postoperative throat complications (POTCs) are common and distressing to patients; consensus on their optimum treatment is unclear.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of a steroid-soaked throat pack on POTCs following oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Materials And Methods: This was a randomized, triple-blinded, controlled clinical study design on all consecutive patients who had endotracheal intubation and pharyngeal throat packs following major oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The mRNA-1647 vaccine: A promising step toward the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection (CMV).

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading cause of congenital infections and significant health complications in immunocompromised individuals. With no licensed CMV vaccine available, the development of the mRNA-1647 offers promising advancements in CMV prevention. We have reviewed results from Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of the mRNA-1647 vaccine, demonstrating robust immune responses in both seronegative and seropositive participants.

Promotion of Cardiovascular Health in Africa: The Alliance for Medical Research in Africa (AMedRA) Expert Panel.

This proposed scientific statement is focused on providing new insights regarding challenges and opportunities for cardiovascular health (CVH) promotion in Africa. The statement includes an overview of the current state of CVH in Africa, with a particular interest in the cardiometabolic risk factors and their evaluation through metrics. The statement also explains the main principles of primordial prevention, its relevance in reducing noncommunicable disease and the different strategies that have been effective worldwide.

Disparities in dolutegravir utilisation in children, adolescents and young adults (0-24 years) living with HIV. An analysis of the IeDEA Pediatric West African cohort.

Introduction: We describe the 24-month incidence of Dolutegravir (DTG)-containing antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation since its introduction in 2019 in West Africa.

Methods: We included all patients aged 0-24 years on ART from nine clinics in Côte d'Ivoire (n=4), Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Baseline varied by clinic and was defined as date of first DTG prescription; patients were followed up until database closure/death/loss to follow-up (LTFU, no visit ≥7 months), whichever came first.

Antibiotic use at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Zone d'Abomey Calavi/Sô-Ava (CHUZ/AS) in Benin: a point prevalence survey.

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship promotes the appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the use of antibiotics using a point prevalence survey at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Zone d'Abomey Calavi/Sô-Ava (CHUZ/AS) in Benin.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the WHO point prevalence survey methodology for monitoring antibiotic use among inpatients in hospitals.

Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry.

Background And Aims: Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, but their prevalence in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and whether they confer additional risk of ASCVD independent of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) remains unclear.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 35 540 patients with HeFH across 50 countries, in the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry. Prevalence of World Health Organization-defined body mass index categories was investigated in adults (n = 29 265) and children/adolescents (n = 6275); and their association with prevalent ASCVD.

'Making abortion safe': abortion and post-abortion care providers' experiences of stigma in Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Background: Social stigma and the marginalisation of abortion care within medical settings can negatively affect abortion providers. While some research has evaluated stigma interventions in legally restrictive settings, little work has explored the experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) providing abortion and post-abortion care (PAC) outside the USA. This study, part of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' 'Making Abortion Safe' programme, aimed to understand providers' experiences of abortion stigma in four African countries with restrictive legislation.

Medical research engagement among resident doctors in Nigeria: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and barriers in a public and private tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Background: Medical research is an essential aspect of the training of resident doctors and is required by postgraduate medical colleges in Nigeria as part of the fulfilment of fellowship awards. However, research participation among resident doctors in Nigeria is low, despite seemingly high interest in research among resident doctors. The objective of our study is to examine the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to medical research among resident doctors in a public and private tertiary care in Nigeria.

Utility of colposcopy for the screening and management of cervical cancer in Africa: a cross-sectional analysis of providers' training and practices.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a public health issue in Africa with devastating socioeconomic consequences due to the lack of organized screening programs. The success of screening programs depends on the appropriate investigation and management of women who test positive for screening. Colposcopic assessment following positive screening results is a noteworthy issue in Africa.

Assessing the continuum of care in Sub-Saharan African hospitals performing surgery for breast cancer: a secondary analysis of the GlobalSurg 3 study.

Background: While breast cancer incidence rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are among the lowest worldwide, mortality rates remain among the highest, reflecting particularly poor survival. Only a few studies in SSA have investigated the capabilities of treatment services to adequately provide a continuum of care for breast cancer. Our aim was to assess the availability of diagnostic facilities and adjuvant therapies in hospitals performing breast cancer surgery in SSA.

Rupture of unscarred uterus following misoprostol use in late pregnancy: A report of two cases.

Introduction: There is evidence of increasing use of misoprostol for induction of labour in low-income countries, but fewer reports of rupture of the uterus on account of its misuse.

Presentation Of Case: We report two cases of uterine rupture in two pregnant women referred to our centre due to the inadvertent administration of high doses of misoprostol in peripheral health centres. Both patients had hysterectomies, multiple blood transfusions and intrauterine fetal deaths.

Determination of the upper limit of normal for serum anti-streptolysin-O titre in primary school children in Southern Nigeria; A model for other low resource settings.

The prevention and treatment of Rheumatic Heart disease is hinged on antibiotic administration in children with Group A (GAS) pharyngitis and Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF). The Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) for serum Anti-streptolysin O titre (ASOT) has been employed as proof of antecedent GAS pharyngitis to fulfil the Jones' criteria for diagnosis of ARF. This value has not been generated among West African children.

Upper urinary tract stone characteristics and outcome of retrograde intra renal surgery with laser lithotripsy in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: a retrospective study.

Background: This study is therefore aimed at assessing upper urinary tract stone characteristics, the outcome of retrograde intrarenal surgery with laser lithotripsy, and factors predicting stone-free status.

Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out on all patients who had retrograde intra-renal surgery with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones from 2021-2023 at the Urology unit, department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Electronic medical records were retrieved with data on demographics, serum calcium level, and non-contrast computed tomography scans assessing stone size, location, laterality, multiplicity, density, and renal anatomy.

Understanding the exodus: a 15-year retrospective cohort study on the pattern and determinants of migration among Nigerian doctors and dentists.

Background: Nigeria faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals yet experiences a significant annual exodus of doctors and dentists. This alarming trend threatens the country's ability to provide equitable healthcare.

Objective: This study investigated the patterns and determinants of migration among doctors and dentists who graduated from the University of Benin, Nigeria, 15 years ago.