Search

Cervical cancer is the most common human papillomavirus (HPV)-related disease. Knowledge of the natural history and aetiology of cervical cancer offers unique opportunities for its prevention, and the development of HPV screening tests is one of the most effective strategies. The current HPV diagnostics detect HPV DNA or E6/E7 mRNA in cervical/vaginal samples using molecular-based technologies. HPV screening tests are more sensitive than cytology or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) as a primary screening method and are even more clinically valuable in triaging mild cytological abnormalities as a hybrid test. As technical and laboratory resources are grossly limited in marginalized or underserved settings which thus require that women travel long distances for screening and treatment. The practical implementation of an HPV-based screening programme may face many challenges and measures should be instituted to overcome these challenges without compromising disease detection. These measures may include a reduction in screening frequency using the WHO global strategy of offering HPV screening tests at 35 and 45 years of age, adoption of a high throughput testing technology, and improved access to vaginal HPV self-sampling screening tests to women in remote settings or those who are reluctant to undergo gynecologic examination. Another important strategy is the implementation of a "see-and-treat" approach using a point-of-care platform that requires limited skills of laboratory technicians. In addition, the development and large-scale incorporation of more specific HPV testing technologies that are much cheaper and easier to use in non-laboratory settings than the currently available options should be prioritized for underserved settings. At the same time, there is a need to develop and commence the implementation of an affordable and readily available intermediate or secondary test with optimal specificity for triaging or segregating clinically unimportant HPV infections that do not require colposcopy.

Term prelabour rupture of membranescomplicates about 5% to 10% of term pregnancies and imposes therapeutic challenges upon the managing obstetrician. While spontaneous labour followed by ruptured membranes is the accepted default pathway towards delivery at term, comparative studies on term PROM and spontaneous onset of labour preceding ruptured membranes are scarce globally. Objective: To compare maternal socio-demography and neonatal outcomes of term PROM versus spontaneous onset of labour before membrane rupturein our tertiary facility. Methods: A prospective comparative study of 300 subjects allocated intothe study group comprising 150 subjects with prelabour rupture of membranes and the other 150 subjects with spontaneous labour before membrane rupture as the control group. Data were obtained on maternal sociodemographic characteristics and neonatal outcomes in both groups.Epi-info statistical softwarewas deployed for data analysis. Results: The incidence of premature rupture of membranes was 9.23%. Term PROM was highest in the age group 20-29 years while subjects with low socioeconomic status accounted for 58.7% in the study group. The study group had higher caesarian delivery than the control (22.6% versus 8.0%; P < 0.001). One hundred and thirty-nine (139) babies of subjects in the study group had APGAR scores> 7 compared to 149 babies of subjects in the control group (P < 0.001). More neonates in the study group were admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) compared to the control (6.7% versus 0.7%; P = 0.025). Seven neonates in the study group had Neonatal sepsis compared to none in the control group(P < 0.01). Similarly, three perinatal death were recorded in the study group compared to none in the control group (P = 0.06). Conclusion: Actively managed term PROM was significantly associated with unbooked maternal status, poorer Apgar scores, higher rate of caesarian delivery, and increased perinatal morbidity and mortality compared to spontaneous labour before membrane rupture

Objective:This study determined pregnant women’s awareness, and determinants of uptake of National immunization recommendations for a maternal tetanus vaccine. Study Design: A cross-sectional study of 347 eligible pregnant women who attended the booking antenatal clinic of institute of maternal and child health (IMCH). Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires, captured socio-demographic the mothers’ knowledge level of routine tetanus immunization and factors affecting uptake. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 statistical computer software package. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: The majority [66%} of the respondents were not aware of the national immunization schedule for tetanus toxoid. Only 28.8% (100) women could correctly state the dosing interval for the vaccination. The study showed that 184 women ought to have completed the vaccination based on their history, only 36 (19.6%) reported completion. Age, parity, marital status and women’s occupation were significantly associated with tetanus vaccine uptake in pregnant women. Conclusion: Awareness of maternal tetanus vaccination is low, thus increase may be achieved through antenatal health talk and policies.

Background Prior caesarean delivery (CD) impacts CD rates in many parts of the world. In low and middle-income countries, few women attempt a trial of labour after caesarean delivery (TOLAC) due to inadequate resources for safe vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC). The CD rates continue to rise as more women undergo repeat CD. In Nigeria, VBAC rate is low and the contribution of women’s prior childbirth experiences and delivery wishes to this situation deserves further investigation. This study examined the parturient factor in the low VBAC rate to recommend strategies for change. Objective To describe prior caesarean-related childbirth experiences and attitudes towards subsequent vaginal birth in pregnant women with one previous CD. Method This cross-sectional study of antenatal clinic attendees in a tertiary hospital employed the convenience sampling method to recruit 216 consenting women with one previous CD. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on participants' prior caesarean-related birth experiences, attitudes to vaginal birth in the index pregnancy, future delivery intentions and eventual delivery route. Univariate and bivariate analyses compared delivery wishes based on CD type. SPSS version 22.0 was used for data analysis. Results The modal maternal and gestational age groups were 30–39 years (68.1%) and 29–34 weeks (49.1%) respectively; majorities (60.6%) were secundigravida; 61.6% experienced labour before their CDs while 76.9% had emergency CDs. Complications were documented in 1.4% and 11.1% of mothers and babies respectively. Ninety percent reported a satisfactory overall childbirth experience. A majority (83.3%) preferred TOLAC in the index pregnancy because they desired natural childbirth while 16.7% wanted a repeat CD due to the fear of fetal-maternal complications. The previous CD type and desire for more babies were significantly associated with respondents' preferred mode of delivery (p = 0.001 and 0.023 respectively). Women with previous emergency CD were more likely to prefer vaginal delivery. Conclusions Antenatal women prefer TOLAC in subsequent pregnancies despite prior satisfactory caesarean-related birth experiences. Adoption of TOLAC in appropriately selected cases will impact women's psyche positively and reduce CD rate.

PURPOSE We assessed the impact of mHealth on Pap test screening uptake and also determined the factors that affect screening uptake among women in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized controlled trial was carried out among women in two tertiary health institutions in Lagos, Nigeria, between July 2020 and March 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to either a text message (mHealth) intervention or usual care arm. The main study outcome was the uptake of Pap smear testing within 6 months of enrollment in the study. We tested the associations between two groups of continuous variables using the unpooled independent-sample t-test (normal distribution) and that of two groups of categorical variables with the chi-square (χ2) test. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, we adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and clinical predictors of uptake of Pap smear screening. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS There was a significantly higher rate of uptake of Pap smear screening among women in the mHealth arm compared with those in the usual care arm (51.0% v 35.7%, P = .031). Following adjustment in the final multivariate model, level of income (odds ratio [OR] = 5.13, 95% CI, 1.55 to 16.95), awareness of Pap smear (OR = 16.26; 95% CI, 2.49 to 76.64), General Outpatient clinic attendance, and introduction of mHealth intervention during follow-up (OR = 4.36; 95% CI, 1.44 to 13.22) were the independent predictors of Pap smear uptake. CONCLUSION The use of mHealth technologies intervention via short-text message services is a feasible solution for cervical cancer prevention in low- and middle-income countries, and thus, the widespread use of mHealth services by health care providers and policymakers could contribute to the implementation of cervical cancer prevention services in Nigeria and in the settings of other low- and middle-income countries.

The risk of progression of low-grade (CIN1) to high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3) is 3–5 times higher for women living with HIV (WLHIV) than for HIV-negative women. Evidence suggests that the current cervical cancer screening methods perform less effectively in WLHIV. Molecular-based p16/Ki-67 dual staining technology (DUST) is a safe and rapid assay that could be used to detect CIN2/3 with higher sensitivity and specificity. The study in this protocol will evaluate the performance of p16/Ki-67 dual staining technology (DUST) in cervical cancer screening among WLHIV. We will conduct an intra-participant comparative study (Phase 1) to enrol n=1,123 sexually active WLHIV aged 25–65 years at two accredited adult HIV treatment centres in Lagos, Nigeria to compare the performance of DUST to the currently used screening methods (Pap smear, hr-HPV DNA, or VIA testing) in detecting high-grade CIN and cancer (CIN2+). Subsequently, a prospective cohort study (Phase 2) will be conducted by enrolling all the WLHIV who are diagnosed as having low-grade CIN (CIN1) inPhase 1for a 6-monthly follow-up for 2 years to detect the persistence and progression of CIN1 to CIN2+. The findings of this study may provide evidence of the existence of a better performance screening method for the primary and triage detection of CIN2+ in WLHIV. It may also demonstrate that this high-performance test can improve the long-term predictive accuracy of screening by extending the intervals between evaluations and thus decrease the overall cost and increase screening uptake and follow-up compliance in WLHIV.Author SummaryAs there is evidence to suggest that the currently used screening methods for cervical cancer are less effective in women living with HIV (WLHIV), the proposed study in this protocol will evaluate the performance of a molecular-based p16/Ki-67 dual staining technology (DUST) in the primary and HPV-triage detection of CIN2+ in WLHIV. Using an intra-participant comparative study design (Phase 1), n=1,123 sexually active WLHIV aged 25–65 years will be enrolled at two accredited adult HIV treatment centres in Lagos, Nigeria to compare the performance of DUST to the currently used screening methods (Pap smear, hr-HPV DNA, or VIA testing) in detecting CIN2+. InPhase 2, a prospective cohort study design will be used to enrol all WLHIV who are diagnosed as having CIN1 inPhase 1for a 6-monthly follow-up for 2 years to detect persistent CIN1 and progression of CIN1 to CIN2/3. Overall, this very promising molecular-based technology (DUST) could reduce the long-term cumulative screening cost and procedure-related anxiety and fear, and subsequent improvement in cervical cancer screening uptake and follow-up compliance in WLHIV. We anticipate that these will have significant public health impacts as this innovative method will offer a unique paradigm shift for future control of cervical cancer within an integrated HIV treatment setting in LMICs.

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally after breast cancer. It is a preventable cancer with a well‑defined premalignant phase where treatment could be offered before invasive cancer develops. Objective: To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics and serotypes of high-risk HPV amongst positive women using self-sampling HPV-based cervical cancer screening. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study in an urban setting in Lagos, Nigeria where one hundred women, following community-based counselling on cervical cancer and its prevention, underwent cervical cancer screening via self-sampling for hr-HPV. Structured questionnaires were administered for data collection. Appropriate instruction for self-sample collection using Flobam cervical sampling kit was given to each subject. The samples were processed using DNA analysis via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and flow through hybridization to identify the hr-HPV serotypes. Women who tested positive for hr-HPV had colposcopic-guided biopsy. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Findings: Almost all (97%) the women were successful at self-sampling. The prevalence of hr-HPV positivity was 19% with peak (31.6%) of hr-HPV positivity observed in subjects aged 31-40 years. HPV 53 was the commonest (36%) serotype, HPV 33 and 39 were the least (7%) identified and 47% of hr-HPV positive subjects had infection with two or more HPV serotypes. Two-third (66.7%) of hr-HPV positive subjects attended follow-up for colposcopy guided biopsy and 10.5% of the hr-HPV positive subjects had premalignant/malignant cervical lesion. Conclusion: Infection with more than one hr-HPV serotype is common in our study. Self-sampling modality of HPV cervical cancer screening is feasible in this environment.

We assessed the predictors of Pap smear testing uptake within 6 months after cervical cancer prevention education among women in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a prospective follow-up study conducted as part of the 'mHealth-Cervix trial' in the two teaching hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria, between August 2020 and April 2021. Participants were followed up for 6 months after pre-enrolment cervical cancer prevention education. The potential socio-demographic and clinical predictors of Pap smear testing uptake during the 6-month follow-up were tested using the predictive model in a binary logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was reported as

To facilitate improvements in health service delivery, patients’ satisfaction with gynecological services was assessed at a tertiary hospital. Five hundred gynecological care-seekers who presented for outpatient consultation, inpatient care, or theatre procedures had face-to-face interviews using close-ended questionnaires. The assessment encompassed hospital ambience, healthcare providers’ attitude, waiting time, duration of consultation among others. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed with SPSS 22.0 software. Mean age was 37.8 ± 10.9 years; 319(63.8%) had tertiary education; 81(16.2%) and 82(16.4%) had inpatient and theatre care, respectively; 233(46.6%) were managed for infertility. One in five respondents reported delayed retrieval of medical records (20.8%), dissatisfaction with hospital meals (22.2%) and 31.6% were displeased with waiting time. Overall, 92.7%, 74.2%, and 66.7% of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with theatre, outpatient, and inpatient care, respectively. Age and education were significantly associated with outpatient satisfaction level ( P = .015; P

Aims: To determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence, risk factors and impact on the quality of life in gynecological clinic attendees of a University Hospital. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst gynecological clinic attendees in a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria from 1st February to 31st July 2017. Structured questionnaires were used to ascertain the presence of urinary incontinence. Socio-demographic and medical factors; impact on daily activities and treatment history were assessed. Women with and without urinary incontinence were compared. Univariate, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: There were 395 women of 25 - 67 years (mean age = 38.81±10.1). About 33% had experienced urinary incontinence in the previous 6 months with Urgency, Mixed and Stress urinary incontinence occurring in 18.0%, 7.6% and 7.3% respectively. Independent risk factors for urinary incontinence were age (odds ratio=0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.26 - 0.92, P =0.026), higher body mass index (odds ratio=1.92, 95% CI =1.53 - 3.00, P =0.004) and history of constipation (odds ratio=2.11, 95% CI =1.30 - 3.43, P =0.003). About 47% of those with urinary incontinence admitted to negative feelings like anxiety and depression; 45% had moderate to severe impact on their quality of life in all domains but only 27.7% sought help. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence is common and risk factors include older age, high body mass index and constipation. Despite its substantial impact on the quality of life, majority do not seek help. Addressing modifiable risks factors and improving treatment seeking behaviour will assist in reducing the prevalence of urinary incontinence. Keywords: female urinary incontinence; quality of life; risk factors; stress incontinence; urgency incontinence.

Background: Young people, especially those in tertiary institutions are vulnerable to unplanned and unprotected sexual intercourse which predisposes them to unintended pregnancies and subsequently unsafe abortions. One of the key interventions for reduction of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions is effective use of emergency contraceptives. Objectives: To assess the sexuality, perception, attitude towards and determinants of usage of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2016 among 805 female students of the Lagos State University. Data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaire by obtaining information on demography, sexual and contraceptive history, perception, attitude towards and use of emergency contraceptives. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Chi-square and logistic regression models were applied to variables to test for significance that predicts the use of emergency contraceptives. Results: Of the 725 (90%) completed questionnaires, 334 (46%) of the respondents were sexually active with 115 (34%) having previous history of pregnancy. Eighty-two percent of those pregnancies were unintended. Eighty-eight percent of those with unintended pregnancy had them terminated by induced abortions, 54% of which was carried out by untrained persons. Only 29% of those who had unprotected sexual intercourse used emergency contraceptives. Lack of knowledge and promotion of sexual promiscuity were identified as the main reasons for not using emergency contraceptives. Previous use of contraceptives, married status, increasing age and year of study were positive predictors for the use of emergency contraceptives while poor knowledge was a significant predictor of non-use. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge and low utilization of emergency contraceptives among respondents. Information on contraceptives should be introduced in secondary schools and in general studies courses in tertiary institutions while parents and caregivers should discuss issues relating to sex and contraceptives with adolescents.

Background: Adipocytokines have been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Visfatin is one of such adipokines. Objective: To determine the association between serum visfatin levels and preeclampsia. Methods: A prospective, case-control study was carried out in 160 pregnant women consisting of 80 pre-eclamptics and 80 normotensive controls, matched for age and parity during the third trimester. Maternal serum visfatin levels were determined in both groups using a visfatin (Human) enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. Serum Visfatin levels were compared between the groups and correlated to the blood pressure, proteinuria, fetal birth weight and Apgar scores. Results: The mean serum visfatin level was significantly higher (10.3±6.9 ng/ml) in preeclampsia than (7.4±4.4 ng/ml) in the control group (p=0.001). The mean serum visfatin level was higher in severe pre-eclamptics (10.8±8.9 ng/ml) compared to (9.6±5.8ng/ml) in mild preeclamptics and this was statistically significant (p=0.021). Visfatin levels showed a negative and non-significant correlation with both systolic (r= -0.011 and p=0.924), diastolic blood pressure (r= -0.012, p=0.913) and body mass index (r= -0.142, p=0.209) in both study and control groups. Mean birth weight was significantly lower in the preeclampsia (2.8±0.25 kg) compared to the control group (3.2±0.31 kg) P=0.000. the mean birth weight was lower in severe preeclampsia (2.7±0.25 kg compared to 2.9±0.39 in mild preeclamsia. There was no significant correlation between the visfatin levels and Apgar score at 5minutes and birth weights in both groups (P=>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed a significant increase in the level of visfatin in preeclampsia compared to their normo-tensive controls. However, this increased level was not consistent with the severity of the disease.

IntroductionPregnancy in sickle cell disease is fraught with many complications including pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Previously, we found an abnormality in prostacyclin–thromboxane ratio in sickle cell pregnant women, a situation that is also found in non-sickle pregnancies with PE and unexplained IUGR. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) has been shown to reduce the incidence of PE and IUGR in high-risk women by reducing the vasoconstrictor thromboxane while sparing prostacyclin, in effect ‘correcting’ the ratio. It has been found to be safe for use in pregnancy but has not been tested in sickle cell pregnancy. We hypothesise that LDA will reduce the incidence of IUGR and PE in pregnant haemoglobin SS (HbSS) and haemoglobin SC (HbSC) women.Methods and analysisThis is a multisite, double blind, randomised controlled trial, comparing a daily dose of 100 mg aspirin to placebo, from 12 to 16 weeks’ gestation until 36 weeks, in Lagos state, Nigeria. Four hundred and seventy-six eligible pregnant HbSS and HbSC women will be recruited consecutively, randomly assigned to either group and followed from recruitment until delivery. The primary outcome will be the incidence of birth weight below 10th centile for gestational age on INTERGROWTH 21 birth weight charts, or incidence of miscarriage or perinatal death. Secondary outcomes will include PE, maternal death, preterm delivery, perinatal death, number of crises, need for blood transfusion and complications such as infections and placental abruption. Analysis will be by intention to treat and the main treatment effects will be quantified by relative risk with 95% CI, at a 5% significance level.Ethical approvalEthical approval has been granted by the Health Research and Ethics committees of the recruiting hospitals and the National Health Research and Ethics Committee. Study findings will be presented at conferences and published appropriately.Trail registration numberPACTR202001787519553; Pre-results.

Background: Increasing the availability and accessibility of misoprostol in low resource settings has been advocated to reduce maternal deaths from primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). WHO recommends a strategy of antenatal distribution of misoprostol to pregnant women, for self-administration for the prevention of PPH, in settings where women are likely to give birth outside of a health facility or in the absence of skilled health personnel. The success of such strategies depends on the current knowledge and acceptability of misoprostol among women in such population. The aim of this study was that we assessed the knowledge and use of misoprostol among Nigerian women.Methods: It was a prospective cross-sectional population based survey in which 16445 consenting women, from randomly selected households and communities across the 20 local government areas (LGA) of Lagos state, had in-depth interview with the aid of an interviewer administered structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge and use of misoprostol. Data obtained were presented in frequency and proportions.Results: Thirteen per cent and 6.5% of the respondents were aware of drugs that could be used to terminate pregnancy and stop bleeding following childbirth, respectively. Only 5.2% of the women were aware of misoprostol, two-third (67%) of which knew it could be used to terminate pregnancy and 5% of women aware of misoprostol knew it could be used to reduce or stop bleeding following childbirth. Only 2.3% of the entire study population admitted to personal use of misoprostol.Conclusions: Knowledge about the safe, life-saving and effective use of misoprostol among Nigerian women is low. There is need to disseminate information about misoprostol especially in settings where women are likely to give birth outside of a health facility or in the absence of skilled health personnel.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI); risk factors; impact on quality of life and symptom specific health seeking behaviour. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 395 women attending gynaecological clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. UI was defined as the complaint of any involuntary leakage of urine in the previous six months. Socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrics, gynaecological, medical and surgical risk factors, impact on daily activities and treatment history were assessed. Univariate, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: Participants age ranged from 25-67 years with a mean of 38.81 ± 10.1. Prevalence of UI was 32.9%. Urge UI occurred in 18.0% of all respondents while the prevalence of stress and mixed incontinence was 7.3% and 7.6% respectively. Independent risk factors for urinary incontinence were age (OR= 0.49, 95%;CI = 0.26-0.92), higher body mass index (OR = 1.92; 95% CI =1.53-3.00) and history of constipation(OR = 2.11; 95% CI =1.30 - 3.43). About47%of those with UI admitted to having negative feelings such as despair, anxiety and depression while 45% had a cumulative moderate to severe affectation of their quality of life in all domains. Despite these, only 27.7% sought help. Conclusions: Despite thesubstantial impact of UI on the quality of life, majority do not seek help. Addressing modifiable risks factors, improving treatment seeking behaviour by correction of misconceptions and elimination of stigma will go a long way in reducing the prevalence of UI.

The choice and regimen of anticoagulation therapy in pregnant women with mechanical valve prostheses have always been a daunting task. It is a delicate balance that takes into consideration the risk of thromboembolic complications in the mother and the risk of potential Warfarin embryopathy to the foetus. Medical practice in a low socioeconomic setting also has the peculiar challenge of financial constraints on the part of the patients and difficulties in monitoring the efficacy of anticoagulation therapy. We report our experience in managing two pregnant women with mechanical valve prostheses and review the existing literature on this complex but interesting subject.

Background Caesarean delivery carries a risk of major intra-operative blood loss and its performance is often delayed by non-availability of blood and blood products. Unnecessary cross-matching and reservation of blood lead to apparent scarcity in centres with limited supply. This study set out to identify the risk factors for blood transfusion in women who underwent caesarean delivery at a tertiary obstetric unit with a view to ensuring efficient blood utilization. Methods A prospective cohort analysis of 906 women who had caesarean deliveries at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between January and December, 2011. A comparison was made between 188 women who underwent blood transfusion and 718 who did not. Data were obtained on a daily basis by investigators from patients, clinical notes and referral letters using structured pre-tested data collecting form. Socio-demographic characteristics; antenatal, perioperative and intraoperative details; blood loss; transfusion; and puerperal observations were recorded. EPI-Info statistical software version 3.5.3 was used for multivariable analysis to determine independent risk factors for blood transfusion. Results Of the 2134 deliveries during the study period, 906 (42.5%) had caesarean deliveries and of which 188 (20.8%) were transfused. The modal unit of blood transfused was 3 pints (41.3%). The most common indication for caesarean section was cephalo-pelvic disproportion (25.7%).The independent risk factors for blood transfusion at caesarean section were second stage Caesarean Section (aOR = 76.14, 95% CI = 1.25–4622.06, p = 0.04), placenta previa (aOR = 32.57, 95% CI = 2.22–476.26, p = 0.01), placental abruption (aOR = 25.35, 95% CI = 3.06–211.02, p

Background: Progesterone only injectable contraceptive provides long acting contraception against unwanted pregnancy. Alterations in menstrual pattern are a well known side effect of this effective contraceptive method. Objective of this study was to compare the weight gain and pattern of menstrual abnormalities in users of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) and Norethisterone Enanthate (Noristerat) in LASUTH.Methods: Retrospective comparative study conducted over a 3year period (January 2013 to December 2015) and involving 237 subjects who used injectable hormonal contraceptive (either DMPA or Noristerat). Case records of all the subjects were retrieved and information obtained on socio-demographic data, parity, previous contraceptive method and reason for discontinuation within one year of usage. Other information including subjects’ weight, menstrual cycle length and pattern, and side effects were collected at 3, 6 and 12 months for DMPA group and 2, 4 and 12 months interval for Noristerat group. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical packages for social sciences (version 19).Results: The combined mean age was 34.15±1.36 years. The mean weight at commencement was 68.16kg for DMPA and 66.61kg for Noristerat users while after a year, it significantly increased to 71.27kg for DMPA and 69.07kg for Noristerat users (P

Context: Pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common obstetric complication which presents a diagnostic challenge, especially in equivocal cases. Standard methods of diagnosis are limited by high false positives and negatives. This study compared the accuracy of a biomarker placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) with the traditional methods of diagnosis. Objective: To compare the accuracy of PAMG-1 in cervicovaginal secretions with other standard methods in the diagnosis of PROM. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted among women with symptoms and signs of PROM at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Standard tests and PAMG-1 assay were compared with the reported final diagnosis at delivery. Descriptive analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Results: A total of 140 consenting pregnant women were recruited in the study. An initial diagnosis of PROM was made in 67 patients (47.9%) using the standard methods of diagnosis whereas PAMG-1 immunoassay using Amnisure ROM test diagnosed PROM in 86 patients (61.4%). Upon review of patients' clinical records, 88 women (62.8%) had a final diagnosis of PROM. In the final analysis, PAMG-1 assay had a sensitivity of 97.7%, specificity 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 96.7%. The standard methods had a sensitivity 76.1%, specificity 92.2%, PPV 90.1% and NPV 70.4%. PAMG-1 had a highest accuracy of 98.6%, followed by nitrazine test 89.3%, pooling of liquor 83.5% and fern test 51.4%. Conclusion: The immunoassay of PAMG-1 had a higher diagnostic accuracy and is recommended for the diagnosis of PROM.

Screening programmes for the early detection of premalignant lesions of the cervix are expensive and technically difficult, especially in resource-challenged settings. There is a need for cheaper and equally effective alternative screening methods. This study compared the efficacy of visual inspection of the cervix using acetic acid (VIA) with the Pap smear method. A total of 186 subjects had a Pap smear followed by visual inspection of the cervix using 3 - 5% acetic acid with biopsies taken from suspicious acetowhite positive lesions. Cases of abnormal cytology were recalled for biopsies. A total of 150 subjects were negative for both tests; 30 (16.2%) were positive for VIA, while six were positive for both VIA and Pap smear. VIA detected one lesion missed by Pap smear on biopsy. The sensitivity of VIA was 100%, while that of Pap smear was 85.7%. The negative predictive value of VIA was 100%, while the positive predictive value was 20%. The sensitivity of VIA equals the reported rates for Pap smear. VIA is proposed as a credible alternative to Pap smear in resource-challenged settings.

A prospective cross sectional study was carried out, in which 5oo consecutively booked antenatal patients at term were recruited. Their haemoglobin concentrations were estimated at the onset of labour and the babies were weighed immediately after delivery. The values obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The mean haemoglobin concentration was 104.5g/L while the mean birth weight was 3186gm.The incidence of low birth weight was 5.2%.There was no statistically significant haemoglobin concentration/foetal birth weight difference among the various haemoglobin concentration groups. (X2 = 4.969 and p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in mean birth weight among the various haemoglobin groups suggesting that other parameters may play important roles in influencing foetal birth weight than maternal haemoglobin concentration. Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 54 (3-4) 2008: pp. 50-52

Background Several maternity units in the developing world lack facilities for caesarean section and often have to transfer patients in extremis. This case controlled study aimed to appraise predictive factors for caesarean section. Methods One hundred and fifty two consecutive women with singleton pregnancies who had caesarean section were studied. The next parturient with normal delivery served as control. Variables such as age, parity, marital status, booking status, past obstetric history, weight, height, infant birth weight were assessed. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS 16.0 Windows package. Results During the study period, there were 641 deliveries with 257 of them by caesarean section (40.1%). Logistic regression analysis showed that parity, booking status, maternal height; maternal weight, birth weight, previous caesarean section and ante-partum bleeding were significant predictive factors for caesarean section while maternal age was not. Conclusions These predictive factors should be considered in antenatal counseling to facilitate acceptance by at risk women and early referral.