The Prevalence of Melanocytic Naevi at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Melanocytic naevi are benign melanocytic tumours. Some of them may progress to malignant melanoma that has an enormous and ever increasing clinical and economical importance with a high mortality rate. Despite this association, we noticed a dearth of data of benign melanocytic tumoursin Nigeria. This aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, age and sex distribution of benign melanocytic tumours in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital,(UBTH). Methodology: This was a retrospective study which was carried out over a ten-year period in UBTH between January 2004 and December 2013. All cases of benign melanocytic tumoursdiagnosed histologically during the period under review were collated. Histology slides were retrieved, reviewed and the diagnosis recorded against the corresponding patient’s name on a data spread sheet. The data obtained from this study was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16 (SPSS 16, SPSSInc. Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. Result: There were 17 cases of melanocytic naevi seen over the study period giving a prevalence of 4.5% of skin tumours. The mean age for the development of melanocytic naeviin this study was 32.71 years (SD = 22.64) and a peak in the 2nd decade. A female preponderance with a bimodal peak age, in the 2nd and 3rd decades was observed. Conclusion: There is a low prevalence rate of melanocytic naevi in our own environment, unlike in the Caucasians of Australian nationality. The differential exposure to high level of UV radiationis key to this observation.

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Mucuna pruriens in rats intoxicated with lead acetate

Mucuna pruriens (velvet beans) is an unconventional legume commonly found in the tropical regions of Africa with several ethnomedicinal uses. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves in rats intoxicated with lead acetate. Thirty rats were divided into six groups (five rats per group). Group I (control group) was given distilled water only, group II was intoxicated with lead acetate (100 mg/kg) only, group III was administered M. pruriens extract (600 mg/kg) only daily for a period of 28 days, while groups IV, V and VI animals were co-administered M. pruriens extractat at different concentrations of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days. After 28 days of experiment, the animals where sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for some biochemical parameters and organs harvested for histology. The results showed that there were no significant differences in direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin and globulin, but significant increase (P˂0.05) in ALT after 28 days of intoxication with lead acetate when compared with the control. However there was no significant difference in ALP activities. Administration of aqueous extract of M. pruriens leaves at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight for 28 days showed a significant increase (P˂0.05) in direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, AST andALT, but significantly reduced ALP activities. Co-administration of the crude aqueous extract (300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg), did not show any ameliorating effect after 28 days when compared to rats intoxicated with lead acetate, but showed mild reduction in ALP activities with no significant changes in ALT and AST activities. Mucuna pruriens extract did not posses ameliorative effect in rats intoxicated with lead acetate, but showed potentials of resolving anaemia from the histopathological result.

Ethnic–based Photodocumentation of Nasofacial Angle: The Anioma Study

ABSTRACT Context: Human morphological variations, along with its attendant physiologic sequalae, have long been noted by physical anthropometrists to follow a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Anthropometric variation in angular craniometric norms, including the nasofacial angle, is not exempted from the influence of these factors. Aim: This craniometric study was aimed at evaluating variation extant in obtained nasofacial angle among a sample population of adult Anioma subjects. Methods and Materials: Participants’ degree of nasofacial angle variation was measured in a cross section of one thousand (1000) Anioma indigenes by the use of photogrammetric techniques. Results: Obtained results showed that sampled Anioma male subjects presented a mean nasofacial angle of 37.86º±3.22, with minimum and maximum values of 32.00º and 48.00º in the order given. Selected female participants showed a mean angle of 36.30º±3.89, which on statistical analysis, proved to be significantly different from obtained male values. Conclusion: Research findings herein support the gender specific nature of nasofacial angle in the study population, thereby suggesting its forensic significance as a basis for subject identification, among others.

Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas; A review of a rare but diverse cutaneous tumour

Title: Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas; University of Benin Teaching Hospital Experience Introduction: Primary cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are a heterogeneous group of extra nodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) which are confined to the skin at diagnosis. The skin is the second most common site of extra nodal lymphoma. They are rare tumours accounting for 18% of cases of extra nodal NHL. The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of primary cutaneous lymphomas at the University of Benin, Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, vis-a-vis reviewing the existing literature on the subject matter. Methodology: A 10-year retrospective study of primary CLs seen in UBTH from January 2004- December 2013. Skin biopsies were received fixed in 10% formalin in the laboratory unit of the Department of Morbid Anatomy, UBTH, processed in paraffin wax, sectioned and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. Histology slides were retrieved, studied and lesions characterized. Result: There were 375 cases of histologically diagnosed cutaneous tumours. The ages of the patients in this study ranged from 1 to 111 years. Their mean age was 38.32 years (SD = 19.38. There were 192 females (51.2%) and 183 males (48.8%) giving a female to male ratio of 1.05:1. Keratinocytic tumours were the most common lesions seen. There was no case of primary cutaneous lymphoma seen in this study giving a prevalence of 0%. Discussion: Primary CLs are rare tumours. Previous studies in Nigeria and Ghana like the index study did not report a case of CLs. This is unlike the report from Lagos, Nigeria where CLs have been reported. So by extension, although CLs are rare we should not foreclose the possibility of finding isolated cases in our environment. Conclusion: We align with the submission of Bradford et al that further investigations using large populations and molecular tools are warranted to elucidate the aetiology of the diverse spectrum of CLs. Despite this, we trust without prejudice that case reports and institutional base studies as invaluable means in the gathering of data, especially for rare tumours like CLs.

Anthropometric study of the 2D:4D digits ratio in Urhobo people of Southern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: Anthropometric study of the 2D:4D digits ratio in Urhobo people of Nigeria was carried out to determine the values of 2D and 4D lengths and ascertain if there are sexual differences between the 2D:4D ratios of male and female Urhobos. Materials and Method: A total of 300 volunteered (146 males and 154 females) Urhobo people were employed in the study aged 18 and above. The lengths of the index (2D) and ring (4D) digits were measured with a Vernier Caliper and 2D:4D digit ratios were calculated. Results: Results from the presents study showed that males had higher right index digit (R2D) lengths and ring digit (R4D) length compared to females. It was also revealed that males had higher left ring digit (L4D) lengths compared to females. However, females had higher left index (L2D) finger lengths compared to males. Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that males had lower 2D:4D digits ratios compared with that of females and this was statistically significant (P<0.05).

A forensic study of unnatural death in an oil-rich city in niger delta region of nigeria

Objectives: The study is aimed at assessing the profile of unnatural death in an oil-rich city in Niger Delta region. Method: This is a descriptive retrospective study of all homicidal, accidental and suicidal deaths examined forensically at theCentral hospital mortuary, Warri from January 2003 to December 2016. Results: Unatural death accounted for 802( 82.5% ) of all medicolegal cases examined within the study period. Homicidal, accidental and suicidal deaths accounted for 541(67.5%),(247) 29.7% and 14(1.1%)respectively of the unnatural deaths. A total of 713(88.9%) males and 89(11.1%) females were encountered , giving a male-female ratio(MFR)of 8:1. The mean age of the victims is 32.7 years with the peak occurring in the 3rd decade.The most commonly used weapon for homicidal death is firearms, accounting for 374(69.1%) of cases. Accidental death result mainly from RTA, drowning, burns and electrocution whichrespectivelyaccounted for 142(57.5%) 34(13.8%)26(10.5%) and 19(7.7%) of the cases; and with a MFR of 6:1. 14 cases of suicides were encountered during the study involving 11 males and 3 females, giving a MFR of 7:2. Conclusion: The causes of unnatural death are mainly preventable.The resultant premature death, affecting mainly males of productive age is a great source of concern. There is need for the government, the community and individuals to contribute their quotas in reversing this ugly trend.

Content Analysis of Single-dose Analgesics Dispensed by Attendants in Retail Drug Outlets in Obiaruku ,Delta State , Nigeria : A Surrogate-type Approach

Background Medicines can be potentially dangerous when used wrongly. This work examined drug combinations in pain management among attendants in retail drug outlets in Obiaruku, Delta State, Nigeria. Objectives The objective of this study was to describe drug combination in the management of pains by attendants working in community pharmacies and patent medicine shops (PMSs) Method This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using the ‘’surrogate shopper’’ approach to explore the real day-to-day practices and extract required information in twelve retail drug outlets located in the study area. Conversations were tape recorded and thereafter composition of single doses of pain relievers recommended by attendants were analyzed. Results A total of 12 retail outlets were visited. The average number of pills contained in a single dose pain reliever was 6.80±2.35 (for pharmacy outlets) and 5.33±1.32 (for PMSs), p>0.05. Piroxicam (14, 73.7%) was most frequently used NSAID. More than half, 63.2% of the attendants included single tablet of Prednisolone, 5mg in their pain relief combination. Other drugs not indicated for analgesia were included in the single dose combo. This includes Vitamin B complex (2, 10.5%), cod liver oil, Sulfadoxine – pyrimetamine (1, 5.3%), Salbutamol and Ferrous sulphate (1, 5.3%) and multivitamin (12, 63.2%).There was no significant difference in pain management practices between Pharmacies and Patent medicine stores (PMSs) (p>0.05). Conclusion Polypharmacy and irrational use of NSAIDs was a common practice among shop attendants in retail drug outlets, resulting in avoidable drug therapy problems and posing serious risk to public health.

Audit of medico legal death in metropolitan city of Warri, Nigeria.

Aim: To describe the various medico legal autopsy cases with respect to sex, age, cause and manner of death. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study of 972 medico-legal autopsy cases studied in Warri Metropolis from 1st Jan. 2003 to 31th December 2016. The relevant information was extracted and subsequently analyzed statistically using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 972 cases of medico legal autopsies of 843 males against 129 females were studied. Their ages of victims ranged from 0.4 years to 85 years, with a mean of 34.45 years and a peak age group in their 3rd decade. Homicidal, accidental, sudden natural, suicidal, and indeterminate cases accounted for 55.7% (541), 24.7% (240), 17.3% (168), 1.4% (14) and 0.9% (9) of the cases respectively. Firearm injuries, sharp weapon and blunt injuries, accounting for 374 (69.1%), 122(22.6%) and 37(6.8%) of homicide cases. Road traffic accident, drowning, burns injury and electrocution accounted for 119(49.6%), 34(14.2%), 26(10.8%) and 19(7.9%) of accidental cases respectively. Cardiovascular, Central nervous system-related and infectious diseases are responsible for 79(47.0%), 21(12.5%) and 15(8.9%) of sudden natural deaths observed in this study. Hanging and corrossive chemical ingestion accounted for 10(71.4%) and 4(28.6%) respectively of the suicide cases, and together representing a MFR of 3.7:1. Conclusion: Our study showed that firearm injuries, road traffic accident and sharp weapons injuries are the leading cause of unnatural death while cardiovascular diseases account for most cases of sudden natural deaths

Awareness and use of insecticide treated bednets (itns) by mother of under-fives in akuku–uno community

Malaria is endemic in Nigeria and it has a close relationship with poverty. Poverty influences the risk of having malaria. Malaria in children of under-five cannot be controlled when there is lack or poor compliance with various preventive strategies including awareness and use of insecticide treated nets (ITN). The target set when “Roll Back Malaria” (RBM) was launched in 2000, was that about 60% of children younger than 5 years and mothers in Nigeria should have been sleeping under the insecticide treated nets by 2015. Objectives: This study examined the awareness and use of ITN by mothers of under-five and also identified factors that are associated with use/non-use by mothers of under-five in Akuku-Uno Community of Delta State with a view of assessing levels of attainment of the Abuja Targets for malaria prevention. Methodology: This study were carried out in four (4) quarters namely: Ugulu, Umuaja, Umutu and Obeiti of Akuku-Uno Community. It employed descriptive survey design using simple random sampling technique and was conducted among 350 mothers of under- five who gave their consent within the period of 4 weeks study. Data was collected using self structured questionnaire using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient with a value of 0.74 at 0.05 level of significance. Analyses were done using SPSS Version 16. Results: Majority of respondents (96.3%) were aware of ITN. A good number of respondents (87.1%) possess ITN and (96.7%) claim they have the ITN from health centres . The night before the survey,59.7% of respondents slept under ITN while the reasons for non-compliance include don’t have good one 32%, not long 26% and adverse reaction is 42%. Respondents that claimed to have seen ITN was 96% . Those that have good knowledge with regards to malaria were 46% compared to respondents (54%) that have poor knowledge of malaria. Respondents that uses only one method to prevent malaria were 52% . A good number of respondents (91.5%) used ITN. Respondents (40%) mentioned high temperature as symptom of malaria. For challenges faced by respondent in using ITN, 71.4% of mothers faced no challenges and 87.8% of respondents claim to use ITN for protection. Conclusion: This study showed that many of the mothers and under -five in this malaria endemic area (96.3%) are aware of ITN and 59.7% of them actually slept under the ITN the night before survey. The net must be readily made available to encourage mothers of under- five to use them. Negative perceptions such as rumor of death which was about 9% leading to non compliance should be corrected and mothers be encouraged to use the ITN.

Childhood malignant tumours in owerri

Tittle: Childhood Malignant Tumours in Owerri; A Histopathological Review. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic and pathologic characteristics of childhood tumours in Owerri. Methodology: The surgical day books, histology request and report forms were studied and the clinico-pathologic information were retrieved and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 Results: A total of 27 cases of malignant diseases of children were clinically diagnosed and histologically confirmed. The mean age of the patients were 10.17±4.33 years with age range of 1 to 18 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.25. The peak age of incidence falls in the 6-10 age groups which accounted for 40.74%. Wilm’s tumor (Nephroblastoma) was the commonest 8 cases (29.63%), Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma 6 cases (22.22%), Neuroblastoma 4cases (14.81%), osteosarcoma 3cases (11.11%), yolk sac tumour of the ovary 2 cases (7.41%), one case “3.70%” each for retinoblastoma, soft tissue sarcoma and angiosarcoma