O.O. Makinde

The obstetric performance of sickle cell disease patients and homozygous hemoglobin C disease patients in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

In a 9‐year period (1980–1988), 46 delivered hemoglobinopathy patients were studied. There was a high incidence of complications during pregnancy. The perinatal and maternal mortalities were 13.4% and 9.2% respectively. The complications could be minimized by adequate supervision in pregnancy, labor and puerperium.

Ureteric injuries associated with gynecologic surgery

We conducted a review of eight ureteric injuries associated with major gynecologic surgery in seven patients over an 11‐year period. Our low incidence of 0.36% is comparable with other reports. Diagnosis was made either intra‐operatively or postoperatively. Immediate ureteric repair is advocated for all injuries discovered intra‐operatively. Attention to preventive measures both before and during gynecological operations will reduce the incidence of ureteric injuries.

Ectopic pregnancy in a defined Nigerian population

All cases of ectopic pregnancy in the Ile‐Ife teaching hospital between 1977 and 1987 were reviewed. The incidence per 1000 births was 4.76, and this condition accounted for 2.75% of all gynecological admissions. The associated mortality was low (0.5%). An increasing incidence was observed during the study period, as was an increasing proportion of nulliparous patients. Tubal damage from pelvic infections might account for the trends.

Gravid uterus in an anterior abdominal wall hernia of a Nigerian woman

A case of a gravid uterus in an incisional hernia in the anterior abdominal wall of a 27‐year‐old Nigerian woman is presented. The patient developed an ulceration of the anterior abdominal wall necessitating prolonged hospitalization. She was delivered by emergency lower segment cesarean section at 35 weeks gestational age because of premature labor. The patient unfortunately died from primary postpartum hemorrhage.

Congenital absence of an ovary in a Nigerian woman

A case of unilateral absence of the left ovary in a 45‐year‐old grand multiparous Nigerian woman is reported. Congenital absence of a gonad is extremely rare and it indicates a genetic or chromosomal error in the formation of the urogenital ridge.

Bilateral Tubal and Twin Pregnancies in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Three cases of unilateral tubal twin pregnancies and four cases of simultaneous bilateral tubal pregnancy recorded in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital were reviewed. The incidences were 1 in 68 and 1 in 51 ectopic pregnancies respectively. High twinning rates within the environment and tubal damage from pelvic infections were considered as possible etiologic factors.

Pregnancy in teenagers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria–problems and perinatal outcome

SummaryA nine year review in a Nigerian teaching hospital revealed that teenagers were responsible for 5.9 per cent of ectopic pregnancies, 14.7 per cent of spontaneous abortions, 59.9 per cent of illegal abortions and 3.7 per cent of all deliveries, and accounted for 11.5 per cent of maternal deaths. Among the teenagers whose pregnancies were carried to viability, the incidences of premature rupture of the membranes, preterm labour, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were increased compared to the general obstetric population. Moreover, there was a higher caesarean section rate, increased low birth weight and perinatal mortality rates and a lower mean birth weight compared to the general obstetric population. The maternal morbidity and perinatal outcome were worse among the unbooked teenagers, the unmarried and among those aged 13–16 years.

Maternal tetanus toxoid coverage during pregnancy in Ile-Ife Nigeria.

A cluster survey on maternal tetanus toxoid (TT) coverage was carried out in the Ile‐Ife Central Local Government Area. Out of the 896 mothers of babies 0–12 months old who were interviewed, 668 (74.6%) claimed they received TT during pregnancy, this was confirmed in 37 (4.1%) and in only 25 (2.8%) of these cases could the babies be said to have been protected from neonatal tetanus (NNT) at birth. About 35% of the babies were delivered at home/churches where most babies with NNT are usually born.

Reproductive Performance in Grand Multiparae in a Suburban Teaching Centre in Nigeria—the Ile-Ife Experience

SummarySummaryThree hundred and fifty consecutive grand multiparae (19·6 per cent of 1789 deliveries in 1987–1989) in lie State Hospital were reviewed. The incidence of placenta praevia. abruptio placentae, preterm rupture of the membranes and ruptured uterus were greater (P<0·05) than those for women of lower parity. The perinatal mortality rate was lower and the maternal mortality rate comparable to that of women of lower parity. The grand multipara may be at a higher risk of complications but adequate care in pregnancy, labour and puerperium can reduce serious consequences.

Biophysical correlates of the menarche in a mixed Nigerian population

SummaryA study of schoolgirls in a mixed Nigerian population revealed a mean menarcheal age of 13–94± 1–30 years. The value was influenced by the social class of the parents, being lowest among daughters of social class I parents. The mean values for height, weight, body mass index and mid-upper arm skinfold thickness were higher among the post-menarcheal girls compared to those pre-menarche, although the measurements varied widely.