*A A MAYUN *U H PINDIGA **A ABUBAKAR

Correspondence to: Dr. A A Mayun Histopathology Department U.M.T.H P M B 1414 Maiduguri.

Intra-operative consultation between the surgeon and the pathologist is very important. Frozen section technique performed by an experienced pathologist requested for by a surgeon well known to him or her is most valuable in this regard.The aim of frozen section is to establish the presence and nature of a lesion, adequacy of resection margins, positivity of lymph nodes, and the presence of malignant implants or metastasis in other organs. It however may not be possible to determine the accurate mitotic count and the degree of dysplasia by frozen sections. Although there were various descriptions of frozen section technique before and after the turn of the 20th century, LB Wilson of the Mayo Clinic heralded the beginning of a new era in intraoperative diagnosis. The purpose of this review is therefore to activate intra-operative consultation between the surgeon and the pathologist using frozen sections, as this will improve clinical services, give better training to resident doctors and improve hospital income..

Mairiga A.G, Bako B.G, Kawuwa M.B
Correspondence to: Dr. A.G Mairiga Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State. Nigeria.

Context: Uterine fibroid is the commonest tumour of the female genital tract and it is a common cause of morbidity among women of reproductive age. Objective: To determine the prevalence, common presentations, management modalities and post operative morbidities associated with uterine fibroid. Ways of reducing these morbidities were suggested. Study design and setting: This was a descriptive study of all the cases of uterine fibroids admitted in to the gynaecological ward of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri between 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2005. Subjects and methods: The case records of admitted patients were collated and analysed for presentation, managements, post operative outcome and complications. The relative proportion of cases admitted on account of uterine fibroid was compared with the total gynaecological admission. Results; Nine percent (9%) of the total gynaecological admission were due to uterine fibroids. Majoriy (70.7%) of the patients were in their 3rd and 4th decade of lives and 53.8% of the patients were para 0 or 1. The commonest presentation was lower abdominal swelling which was the complaint in 50.3%, followed by menstrual abnormality in 32.8%. Treatment was essentially surgical; 63.9% had myomectomy while 27.4% had hysterectomy. Twelve percent of the patients who had myomectomy subsequently became pregnant. Post operative pyrexia was the commonest complication and occurred in 6.5% of the patients. Conclusion: Uterine fibroid is a common problem in women of reproductive age in our environment and tends to grow to unsightly large sizes. Public enlightment and routine regular scan at 20 years followed regularly by scan or medical checkup will help in early detection and follow up. Early detection allows for easier and more conservative treatment.

Askira BH, Akobundu MN

Correspondence to: DR. Habila Umaru, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery University of MaiduguriTeaching Hospital PMB 1414 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria E:mail; habilaumaru @yahoo.co.uk, Phone; +2348023027485

Objective: To determine the prevalence and types of refractive errors in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Northeastern Nigeria. Design: A retrospective study of patients with refractive errors seen at the eye clinic, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital from January, 2006 to December, 2006. Results: A total of 388 patients had a non cycloplegic refraction. There were 186 males and 202 females (MF: 1:1.1). The most frequent age group was 31-40 years constituting 27.8% while age groups 21-30 and 41-50 constituted 21.1% and 20.15 respectively. Myopia was seen in 82(21.1%), Hypermetropia 8(4.7%) while astigmatism and presbyopia were seen in 89 (22.9%) and 199 (51.3%), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence and types of refractive errors seen in Maiduguri are similar to those seen in the other parts of the country.

Adamu NB, Okoh AEJ, Nejo SI, Rodrigue D
Correspondence to: Dr. NB Adamu, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P M B 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Background: Dog population problems are mostly an urban problem. Occurrence of rabies in dog is related to the dog population density hence the need for ecological studies on dogs as it relates to rabies especially in Nigeria. There is paucity of information on dog ecological demography in Borno, northern Nigeria like in the rest of Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine stray tendency in dogs and its public health implications on the communities of the University of Maiduguri campus and its environs. Methodology: The study was cross sectional and was conducted between August and October 2005. A random sample of households within the University of Maiduguri community and Mairi Village,its immediate environment were surveyed using questionnaire and personal interviews to determine features of dog ecology relevant to the spread of rabies. The questionnaire was designed following the WHO guidelines. Results: Out of 60 households interviewed, 48 (80%) confirmed the presence of stray dogs in their surroundings while 12 (20%) did not. Dogs were owned by 34 (56%) households while 26(44%) did not own dogs. The most important reason for owning dog was for security/protection. Factors enhancing straying of dogs were inadequate feeding of dogs, poor restraint of dogs and irresponsible dog ownership. About 36.5% of dog owners did not vaccinate their dogs against rabies. Children were more in contact with dogs than adults. The dog to person ratio was 1:7.8. The total number of dog bite cases were 33 with 54.5% of the cases in Mairi and 45.4% in the university campus. Conclusion: Stray dogs abound in the University Campus and Mairi Village environment of the University of Maiduguri and pose health hazards including rabies to the communities. The University authority should without delay enforce rabies rules and regulations aimed at limiting the number of stray dogs in the campus and its environs. Workshops and educational campaigns should be organized to renew awareness among the public on the dangers posed by stray dogs and how to minimize them. Proper dog management reduces the risk of transmission of rabies to human and control of free-roaming and stray dogs should be part of the rabies control programme. Dog population studies should be extended to the entire Maiduguri metropolis for effective rabies prevention and control.

SM MA'AJI
Correspondence to: Dr SM Ma'aji, Department of Radiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background: This study was carried out to analyze the transabdominal ultrasonographic (TAUS) features of suspected benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 96 consecutive patients between June 2005 through June 2006 at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Karaye Hospital, Sokoto. Methodology: Prospective analysis of Various sonographic features including prostate size, volume, architecture and vesicoprostatic interface,residual urine volume as well as back pressure changes on both urinary bladder and kidneys were analyzed. Result: The prostate sizes ranges between 40mm-135mm (mean 59mm, median = 57mm, SD = 12mm). While the smallest prostate volume was 45cm3 with the largest measuring 387cm3 (mean 128, median 128, SD = 68). Conclusion: Transabdominal ultrasound is a useful screening test for the evaluation of the prostate. In addition to the size and volume, the assessment of the kidney and the urinary bladder makes assessment of degree of benign prostatic obstruction more reliable.

ADESINA OO* BALOGUN ST** EZIMAH ACU* OKON K***

Correspondence to: ADESINA OO Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences University of Maiduguri Maiduguri Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Background: Blood banking in a malaria endemic area could result in transfusion-associated problems such as transfusion malaria. The emergence and wide dissemination of drug resistant malaria parasites underscore the need for prevention of posttransfusion malaria. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of subclinical malariaparasitaemia among blood donors to ascertain the need for inclusion of malaria testing in pre transfusion procedures. Methods: Screening for malaria parasites was done in 182 bloodsamples collected from blood donors (169 males and 13 females) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria out of 246 subjects, who came for donation at the Blood Bank Section of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) during the month of April to September, 2009. Blood film examination was done to identify malaria parasites and estimate parasite density assuming leukocyte count of 8000 cells/μl blood. Results: The overall prevalence of subclinical malaria was 18.7% (34/182) and was significantly higher in female (53.8%, 7/13) than male (16.0%, 27/169) donors (χ2 = 11.4, df = 1, p = 0.00074). The prevalence was significantly higher during the rainy season than dry season (18.7% vs 4.3%; p < 0.0001). Parasite density was generally low with < 1000 parasites/μl blood accounting for the highest proportion (58.8%) (χ2 = 15.18; df = 2; p = 0.000). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of subclinical malaria in this locality as reflected by the high malaria parasitaemia among donors and this could impact negatively on the health of blood recipients in Maiduguri. We advocate that the routine malaria screening should form part of the pre-transfusion testing procedure.

ALIYU MK, ABIMIKU SL, BABAGANA MA, MUSA E
Correspondence to: ALIYU M. KODIYA National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, P.M.B 2438, Kaduna, Nigeria Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background: Recurrent respiratory papilloma (RRP) is a benign but potentially devastating disease of viral origin. It may lead to serious morbidity or mortality with great management challenges. Endoscopic LASER excision with or without adjuvant therapy remains the gold standard in treatment. This is usually not available in health facilities of developing countries like Nigeria. Methodology:A 6year retrospective review of cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) with confirmed histology seen at national ear care centre, Kaduna, Nigeria. Results: A total of 22 cases were reviewed, age ranged from 8months to 30years, mean age of 10years with M: F ratio of 1.2:1.0. About 68% were under 10years of age and all presented with hoarseness (100%) followed by dyspnoea (45.5%). All had simple conventional rigid laryngoscopy and excision without any adjuvant. Three (13.6%) presented with recurrence within one year. None had tracheostomy. Conclusion: Conventional surgery for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis where the main stay of treatment (endoscopic LASER excision) is not available especially in developing countries is effective. Early diagnosis is desirable in order to eliminate the possible added morbidity by tracheostomy which may be necessitated by severe airway compromise.

BALLA HJ* ZAILANI SB** ASKIRA MM* MUSA AB* MURSAL A***

Correspondence to: MRS H.J.BALLA Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis is one of the most common water- borne tropical diseases which poses serious health hazard due to its associated morbidities. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among the study subjects. Methods: Two hundred and eighteen (218) urine samples were collected from Primary school pupils and 282 samples from Almajiris between March and July 2009. The samples were examined microscopically after centrifugation, and haematuria was tested using reagent strip. The subjects were classified based on the presence or absence of visible haematuria and whether they were positive for Schistosoma haematobium ova (infected) or negative (not infected). Result: Out of the 282 Almajiris screened, 205(72.7%) were infected; 137 (48.6%) of the sample population were positive for S. Haematobium with haematuria; 68 (24.1%) were positive without haematuria. The subjects within the age group 11-15years had the highest prevalence of 86 (89.6%). Out of the 218 Primary school pupils examined, 24 (11%) were infected. 15 (6.9%) pupils were positive with haematuria, 9 (4.1%) were positive without haematuria. The subjects within the age group 11-15years had thehighest prevalence of 15 (14.2%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among the subjects examined indicates the  endemicity of the disease in the study area. Public enlightenment and provision of safe drinking water could reduce the high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the community.

MUHAMMAD Z* GARBA NA**
Correspondence to: DR. MUHAMMAD ZAKARI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background: Most women in developing world are at considerable risk of developing cervical cancer because the risk factors are still prevalent, and this situation is further worsened by the fact that, many of these women are poorly informed about thedisease and its prevention. Objectives of the study: To determine the risk factors in patients with cervical cancer in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, and suggest ways of reducing these risk factors and incidence of cervical cancer. Study design: A two year descriptive study from 1st of January, 2007 to 31st of December, 2008, in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. All patients that were admitted into gynaecological ward with cervical cancer were included. Results: There were 133 patients with cervical cancer admitted into the gynaecological ward from 1st of January, 2007 to 31st of December 2008.Of these 108 case notes were retrieved, giving a retrieval rate of 81%. The mean age of the patients was 51.7±12.5 with a range of 32-78 years. The peak age incidence was 50-59 years, with majority (85.2%) occurring in patients above 40 years. Majority (44.4%) of the patients were Para 6-10, with a range of 0-17 and mean of 7.7±4.6. Of 108 patients, 77.8% had only Q u r ` a n i c / I n f o r m a l e d u c a t i o n . T h e a g e a t f i r s t intercourse/marriage ranged from 13-20years with mean of 14±1, with 85.2% having initiated sexual activity before the age of 15years. Majority (59.2%) had multiple numbers of marriages that ranged from 1-8 with mean of 2.2±1.6; and 88.8% of the male partners were polygamous with number of wives that ranged from 1-9 with mean of 2.6±1.5. Conclusion: The risk factors for the development of cervical cancer were high in this study. Public enlightenment should be intensified with regards to the risk factors for this disease. Female education should be encouraged to avoid early age at marriage and sexual initiation

SK MUSTAPHA, IM KIDA, A DAYAR, LB GUNDIRI
Correspondence to: DR. S.K. MUSTAPHA Department of Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital P.M.B 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is one of the most commonly performed endoscopic procedures and provides valuable information in patients with gastroduodenal disorders. It is performed primarily to detect and/or correct a problem in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Objective: To determine the common indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study in which records of 650 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from 2002 to 2008 were reviewed. The endoscopies were performed u s i n g P e n t a x F G - 2 9 W f o r w a r d v i e w i n go esophagogastroduodenoscope. Results: Three hundred and twenty six (50.2%) of those endoscoped were males while 324 (49.8%) were females. Their ages ranged from 14 to 90 years with a mean of 39.2±14.2 years. The most common indication for endoscopy was dyspepsia accounting for 79.4% of cases. Other indications included upper gastrointestinal bleeding (10.0%), suspicion of malignancy (4.0%), persistent vomiting (3.4%), gastric outlet obstruction (1.8%), dysphagia (0.9%) and anaemia (0.5%). Soreness of the throat (5.7%) was the only complication observed. Conclusion: The indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Maiduguri are similar to those in other centres in Nigeria and elsewhere, with dyspepsia being the commonest indication.