Niger J Paed 2013; 40 (3): 345 –351  
PANCONF 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE  
Poster Presentations  
4
4th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the Paediatrics  
Association of Nigeria (PANCONF), 22nd - 26th January, 2013  
P101  
Synopsis of Paediatric Emergency Presentations in  
Abakaliki: 18 months review  
Objectives: To determine the pattern of morbidity and  
mortality of childhood diseases in the Children Emer-  
gency Room (CHER) of FMC, Asaba and the related  
age, gender and seasonal distribution incidence.  
Ujunwa FA, Manyike C , Ukoh U  
Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki  
Method: A descriptive case series review of the admis-  
sion registers in CHER from January 2007 to December  
2
011 was done. Information obtained were age, gender,  
Introduction: Children emergency room is usually the  
major source of all pediatrics admissions. In order to  
effectively plan and allocate scarce resources there is  
need to study the pattern of emergency paediatrics ad-  
missions especially in a new center.  
Objective: To determine the pattern of pediatrics emer-  
gency room admissions in Abakaliki.  
Methods: Pediatrics admissions records in the emer-  
gency room of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki  
over an 18months period were recorded in a profoma.  
Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.  
month of admission, diagnosis and outcome.  
Results: A total of 3,830 children between the ages of 1  
and 180 months (15 years) comprising of 2,189 males  
(57.2%) and 1,641 (42.8%) females was admitted within  
the period under review. Children less than 5 years old  
were 2,912 (76.0%) and 1165 (40.0%) of these were  
infants. The common causes of admission were malaria  
(30.3%), diarrheal diseases (20.4%) and respiratory tract  
infections (19.0%). Admissions were more during the  
2
wet season (2161) than dry season (1669), χ =142.4,  
p=<0.0001. There were 221 deaths: 128 (57.9%) in  
males and 93 (42.1%) in females. Greater than 80% of  
deaths occurred in children less than 5 years of age,  
Results: There were 1308 admissions within the study  
period , this consists of 753males and 549 females, 6  
were unclassified. The mean age of the population was  
2
χ =8.51, p=0.003 and 53.8% of these deaths occurred in  
3
.15±3.67years, under five constituted 81.2% , while  
infants. Major causes of death were complicated malaria  
(24.4%), sepsis (19.9%), diarrhoeal diseases (18.1%)  
and respiratory tract infections (7.7%).  
Conclusion: Malaria, respiratory tract infection and diar-  
rheal are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in  
CHER and children less than 5 years of age are com-  
monly affected.  
school age children and adolescents constituted 10.7%  
and 8.35% respectively .Communicable diseases com-  
prise 1077 (82.3%) while non-communicable diseases  
constitute 230 ( 17.6%) of the diseases. The top five  
diagnosis were malaria and its complications (33.6%),  
acute diarrhea diseases(18.7%), pneumonias(12.6%),  
sepsis(10.6%) and sickle cell anemia (6.0%)and these  
were commoner in under fives (p<0.05). Haematological  
system 44.1%, digestive (21.7%) respiratory(17.9%) and  
central nervous systems (7.5%) were the four commonly  
affected systems. About 19 (1.6%) were discharged  
against medical advice, 1126 (92.5%) were either dis-  
charged home or transferred to the Pediatrics for further  
management while72 (5.9%) patients died.  
P103  
Mothers’ Knowledge and Practices of Infant Sleep  
Position  
Okpere AN, Opara PI.  
Department of Pediatrics, University of Port Harcourt  
Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.  
Conclusion: Synopsis of admissions shows that malaria,  
diarrhea diseases and respiratory tract infections still  
constitutes a significant morbidity in children.  
Background: Prone sleeping by infants has been associ-  
ated with increased risk of sudden infant death syn-  
drome (SIDS). This led to the AAP recommendation  
that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to reduce  
the risks of SIDS. Many child care providers continue to  
be unaware of the association of SIDS and infant sleep  
position and/or are misinformed as to the risks and bene-  
fits of the various sleep positions.  
P102  
Pattern of Morbidity and Mortality of Childhood  
Diseases in the Children Emergency Room of Fed-  
eral Medical Center, Asaba  
Ezeonwu B, Omoruyi C, Nwafor I.  
Department of Pediatrics, Federal Medical Center,  
Asaba  
Objectives: These were to explore mothers’ knowledge  
and practices concerning infant sleep position and SIDS.  
Methods: This study was carried out amongst mothers  
presenting with infants to the Paediatric Outpatient Clin-  
ics of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospi-  
tal. A structured, anonymous and self-administered  
questionnaire was used to obtain information on biodata,  
awareness information, response and practices. Data  
Background: The pattern of childhood morbidity and  
mortality especially in those under 5 years of age is an  
important indicator of the wellbeing of the children in a  
country.  
3
46  
were analysed using SPSS version 16.0.  
P201  
Results: Two hundred and eighty two mothers partici-  
pated in the study. 165 (58.5%) of them had tertiary edu-  
cation while 239 (91.8%) were married. Mean age of  
infants was 7.11± 3.53 months. The commonest sleep  
position was prone (43.6%), while the least common  
was back (17%). Common reasons for choice of position  
were comfort and baby sleeping longer. 223(79.1%)  
were unaware of any medically recommended sleep  
position. Of those who were aware, the commonest  
source of knowledge were nurses. 95 (33.7%) had heard  
of SIDS but over 80% of these did not know the cause.  
Conclusion: Mothers have poor knowledge of infant  
sleep position. Doctors should take more active part in  
educating mothers on safe child care practices.  
Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis: Case Report and  
Literature Review  
Frank-Briggs AI, Okoh BAN, Tobi N.  
Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, University  
of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt,  
Rivers State, Nigeria.  
Background: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disor-  
der affecting the neuromuscular junction. It is non he-  
reditary and characterized by autoantibodies which bind  
to acetylcholine (Ach) receptors at the motor end plate.  
The resultant effect is impaired Ach function, impaired  
nerve conduction and muscle weakness. Isolated ocular  
involvement (ptosis) is the most common presentation,  
characterized by easy fatigability of muscles, particu-  
larly the extraocular muscles, muscles of mastication,  
swallowing and respiration. Diagnosis is typically by  
Tensilon test; management modalities include use of  
antichlinesterases, immunosuppressant drugs, plas-  
mapheresis and thymectomy where indicated. It is com-  
moner in females and onset is usually after 10 years of  
age. It is not a common finding in boys, hence this  
report.  
P104  
Abdomino-Pelvic Ultrasonographic Findings in  
Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain  
1
2
1
1
Ibitoye PK, Kakale SB, Tahir Y, Jiya NM.  
1
2
Departments of Paediatrics, and Surgery Usmanu  
Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto  
State  
Background: Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) occurs  
commonly in otherwise apparently healthy children and  
can be a source of concern for most caregivers. Apart  
from reassurance of the caregiver after thorough exami-  
nation, abdomino-pelvic ultrasound scan (USS) is an  
important non-invasive tool for immediate evaluation.  
Objective: To determine abdomino-pelvic USS findings  
in children aged between 3 and 12 years who had RAP.  
Method: This study was carried out in a private special-  
ist clinic in Sokoto metropolis. A prospective register of  
all children aged between 3 and 12 years who had ab-  
domino-pelvic USS following presentation with RAP  
was kept within the study period of 18 months (January  
Case presentation: A seven year old male presented  
with a two year history of drooping of both eye lids that  
progressively worsened over time. He has had several  
medications from different orthodox and unorthodox  
facilities. Examination revealed bilateral ptosis (the left  
eye worse than the right) and bilateral ophthalmoplegia.  
A diagnosis of Juvenile Myasthenia gravis with ophthal-  
moplegia was made and this was confirmed using intra-  
muscular Neostigmine, as Edrophonium was unavail-  
able. He was commenced on oral Neostigmine at a dose  
of 0.04mg/Kg 6 hourly and is on regular follow up in the  
Paediatric Neurology Clinic in our institution  
Conclusion: Juvenile myasthenia gravis is a rare autoim-  
mune disease of childhood, high index of suspicion is  
necessary to make a diagnosis for proper management.  
st  
th  
, 2011 till June 30 , 2012). Abdomino-pelvic USS  
1
was done using 3.5 MHz and 7.5 to 11 MHz curvilinear  
and linear probes of DP 8800 Mindray ultrasound ma-  
chine. Sickle cell anaemia patients were excluded.  
P202  
Results: One hundred and sixty two children (9.1%)  
presented with recurrent abdominal pain of the total  
A Rare Case of Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis: A Case  
Report  
1
783 patients seen during the study period with female  
to male ratio of 1.4:1. Pain was mostly peri-umbilical  
65.4%), with majority having RAP for 6 weeks to 3  
Idris HW., Mado SM, Anyiam JO, Afegbua D,  
Adeoye GO, Sobowale AM  
(
months (82.1%). One hundred and nine (67.3%) had  
normal abdomino-pelvic USS findings. Enteritis was  
diagnosed in 23 (14.2%), cystitis in 21 (13%), grade II  
parenchymal disease in 8 (4.9%) and generalized  
mesenteric adenitis in 1 (0.6%).  
Conclusion: RAP is a frequent occurrence in children,  
however apart from just reassuring the caregivers and  
the patients, abdomino-pelvic USS should be done. This  
ensures that more sinister organic causes are not missed.  
Department of Pediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University  
Teaching Hospital Shika-Zaria  
Introduction: Juvenile Myathenia Gravis is a chronic  
autoimmune disorder which occurs when serum antibod-  
ies combine with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the  
muscle membrane of the motor endplate impairing the  
neuromuscular transmission. This results in early muscle  
fatigability with progression to a complete paralysis  
during repetitive movement.  
Case presentation: 5 year old boy with a 4 month his-  
tory of drooping of the eyelids. It began initially with  
the right then  
Progressed to involve the left after a month. No weak-  
ness in any other muscle groups, difficulties in feeding  
3
47  
or breathing. No preceeding history of head trauma,  
drug use or seizures. He had bilateral ptosis, easy fatiga-  
bility of the muscles of the hands and shoulder girdle.  
No neck swelling or hypertension. Serum biochemistry,  
thyroid function tests, neck ultrasound and Brain MRI  
were normal.  
He had a dramatic response to Tensilon test using Neo-  
stigmine and was subsequently commenced On Oral  
Neostigmine bromide and is doing well on clinic follow  
up. The relative rarity of Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis  
results in a dearth of local studies especially in the pedi-  
atric population.  
neonate with progressive respiratory distress from birth.  
He was seen in children’s emergency room 2 hours after  
vaginal delivery from a peripheral clinic with difficult  
breathing. Pregnancy and delivery were uneventful and  
born to non-consanguineous monogamous parents. On  
examination he was dyspnoeic, cyanosed with mal-  
formed and fractured upper and lower limbs. An assess-  
ment of osteogenesis imperfecta type II was made and  
resuscitation instituted. However respiratory distress  
worsened and baby died at 6 days of life.  
Conclusion: Ultrasonography is useful for prenatal diag-  
nosis of the severe forms of OI. If detected prenatally a  
more appropriate management can be instituted to re-  
duce morbidity and mortality.  
P203  
Beckwith Weidemann Syndrome: A Case Report  
P206  
Amadi OF, Ezenwosu OU, Nwokoye IC, Ani SO.  
Department of Pediatrics, Enugu State University  
Teaching Hospital, Park-Lane, Enugu  
Prune Belly Syndrome Presenting In a Set of Twins  
at the National Hospital Abuja: A Case Report  
Audu LI, Mukhtar-Yola M, Mairami AB, Otuneye AT,  
Tahir LM, Papka NY, Mshelia LJ, Maitala H.  
National Hospital Abuja.  
Background: Beckwith Weidemann Syndrome is a con-  
genital disorder made up of a myriad of anomalies char-  
acterized by overgrowth of body tissue (Visceromegaly),  
anatomic defects and metabolic derangement.  
Incidence is stated to be 1 in 15,000 live births in the  
general population with a higher incidence amongst  
babies conceived by in Vitro fertilization. It is associ-  
ated with chromosomal re-arrangement with 85% of the  
rearrangement occurring sporadically.  
Introduction: Prune belly Syndrome, a rare congenital  
malformation presenting at birth with multiple organ  
involvement has rarely been reported in multiple gesta-  
tions.  
Case Presentation: Delivered at 34weeks, both babies  
were noticed to have lax anterior abdominal wall, bilat-  
eral flank fullness, multiple abdominal masses and un-  
descended testes at birth. Antenatal ultrasound had indi-  
cated the presence of abnormalities in only one baby.  
Case presentation: Baby LE was delivered to a 29 years  
old para – 2 lady by Cesarean section for pre-eclampsia  
and breech presentation. Routine Antenatal ultrasound  
done in the second trimester revealed polyhdramnois,  
foetal Macrosomia and ® Hydronephrosis. The paediat-  
ric team took over immediately after birth. The Random  
Blood Sugar done within 10 minutes of birth showed  
blood glucose of 35 mmol/L (1.9mm/L) in a macro-  
somic female neonate with birth weight 5.4kg and  
st  
Their 31-year-old mother had had 3 previous 1 trimes-  
ter abortions. Both twins had bilateral loop  
th  
ureterostomies on the 5 day of life that resulted in some  
improvement in their renal functions. Although the  
babies were discharged at the age of 24 days to be fol-  
st  
lowed up at the clinic, the 1 twin died from suspected  
1
3
Apgar score of 5 8 . She was noted to have several  
dysmorphic features.  
aspirandtion at home during the late neonatal period, while  
the 2 twin died from an infection in early infancy.  
Conclusion: Management of this rare condition is still a  
big challenge in our environment.  
Her management was multi-disciplinary involving the  
pediatric surgeons and the orthopaedic surgeons. She  
th  
was discharged on the 30 day of life and is currently 8  
months old and still being followed-up in the clinic.  
Conclusion: Early and coordinated multi-disciplinary  
management would improve survival and quality of life  
in affected children even in resource poor setting.  
P301  
Congenital Hypothyroidism: A Call for Renewed  
Effort towards Neonatal Screening  
Idris HW. Mado SM, Abdullahi S, Abdullahi M,  
Abegunde T, Abdullahi U, Mayaki S.  
P205  
A Case of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type II, A  
Diagnosis made almost Too Late in a Resource Poor  
Setting  
Department of Pediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University  
Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria.  
Background: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the  
commonest endocrine disorder in the new born. It is one  
of the major causes of preventable impairment in physi-  
cal growth and mental retardation. Commonly grouped  
together as thyroid dysgenesis, maldevelopment (aplasia  
and hypoplasia) and maldescent (ectopic gland) are the  
usual cause. However, worldwide, neonatal screening  
programs have significantly reduced the incidence of  
intellectual deficits in hypothyroid children treated early.  
Objective: To highlight the need for early diagnosis and  
Ibekwe MU, Ogugua CF, Ogeh CO.  
Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki  
Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare  
autosomal dominant disorder of COL I, characterized by  
excessive bone fragility with low bone mineral density  
(
BMD). Types II is associated with extreme bone fragil-  
ity leading to intrauterine or early infant death.  
Case presentation: we report a case of a full term male  
3
48  
early prompt treatment in the management of congenital  
hypothyroidism.  
P303  
An Unusual Presentation of Non-Hodgkins  
Lymphoma: Case Report  
Method: In this retrospective analysis, case files of 5  
patients being followed up for congenital hypothyroid-  
ism in our Pediatric endocrinology clinic were retrieved  
and evaluated with respect to presenting complaints,  
physical findings, results of thyroid function test and age  
at diagnosis as well as response to therapy.  
Enemuo A, Ujunwa F A, Ikefuna AN.  
Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria  
Teaching Hospital, Enugu.  
Results: While all the patients showed marked improve-  
ment in symptoms, eventual intellectual outcome was  
poor on account of delays in presentation, diagnosis and  
initiation of therapy.  
Introduction: Non- Hodgkins lymphomas are highly  
malignant tumor which usually runs a rapid clinical  
course. The prognosis usually depends on the stage at  
presentation.  
Conclusion: The necessity of routine neonatal thyroid  
screening programs is emphasized with the aim of de-  
tecting congenital hypothyroidism.  
Case Presentation: A 14year old female that presented  
at surgical outpatient department of UNTH with an  
enlarging left breast mass of over 4months, weight loss  
and left breast pain of 1month.Who had 3 abdominal  
surgeries in a year; 2years prior to the onset of the  
illness for recurrent abdominal discomforts, of which an  
egg-sized mass was excised but was not studied.  
Examination revealed a diffusely enlarged left breast  
with a circumscribed mass at the lower inner quadrant.  
A wide local excision biopsy was done. She was  
discharged on antibiotics and analgesics but was not  
compliant with follow up.  
P302  
Factors that Affect the Time to Diagnosis of  
Childhood Cancer at the University Of Nigeria  
Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu  
Chukwu BF, Ezenwosu O, IkefunaAN, Emodi IJ.  
Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria  
Teaching Hospital, Enugu.  
She represented after three months with another left  
breast mass as well as an abdominal mass.  
Background: Childhood cancer is a leading cause of  
childhood mortality in developed countries though ranks  
lower than infections in developing countries. Most pa-  
tients with malignancies present late to hospital with  
consequent adverse outcome. Early diagnosis, therefore,  
is an important requirement in child oncology as delayed  
diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis and huge  
economic cost.  
The left breast was diffusely enlarged, with firm-hard  
areas measuring about 20cm by 20cm. The right har-  
bored multiple lumps of about 4cm by 4cm each and a  
firm nodular 20 weeek sized suprapubic mass. Her an-  
thropometric measurements were within normal.  
Histologic diagnosis was Diffuse Non-Hodgkins lym-  
phoma. She was placed on chemotherapy.  
Objectives: Identify factors affecting the diagnosis of  
childhood cancer at UNTH.  
Methods: Children aged 0-18 years with histological  
diagnosis of cancer were reviewed prospectively over a  
Conclusion: Non–Hodgkins lymphoma can mimic  
breast cancer. A high index of suspicion and prompt  
histological diagnosis are needed for effective manage-  
ment.  
2
2 month period. An interviewer structured question-  
naire was administered to patients or parents/ caregivers  
to obtain social and clinical information on the patients.  
Result: Sixty one patients were confirmed to have can-  
cer. Median duration from onset of symptoms to confir-  
mation of diagnosis (lag time) was 14 weeks and signifi-  
cantly longer than the accepted upper limit lag time of 4  
weeks (p<0.0001, Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test). Ma-  
jor contributors to delay are parents and the type of can-  
cer with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) having the  
shortest lag time of 3.5 weeks and Hodgkin lymphoma  
the longest, 60.4 weeks (p=0.01, Mann-Whitney test).  
The median duration from onset of symptoms to first  
consultation with a qualified doctor (parents’ delay) was  
P304  
Childhood Adoption in Sokoto: A Private Specialist  
Clinic Experience  
1
1
2
Ibitoye PK , Ugege MO, Airede KI.  
1
Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo Univer-  
s2ity Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.  
Professor of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Department  
of Pediatrics, University of Abuja. Teaching Hospital,  
Gwagwalada, Abuja, FCT.  
Background: Child adoption focuses on placing a child  
with substitute family. This provides optimal develop-  
mental environment because care and parenting are per-  
manent unlike in institutional care and fostering. Despite  
dividends of child adoption, it is not widely practiced in  
the country.  
8
.6 weeks and doctor’s delay (from first consultation till  
diagnosis) was 3.6 weeks showing a significant differ-  
ence in the two categories of delay (p<0.0001, Mann-  
Whitney test).  
Conclusion: Public awareness and health system reform  
is imperative for early diagnosis of childhood cancer in  
our environment.  
Objective: To determine pattern of child adoption, fac-  
tors influencing it and its outcome.  
st  
Methods: All cases of child adoption from January 1  
th  
2
009 to June 30 , 2012 were analyzed for adoptees’  
gender, age at adoption, source and significant medical  
findings as well as reason for adoption, ages, social  
class, ethnicity, religion, years of marriage without a  
3
49  
child/ number of existing children of adoptee caregivers  
and outcome.  
P401  
Collodion Baby: A Case Report  
Results: There were 13 (0.06%) cases of child adoptions  
of 2156 children seen during the study period with male  
to female ratio of 3.3:1. Ages at adoption ranged from  
approximately 72hours to 12weeks. Three of the chil-  
dren were adopted from orphanages in the south-western  
region of the country; one was picked from a sewage  
drain while sources were not disclosed in others. Rea-  
sons for adoption include infertility {10 (76.9%)}, male  
gender {2(15.4%)} and on compassionate ground {1  
,
Obu HA Chinawa JM, Obumneme-Anyim IN  
Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria  
Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu  
Introduction: A two day old male baby, the third con-  
secutive child of a consanguineously married couple  
with clinical features of Collodion baby. Early recogni-  
tion of this clinical entity and early institution of appro-  
priate therapy can definitely reduce morbidity and  
mortality in neonates.  
Case presentation: We present M.H a two day old male  
neonate of Fulani descent. Parents are first cousins.  
Mother did not receive adequate antenatal care and pa-  
tient was delivered at home by his paternal grandmother.  
The abnormal appearance of the baby was noticed at  
birth. Patient is the third consecutive child of the mother  
with similar presentation at birth. The first of the series  
is alive and well while the second child died after one  
week of life in the Newborn special care unit (NBSCU)  
of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital  
(
7.7%)}. Ages of adoptee mothers ranged from 28years  
to 51years (mean 41 years). Most adoptee mothers be-  
long to social class II (76.9%), are Igbos (69.2%), Chris-  
tians (92.3%) and have been married without a child for  
more than 10years (53.8%).  
Conclusion: The child adoption practice is poor in  
Sokoto. There is need to improve general public  
awareness of childhood adoption and its benefits.  
P305  
Obstructive Ureteric Stones in a Nigerian Child:  
A Case Report Highlighting the Challenges of  
Management in our Environment  
Ituku-Ozalla Enugu following complications.  
On examination the baby weighed 2.5kilograms, with a  
length of 48 cm and had head circumference of 34 cm.  
There was ectropion and absence of eyelashes and eye  
brows with an O-shaped mouth (eclabium). The skin  
was semi transparent, and had a parchment like feel with  
varying degrees of fissures at groin, axilla and joint  
regions. Systemic examination was essentially  
unremarkable. The Collodion membrane peeled off  
within 19 days revealing normal raw skin underneath.  
Patient was subsequently discharged home in a fair  
condition.  
1
Odetunde OI, Okafor HU, Ukoha OM , Adiele KD,  
Uwaezuoke SU, Onyia JOT.  
Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria  
Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu  
Background: The most common cause of obstruction in  
the urinary tract in children is a congenital obstruction.  
Although less common, urinary tract obstruction can  
occur as a result of kidney stones.  
Case presentation: We report the case of a 22 month  
old male child who was admitted into the paediatric  
ward with a two week history of progressive body swell-  
ing, a week history of inability to make urine associated  
with excessive crying , restlessness and vomiting.  
Symptoms were preceded by a non-specific febrile ill-  
ness. He had a normal diet and water consumption prior  
to onset of symptoms. No family history of kidney  
stones. Drug history revealed a high vitamin C intake.  
Radiologic evaluation revealed obstructive urolithiasis  
secondary to bilateral ureterovesical junction obstruction  
with left sided nephrolithiasis. MCUG was not reveal-  
ing. Urine evaluation revealed features in keeping with  
sterile pyuria. A urinary biochemistry was not done due  
to lack of supportive laboratory. He had several sessions  
of peritoneal dialysis, potassium citrate and antibiotics  
were also prescribed. Serial renal ultrasonography was  
used to follow the status of the calculus. Overtime, the  
stones diminished in size and progressively moved into  
the bladder. He is currently been followed up at the  
clinic.  
P402  
Knowledge and Attitude of Parents and caregivers  
toward Children with hydrocephalus in Southern  
Nigeria  
Frank-Briggs AI, Okoh BAN, Alikor EAD  
Departments of Paediatrics & Child Health, University  
of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt,  
Rivers State, Nigeria.  
Introduction: Attitude towards people with hydrocepha-  
lus is influenced by the level of their knowledge. Parents  
do not easily accept the diagnosis and prognosis in  
affected children. This study was to assess fifty eight  
parents’ knowledge and attitude towards children suffer-  
ing from hydrocephalus by answering a questionnaire.  
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of  
parents towards children with hydrocephalus.  
Materials: This was a prospective study in a tertiary  
hospital. Parents who had children suffering from hydro-  
cephalus from 1 August 2011 to July 31 2012 were  
recruited. Questionnaires were administered to them and  
their responses obtained.  
Conclusion: In every case with obstructive uropathy,  
ureteric calculi should be included in the differential  
diagnosis.  
st  
st  
Results: A total of 1,014 neurological patients were  
seen in the study period. Of these, 58 parents whose  
children suffered from hydrocephalus participated in the  
3
50  
study. Thirty three (56.9%) of them believed the increas-  
ing head size was as a result of the child’s destiny. It is  
believed that such children are from the “spirit world”  
and the big head being their characteristic. Others 12  
P404  
Knowledge and Attitude of Mothers towards  
Childhood Epilepsy in Kaduna Northwestern Nigeria  
1
1
2
3
(
20.7%) believed they were special children with  
wisdom”. Some parents thought hydrocephalus was  
Eseigbe EE,4 Anyiam JO, Enogela J, A5dama SJ,  
5 5  
Ibrahim YI, Odum1 u P, Eseigbe P, Ibok SI.  
4
linked with evil spirit/ demonic attack; 3(5.17%) parents  
believed they are worthless children and others believed  
they are special breed who could achieve much in life if  
well cared for. The attitude of parents towards these  
children included pity and compassion, tolerance, aban-  
donment, depression, some parents felt indifferent or  
helpless as they thought the anomaly was their plight.  
Conclusion: Health workers should educate and give  
more information to the public about hydrocephalus: its  
causes, clinical manifestations and management.  
Departments of Pediatrics and Family Medicine,  
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospi2tal (ABUTH),  
Shika-Zaria, Nigeria. Departments of  
Community  
3
5
Medicine, Paediatrics and Family Medicine, 44  
Nigeria Army Reference Hospital (NARH) Kaduna,  
Nigeria.  
Introduction: Management of childhood epilepsy is  
characterized by significant treatment gap in developing  
countries. Poor knowledge has been identified as one of  
the contributory factors. The viewpoint of mothers, be-  
cause of their pivotal role in child care, on this disorder  
is important to bridging this gap and providing compre-  
hensive care.  
P403  
Profile of Paediatric skin disorders in a tertiary  
institution in North Central Nigeria  
Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of  
mothers towards childhood epilepsy.  
Method: A structured questionnaire was administered to  
mothers attending a primary health care center.  
Okolo SN, Adah RO, Abdu HA.  
Department of Pediatrics, Jos University Teaching  
Hospital, Jos.  
Results: A total of 523 mothers were interviewed. The  
age range of the mothers was 17 to 52years (mean  
27.5±10.3years).Most were ˂ 30 years old (57.4%),  
petty traders (41.3%) and having a secondary education  
(39.8%). Spiritual etiology (47.2%), falling to the  
ground (69%) and the community (64.1%) were the  
commonest cause, manifestation and source of informa-  
tion indicated by the mothers respectively. Knowledge  
of childhood epilepsy was good, fair and poor in 21.4%,  
29.8% and 48.8% of the mothers respectively. Good  
knowledge was significantly associated with having, a  
tertiary education and, a relative with childhood epi-  
lepsy. Even though 70.7% of the mothers indicated that  
they are sympathetic to the plight of affected children,  
majority would neither allow having their children in the  
same class with a child who has epilepsy (83%) nor al-  
low them share eating utensils (92%).  
Introduction: Presentation of children to health institu-  
tions who have skin disorders is common, however most  
skin related symptoms are not sought for by many Pae-  
diatricians or at best considered insignificant.This gap  
has caused the burden of this disease to be largely un-  
known in developing countries.It is important to estab-  
lish the baseline pattern of skin diseases among Nigerian  
children to raise awareness among healthcare profes-  
sionals.  
Objective: To determine the pattern of skin diseases in  
patients attending the Pediatrics dermatology outpatient  
clinic of a tertiary institution in Nigeria  
Method: Using a structured questionnaire, a prospective  
study of patients presenting in the paediatric dermatol-  
ogy outpatient clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospi-  
tal between November 2011 and October 2012 were  
assessed for skin disorders. Data was analysed using  
SPSS v. 19.  
Conclusion: The study was characterized by inadequate  
knowledge and inappropriate attitude of mothers to-  
wards childhood epilepsy. It underscored the need to  
promote and strengthen public awareness initiatives.  
Results: Out of 1,256 new patients attended to in POPD,  
1
50 children with 172 dermatoses were seen, giving a  
prevalence of 11.9%. Age ranged from four days to 18  
years with a mean age of 2.23 ± 1.17 years. Males were  
P405  
8
1(54.0%) with a male: female ratio of 1.2:1.More than  
Effect of Health Education on Knowledge of Patent  
Medicine Vendors on Malaria Case Management  
and Control in Calabar, South, Nigeria  
half of the lesions (55.4%) were seen in the under-fives.  
Non-infectious causes accounted for 74.7% with derma-  
titis being the commonest, while fungal disorders topped  
the infectious causes.  
Conclusion: The prevalence rate of 11.9% of this  
disorder is remarkable. There is therefore need for  
Pediatricians to actively search and manage skin condi-  
tions.  
1
2
3
Nwaneri DU, Mmeremikwu MM, Ibadin MO.  
1
Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin  
City; +Department of Paediatrics, University of Cala-  
2
bar Teaching Hospital, Calabar; *Department of Child  
3
Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin  
City, Nigeria.  
Background: Patent medicine vendors are usually the  
first level health care providers as regards to malaria in  
Nigeria. Their close-to-client operation can play signifi-  
cant role in the fight against malaria if their health  
3
51  
knowledge of the disease and appropriate interventions  
is improved.  
P406  
Audit of Blood Transfusion Practices in the  
Objectives: To assess the effect of health education of  
patent medicine vendors on their knowledge of malaria  
case management and control.  
Paediatric Medical Ward of a Tertiary Hospital in  
Southeast Nigeria. A one year review  
Methods: Subjects were patent medicine vendors seen  
during a malaria control campaign programme in Cala-  
bar-south District, Nigeria in June 2011. The health edu-  
cation involved a three hour training and focus group  
discussion using the national guideline on malaria case  
management in Nigeria. A pre and post-test question-  
naires were used to obtain data before and after the  
training session.  
Ughasoro M D, Ikefuna AN, Ibeziako SN, Emodi IJ.  
Department of Paediatric, University of Nigeria Teach-  
ing Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.  
Background: Blood transfusion is a valuable healthcare  
practice. But differences in their indications and out-  
come exist.  
Objectives: To determine the indications, practices and  
outcomes of transfusion on children (1month to 18  
years).  
Results: Of the 91 patent medicine vendors that partici-  
pated in the pre-test (male 60, female 31; mean age [SD]  
3
7.2 [8.4] years; range 20 – 60 years); 60 (male 41, fe-  
Methods: A retrospective one year (January December  
2011) review of case notes and nurses records in paedi-  
atric wards of UNTH.  
male 19; mean age [SD] 36.4[8.96] years; range 21 60  
years) completed the post-test. All subjects agreed that  
malaria is transmitted through mosquito bite. There was  
significant improvement on knowledge of appropriate  
drug treatment of simple malaria (Artemisinin-based  
combination therapy); (pre-test 71/91(78.0%), post  
Results: A total of 325 blood transfusions were given  
within the review period, out of which 238 transfusions  
administered amongst 95 patients were reviewed. The  
rate of transfusion was higher amongst children with  
cancer (20.2%) especially leukemia, Sickle cell anaemia  
(13.4%), sepsis (12.6%) and malaria (10.9%). Whole  
blood (51.3%) and sedimented cells (34.5%) were the  
main types of blood transfused while main blood group  
of the transfused blood were O+ (49.6%) and B+  
(26.9%). About 96.4% were transfused appropriate vol-  
ume of blood. There was a mean Hb increase of 3.1g/dl  
in 217 recipients with only 28 (12.8%) recording an in-  
crease of 5g/dl. There was a return of pulse rate and  
respiratory rate to normal post transfusion in 26.1% and  
21.8% of the recipients respectively. Minor adverse  
events of chills/fever and body itching was reported in  
5% and 3.4% respectively.  
Conclusion: The administration of blood transfusion in  
this tertiary institution is not uncommon. Indications  
include non-communicable diseases. The expected opti-  
mal rise in Hb and normalizing of vitals sign are not  
always the case. Transfusion-related adverse events are  
rare. The reason(s) for the overall sub-optimal effect of  
single appropriate transfusion on recipients need further  
study.  
5
5/60(91.7%), p =0.027), improved paediatric antima-  
larial prescription (pre-test 38/91(41.8%), post 38/60  
63.3%), p = 0.009), and awareness of the national  
(
guideline for community case management of simple  
malaria (pre-test 66/91(72.5%), post 52/60(86.7%), p =  
0
.04). Improved performance did not significantly de-  
pend on educational status and duration of year of prac-  
tice of the respondents (β = -0.26, SE = 0.32, p = 0.42)  
and (β = -0.02, SE = 0.02, p = 0.40) respectively. Most  
of the subjects identified long lasting insecticide-treated  
nets as tool for control of malaria vector.  
Conclusions: Health education significantly improved  
the general knowledge of patent medicine vendors on  
malaria case management irrespective of their educa-  
tional status and year of practice.