Nigerian Medical Practitioner

Pattern of Oesophageal Diseases Presenting to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over A 5-Year-Period

O.O. Olusoji — 2024-02-13

Oesophageal diseases encompass a wide spectrum of conditions that affect individuals of all ages, ranging from benign motility disorders to malignant neoplasms. This study delves into the patterns, demographics, diagnoses, and management of oesophageal diseases among patients presenting to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit (CTSU) at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria, from 2018 to 2023.A retrospective cohort study design was employed, focusing on patients referred to the CTSU LUTH with suspected or diagnosed oesophageal diseases within the specified period. Data was collected from medical records, and analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26). The study reveals that the highest percentage of oesophageal disease cases occurs in patients under the age of 10, representing 28.6% of the total cases, with a mean age of 35.15 years, emphasizing the wide age variation within this patient population. Gender distribution shows a near balance between males (57.1%) and females (42.9%). The most prevalent diagnosis is Achalasia (26.5%), followed by Oesophageal Cancer and Foreign Body Impaction (12.2% each). Esophagoscopy is the most common procedure (32.4%), peaking in 2020. Furthermore, foreign body impactions constituted 53.84% of oesophageal foreign body cases, notably involving dentures in 57.14% of instances. Additionally, "Corrosive Stricture" comprised 28.57% of oesophageal stricture cases.This study sheds light on the diverse landscape of oesophageal diseases at the CTSU LUTH. It underscores the importance of age- related trends, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in children under six, especially in light of increased cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Achalasia remains a concern, necessitating long-term monitoring. Esophagoscopy stands out as a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Further research in this field holds promise for improved interventions and patient well-being.

Risk Perception of Covid-19 and Willingness to Vaccinate (WTV) among Informal Workers in Ado-Odo/Ota and Ifo LGA, Ogun State

A.A. Roberts — 2024-02-13

The outbreak of COVID-19bled to over 5 million deaths worldwide. Vaccination is one of the several ways for ending the pandemic. The path from knowledge to preventive practices is mediated by certain factors such as risk perceptions. This study set out to determine the risk perception and predictors of willingness to vaccinate (WTV) among informal workers in Ado-Odo/Ota and Ifo local government area (LGA) in Ogun state. This descriptive cross-sectional survey collected information about the risk perception and WTV among 350 informal workers selected by multistage sampling in Ado-Odo/Ota and Ifo local government areas, Ogun State. Knowledge of COVID-19, preventive practices, perception of risk, exposure to infection, vaccine status and WTV were determined. Data analysis was done using Epi-Info, results were presented as frequencies, and correlates done using Chi-square with significance level at p-value <0.05. Respondents were aged 43.6 + 14.8 years, mostly female (60.9%), with secondary or higher education (72.6%), held manual/non-manual occupations (48.5%), and reported average monthly incomes <N40,000 (72.3%). Knowledge of cause, transmission and symptoms of COVID-19 was high, but reported prevention practices was poor. Overall, the COVID-19 risk perception was 'low' among 89.7% of respondents, and 32.8% were not willing to be vaccinated. Only 12.9% had both doses. Despite high knowledge levels, there are still low rates of risk perception and WTV. This requires more targetted community engagement to increase public confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines and reduce concerns about side effects to ensure successful vaccine rollout.

Multiple Furuncular Myiasis in a Nigerian Infant: A Case Report

K.K. Odinaka — 2024-02-13

Multiple furuncular myiasis infestation by the larva of Cordylobia anthropophaga is rare in infants. The disease closely mimics other skin lesions like furuculosis and bullous impetigo. This can lead to either misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis. Herein, we report a case of a 6 month old baby who presented with multiple skin lesions which was misdiagnosed as multiple furunculosis but later diagnosed as multiple furuncular myasis caused by the larva of Cordylobia anthropophaga. Atotal of 70 worms were extracted from the skin lesions. This case highlights the need to consider furuncular myasis as a differential diagnosis in people presenting with boil-like lesions not responding to antibiotics treatment especially children who live in the endemic region. This awareness will help avoid misdiagnosis and delay in instituting appropriate treatment.