iosr-JDMS   Volume-7 ~ Issue-5

Abstract: Introduction: Septicemia is a major cause of mortality in neonates. One of the major problems is non-availability of any sensitive and specific test for early diagnosis. So a number of adjunctive tests including serum fibrinogen level were evaluated. Objective: 1) to note the alteration of serum fibrinogen level in neonatal septicemia. 2) To Study its diagnostic and prognostic implication. Materials & Methods: 60 cases of neonatal septicemia diagnosed by "sepsis screen" were compared with 60 matched controls with respect to their serum fibrinogen level on two occasions: one on admission and other after attaining age of 6th day whenever applicable. The titre taken in first 5 days of life was termed as Day "0‟ value and titre taken 6th day onward was termed as ≥6th day PNA value. The sensitivity of serum fibrinogen as diagnostic test was evaluated compared to "sepsis screen" It‟s value as a prognostic marker was also estimated. Results: The serum fibrinogen level in septicemic neonates was significantly higher than controls both in term and pre-term neonates and the elevation was consistent in both occasions. The hypofibnogenemic (<200mg/ dL) septicemic neonates showed significantly higher mortality and higher bleeding manifestations than non-hypofibrinogenemic (≥ 200mg/ dL) septicemic neonates. The serum fibrinogen level showed a sensitivity to diagnose neonatal septicemia in a range of 66.7% to 83%. Conclusion: Serum fibrinogen level could act as diagnostic and prognostic markers of neonatal septicemia along with other clinical and laboratory parameters.

Key Words: Neonatal septicemia, fibrinogen, sepsis screen.

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Abstract: Background: This was a study to determine hepatitis C sero-prevalence rate and create awareness on hepatitis C. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of attendees at the 2012, World Hepatitis Day ceremony at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, Nigeria. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information from consenting participants. All respondents were screened for hepatitis C using the Hepatitis C antibody (Anti HCV) test. Results: Hepatitis C sero-prevalence rate was 2.8%. Most of the respondents were: aged 40 years or less (85%), males (51.5%), had 6-10 persons in their household (51.7%). Only 6.4% had ever been transfused with blood, 4.3% had a history of jaundice, and 15.2% had a family member with hepatitis. Majority (85.1%) had poor knowledge regarding hepatitis C and only 27.4% had previously screened for it. There was no significant association between hepatitis C sero-positive status with demographic, risk factors for hepatitis C or knowledge about hepatitis C Conclusions: Hepatitis C infection is a health challenge in Nigeria in the setting of poor knowledge and inadequate screening facilities. All stakeholders should work towards improved awareness and testing for hepatitis C.

Key words: prevalence, hepatitis C Virus, Makurdi

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Abstract: An experimental study was conducted to study the effect of spirulina on anthropometric parameters and the bio-chemical parameters before and after its use as nutritional supplement in school children. The study was conducted in a residential girl's school in the age group between 11 to 13 years. Three capsules of spirulina were given during dinner time for 3 months. At the initial survey and at the end of 6th month the anthropometric and bio-chemical findings were recorded. Blood samples were taken to analyse hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferrtin, serum zinc, serum protein and serum albumin levels at 0, 3 and 6 months. Result: There was a significant increase in anthropometric measurements and Hemoglobin, serum ferrtin, serum zinc, serum protein and serum albumin levels in the study sample after 6 months.

Conclusion: The anthropometric and bio-chemical parameters improved after the use of spirulina.

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