Dr. Ibrahim Rasheed Olayinka

Objectives We aimed to determine the variants of congenital anomalies in human fetal development using ultrasound diagnosis, its associated risk factors, and the outcome of such pregnancies. Material and Methods This longitudinal study was conducted at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria. A total of 250 consenting pregnant women between 12 and 28 weeks of gestation were recruited, and each had a detailed history taken, an ultrasound scan to screen for fetal congenital anatomic variants, packed cell volume (PCV), and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks of gestation. All participants were followed up until delivery, and data analysis was done with SPSS version 21.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results Ultrasound-diagnosed congenital anatomical malformations were found in 29 participants (11.6%), and all were confirmed at birth. Of the 29 cases with congenital malformation, 15 (51.7%) were males. Maternal characteristics that were significantly associated with the risk of fetal congenital anomalies included age ( p < 0.001), hypertension in pregnancy ( p < 0.001), ingestion of herbal medication during pregnancy ( p < 0.001), previous history of unexplained neonatal death ( p < 0.001), and elevated blood glucose level ( p < 0.001). Conclusion The study shows a high incidence of congenital anomalies, especially among pregnant women with medical disorders in pregnancy. Also, there is a need to discourage the use of herbal medications during pregnancy.

Abstract Background The decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) for a caesarean section is among the factors that reflect the quality of care a pregnant woman receives and the impact on maternal and foetal outcomes and should not exceed 30 min especially for Category 1 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Herein, we evaluated the effect of decision-to-delivery interval on the maternal and perinatal outcomes among emergency caesarean deliveries at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria. Methods We conducted a four-year retrospective descriptive analysis of all emergency caesarean sections at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria. We included pregnant mothers who had emergency caesarean delivery at the study site from February 10, 2017, to February 9, 2021. Results Out of 582 who underwent an emergency caesarean section, 550 (94.5%) had a delayed decision-to-delivery interval. The factors associated with delayed decision-to-delivery interval included educational levels (both parents), maternal occupation, and booking status. The delayed decision-to-delivery interval was associated with an increase in perinatal deaths with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.9 (95% CI, 3.166 to 15.040), and increased odds of Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) admissions (OR 9.8, 95% CI 2.417 to 39.333). Among the maternal outcomes, delayed decision-to-delivery interval was associated with increased odds of sepsis (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.960 to 8.933), hypotension (OR 3.8, 95% 1.626 TO 9.035), and cardiac arrest (OR 19.5, 95% CI 4.634 to 82.059). Conclusion This study shows a very low optimum DDI, which was associated with educational levels, maternal occupation, and booking status. The delayed DDI increased the odds of perinatal deaths, SCBU admission, and maternal-related complications.