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Aims: To determine the incidence and severity of zidovudine-induced anaemia in HIVinfected children initiated on anti-retroviral therapy in Jos, Nigeria. Study Design: This was an observational cohort study.

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Perinatal asphyxia is a global neonatal problem, which significantly contributes to both neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of perinatal asphyxia in Makurdi, Nigeria. A retrospective review of clinical data of all newborns managed at the Special Care Baby Unit of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital over a 5 year period (January 2015-December 2019) was carried out using the research clinical data form. Maternal information including biodata, obstetric history, perinatal events as well as neonates' presentation and outcomes were reviewed. All inborn neonates with Apgar scores <7 at 5 min or out-born neonates with no recorded Apgar scores but with history of poor cry/inability to cry at birth were classified as asphyxiated. Out of the 1142 neonates admitted during the study period, 127 neonates had perinatal asphyxia with prevalence of 11.1%. Eighty-four (66.1%) of the newborns were males, while 43(33.9%) were females with male to female ratio of 1.95:1 Majority of the newborns(89.1%) were managed and discharged without early neurologic complications; eight survived with early neurologic complications, eight were discharged against medical advice, while 7 newborns died, giving a case fatality rate of 5.5%.Risk factors significantly associated were Meconium-stained amniotic fluid(P=0.002) ,fetal presentation (P=0.030),and birth attendants (P=0.001). The burden of perinatal asphyxia still persists in our environment. Associated factors in this study were meconium-stained liquor and unskilled birth attendants. Hence pregnant women should be encouraged to attend antenatal care and should ensure skilled birth attendants attend delivery with capacity to conduct safe delivery and institute neonatal resuscitation when necessary.

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of preterm births, risk factors and the outcome in a Tertiary Hospital in North Central Nigeria. Setting and Methods: The study was based on the data of records of all preterm admissions over a three-year period at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Benue State. Results: During this period, a total of 778 neonates were admitted out of which 95 (12.0%) were preterm with gestational ages ranging from 21 -36 weeks with an average mean gestational age 31.27 weeks (±3.2) and birth weights from 500 -2490 g with a mean of 1440 g (±0.45). There were 48 males and 47 females (M: F 1.02). 76 (80.0%) were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery while 19 (20.0%) were delivered by caesarean section. 37 (39.0%) were delivered in BSUTH while 58 (61.0%) were delivered elsewhere and referred or brought into Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). The duration of hospital stay ranged from 1 -90 days, with a mean duration of 17 days (±15.2 days). The commonest risk factor for prematurity was premature rupture of membrane followed by multiple pregnancy and lack of Ante natal care (ANC). The commonest morbidity in the patients in the present study was sepsis followed by respiratory problems and jaundice. Of the 95 preterm, 60 (63.2%) were discharged, 27 (28.4%) died, while 8 (8.4%) were discharged against medical advice (DAMA). Conclusion: Prematurity remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our SCBU. There is urgent need for the establishment of a neonatal intensive care unit with adequate manpower and appropriate equipment so as to improve the survival rates of this vulnerable group of patients.