Background:Neonatal tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease and is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in developing countries. The effectiveness of immunization and hygienic umbilical cord care practices in the prevention of the disease has been established.Objective:The objective of this study was to audit the scourge of neonatal tetanus in a tertiary health facility in a resource-limited setting.Materials and Methods:The study was a retrospective study. Case notes of neonates admitted with clinical diagnosis of tetanus into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) between January 2009 and December 2010 were retrieved and evaluated to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, mode of acquisition and severity of the disease, presence of co-morbidities, duration of hospital stay and outcome.Results:Most of the mothers had no tetanus immunization (66.7%) and the main social class of the children was class V (45.1%) and IV (41.2%), respectively. Only 29.4% of the mothers attended ante-natal care (ANC) while majority of the patients were delivered at home (94.1%). Half of the neonates presented with the severe form of the disease (51.0%). Sepsis is a prominent co-morbidity (59.2%). Morality was high with case fatality of 66.7%.Conclusion:This high prevalence of neonatal tetanus with high mortality is not only disappointing but unacceptable in the 21st century. Therefore, all efforts must be re-focused on current preventive strategies while pursuing new areas such as slow-release mono-dose tetanus vaccine and school health programme as well as advocacy on political will for the sustainability of immunization programmes of women of child-bearing age.

The burden of NNS was high with high mortality in the study centre. The sensitivity pattern had remarkably changed; however, a combination of cephalosporins such as cefuroxime and gentamycin is still a good option.

Our FE(Na) value (although less than reported in previous literature from affluent societies) remained sensitive (along with RFI) in differentiating aetiological group of ARF. Our data and medical management outcome, despite absence of level-III care, support the need for good resuscitation, careful monitoring and constant re-evaluation. The effect of salbutamol on hyperkalaemia is emphasized.

Etiological agents of childhood urinary tract infections (UTI) in this environment are resistant to most of the drugs commonly recommended for its treatment. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, and gentamicin, are recommended as first-line drugs for treatment of UTI while awaiting results of culture and sensitivity. Ceftriaxone and ceftazidime should be reserved for case of non response to first-line drugs and severe infections.

Ectopia cordis is a congenital heart exposure defined as complete or partial protrusion of heart through ventral defect in the thoracoabdominal wall alone or with other viscera in cases of pentalogy of Cantrell. This condition was first described by Haller et al. in 1706; since then many advances have been made. Diagnosis of ectopia cordis is done prenatally in well-equipped health facility by antenatal ultrasound scan so that early diagnosis and management plan can be initiated. The index case was delivered to uneducated rural family and admitted at 3 days of life and survived for seven days, even though most literatures state that majority died within four days even with surgery. So, in view of this, we presented this case report to deliberately draw the attention of paediatrician/obstetrician to the fact that even though this condition is rare, proactive search and diagnosis should be made and early treatment should be instituted, so that such a child may be salvaged.