Objective: uvula. It is usually performed by non-medical personnel using mostly unsterile instruments. Notwithstanding the increasing number of health facilities, it is surprising that this aged-long crude practice with significant complications is still rampant in the 21st century. Material and Methods: This is a case series of four males with the age range of 5-months to four years who had traditional uvulectomy following febrile illnesses but with no improvement of symptoms. Thereafter, all presented late to our facility with diverse complications, including haemorrhage, infections, and convulsions. Three recovered fully following prompt treatment, however, one mortality was recorded. Conclusion: These cases highlight the life-threatening complications associated with traditional uvulectomy and the need for drastic measures to curtail the practice.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and use of hypertonic saline among doctors in the Southeast region of Nigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst 182 doctors in the paediatric departments of the six tertiary institutions in South Eastern Nigeria. Data to assess knowledge and use of hypertonic saline were collected using self-administered, structured questionnaires. Results: After aggregating the knowledge questions (definition of hypertonic saline, knowledge of available concentrations and modes of administration) and categorizing knowledge into good or poor, 148 (81.3%) had good knowledge, while 34 (18.7%) had poor knowledge. Respondents who had ever seen an infusion of hypertonic saline were 93 (51.1%), while only 62 (34.1%) had ever used it during their practice. Among those who had used it, only 33 (18.1%) obtained it from their hospital pharmacy. Most respondents (91.2%) would support advocacy for its increased availability and use in Nigeria. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated good knowledge of hypertonic saline, however, there is low usage due to unavailability. There is a need for collaboration between paediatricians, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to create demand and initiate the production of hypertonic saline.

Objective:  Nosocomial infections are those acquired in hospitals or healthcare service units that first appear 48 hours or more after admission or within 30 days after discharge following in-patient care. Knowledge of the bacterial profile and sensitivity patterns of any hospital environment is a key factor in infection control and good antibiotic stewardship. Material and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Children’s Emergency Room (CHER) of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.  Samples for culture were collected from equipment and hospital surfaces. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined for each isolate by the Agar diffusion method using Standard Nutrient Agar 1 discs. Results: Bacterial growth was observed in 83 (70.3%) specimens. Staphylococcus aureus (53.4%) was the most common isolate cultured followed by Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (18.8%), then Escherichia coli (13.9%). Among Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 25.9% were MRSA. Ampicillin resistance of the gram negatives was high. All the Gram-negative isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone. Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Escherichia coli were the commonest isolates. More efforts are needed to ensure improved hygiene standards in order to reduce the burden of nosocomial infections.

Introduction: The duration of admission in the hospital, mortality rates, and care costs is increased in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICUs) by nosocomial infections (NIs). There is a need for routine and regular environmental sampling in NICUs. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the NICU of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital. The researchers collected samples for culture from equipment and hospital surfaces in the unit. Susceptibility testing was done for isolates by the agar diffusion method using standard nutrient agar 1 discs. Results: We observed bacterial growth in 58 (54.7%) samples from the 106 samples collected. Staphylococcus aureus 35 (55.6%) was the most common isolate cultured, followed by Escherichia coli 14 (22.2%) and then coagulase-negative Staphylococcus13 (20.6%). Among S. aureus isolates, 48.6% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Among the Gram-negative isolates, resistance was highest for ampicillin followed by meropenem. Conclusion: The most common isolates were S. aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Health-care providers need improved hygiene standards to reduce the burden of NI.