A comparative pilot study was conducted to determine the difference in the reduction of total serum bilirubin in a group of infants who had phototherapy at home compared to an in-patient group on hospital phototherapy. Eighteen infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia who fitted the selection criteria were put under the mobile home unit (Bluelite Portable Light) placed in the home. A control group of 18 infants with the same matching characteristics had intense phototherapy in the hospital using a unit with top and bottom light sources. The infants were matched for race, starting total serum bilirubin level, birth weight (up to 250 grams) and age of baby at initiation of phototherapy (up to one-day difference). It was observed that the mean daily decrease in serum bilirubin concentration was significantly more in the home group as compared to the hospital group (t=2.95, df=17, P<0.05). The mean duration of treatment was significantly less for the home group as compared to the hospital group (t=2.84, df=17, P<0.05). None of the infants who had home phototherapy were re-hospitalized. Phototherapy related complications were mild and comparable in both groups. The result suggests that home phototherapy is safe and effective in bringing down the concentration of serum bilirubin for term babies with uncomplicated hyperbilirubinaemia.
During a 24-month period, 21 children with acute bacterial meningitis were identified and studied. The majority of the children was from low socio-economic group and the male:female sex ratio was equal. Seventeen children (81%) were aged twelve months or below. In 15 (71.5%) of the children. Haemophilus influenzae type b was recovered, while Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from 4 children. Neisseria spp and Salmonella spp were identified respectively in each of the other two cases. The case fatality was four (19.0%) with nine others (42%) exhibiting neurological sequelae. Except for the Salmonella spp strain that was resistant to the cephalosporin, the rest of the bacterial species were sensitive to the commonly used antibiotics. As Haemophilus influenzae type b is still the most prevalent cause of acute bacterial meningitis, it is therefore strongly recommended that the national immunisation programme in this country should include the vaccine for it in our effort to minimise the mortality and morbidity caused by this organism.
Head injury is common and preventable. Assessment of the head injury patient includes airway, cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, haemorrhage control and the Glasgow Coma Scale. Hypotension, hypoxia, hypocarbia and hypercarbia should be avoided by continuous monitoring of vital signs and hourly head chart to prevent secondary brain injury. This paper aims to assist primary healthcare providers to select the appropriate patient for transfer and imaging for further management of head injury.