IntroductionMedical and dental students are a high-risk group for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection which is an occupational hazard for them and a leading cause of death globally. Prevention strategies include vaccination and observance of standard precaution. However, available reports claim utilization of the prevention strategies is low. This study evaluated the attitude of the students towards HBV vaccine and cross-infection practices.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study carried out at the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Using the convenience sampling method, anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the first 120 participants that volunteered to participate in the study. Data analysis was done using IBM's Statistical Package (SPSS) version 20 software. Statistical level of significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsOver eighty percent (83.2%) of the participants had at least a dose of the HBV vaccine while 79.65% completed the three doses. Majority (94.7%) of the students that did not receive the vaccine cited their busy schedule as the reason for their failure to be vaccinated. Taking every patient as a contagious disease risk (86.5%), washing hands after contact with patients' body fluids (82.1%) and wearing gloves before touching mucous membranes and non-intact skin (74.1%) were the most practiced universal standard precaution items.ConclusionThe uptake rate of HBV vaccination and practice of standard precaution among the students are commendable. However, there is need for improvement considering the level of HBV infection in Nigeria.
Introduction
Fractured cannula is a complication of peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) insertion. It is a rare but potentially fatal complication. We present a case of iatrogenic fracture of a PIVC in a toddler.
Case report
An acutely ill 30-month-old boy presented at the emergency room and a PIVC insertion was attempted several times using the same cannula which fractured in the process. While the main part of the device was recovered, about 7 mm of the cannula was retained in the tissues and was not palpable. Computed tomography was used to locate the foreign body which was surgically removed under general anesthesia.
Discussion
A fractured and retained PIVC, especially when it is not palpable clinically, is an emergency due to possible embolization and the consequent potentially fatal outcome. This case underscores strict adherence to standard guidelines in prevention and the importance of computed tomography in the management of this condition.
Purpose To assess Serum Prealbumin in the severity of illness and monitor response to treatment in odontogenic space infection. Patients and Methods This was a prospective cohort study comprising patients being managed for odontogenic space infection at the
Plunging ranulas are pseudocysts which originate from major salivary glands and present as neck swellings with possible life-threatening complications. We present an unusual case of a plunging ranula which presented as an emergency. The patient presented at our clinic with a 4-year history of an asymptomatic recurrent neck swelling which we diagnosed as a ranula. She was clinically stable and we planned for elective surgery in five days. However, three days after clinic review, she presented at the emergency room on account of dyspnoea and dysphagia. She was hospitalized and the surgery was carried out as an emergency, life-saving procedure. This case highlights the importance of anticipating life-threatening complications in seemingly clinically stable cases of plunging ranulas.
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