Pattern of medical admissions at Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital: A 5 year review

Abstract

Background:Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyle have modified the profile and pattern of various medical disorders in many Nigerian communities. Surveys of medical admissions into various Nigerian health institutions show an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in our communities.Aim:To determine the profile and pattern of medical cases admitted and their outcome in a new tertiary medical institution in South East Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A review of medical admissions into the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH), Enugu, Nigeria over 5 years between January 1, 2006 and December 30, 2010 was undertaken. Morbidity and mortality data were obtained from ward registers and subsequently medical record registers. Classifications of medical disorders were grouped using ICD 10 coding system.Results:A total of 3,865 case records were analyzed. Males were 2,312/3,865 (59.6%) and females 1,660/3,865 (40.2%). The age range was 14-105 years with a mean age of 54.3 (18.1) years. The 4 commonest causes of medical ward admissions were neurological disorders-850/3,865 (22%), endocrine disorders-735/3,865 (19.1%), cardiovascular disorders-718/3,865 (18.5%) and infectious diseases-604/3,865 (15.6%). The diseases encountered most were diabetes mellitus-735/3,865 (19.1%), hypertension/congestive cardiac failure-703/3,865 (18.2%), strokes-614/3,865 (15.9%) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS-503 (13.1%). The overall mortality was 766/3,865 (19.8%) men-467/2,312 (20.2%); women-299/2,312 (19.3%). Strokes accounted for most of the deaths-171/766 (22.3%) followed by HIV/AIDS 127/766 (16.6%). Hypertension/cardiac failure and diabetes each accounted for 116/766 (15.1%) of all deaths. Case fatality rates for strokes and HIV/AIDS were the highest (171/614 (27.9%) and 127/503 (25.2%) respectively). Mortality rate was highest in the above 70 years age group.Conclusion:Non-communicable disorders are the commonest causes of medical ward admission in this tertiary institution. Efforts aimed at primary prevention will help to reduce the burden of these disorders in the community.

Association between periodontal diseases and systemic illnesses: A survey among internal medicine residents in Nigeria

“…The duration of residency training probably equates to experience gained, which in turn translates to knowledge applied to patient care and the management of common illnesses, such as stroke. Stroke is among the most common causes of medical admissions in Nigeria and accounted for 72.2% of all neurological admissions to medical wards in a teaching hospital in Nigeria (Ezeala-Adikaibe et al, 2014). The association between male gender and knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor for stroke could be due to the significantly greater age of male doctors compared with their female counterparts in the study sample, again associated with more experience in the residency training program.…”

Diabetes Care in Nigeria

“…Several other studies in Nigeria similarly demonstrate high mortalities from infections, hyperglycemic emergencies, and cardiovascular morbidities. [49][50][51] Before this time myocardial infarction was rare and only seldom reported in Nigerians. In short, diabetes is a key driver in the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease in Nigeria in particular, and Africa, in general.…”

The Prevalence of Stroke Survivors in Urban Slums in Enugu, Nigeria

“…Stroke is one of the commonest non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the commonest cause of death in adult neurology wards [1] [2] [3] [4]. Stroke prevalence in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) has dramatically increased over the past decades [5] [6] possibly due to changing life styles, poverty, poor health infrastructures which had led to increased risk factors for stroke.…”

“…Hospital-based studies in Nigeria show that stroke accounts for 64.9% -77.6% of neurological admissions [1] [2] [3] [4] [9]. This rising prevalence of stroke in Nigeria also reflects the high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other risk factors for stroke in the community [19] [20] [21] [22]. The relationship between stroke, (major risk factors for stroke) and socioeconomic status has been documented [23] [24].…”