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Background: The management of pleural effusion usually involves the drainage of the effusion, identification, and treatment of the underlying cause (s). Studies have shown that the initial diagnostic techniques do not give conclusive diagnosis in some cases of pleural effusion. This group of patients described as patients with indeterminate or undiagnosed pleural effusion constitutes a significant proportion of patients with pleural effusion in clinical practice. In this study, we examined the role of video‑assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) in the diagnostic work‑up of these patients. Aim: To determine the diagnostic outcome of VAT in the management of indeterminate pleural effusion in our center. Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients who presented with pleural effusions and who met the inclusion criteria had video‑assisted thoracoscopy for diagnostic purposes. Outcome measures including the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of VAT in patients with indeterminate pleural effusion, duration of the procedure, duration of hospitalization after the procedure, and complications for all the patients were documented and analyzed. Results: Of the 22 patients with indeterminate pleural effusion, conclusive diagnosis was obtained in 18 (81.8%) with a sensitivity of 91.7% [95% confidence interval (CI); 61.5–99.8%], specificity of 100% (95% CI; 69.1–100%), PPV of 100% (95% CI; 0–100%), and NPV of 90.9% (95% CI; 60.5–98.5%) for malignancy and a sensitivity of 78% (95% CI; 40–97%), a specificity of 100% (95% CI; 75.3–100%), PPV of 100% (95% CI; 0–100%), and NPV of 86.7% (95% CI; 65.7–95.7%) for tuberculosis. Conclusion: Our results show that video‑assisted thoracoscopy plays a useful role in our center in obtaining diagnosis in patients with indeterminate pleural effusion.

Health-seeking behavior is important as it reveals the preventive, curative, and rehabilitative actions taken by individuals to rectify perceived ill-health.To identify existing eye health-seeking behavior, factors influencing such behavior, and suggest ways in which the system can respond to the needs of the target population in order to reduce visual impairment and blindness.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study; 600 respondents were interviewed using a semistructured pretested questionnaire administered to every fifth new patient attending the eye clinic of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for a period of 5 months by a single interviewer. People unable to respond appropriately were interviewed alongside their caregivers.Poor distant vision was the most frequent ocular complaint in this study. The mean duration of complaint before presentation to any health facility was 370.65 ± 889.48 days with a range of 0-9,125 days. Nature of eye complaint was the most significant factor that determined how early respondents sought help (P0.001). Place of residence, nature of eye complaint, and employment status were significant determinants of the choice of place of first presentation for ocular complaints.There is need for improved eye health education and awareness for prompt presentation to an appropriate eye care professional at the onset of symptoms and even case finding for potentially blinding eye conditions.

Subcutaneous fat is a highly active metabolic tissue that exerts control on numerous biochemical and physiological processes in health and disease. Children are particularly susceptible to nutritional problems, hence the need to measure subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) which can be used to determine their body composition. Ultrasonography provides an affordable, noninvasive, available technique of achieving this.The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of SFT at the triceps, subscapular, and abdomen in children age 1-5 years using ultrasound in southern Nigeria.This was a prospective study of 1750 healthy children age 1-5 years in nursery and primary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. Their body mass indexes were calculated from their weights and heights, while their triceps fat thickness (TFT), subscapular fat thickness (SuFT), and abdominal fat thickness (AFT) were measured using a 7.5-MHz linear array transducer of a Hitachi portable ultrasound machine.The mean TFT value for girls was 4.6 ± 2.0 mm and 3.99 ± 1.8 mm for boys. Girls had mean SuFT value of 2.37 ± 1.41 mm and boys 2.14 ± 1.02 mm. The mean AFT value for girls was 5.53 ± 2.94 mm and for boys 4.53 ± 2.37 mm. The values at all sites were generally higher in females than in males.This work has provided a sonographic normogram of SFT at various sites for preschool children in Nigeria.

Background: Chlorhexidine mouth rinses have a proven efficacy for the prevention of alveolar osteitis after third molar surgery. This study compares the efficacy of warm saline rinse, a component of postextraction instructions, with that of chlorhexidine in our institution over a period of 2 years.Patients and Methods: Apparently healthy patients who were referred to the Oral Surgery Clinic of our institution, with an indication for surgical extraction of lower third molar were prospectively, consecutively, and uniformly randomized into warm saline and chlorhexidine groups. The experimental group (n = 50/100) were instructed to gargle twice daily with warm saline, whereas the chlorhexidine group (n = 50/100) were instructed to gargle with 0.12% chlorhexidine. Information on demographic, types and level of impaction, indications for extraction, and development of alveolar osteitis were obtained and analyzed. Comparative statistics were done using Pearson’s Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or Mann–Whitney U-tests as appropriate. P 0.05). The overall prevalence of alveolar osteitis was 5%. There was no statistically significant difference between application of warm saline and 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse with respect to the development of alveolar osteitis (P = 0.648).Conclusion: Warm saline mouth rinse is equally as effective as chlorhexidine mouth rinse, as prophylaxis against prevention of alveolar osteitis after third molar surgery.Keywords: Alveolar osteitis, chlorhexidine, prevention, warm saline

Background: Psychological responses to traumatic events vary widely across different cultures but studies in the developing countries are scant. The objective of this study is to determine prevalence of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among patients involved in road traffic accident (RTA) compared with that of the general population using a matched control group.Materials and Methods: The study design was case control and employed the convenient sampling technique. All consecutive attendees of the trauma clinic of a Tertiary Hospital who had been involved in RTA in the previous year and met inclusion criteria were recruited to participate in the study. Controls were drawn from patient relatives attending other clinics in the same hospital. The final sample comprised of 46 cases and controls, totaling 92 participants. A Sociodemographic questionnaire, the PTSD, and depression modules of the Mini International neuropsychiatric interview were administered to both groups by trained research assistants. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results: The prevalence of PTSD among cases was 41.3% compared with 13% among controls, whereas the prevalence of depression among cases was 63% compared with 30.4% among the controls. Both of these findings were statistically significant (P < 0.002). Sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, religion, level of education, and occupation did not have statistically significant relationship with neither PTSD nor depression.Conclusion: Mental disorders such as PTSD and depression are common in victims of RTA. They would benefit from comanagement with mental health specialists.Key words: Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, road traffic accidents

Screening for cervical cancer improves outcome. This comes at an economic price which some may not be able to afford.To evaluate the influence of user fees on the utilization of cervical cancer screening services in Port Harcourt.A cross sectional study of clients presenting for cervical cancer screening. Data on the number, socio-demographic characteristics, distance from screening center following 1 month of free cancer screening and 7 months of user fee introduction, was collated and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results are presented in percentages, tables and charts with test of significance set at P0.05.Of the 167 women who presented for cervical cancer screening during the study period, the mean age was 42.08 ± 8.9 years and range was 20-70 years. The average parity of patients was 2.83 ± 2.24. Clients' utilization of cervical cancer screening facilities was negatively affected by the introduction of user fees P0.001). There is no association between the distance of patients' home from the hospital and the utilization of facility (XThe introduction of user fees had a negative impact on the utilization of cervical cancer screening facilities. Eradicating user fee and improving the socioeconomic status of patients may improve the utilization of screening services.

Background : Induction of labor for postdate pregnancy using misoprostol is one of the most common interventions in pregnancy. However, the optimal dose of misoprostol is yet to be determined with previous reports utilizing different dosages. Objective : The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of 25 μg versus 50 μg of intravaginal misoprostol for induction of labor in nulliparous women with postdate pregnancy. Methodology : This was a prospective study in which 88 nulliparous women with postdate pregnancy were randomly selected to receive either 25 μg or 50 μg of misoprostol for induction of labor. Student’s t‑test and Chi‑square test were used to compare proportions. Results : There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the induction‑vaginal delivery interval between the two doses. The proportion of women delivering vaginally with a single dose of misoprostol (11/40 vs. 23/43, P = 0.01) and vomiting were significantly greater in the 50 μg group. However, there was no significant difference between both groups in terms of the need for augmentation of labor, caesarean section, tachysystole and hyperstimulation syndrome. Conclusion : Intravaginal administration of 25 μg of misoprostol appears to be as effective, but safer than 50 μg for induction of labor in nulliparous women with postdate pregnancy. Key words : Induction of labor, misoprostol, Port Harcourt, postdate pregnancy

Background: Malaria is an important public health issue in pregnancy association with poor fetal and maternal outcome, especially in malaria endemic area like Nigeria.Objective: The objective was to determine the prevalence of placental malaria in asymptomatic women in labor and to compare the fetal and maternal outcome between affected and unaffected women.Subjects and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of 210 women who delivered at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Participantsf peripheral venous blood, cord blood, and placental blood samples were examined microscopically for the presence of malaria parasite. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results: Prevalence of placental malaria was 65.2%. Nulliparity was significantly associated with placental malaria (X2 = 21.32, P = 0.0000039, odds ratio [OR] =5.6). Poor compliance to intermittent preventive therapy was significantly associated with placental malaria (X2 = 16.67, P = 0.00004). The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.57 « 1.7 weeks and 12.85% of women had preterm delivery. Sixty.seven (31.9%) women had anemia and malaria parasitemia was significantly associated with anemia (X2 = 8.34, P = 0.0039, OR = 2.6). Fourteen (6.67%) babies had low birth weight, but placental malaria was not significantly associated with low birth weight (X2 = 0.03, P = 0.87).Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of placental malaria in the study population. Nulliparity, poor drug compliance, and maternal anemia were associated with placental malaria.Key words: Malaria, Nigeria, placenta, pregnancy outcome, prevalence

Malaria is an important public health issue in pregnancy association with poor fetal and maternal outcome, especially in malaria endemic area like Nigeria.The objective was to determine the prevalence of placental malaria in asymptomatic women in labor and to compare the fetal and maternal outcome between affected and unaffected women.A prospective cross-sectional study of 210 women who delivered at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Participants' peripheral venous blood, cord blood, and placental blood samples were examined microscopically for the presence of malaria parasite. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 16.Prevalence of placental malaria was 65.2%. Nulliparity was significantly associated with placental malaria (χ² = 21.32, P = 0.0000039, odds ratio [OR] =5.6). Poor compliance to intermittent preventive therapy was significantly associated with placental malaria (χ² = 16.67, P = 0.00004). The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.57 ± 1.7 weeks and 12.85% of women had preterm delivery. Sixty-seven (31.9%) women had anemia and malaria parasitemia was significantly associated with anemia (χ² = 8.34, P = 0.0039, OR = 2.6). Fourteen (6.67%) babies had low birth weight, but placental malaria was not significantly associated with low birth weight (χ² = 0.03, P = 0.87).There is a high prevalence of placental malaria in the study population. Nulliparity, poor drug compliance, and maternal anemia were associated with placental malaria.

Aims and objectives: The objective of the following study is to analyze the trauma type (causes), injury pattern and factors that may have contributed to death within 72 h of admission into our emergency department (E.D).Materials and Methods: An 18 month prospective observational study, done from April 2009 to September 2010. All the patients were that admitted for 72 h following a full assessment by the attending clinician were enlisted for the study. The demographic data of each patient, time of arrival at the E.D, type of injury sustained, time of incident, previous care at any peripheral hospital, clinical state of the patient, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Injury severity score (ISS) and treatment offered before death were entered into a Proforma.Data Analysis: This was done using EPI-Info statistical programme version 3.4.3 of 2007(by CDC Atlanta Georgia , USA).Results: A total of 4011 patients were seen in the E.D during the period. 1943 (48.4%), were trauma emergencies, with a (147; 41.4%) mortality. Their ages ranged from 4 to 87 years, with an average of 34.5 years. The male:female ratio was 7:1. The assessed GCS ranged from 6 to 15, with an average of 9.1, the ISS ranged from 9 to 75 with an average of 31.3. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) accounted for 118 (80.3%) of the deaths, assaults 14.3%, falls from height 4.0% and gunshot injuries 1.4%. The overall mortality was 17.1%.Conclusion: The major source of trauma death was RTA; The most frequently injured part of the body was head, with death resulting clinically hemorrhage. The 17.1% mortality is multifactorial: The late presentation (in some cases occasioned by interference by persons not knowledgeable in the basics of trauma care) lack of trained personnel and the systemic deficiencies.Key words: Causes, factors contributory to death, mechanism of trauma, pattern of injuries, trauma death

Aims and objectives : The objective of the following study is to analyze the trauma type (causes), injury pattern and factors that may have contributed to death within 72 h of admission into our emergency department (E.D). Materials and Methods : An 18 month prospective observational study, done from April 2009 to September 2010. All the patients were that admitted for 72 h following a full assessment by the attending clinician were enlisted for the study. The demographic data of each patient, time of arrival at the E.D, type of injury sustained, time of incident, previous care at any peripheral hospital, clinical state of the patient, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Injury severity score (ISS) and treatment offered before death were entered into a Proforma. Data Analysis : This was done using EPI-Info statistical programme version 3.4.3 of 2007(by CDC Atlanta Georgia , USA). Results : A total of 4011 patients were seen in the E.D during the period. 1943 (48.4%), were trauma emergencies, with a (147; 41.4%) mortality. Their ages ranged from 4 to 87 years, with an average of 34.5 years. The male:female ratio was 7:1. The assessed GCS ranged from 6 to 15, with an average of 9.1, the ISS ranged from 9 to 75 with an average of 31.3. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) accounted for 118 (80.3%) of the deaths, assaults 14.3%, falls from height 4.0% and gunshot injuries 1.4%. The overall mortality was 17.1%. Conclusion : The major source of trauma death was RTA; The most frequently injured part of the body was head, with death resulting clinically hemorrhage. The 17.1% mortality is multifactorial: The late presentation (in some cases occasioned by interference by persons not knowledgeable in the basics of trauma care) lack of trained personnel and the systemic deficiencies. Key words : Causes, factors contributory to death, mechanism of trauma, pattern of injuries, trauma death

Objective: The objective of the following study is to determine the incidence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and identify the risk factors in RVO in patients presenting to a tertiary hospital in Rivers State.Materials and Methods: The medical records of consecutive patients with RVO who presented to the retina clinic of the eye Department of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital over a 5 year period were retrieved. Information extracted from the data included the demographic data of patients, presenting visual acuity, history of systemic and ocular disease, blood pressure and intraocular pressure. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0. (IBM Corporation and its licensors 1989,2011).Results: Out of the 364 patients seen at the retina clinic during this period, 27 (7.4%) had RVO. Seven patients had bilateral disease. The incidence of RVO in the retinal clinic was 7.4%. Systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and glaucoma were the main risk factors recorded in our patients. Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) 20 (74%) was morepredominant than branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) 7 (26%). 21 eyes of patients with CRVO had visual acuities of < 3/60, while 7 eyes of patients with BRVO had visual acuities less than 3/60. Vitreous hemorrhage 10 (52.6%) was the most common complication encountered. All cases of non.perfused vein occlusion 4 (14.8%) were seen in patients who had CRVO.Conclusion: The incidence of RV in our hospital is high. RVO is a significant cause of visual impairment, with CRVO being more common. Identifying associated risk factors and treating these could help reduce the incidence of RVO.Key words: Incidence, Port Harcourt, retinal vein occlusion, risk factors

Myomectomy during Caesarean section is conventionally reserved for pedunculated myomas. When fibroids located in the lower uterine segment are encountered in pregnancy, due to fear of haemorrhage, obstetricians would prefer to perform a classical Caesarean section even with its high risk of subsequent uterine rupture and avoid the fibroids. We hereby present a case where removal of intra-mural fibroids in a 34-year old primigravida though inevitably performed, was successful.

Objectives: To investigate the various reasons for patronizing the spiritual church-based clinics by women from South-South Nigeria. Design: Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics were studied between 1st February 2003 and 31st July 2003. Setting: Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics in both Akwa Ibom and Cross River State in South- South Nigeria. Patients: Two thousand and sixty three pregnant women who were regular attendants of the spiritual church-based clinics. Results: Various reasons for preferring church delivery included: Spiritual protection against satanic attacks and safe delivery in 975 (36.8%) lack of funds in 629(30.5%), harsh attitude of health workers in 249 (12.1%), convenience in 212 (10.3%), faith in God and previous delivery in church 83 (4.0%) each help and good care guaranteed in 48 (2.35). Conclusion: It is suggested that the spiritual churches with interest in obstetric care establish properly staffed and well equipped health clinics as an annex to the church. Keywords: Preference, Church-Based ClinicsNigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (2) 2008: pp. 100-103

To investigate the various reasons for patronizing the spiritual church-based clinics by women from South-South Nigeria.Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics were studied between 1st February 2003 and 31st July 2003.Forty seven spiritual church-based clinics in both Akwa Ibom and Cross River State in South-South Nigeria.Two thousand and sixty three pregnant women who were regular attendants of the spiritual church-based clinics.Various reasons for preferring church delivery included: Spiritual protection against satanic attacks and safe delivery in 975 (36.8%) lack of funds in 629 (30.5%), harsh attitude of health workers in 249 (12.1%), convenience in 212 (10.3%), faith in God and previous delivery in church 83 (4.0%) each help and good care guaranteed in 48 (2.35).It is suggested that the spiritual churches with interest in obstetric care establish properly staffed and well equipped health clinics as an annex to the church.

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in developing countries has been on the increase in the last few decades. Demographic changes and adoption of negative life style associated with urbanization have been incriminated. This study is to ascertain the burden of cardiovascular disease in Uyo, a town which has been undergoing rapid urbanization in the last decade.A five-year retrospective analysis of cardiovascular admissions into the Medical Wards of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital between September 1996 and September 2001 was carried out. Medical records of patients were used. The Epi Info 2002 software was used to analyse data.Five hundred and fifty eight (19.8%) of the 2875 medical admissions were patients with cardiovascular diseases. Their mean age was 52 +/- 12.7 years and mean duration of hospital stay was 9 +/- 7 days. Hypertension accounted for 311 (55.7%) of the cases, of these 107 (34.4%) presented with cerebrovascular accident (CVA). 44.3% presented in Heart failure and causes included Hypertension (14.9%), Cardiomyopathies particularly the dilated type (15.1%), Rheumatic heart disease (6.6%) and Anaemia (7.7%). 69 (12.4%) cardiovascular deaths were recorded, of these 34 (6.1%) were in patients with Cerebrovascular accident. Most deaths occurred within seven (7) days of admission. Duration of stay significantly influenced outcome (p = 0.000).Cardiovascular diseases constitute a significant health problem in our community. Intensive cardiovascular health education and promotion of healthy life style are advocated. Tertiary health care facilities should be equipped to cope with cardiovascular care in view of the looming epidemic of cardiovascular disease even in developing countries.

The use and abuse of psychoactive substances is very rampant, even in our secondary schools. In recent times, there has been a growing concern about negative effects of these substances on youths. The high incidence of school dropouts and other nefarious activities are the resultant impacts on the students.The objectives of the study were: (1) To determine the prevalence of substance use amongst secondary school students. (2) Compare the findings in two different local settings. (3) To determine the sociodemographic variables.Four hundred secondary school students from two Local Government Areas were assessed for use of psychoactive substances, during the second term of 2004/2005 school session, using a Youth Survey Questionnaire.A total of 254 (63.5%) students, consisting of 119 from Uyo and 135 from Eket were analyzed. The mean age of the students in both schools was 17.1 + 2.0 and 16.6 + 1.7 years respectively. The difference in the mean was statistically significant (t = 1.14; df = 3, p0.05). More students from Uyo, 37 (31.1%) used kolanuts, 54 (45.4%) sedatives, while more students from Eket, 47 (34.8%) used tobacco/cigarettes, 76 (56.3%) alcohol, 21 (15.6%) Indian hemp, 5 (3.7%) cocaine and 1 (0.7%) heroin. Class level (P = 0.04), upbringing (P = 0.02) and parents' marital status (P = 0.01) was statistically significant in the use of tobacco/cigarettes. Also, class level (P = 0.02) parents' marital status (P = 0.00) was statistically significant in the use of alcohol, while family type (P = 0.00) and parents' marital status was significant in the use of sedatives. Similarly, parents' marital status (P = 0.05) was statistically significant in the use of Indian hemp, while family type (P = 0.00), upbringing (P = 0.03) was significant in cocaine.The findings of this study confirm the presence and use of psychoactive substances in varying proportions among students. Therefore, there is need to strengthen the monitoring and preventive programmes aimed at reducing their spread in schools.

To assess the degree of awareness and use of emergency contraception among tertiary school students inAkwa Ibom State, Nigeria.A self-administered questionnaire survey.The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, located on the outskirts of Ikot Ekpene local government area between 1stApril 2002 and 31st April 2002.1,000 randomly selected female students ofthe Akwa Ibom State polytechnic, Ikot OsuruaThe students were aged between 16 and 43 years. Five hundred and eighty-nine (68.5%) of the respondents had heard of products that could be used as emergency contraceptives. However, only 49 (5.7%) of the respondents had practised some form of emergency contraception, which was most commonly practised by those between 16 and 25 years (71.4%). Menstrogen (30.6%), gynaecosid (24.5%), and quinine (14.3%) were the most common medications used for emergency contraception. Patent medicine dealers (40.9%) and friends/course mates (29.7%) were the most common sources of knowledge about emergency contraception.This study shows that awareness and use of emergency contraception by our youths is low. Community enlightenment about emergency contraception using specifically designed programmes, the formation of reproductive health clubs in our tertiary institutions and training of peer group educators in all our communities are advocated. Patent medicine dealers in our communities should have basic training in modern contraceptive methods and periodic evaluation should be carried out to assess their knowledge and practice of emergency contraception.

To establish the role of Caesarean section in reducing perinatal mortality following singleton breech delivery in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.The case notes of all patients who had singleton breech delivery between 1st January 1991 and 31st December 2000 were studied.The incidence of singleton breech delivery was 1.4% and 37.1% of the breech deliveries were by Caesarean section. Feto-pelvic disproportion and footling breech presentation were the most common indications for Caesarean section (50.0%). Most of the breeches delivered by emergency Caesarean section (55.0%) were in unbooked patients while the booked ones were mostly delivered by elective Caesarean section (80.0%). There was a statistically significant decrease in perinatal mortality in primigravid breeches ((p = 0.018) and in fetuses estimated to weigh above 3.5 kilograms (p = 0.0005) following Caesarean section.This study shows that Caesarean section plays a very important role in the management of breech presentation in our environment. We advocate elective Caesarean section of all primigravid breeches and those whose fetuses are estimated to weigh above 3.5 kilograms.

Background: Optic neuritis is a demyelinating inflammatory disease of the optic nerve that typically affects young adults especially females, and is usually associated with multiple sclerosis especially in Caucasians. The prognosis for visual recovery is usually good but with poor quality. Objective: The objective was to determine the level of improvement of vision after an attack of optic neuritis in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Design: A retrospective hospital-based study was performed. Setting: Eye Clinic, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Data Extraction: Medical records of all cases of optic neuritis seen at the Eye Clinic of UPTH over a 5-year period (January 2006-December 2010) were retrieved and relevant data including age, sex, presenting symptom, and visual acuity (VA) were extracted. The VA at discharge 12 weeks later was noted. Our diagnosis of optic neuritis was based on the presence of low vision, dyschromatopsia, and peri-ocular pain. Results: Over 24,000 patients were seen during this period, and 27 cases were optic neuritis (0.1%). Of the 27 cases of optic neuritis, 20 cases were retro-bulbar neuritis (74.1%), while seven (25.9%) were papillitis. There were 16 females and 11 males giving a female to male ratio of 3:2. Most cases (75%) at presentation had VAs Conclusion: This study confirms widely documented evidence that there is improvement in visual acuity after an attack of optic neuritis. Even though the risk of developing multiple sclerosis following optic neuritis is said to be low in blacks, these patients should still be followed up for sometime especially as some may go on to develop other complications of demyelination.