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There is a paucity of information regarding the epidemiology and outcome of COVID-19 from low/middle-income countries, including from Nigeria. This single-center study described the clinical features, laboratory findings, and predictors of in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted between April 10, 2020 and June 10, 2020 were included. Forty-five patients with a mean age of 43 (16) years, predominantly male (87%), presented with fever (38%), cough (29%), or dyspnea (24%). In-hospital mortality was 16%. The independent predictors of mortality were hypoxemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3–5.1) and creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL (aOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.9–9.8).

BACKGROUND: Despite the concern on the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 on tuberculosis (TB), there is a paucity of information from the developing countries inclusive of Nigeria. CASE REPORT: Hence, we report two cases of Nigerian’ adults with coinfections of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The two cases were males and aged 30 and 33 years, respectively. They presented with cough, fever, and weight loss with features of acute respiratory symptoms and a history of contact with a confirmed COVID-19. The GeneXpert for MTB detected was high, and chest radiographs showed both features suggestive of TB, and COVID-19. They both received quadruple anti-TB regimen, along with lopinavir/ritonavir. The first case was discharged after 15 days, while the second patient died 6 days into the admission. CONCLUSION: This case reports showed that COVID-19 superimposed on TB may not be uncommon in our environment and may have a poorer outcome. Hence, there is a need for a high index of suspicion for TB infection in endemic area during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background Despite a high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in developing countries such as Nigeria, intestinal obstruction secondary to lithobezoar (an accumulation of ingested stones within the gastrointestinal tract) is uncommon. Case presentation Herein, we report a case of acute intestinal obstruction secondary to ingestion of large pebbles and IDA in a 5-year-old Nigerian boy. The patient was managed conservatively with the use of laxatives and a rectal wash-out, and the pebbles were excreted over 3 days. Oral iron therapy was also commenced with cessation of pica. Discussion Although the direction of causal relationship between pica and IDA remains debatable, routine screening for iron deficiency among children with lithobezoar is recommended. Besides managing complications associated with lithobezoar, such as intestinal obstruction, prompt initiation of iron therapy among those who present with features of iron deficiency may be beneficial.

Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) are rare in neonates. When they do occur, the infections are more aggressive than in older children and adults and can lead to life-threatening complications. Thus, a high index of suspicion is important for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. We report a rare case of DNSIs (retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses) in a 7-day-old neonate. The baby presented with fever, neck swelling, and difficulty in breathing. Plain neck radiograph showed widening of the retropharyngeal space and β-hemolytic Streptococcus was cultured from the aspirate. He was successfully managed with incision and drainage as well as broad-spectrum antibiotics (cefuroxime and metronidazole for 14 days and gentamicin for 7 days).

In Nigeria, over 900,000 children under the age of five years die every year. Early neonatal death is responsible for a little over 20% of these deaths. Prematurity remains a significant cause of these early neonatal deaths. In some series, it is reported to be responsible for 60-70% of these deaths. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of pre-term deliveries at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. This was a prospective cohort study conducted over a 9-month period at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Records of deliveries and data on maternal socio-biological and antenatal variables were collected during this period in order to determine the prevalence and determinants of pre-term deliveries. Out of the 2,489 deliveries that took place over a 9-month period, there were 293 pre-terms, giving a pre-term delivery rate of 120 per 1,000 deliveries. Of the total deliveries, 1,522 singleton deliveries that satisfied inclusion criteria were recruited; 185 of them were pre-term deliveries giving a case:control ratio of 1:7. Significant determinants of pre-term delivery identified were previous pre-term delivery (P=0.001; OR=3.55; 95% CI=1.71-7.30), antepartum hemorrhage (P=0.000; OR=8.95; 95%CI=4.06-19.78), premature rupture of the membranes (P=0.000; OR=6.48; 95%CI=4.33-9.67), maternal urinary tract infection (P=0.006; OR=5.89; 95%CI=1.16-27.57), pregnancy induced hypertension (P=0.007; OR=3.23; 95%CI=2.09-4.99), type of labor (P=0.000; OR=6.44; 95%CI=4.42-9.38) and booking status (P=0.000; OR=4.67; 95%CI=3.33-6.56). The prevalence of pre-term delivery was 120 per 1,000 live births. Factors significantly associated with pre-term delivery were low socio-economic class, previous pre-term delivery, antepartum hemorrhage, premature rupture of fetal membranes, urinary tract infection, pregnancy induced hypertension, induced labor, and booking elsewhere outside the teaching hospital.