Routine haemoglobin electrophoresis screening in day case herniotomy in Nigerian children: Is it evidence-based?
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Date
2013-11
Authors
Ademuyiwa, AO
Bode, CO
Desalu, I
Elebute, OA
Olatosi, JO
Temiye, E
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Medical Journal
Abstract
Background: To determine the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies in children who require
day case herniotomy in our centre and ascertain if routine screening is necessary in all patients
who require herniotomy. Materials and Methods: A 12-month retrospective analysis of
patients requiring herniotomy in our centre. Data including age, sex, diagnosis, haemoglobin
electrophoresis status, surgical outcome and hospital stay were analysed. Results: Ninety-five
patients had complete records. There were 84 boys and 11 girls. M:F ratio: 7.6:1. The mean age
was 3.2 ± 0.6 years. Fifty-five point eight per cent of the patients had right inguinal hernias while
35.8% had left inguinal hernias. Eight patients (8.4%) had bilateral inguinal hernias. Twentysix patients (27.4%) had haemoglobinopathies while 69 patients (72.6%) had homozygous
Haemoglobin A. The Sickle Cell trait (HbAS) was found in 22 patients (23.2%) while the HbAC
was found in three patients (3.2%). One patient (1.1%) had Sickle Cell disease (Haemoglobin
SS). He had had blood transfusion and previous history of jaundice. All patients survived and
all patients were discharged on the day of surgery (mean hospital stay: 4hrs (range: 2.5 hrs–12
hrs)) except the patient with Sickle Cell disease who was admitted a day before surgery and
discharged a day after the operation. Conclusion: One in four children coming for day case
herniotomy in our centre had the Sickle Cell trait while only 1% had the Sickle Cell disease.
These findings are in keeping with the prevalence in the Nigerian population. Routine screening
may not be necessary for all patients coming for herniotomy in our centre. Clear indication(s)
should be outlined for screening.
Description
Scholarly
Keywords
Haemoglobin electrophoresis , paediatric day , Children , Screening , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE::Surgery
Citation
Ademuyiwa AO, Bode CO, Desalu I, Elebute OA, Olatosi JO, Temiye E. Routine haemoglobin electrophoresis screening in day case herniotomy in Nigerian children: Is it evidence-based?. Niger Med J 2013;54:408-10.