Related Experiment Videos
Typhoid intestinal perforations in Nigerian children
1Department of Surgery, Baptist Medical Centre, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
World Journal of Surgery
|March 12, 1998
Summary
Perforated typhoid enteritis in Nigerian children led to a 20% mortality rate, primarily due to sepsis. Prolonged abdominal pain was a key predictor of death, highlighting the need for improved perioperative care and typhoid fever prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Typhoid enteritis perforation is a severe complication of Salmonella Typhi infection.
- This condition disproportionately affects children in endemic regions, presenting significant surgical and mortality challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of pediatric patients with perforated typhoid enteritis.
- To identify predictors of mortality and suggest improvements in patient care and disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 75 children treated for perforated typhoid enteritis over a 4-year period.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, postoperative course, complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- The mean age was 11.4 years, with common symptoms of fever and abdominal pain lasting over 10 days.
- A 20% mortality rate was observed, with sepsis as the primary cause of death, often within 72 hours post-operation.
- Longer duration of abdominal pain was the only significant predictor of mortality.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative management, including intensive care and effective antibiotics, can reduce mortality.
- Effective prevention of typhoid fever is crucial for a substantial decrease in mortality rates.