Browsing by Author "Yilgwan, C.S."

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    Audit of availability and distribution of paediatric cardiology services and facilities in Nigeria
    (Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, 2017) Ekure, E.N.; Sadoh, Wilson Ehi; Bode-Thomas, Fidelia; Yilgwan, C.S.; Abdulkadir, Mohammed Baba
    Background: Paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria have been perceived to be inadequate but no formal documentation of availability and distribution of facilities and services has been done. Objective: To evaluate and document the currently available paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria. Methods: In this questionnaire-based, cross-sectional descriptive study, an audit was undertaken from January 2010 to December 2014, of the personnel and infrastructure, with their distributions according to geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Results: Forty-eight centres participated in the study, with 33 paediatric cardiologists and 31 cardiac surgeons. Echocardiography, electrocardiography and pulse oximetry were available in 45 (93.8%) centres while paediatric intensive care units were in 23 (47.9%). Open-heart surgery was performed in six (12.5%) centres. South-West zone had the majority of centres (20; 41.7%). Conclusions: Available paediatric cardiac services in Nigeria are grossly inadequate and poorly distributed. Efforts should be intensified to upgrade existing facilities, establish new and functional centres, and train personnel.