PATERNITY TESTING

A story that touches the heart was featured by the punch newspaper on the valentine day, It was the story of a middle aged Nigerian man who discovered that a young man he raised from birth and who is now 32 years old is not his biological son.

The Nigerian man who resides in the United Kingdom, Mr. Oscar, was forced to arrange for a DNA test to determine the paternity of his erstwhile son, Valentine, when his wife allegedly told their presumed son that Oscar was not likely to be Valentine’s biological father.

Valentine had dragged his supposed dad, Oscar, to a DNA test centre in Britain after his mother informed him a month earlier that the man who had brought him up for the last 32 years may not actually be his dad. It was reported that Mr Oscar took Valentine to England from Nigeria and put him through school till graduation in the University of Britian. The result of the DNA test was read to Oscar who wailed in agony as the results said there was “zero per cent chance” he and Valentine were biologically related.

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA)

The DNA is like an instruction manual for how to build a person. Most DNA is basically the same in everyone - two eyes, two ears, one nose, etc - but there is enough variation in certain parts of the DNA that everyone turns out slightly different from everyone else. Because of this, DNA can be used to identify individuals. Human DNA can be extracted from many types of body fluid or tissue (saliva, semen, blood, hair, nails etc.) Also DNA can be extracted from an item that is contaminated with body fluids (such as chewing gum, cigarette butts, sanitary towels etc.)

DNA paternity testing is the use of DNA profiling (known as genetic fingerprinting) to determine whether two individuals are biologically parent and child. A paternity test establishes genetic proof whether a man is the biological father of an individual, and a maternity test establishes whether a woman is the biological mother of an individual. Tests can also determine the likelihood of someone being a biological grandparent to a grandchild.

In the case of a paternity test, for example, if we test a child and its mother, we can compare where the two match. This tells us which parts of the DNA have come from the mother. The remaining parts must therefore have come from the father. If we look at a man's DNA and it matches those remaining points, the man is the father. If the parts don't match, the man could not have supplied the child's DNA and is therefore not the father.

DNA can also establish relationships between siblings and more distant relatives as they all will have common DNA inherited from an ancestor.

The testing is performed by collecting buccal cells found on the inside of a person's cheek using a buccal swab or cheek swab. The buccal cells are then sent to a laboratory for testing. For paternity testing, samples from the alleged father and child would be needed. For maternity testing, samples from the alleged mother and child would be needed.

Consent is required for DNA testing

If the child is under the age of 18 years, both parents must consent to parentage testing for the result to have legal standing. All persons being tested must complete a form proving consent on the day of testing.

Accuracy of DNA Tests

DNA paternity testing has the highest likelihood of excluding a falsely assumed father. A man who does not match the child's paternal DNA type can be excluded with 100% certainty. If the man is not excluded, then with DNA testing, the probability of him being the father can be determined up to 99.999%.

Results

In the interest of the parties being tested, when the results are ready, the written reports are forwarded to a medical or legal professional as nominated by the applicant. Counselling before and after the test is also mandatory. This ensures confidentiality of the test results as well as professional supervision of the circumstances of the DNA test.

Peace of Mind DNA testing  

Questions about paternity and simple relationships can be answered by taking a Peace of Mind DNA tests. The sample collection processes for Peace of Mind testing are not admissible for legal purposes. Testing can determine paternity, maternity, common paternal lineage (along the male line), siblingship between 2 sisters (mother's sample is required) and twin testing. Prenatal paternity testing is performed by using samples of the unborn child either by chorionic villi, obtained by the CVS procedure (from 10 weeks gestation) or amniotic fluid, obtained by amniocentesis (from 14-16 weeks gestation).

Prevention of Typhoid Fever

Recently, there has been a lot of public outcry over repeated cases of misdiagnosis of typhoid fever. Nigerians deserve to know what this disease is all about; how it can be detected, treated and prevented.

Typhoid fever is an acute illness associated with fever caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. It can also be caused by Salmonella paratyphi, a related bacterium that usually causes a less severe illness. The bacteria are deposited in water or food by a human carrier and are then spread to other people in the area.

Transmission

Typhoid fever is contracted by drinking or eating the bacteria in contaminated food or water. People with acute illness can contaminate the surrounding water supply through stool, which contains a high concentration of the bacteria. Contamination of the water supply can, in turn, taint the food supply. The bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage.

Diagnosis

After the ingestion of contaminated food or water, the Salmonella bacteria invade the small intestine and enter the bloodstream temporarily. The bacteria are carried by white blood cells in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, where they multiply and re-enter the bloodstream. If a test result isn’t clear, blood samples will be taken to make a diagnosis.

The Widal test may suggest infection with Salmonella typhi. But they are not diagnostic because of the number of false-positive and false-negative. Isolation of Salmonella  bacteria that causes typhoid) from cultures of stool, blood, urine, or bone marrow are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of typhoid fever.

Symptoms

The incubation period is usually one to two weeks, and the duration of the illness is about three to four weeks. Symptoms include: Poor appetite, headaches , generalised aches and pains, fever, lethargy, diarrhea and chest congestion may develop some, and abdominal pain and discomfort are common. The fever becomes constant. Improvement occurs in the third and fourth week in those without complications. About 10 per cent of people have recurrent symptoms after feeling better for one to two weeks. Relapses are actually more common in individuals treated with inappropriate dosing of antibiotics.

Treatment

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics which kill the Salmonella bacteria. Prior to the use of antibiotics, the fatality rate was 20 per cent. Death occurred from overwhelming infection, pneumonia, intestinal bleeding, or intestinal perforation. With antibiotics and supportive care, mortality has been reduced. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, there is usually improvement within one to two days and recovery within seven to 10 days.

Several antibiotics are effective for the treatment of typhoid fever. Chloramphenicol was the original drug of choice for many years. Because of side effects, chloramphenicol has been replaced by other effective antibiotics. Those who become chronically ill (about three to five per cent of those infected), can be treated with prolonged antibiotics. Often, removal of the gallbladder, the site of chronic infection, will provide a cure.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to protect the child against typhoid fever. Some simple steps to reduce chances of catching this infection are listed below:

Drink pure or bottle water

Contaminated drinking water is a common source of the infection. Boil your water and allow it to cool before drinking or stick to purified water .

Hand washing

Teach children to wash hands frequently. Wash with warm, soapy water before eating food. Also wash after using the toilet. Public education campaigns encouraging people to wash their hands after defecating and before handling food are an important component in controlling spread of the disease. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser can kill germs when water is not available.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly

Raw fruit or vegetables may have been washed in contaminated water. There is the need to rewash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Typhoid immunisation / vaccination

Typhoid vaccine is readily available and can be used in children from two years of age. Adults can also be given the typhoid vaccination to prevent them from typhoid fever. For those travelling to high-risk areas, vaccines are now available.

Managing meningitis in children

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has confirmed the outbreak of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis, CSM, in the northern part of the country with at least 324 deaths related to the disease.

Over 2,900 suspected cases have been recorded while 109 have been confirmed and are being treated.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis is the medical term for inflammation of the tissues (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is most commonly caused by a virus or a bacterium, which travels from an infection in another part of the body through the bloodstream to the meninges (brain).

There are two main types of meningitis — the viral and bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis: There are many types of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis. The most likely type depends upon the child’s age, history of vaccinations, current or past medical problems. The common causes of bacterial meningitis in older infants and children are Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Neisseria meningitides. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that must be treated quickly to minimise the risk of serious illness or even death.

Certain factors can increase a child’s risk of developing bacterial meningitis, including recent exposure to someone with bacterial meningitis, recent infection of the ear or sinus infection, travel to areas where bacterial meningitis is common such as sub-Saharan Africa, serious head injury, problems with the immune system, cochlear implants, and certain anatomic abnormalities.

Viral meningitis: The most common cause of viral meningitis is a family of viruses called enterovirus. Other viruses that cause meningitis can be transmitted airborne, by direct contact with an infected animal.

Signs and symptoms

Although bacterial meningitis is usually more severe, the signs and symptoms of bacterial and viral meningitis can be similar.

Newborn: They may develop a fever accompanied by non-specific symptoms (e.g, poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash). The infant may have a stiff neck or bulging fontanel (soft spot on the skull) and may be irritable, restless, or lethargic.

Older children: They may develop a sudden fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, stiff neck, and complain that light bothers their eyes (photophobia). Meningitis can cause seizures, and decreased level of awareness. Certain types of bacterial meningitis may be associated with petechiae and purpura rash.

Diagnosis

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that must be treated promptly. The following tests are generally recommended, and are usually performed in a hospital emergency department:

A blood culture – A sample of blood is cultured in the laboratory to determine if there are bacteria present (normally, no bacteria should be present in the blood). The results of the blood culture can also help determine which antibiotic is best.

Lumbar puncture – During a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, a clinician uses a needle to remove a sample of spinal fluid from the area around the spinal cord in the low back. Several tests are done on the cerebrospinal fluid to determine if a bacterial infection is present, and if so, which antibiotic treatment is best. The CSF may also be sent for viral cultures and/or molecular tests (called “PCR”) for enteroviruses.

CT scan may be recommended when and where the facility is available.

Treatment

The treatment for meningitis depends upon whether the meningitis is caused by a virus or a bacterium. However, this distinction may not be clear until the culture results are available (usually 48 to 72 hours after they are obtained).

In many cases, children are treated as if they have bacterial meningitis until bacterial meningitis is definitively excluded. The reason for this is that there is a significant risk of serious illness or even death if the child has bacterial meningitis and treatment is delayed for a prolonged period of time.

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that requires hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Depending upon the severity of the illness, the child may also need supportive treatments to aid breathing, oxygen support, maintain blood pressure, prevent excessive bleeding, and keep the child hydrated.

However, even with proper treatment, meningitis can damage the brain and cause long-term complications, including deafness, developmental delay or learning disabilities, spastic or paralysed muscles, coma and seizures. Complications are more common in children who live in developing and endemic regions.

Prevention 

Vaccines: Several routine childhood vaccines reduce the risk of developing bacterial meningitis, including the pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines. Vaccines are also available to prevent certain types of viral infections that may cause meningitis or other central nervous system infections, including polio, influenza, varicella, measles and mumps.) Preventive antibiotics are recommended for close contacts of anyone infected with meningococcal infection, even if the contact was previously vaccinated.

Families of children with meningitis should take care of them and avoid becoming infected. This includes washing hands after touching the child or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Utensils and cups should not be shared, the child’s mouth should be covered during a cough, and the child should not be kissed on the mouth.

Any parent who suspects that their child could have meningitis should seek medical attention immediately with their child physician. Meningitis affects all ages (the young and elderly).

CANCER WARNING SIGNS

Cancer symptoms

It is important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body. These symptoms are often caused by other, non-cancerous illnesses, but it is important you see your doctor so they can investigate.
Other potential signs and symptoms of cancer are outlined below:

• lumpiness or a thickened area in your breasts, any changes in the shape or colour of your breasts, unusual nipple discharge, a nipple that turns inwards (if it hasn't always been that way) or any unusual pain
• a lump in the neck, armpit or anywhere else in the body
• sores or ulcers that don't heal
• coughs or hoarseness that won't go away or coughing up blood
• changes in toilet habits that last more than two weeks, blood in a bowel motion or urine
• new moles or skin spots, or ones that have changed shape, size or colour, or that bleed
• unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
• unexplained weight loss
• diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
• a feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
• pain in your abdomen (tummy) or your anus (back passage)
• persistent bloating.

If you notice any changes, see your doctor immediately.Do screening for breast cancer,prostrate, cervical cancer and bowel cancer.

Culled from naijassador.com/dr-rotimi-adesanya-a-medical-doctor-with-an-uncommon-passion

Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, A Medical Doctor with an Uncommon Passion

Meet Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, a Family Physician with a special interest in Primary Care Paediatrics and Public Health. He is also a Medical Missions Coordinator having co-ordinated well over 100 medical missions since 2005 for religious, political and corporate organizations
With this passion, he founded the Better Life Medical Missions in 2007.
Having obtained his medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Lagos in 2002, he has since proceeded to acquire more degrees just in a bid to be grounded in the field and remain relevant with his passion.
His passion, Better Life Medical Mission (BLMM) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with the sole mission of providing qualitative and quantitative healthcare and hope to the poor and the less privileged in the rural areas of Nigeria and Africa through volunteerism.
The service is targeted towards the have-nots and the underserved ones in the society. This includes those in the rural and semi-urban parts who cannot afford the cost of medical care and are dying from preventable diseases. It is also known as ‘Medical Mission of Hope’ because it also serves to meet the spiritual needs of those they meet.
Asked about what keeps him going with this uncommon passion, he says ‘God is my inspiration’. Another thing that keeps him going is the numerous ‘Thank you’ he gets from people he has come across. He says he gets more than 10 ‘Thank you’ messages daily.
When asked about what his success factors are, he says things that he can attribute the success of his Mission to are Passion, Spirit of volunteerism and Diligence.
His message to readers and youths is that they should develop spirit of volunteerism and to follow the principle of Michelle Obama who said ‘Success is not about the money you make but the difference you make in somebody’s life’.
Dr Adesanya can be reached on:
Dr Rotimi Adesanya
Better life Medical Mission,
Betterlifemission2007@yahoo.com, roayad@yahoo.com
www.betterlifemission.com
08037202050, 08186549147

MANAGING ABDOMINAL PAIN IN CHILDREN

Mummy, my tummy is paining me, Daddy my tummy is paining me. I ve got a sore tummy – This is a common complaint in children. Parents may sometimes not need to be concerned, but they should take such children to the doctor if the stomach pain are severe or doesn’t go away, or if a child also seems generally ill.

Causes of stomach pain or ache

The term ‘stomach ache’ is used to cover any and all types of pain experienced in the abdominal area but anyone who has suffered a stomach ache knows that one stomach ache can be quite different from another.  Not only can a stomach ache occur high up under the ribs or down low in the guts, but it can also be experienced as campy and gurgling or sharp and stitch-like.

Stomach  pain in children is very often caused by excessive gas and  indigestion, which may not be that serious.

A sore tummy might also be a sign of infections like food poisoning, gastroenteritis, pneumonia or urinary tract infections.

Severe stomach pain might be caused by more serious or surgical illnesses like appendicitis or intussusceptions, which is when part of the gut slides into or over itself.

Tummy pain that keeps coming back might be associated with constipation, food intolerances or inflammation in the gut.

Symptoms

The symptoms that come with stomach pain might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, constipation, bloating and loss of appetite. These also vary depending on the underlying cause of the stomach pain.

A sore tummy is more likely to be a sign of something serious if it wakes the child up, or if the pain is in a specific area of the abdomen, away from your child’s belly button.

Appendicitis, the pain is usually sharp, and the pain often starts in the middle then moves to the lower right section of the abdomen. The child might also have fever, loss of appetite and vomiting.

If the stomach pain comes with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, the problem could be gastroenteritis or food poisoning.

Cramps and general pain might be associated with excess gas.

Tummy pain that doesn’t go away could be constipation or a urinary tract infection. If the child has a urinary tract infection, she might also have pain when urinating, urinate more than normal, and might have a fever, vomiting and feel irritable.

Tummy pain might also be associated with pneumonia or a viral infection. In this case, your child will probably also have a fever, cough and possibly a sore throat.

In all types of stomach pain, there’s a risk that the child will become dehydrated and should be watched for signs of dehydration like sunken eyes, less urination, lethargy and weight loss,

Treatment

Encourage your child to lie down quietly for 20 minutes. Lying flat on his back with his knees bent is the best position Small to ease a tummy ache. Regular sips of water can help ease a tummy ache – be careful though not to let your child drink too much too fast as this can make the pain worse and can result in vomiting.

Gently massaging your child’s stomach in a slow clockwise direction which follows the direction of the digestive system can help soothe a stomach ache. Sit on the toilet. Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for longer than a minute! Aside from the obvious benefits, the position he maintains while sitting on the toilet is an effective way of dispelling painful gas.

Don’t give your child any medications for  stomach ache without consulting your doctor first. Laxatives can make a stomach ache worse by upsetting the bowels. Painkillers can mask more serious symptoms.

Most stomach aches will resolve themselves naturally and they are not the symptom of anything more serious than a little gas, but there are times when a stomach ache should not be ignored.

In conclusion, parents are to immediately take their children to the hospital if they noticed; the stomach ache is severe in the abdomen; the stomach ache becomes worse with movement, the stomach ache lasts longer than a couple of hours, the stomach ache is regular, occurs frequently; The stomach ache is accompanied by a fever; The stomach ache is accompanied by a rash, or your child is very pale, The stomach ache results in vomiting that contains blood or is green; Your child is drowsy and floppy; Your child’s poo is black, which could indicate the presence of blood; Your child experiences pain when he urinates always check for blood in his wee; Your child is experiencing pain in the groin, scrotum or testicles (boys only)

HOW TO HANDLE TEETH GRINDING IN CHILDREN

A woman recently approached me with a question concerning her son who is fond of grinding the teeth especially at night. This was first noticed by the older children who sleep in the same room with the boy. The mother also noticed this after few sleepless nights she observed to monitor the son.
Teeth grinding medically called bruxism  is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth. It generally happens during sleep, but some people experience it when they are awake. Many children have it but most outgrow it. Bruxism often happens during deep sleep phases or when children are under stress. Children will not usually be woken up by the sound of their own teeth grinding but other people in the room might be! In most cases, children who grind their teeth don’t cause any damage to their teeth. In only a few very extreme cases, where the grinding is very regular, is it likely that your child could cause damage to teeth.

Causes of Bruxism

Doctors are not always sure why bruxism happens. In some cases, Children may grind because the top and bottom teeth are not aligned properly. Others do it as a response to pain, such as from an earache or teething. They may also grind their teeth as a way to ease the pain, just as they might rub a sore muscle. Children do outgrow these fairly common causes for grinding. Some children also do this when having fever.
Stress usually nervous tension or anger is another cause. For instance, a child might worry about a test at school or a change in routine (a new sibling or a new teacher). Even arguing with parents and siblings can cause enough stress to prompt teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Some children who are hyperactive also have bruxism. And sometimes those with other medical conditions (such as cerebral palsy) or who take certain medicines can develop bruxism.

Complications of teeth grinding

Teeth grinding can cause a range of oral health problems, which may include: cracked tooth enamel, excessive wear and tear on the teeth, broken teeth or restorations, strain on the joints and soft tissue of the jaw joint, enlargement of the jaw muscles (rare).

Signs and symptoms The signs and symptoms of teeth grinding include: grinding sounds while the person is asleep, headache, jaw joint or ear pain, aching (or ‘dancing’) teeth – particularly upon waking, aching or stiffness of the face and temples upon waking, aching or stiffness in the jaws while chewing – particularly during breakfast, clenching the jaw when angry, anxious or concentrating, sensitive teeth, cracked or chipped tooth enamel, tooth indentations on the tongue, raised tissue on the cheek caused by cheek biting, wobbly teeth.

Treatments

Most kids outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits can help keep the problem in check until they do.

In cases where the grinding and clenching make a child's face and jaw sore or damage the teeth, dentists may prescribe a special night guard moulded to a child's teeth, the night guard is similar to the protective mouthpieces worn by athletes.

Finding Out If They Have It
Determining if your child has bruxism can be tricky, because the child often doesn't realize he or she is grinding at all. Check in on them at night to discover whether they make grinding noises while asleep, or ask a sibling who shares the room with them. If your child complains of a sore jaw, or pain when chewing, these can also signal bruxism.
Is he particularly worried or angry about anything? If these emotions coincide with the sound of teeth-grinding while they sleep, it's time to pay attention. Children experience a lot of anxiety in general, and you may need to address the root cause through other medical treatment or stress-relieving interventions, like a warm bath or soothing music before bedtime.
Most Children stop grinding when they lose their baby teeth. However, a few of them do continue to grind into adolescence. And if the bruxism is caused by stress, it will continue until the stress eases.
What to Do Next
If you believe your child has bruxism, schedule a dental check up for a proper diagnosis and further treatment. Your dentist may even order a custom mouth guard for wear at night to prevent grinding and the residual soreness. Bruxism in children as a result of stress can be prevented by taking special care to help yours deal with it appropriately. The good news is most kids eventually grow out of the tendency, but it doesn't hurt to make that dentist appointment to first diagnose the problem, allowing you to then treat it the best way you can.