Research Article
Challenges of Perioperative Management and Outcome of Neonates with Gastroschisis in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria
Iluobe Inegbenosun*
,
Osayomwanbo Osaheni
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
274-279
Received:
20 August 2026
Accepted:
31 August 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
Abstract: Gastroschisis is a congenital full thickness anterior abdominal wall defect with exposure of intraabdominal content of varying degree and affected neonates are at risk of fluid loss, sepsis, hypothermia, and metabolic derangements. Perioperative management plays a pivotal role in stabilizing these newborns and influences better clinical outcome. The aim of this 3-year retrospective study was to assess the relationship between the age at presentation, type of anaesthesia rendered and outcomes recorded among neonates diagnosed with gastroschisis as well as to highlight the challenges associated with the perioperative management. Methods: This study is a three-year retrospective review (2023-2025) of neonates with gastroschisis managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Hospital records of neonates with gastroschisis who underwent surgical repair within the study period were retrieved. Data extracted were demographic characteristics, clinical diagnosis, surgical procedures, anesthetic technique, length of hospital stay and outcome. Results: Nine cases were reviewed, 5 Females (55.6%) and 4 males (44.4%). The age at presentation ranged from 2 hours to 48hours. Isolated gastroschisis alone accounted for 77.8% of cases, while gastroschisis with intestinal atresia and gastroschisis with gangrenous bowel accounted for 11.1% respectively. General anesthesia was used for all patients. Length of postoperative hospital stay ranged from 3 to 16 days. Mortality was recorded in all patients, with highest number of mortality (33.3%) on the 10th day on admission. Conclusion: We therefore emphasize the high rate of mortality among patients with gastroschisis and highlight the need for adequate perioperative management of neonates with gastroschisis.
Abstract: Gastroschisis is a congenital full thickness anterior abdominal wall defect with exposure of intraabdominal content of varying degree and affected neonates are at risk of fluid loss, sepsis, hypothermia, and metabolic derangements. Perioperative management plays a pivotal role in stabilizing these newborns and influences better clinical outcome. Th...
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Research Article
Data-Driven Governance and Digital Learning Systems as Catalysts for Safeguarding Democracy in Africa
Philip Okposo*
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
280-294
Received:
10 September 2026
Accepted:
20 September 2026
Published:
14 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ri.20260205.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Africa’s democratic systems are increasingly influenced by digital technologies, data infrastructures, social media, and artificial intelligence. These developments provide opportunities to improve electoral administration, evidence-based governance, civic education, and citizen engagement, while also creating risks related to misinformation, exclusion, surveillance, and declining public trust. This study examines how data analytics and Learning Management Systems (LMS) can work together to support electoral integrity and responsible citizenship without replacing established democratic institutions. The study adopts a documentary secondary-data research design, drawing on peer-reviewed studies and authoritative institutional evidence. Selected democratic, digital access, and electoral participation indicators are examined descriptively to identify key democratic pressures and their relationship to potential technological interventions. The findings indicate a significant gap between democratic aspirations and citizens’ experiences. Across 39 African countries, 66% of citizens express a preference for democracy, while 45% describe their countries as mostly or completely democratic and 37% report satisfaction with how democracy works. Although 75% support fair, open, and honest elections, only 39% report trust in their national electoral commission. Internet use in Africa reached 38% in 2024, highlighting both the potential reach and limitations of digital interventions. Electoral participation also varies considerably across selected countries. These findings do not establish a causal relationship between digital learning and electoral participation but demonstrate the importance of context-sensitive approaches. The study therefore proposes the Data-Driven Democratic Resilience Framework (DDDRF), comprising data acquisition, analytics and assurance, LMS-enabled civic learning, citizen feedback, and safeguards relating to privacy, transparency, accessibility, human oversight, and redress. The study contributes an information-systems perspective to research on African democracy by integrating data governance and civic learning within a common framework for strengthening democratic resilience.
Abstract: Africa’s democratic systems are increasingly influenced by digital technologies, data infrastructures, social media, and artificial intelligence. These developments provide opportunities to improve electoral administration, evidence-based governance, civic education, and citizen engagement, while also creating risks related to misinformation, exclu...
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