Childhood diabetes mellitus in Kano, North West, Nigeria

There is paucity of literature on childhood diabetes mellitus from developing countries and especially North west Nigeria and this has made it pertinent for documentation of the features of the disease in a major regional referral centre. The study was designed to describe the clinical presentation and outcome of childhood diabetes mellitus. Retrospective review of hospital records of paediatric patients managed for diabetes at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano. Nigeria between January 1999 and December 2006. The age; sex; presenting features; complications; laboratory features and outcome of the patients were retrieved from the hospital records. During the years under review eleven out of 3;585 admissions were managed for Type 1 diabetes mellitus giving a prevalence rate of 3.1/1000. Male to female ratio was 1:0.6. The mean age at presentation was 10 4.5years most of the patients (72.7) belonged to the lower socio-economic classes IV and V. The duration of symptoms ranged from 6 58days with a mean of 24 22.8days. The patients presentedwith urinary tract infections (36.4); malaria (27.3) and recurrent boils (18.2). Three (27.3) of the patients had polyuria and polydypsia while only one (91) patient had polyphagia and weight loss. The mean random blood glucose on admission was 28.5 7.9mmo/L (16.9 39.2mmo/L) Four patient presented with diabetic Keloacidosis. Two patients (18.2) were discharged against medical advice while 1(9.1) patient died. Childhood Diabetes Mellitus; remains relatively uncommon in Nigeria

A Seven - Year Review of Accidental Kerosene Poisoning in Children at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Background: Accidental ingestion of kerosene is a potential source of morbidity and mortality in children. The objectives of the study are to determine to magnitude of the problem and proffer feasible solutions to reduce the frequency of occurrence. Methodology: The medical records of all cases of kerosene poisoning admitted into Paediatric Medical Ward and Emergency Paediatric Unit were identified and relevant data extracted and analysed. Results: Kerosene poisoning constituted 55 (1.2) of cases of all paediatric admissions within the period (Jan 1999 Dec 2005). The study showed that children 4 months to 8 years were affected with peak age of 18 months. Thirty-four (61.8) of the cases were aged below 2 years which conforms to findings in earlier studies in Nigeria. Main clinical feature was cough with difficulty in breathing in 52 (94.5) of cases. Others features noted were central nervous system involvement (14.5); vomiting (20); and fever 16 (29.1). There were 3 deaths giving the mortality of 5.5. Conclusion: The study has revealed that kerosene poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Government policies that will enhance the standard of living of people and education of parents/care givers are the identified imperatives for reduction of the problem