Thyroid Dysfunctions in Sudanese Patients with Vitiligo

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic acquired skin condition that causes loss of pigment; resulting in irregular pale patches of skin. The precise cause of vitiligo is not fully understood. The autoimmune base of the disease is supported by the frequent observation that several autoimmune disorders; particularly thyroid diseases; are associated with vitiligo. Objective: To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunctions in Sudanese patients with vitiligo. Methods: Two groups; i.e. vitiligo patients and control; were collected with simple random collection. The control group included individuals free of vitiligo. 5 ml of venous blood was taken from every individual in both groups and the ELISA test was done for thyroid hormones; i.e. T3; T4 and TSH; using the DRG-USA kits. Results: The number of patients with vitiligo in the study was 46; while the control group was 45. Nine (19.56) patients were found to have abnormal levels of thyroid hormones. No abnormal levels in the control group. Mean T3 level in patients was 1.463ng/l; while in control group it was 1.467ng/l. Mean T4 level in patients was 102.761 nmol/l; while in control group it was 90.844 nmol/l. Mean TSH level in patients was 0.841 ?IU/l; while in control group it was 1.50 ?IU/l. The t-test was done to determine the significance of difference between means of T3; T4; and TSH between the patients and control groups. The P-values were found to be significant.Conclusion: There is a strong pathogenetic relationship between vitiligo in Sudanese patients and thyroid dysfunctions

Rapid decline in infant and child mortality

The present study uses the nationwide data of the 1990 Child Survival Survey to examine levels, trends, and differentials of infant and child mortality. The analysis reveals a considerable infant and child mortality decline during the period 1976-1987. The infant mortality declined from 81 in 1976 to 38 per 1,000 live births in 1987. During the same period, the child mortality rate under five years declined from 113 to 42 per 1,000 live births. The findings of the survey also showed a significant differential of infant and child mortality by [a] urban/ rural settings, [b] geographical regions, and [c] parental education