Congenital brain malformations in Sudanese children: an outpatient-based study.

Congenital brain malformations (CBMs) are a heterogeneous group characterised by abnormal structure of the developing brain. Their aetiology includes in-utero infections, teratogenicity and in a considerable group, genetic causes. Due to the high rate of consanguineous marriages and the possible high prevalence of prenatal infections in Sudan, CBMs are likely to be common. The main aim of this study was to review the clinical profile of children with CBMs attending two main tertiary paediatrics neurology outpatient clinics in Khartoum State, Sudan. Children under the age of 18 years who presented with developmental delay, seizures or abnormal head size were evaluated clinically and with neuroimaging for possible CBMs. Out of 2,114 patients seen within 6 months (September 2016-March 2017) at the Outpatient Departments, 105 patients (5%) were diagnosed with CBMs. Sixty patients (57.1%) had a single brain anomaly, 36 patients (34.1%) had two brain anomalies while nine patients (8.6%) had multiple brain anomalies. Collectively, cortical malformations either isolated or in combination with other anomalies were observed in 37 patients (35.1%), thus by representing the commonest CBMs. Community-based epidemiological studies are needed to ascertain CBMs prevalence, common causes and long-term outcomes.

Clinical Profile of Pediatric Neurological Disorders: Outpatient Department, Khartoum, Sudan.

BACKGROUND: There is no available data from Sudan reflecting the magnitude of the neurological disorders and disabilities in the pediatric age-group. This study aims to evaluate the pattern of neurological disorders among Sudanese children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective survey of children with epilepsy and other neurodisability disorders seen at pediatric neurology outpatient clinic, during the period from January 2007 to August 2013. The data of 9600 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 6019 patients were included in the study. The majority of the patients had epilepsy that amounted to 52.8%, followed by cerebral palsy (19.1%), congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (6.2%), neuromuscular disorders (3.2%), stroke (2.4%), ataxia and movement disorders (1.9%), assumed genetic syndromes (1.2%), and others. CONCLUSION: Neurological disorders constitute a major cause of chronic morbidity in pediatric age-group.