Choledochal cysts in African infants: a report of 3 cases and a review of the literature.

Choledochal cysts are relatively rare and are an uncommon cause of cholestasis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent complications such as cholangitis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension. This article reviews a rarely reported disease in Africans in whom only 3 cases were documented over the 18 year period in Nigeria.

Changes in circulating leptin, leptin receptor, and gonadal hormones from infancy until advanced age in humans.

We determined developmental changes in circulating levels of the soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), leptin, and gonadal hormones in human subjects. In both sexes the rise in leptin with age was associated with a decline in sOB-R, and age-related changes in both parameters preceded the pubertal rise in gonadal hormones. Leptin levels above 10 ng/ml were a strong predictor of sOB-R concentrations, but this predictive value decreased as leptin declined.

Dietary calcium intake in lactose maldigesting intolerant and tolerant African-American women.

Background: The relationship between lactose maldigestion, lactose intolerance, and calcium intake in premenopausal African American women is unknown.

Objective: To determine how intolerance of lactose and dairy products affects intake of calcium in lactose maldigesting premenopausal African American women.

Design: Dietary intake of calcium was assessed in 50 premenopausal lactose maldigesting African American women as determined by the breath hydrogen test.