Cholera outbreaks among children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Purpose Of Review: We review current knowledge on the burden, impact and prevention of cholera among children who bear the brunt of cholera outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa.

Recent Findings: Several studies have shown that recent outbreaks of cholera among African children are related to minimal progress in basic sanitation and infrastructural development. Poor hygiene practices such as open defecation and indiscriminate disposal of feces are still common in many parts of Africa.

Umbilical cord serum zinc in neonates delivered at the university of Nigeria teaching hospital, Enugu: Variation with gestational age.

Background: Zinc is particularly involved in cellular growth, neurodevelopment, and immune function, which is critical for child survival. To reduce neonatal mortality in developing countries, cost-effective and evidence-based interventions that can enhance growth, development, and immunity, need to be considered. Determining the zinc levels of neonates and how it relates to both gestational age is therefore imperative.

Epidemiology and pattern of superficial fungal infections among primary school children in Enugu, south-east Nigeria.

Background: Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are prevalent among schoolchildren and result in significant morbidities that may lead to school absenteeism or school drop-out and hence setback in the education of the child. Differences exist in the epidemiology and pattern of SFIs among children in various geographical locations. Community-based studies on diseases are a true reflection of their pattern in that locality.

Nutritional status of primary school children: Association with intelligence quotient and academic performance.

Background: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in brain development throughout life. Sub-optimal intellectual ability and poor school performance are said to be among the long term effects of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the association between nutritional status of the participants, their intelligence quotient (IQ) and academic performance.

Academic performance and intelligence quotient of primary school children in Enugu.

Introduction: intellectual capacity measured as intelligence quotient (IQ) is one of the determinants of school performance of children. It influences academic achievement, future personal health, social well-being and therefore, is of public health significance. The objective of the study was to determine the intelligence quotient (IQ) and academic performance of primary school children in Enugu-East LGA.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis: A neglected tropical disease among urban slum dwelling school-aged children of a sub-Saharan African city.

Background: The need to generate a robust epidemiological data on the neglected tropical diseases is imperative, in order to encourage access to formal care, drive public policies and ensure the allocation of resources by policy-makers.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and its association with nutritional variables among primary school pupils living in urban slums in a South-Eastern sub-Saharan African city of Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: The stool samples of school-aged children living in urban slums were analyzed for ova of the helminths using the Kato-Katz methods, whereas the nutritional assessment (weight and height) was obtained and analyzed to indicate acute or chronic malnutrition.

Esophageal dysmotility: An intrinsic feature of megacystis, microcolon, hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS).

Objectives: Megacystis-microcolon-hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) also called Berdon's Syndrome, is a smooth muscle myopathy that results in an enlarged bladder, microcolon, and small bowel hypoperistalsis. In our series of six patients with this disorder, all had disordered swallowing. Therefore, we prospectively characterized esophageal structure and function in all.

Comparison of Tanner staging of HIV-infected and uninfected girls at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.

Background: A number of factors influence sexual maturation in adolescents, including chronic illnesses like HIV. Marshall and Tanner devised a method of classifying the adolescent based on the level of sexual maturation into five stages. This study compared the Tanner staging of HIV-infected and uninfected girls.

Bacterial agents of the discharging middle ear among children seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

Introduction: Discharging middle ear continues to be one of the commonest problems seen in the developing world. There is an ever growing need to carry out studies periodically to determine the common bacterial agents responsible for discharging otitis media and their antibiotic sensitivity especially in set-ups characterized with minimal laboratory services. The study sought to determine the common bacterial agents causing discharging middle ear among children presenting at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu and their sensitivity to the commonly available antibiotics.

Neurocognitive Function of School-aged HIV-infected Children in Enugu, Nigeria.

Background: Evidence has shown neurocognitive problems often exist among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. There are limited data for children in Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 100 school-aged perinatally HIV-infected children seen in the paediatric HIV clinic and age/sex-matched controls from the general paediatric clinic.

Ear-related problems among children attending the paediatric and otorhinolaryngology out-patients clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

Background: Ear related diseases are commonly seen in clinics worldwide especially among children. They are associated with significant morbidity and frequent hospital visits. Limited data exists regarding the burden of ear disease among Nigerian children.

HIV status disclosure rate and reasons for non-disclosure among infected children and adolescents in Enugu, southeast Nigeria.

Aims: To determine the rate of HIV status disclosure, caregivers' reasons for non-disclosure, and factors influencing disclosure among a sample of HIV-infected children in Enugu, southeast Nigeria.

Methods: Data were collected prospectively via a questionnaire on HIV-infected children and their caregivers who visited the pediatric HIV clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19 software.

Primary hypertension among a population of Nigerian secondary school adolescents: Prevalence and correlation with anthropometric indices: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of primary hypertension and its correlation with anthropometric indices among a population of Nigerian adolescents.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study of secondary school adolescents aged 10-19 years in Enugu, Nigeria, using multi-staged sampling method. Anthropometry and blood pressures were measured using standardized instruments.

Pattern of teen menstruation among secondary school girls in south east Nigeria.

Background: Menstruation in the teenage age has assumed variable trends which is been influenced by several variables. This study is aimed at determining the pattern and trend of menstruation among teens attending secondary school in south east Nigeria and associated factors.

Methods: Menstruation patterns were investigated using a stratified random sampling method of teens from junior secondary schools in Enugu, south east Nigeria.

Poor availability of skilled birth attendants in Nigeria: a case study of enugu state primary health care system.

Background: The Government of Enugu State plans to offer free perinatal services at the primary health care (PHC) centers in order to improve perinatal outcomes in the state, but it was not clear whether there are skilled birth attendants (SBAs) at the PHC level to implement the program.

Aims: To determine whether there are sufficient numbers of SBAs in the public PHC system in Enugu State of Nigeria.

Subjects And Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved enumeration of health workers who worked at each public PHC facility in Enugu State and included verification of the qualifications and trainings of each health worker.

Correlates of poor perinatal outcomes in non-hospital births in the context of weak health system: the Nigerian experience.

Background: Nigeria's high perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) could be most effectively reduced by targeting factors that are associated with increased newborn deaths. Low access to skilled birth attendants (SBAs) and weak health system are recognized factors associated with high PNMR but other socio-demographic and reproductive factors could have significant influences as well. Identification of the major factors associated with high PNMR would be required in designing interventions to improve perinatal outcomes.

Relationship between nutritional status and intensity of common intestinal helminths among children in enugu, South-East Nigeria.

Background: Intestinal helminthiasis is associated with malnutrition in children.

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the intensity and effect of the common intestinal helminths on the nutritional status of children in Enugu, Nigeria.

Subjects And Methods: A cross-sectional study of 460 children conducted in Enugu metropolis, south-east Nigeria between August and September 2003.

Disseminated Histoplasmosis in a 13-year-old girl: a case report.

Background: Disseminated histoplasmosis is a rare fungal infection and most documented cases are in immune-compromised individuals such as those with acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome.

Objective: To describe a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in an adolescent girl.

Method: We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a 13-year-old adolescent girl.

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies among patients with intestinal failure during and after transition to enteral nutrition.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of deficiencies of specific micronutrients (iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, folate, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12) in children with intestinal failure (IF), and to identify risk factors associated with developing these deficiencies.

Study Design: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 178 children with IF managed by the Intestinal Care Center of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between August 1, 2007, and July 31, 2012. Transition to full enteral nutrition (FEN) was defined as the period during which the patient received between 20% and 100% of estimated required nutrition enterally.

Micronutrient deficiencies in pediatric and young adult intestinal transplant patients.

Intestinal transplant recipients are at risk of micronutrient deficiency due to the slow process of post-transplant adaptation. Another contributing factor is calcineurin inhibitor-induced renal tubular dysfunction. Patients are typically supplemented with micronutrients during PN; however, the risk of deficiency may persist even after a successful transition to FEN.

Vitamin D deficiency and low bone mineral density in pediatric and young adult intestinal failure.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors for vitamin D deficiency and low bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with intestinal failure (IF).

Methods: A retrospective review of patients with IF managed at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. IF was defined as history of parenteral nutrition (PN) >30 days.

Mothers' perception and management of abdominal colic in infants in Enugu, Nigeria.

Background: Abdominal colic is common in infants but generally harmless. The exact aetiology is unknown but it has been associated with vicious cycle of crying and swallowing of air by the infant. The excessive crying associated with it can result in a lot of distress for family members creating unnecessary panics.

Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission among Transfused Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Enugu Nigeria.

Background: There are a number of routes for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) transmission in children. Blood transfusion-related HIV is still common in developing countries like Nigeria especially among high risk children such as those who require repeated blood transfusions.

Aim: The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of HIV among transfused children with sickle cell anemia in Enugu.

Pediatric HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: emerging issues and way forward.

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest burden of pediatric HIV in the world. Global target has been set for eradication of pediatric HIV by 2015 but there are still so many complex issues facing HIV infected and affected children in the sub-continent.

Objective: To review the current and emerging challenges facing pediatric HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa; and proffer solutions that could help in tackling these challenges.

Prevalence of hypoxemia among children with sickle cell anemia during steady state and crises: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are prone to recurrent pain crises related to red blood cell sickling and vaso-occlusion with subsequent tissue hypoxia. Alveolar hypoxia has been shown to be associated with entrapment of sickle cells in the pulmonary microcirculation which may propagate a cycle of further hypoxemia and sickling. Pulmonary complications are common in sickle cell disease (SCD) and may exacerbate microvascular occlusive phenomena.