Targeting the Epigenetic Marks in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Will Epigenetic Therapy Be a Valuable Adjunct to Pharmacotherapy?

Although genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors largely contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk, the role of epigenetics in its pathogenesis is now well established. The epigenetic mechanisms in T2DM mainly consist of DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). For instance, DNA methylation at CpG islands in the promoter regions of specific genes encoding insulin signaling and glucose metabolism suppresses these genes.

Can Oral Zinc Supplementation Reduce Relapses in Childhood Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome? A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Frequent relapses and steroid dependence are common treatment challenges of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in children. Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most frequently reported trigger of relapse. Given the role of zinc supplementation in preventing ARI, some studies show that this targeted intervention may reduce relapses in childhood SSNS.

The effectiveness of locally-prepared peritoneal dialysate in the management of children with acute kidney injury in a south-east Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred mode of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in children with acute kidney injury (AKI). The gold standard remains the use of commercially-prepared PD fluid. In resource-poor nations, its availability and affordability remain a challenge.

Pattern of presentation of paediatric endocrine disorders in a Nigerian tertiary institution: an 11-year survey.

Objectives: There is need to generate epidemiological data regarding paediatric endocrine disorders (PEDs) in sub-Saharan Africa, since little attention has been given endocrine disorders in children in this sub-region over the years. The aim of the study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of children with endocrine disorders in our paediatric endocrinology clinic, as well as the pattern of presentation of these disorders.

Methods: This study included paediatric patients who presented to the endocrine clinic over an 11-year period.

Serum folate levels in children on long-term anti-seizure medication in a Nigerian tertiary center-Implications for practice and public health.

Background: Epilepsy is the most common childhood neurological disorder in Nigeria. Treatment of epilepsy is long-term and sometimes lifelong with anti-seizure medications. There are conflicting reports on the effect of anti-seizure medications on serum folate.

Becker's nevus syndrome: a case report.

Background: Becker's nevus syndrome is a syndrome characterized by the presence of a Becker's nevus with ipsilateral breast hypoplasia or hypoplastic defects of the muscle, skin, or skeleton. The nevus usually consists of a circumscribed, unilateral, irregularly shaped hyperpigmented macule, commonly occurring around the anterior upper trunk, with/without hypertrichosis and/or acneiform lesions. This rare syndrome has not been reported in our locality to the best of our knowledge.

The effect of sickle cell anemia on the linear growth of Nigerian children.

Objectives: Despite the high prevalence of children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in West Africa, there is paucity of data on the height velocity and prevalence of growth failure in SCA patients. With advances in clinical care of SCA patients, could there be a spatial and secular trend in the growth pattern of these children? Hence, the compelling needs to embark on this study. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of growth failure among patients with SCA and its correlation with age, gender and age at diagnosis.

Sociodemographic determinants of glycaemic control among children with type 1 diabetes in South Eastern Nigeria.

Introduction: diabetic complications have been identified as the major causes of morbidity and mortality in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Lack of appropriate glycaemic control is a significant risk factor for the onset and progression of long term complications of diabetes. Identifying the determinants of good glycaemic control is therefore imperative.

Correlates of fasting blood glucose among children living with hiv in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is growing concern as regards the emergence of metabolic disorders among children living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide. However, there is paucity of data on the correlates of metabolic indices among HIV-positive children in Africa.

Methods: This study examined 84 HIV-positive children on HAART recruited from the paediatric infectious diseases clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital for blood glucose levels using finger-prick testing with an Accu-check glucose meter and test strips.

Early signs of microvascular complications in pediatric patients with short duration of type 1 diabetes mellitus seen in southeast Nigeria.

Background: Clinically evident microvascular complications are rarely seen among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), although early signs develop during childhood and accelerate during puberty.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of early signs of microvascular complications in children and adolescents aged 9-19 years with a short duration of T1DM by screening for retinopathy and nephropathy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study and participants were consecutively enrolled from the Endocrinology Clinic at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

Reducing incidence of cervical cancer: knowledge and attitudes of caregivers in Nigerian city to human papilloma virus vaccination.

Background: Despite the high prevalences of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections and cervical cancer in Nigeria, utilization of the HPV vaccine as a highly effective preventive measure remains low. The aim of this study was to find out the awareness and attitudes of caregivers to HPV infections and the factors that determine acceptance of an HPV vaccine for their pre-adolescent girls.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 508 caregivers of female children in Enugu Nigeria.

Childhood diabetes: a myth or reality?- perception of the public from a low-income country: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is commonly missed in most health facilities in Nigeria. Adequate knowledge of childhood diabetes is necessary for the recognition and possible intervention for the control of the disease. However, research to assess knowledge deficiencies and their relationship to attitude is lacking in most developing countries including Nigeria.

Stretched penile length of healthy term neonates: normative values among Igbo babies in southeastern Nigeria.

Aim: To determine the normative values of stretched penile length in apparently healthy term Igbo newborn males in South eastern Nigeria and its relationship with gestational age, birth weight and birth length.

Methods: Eight hundred and eleven apparently healthy term male neonates within the first 72 h of life were studied. Enrolled subjects were consecutively delivered babies of Igbo extraction from three hospitals.