A survey of cases of cancrum oris seen in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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F O Oginni1, A O Oginni, V I Ugboko
1Faculty of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Insights
Cancrum oris in Nigerian children is linked to malnutrition, with high treatment failure rates. This highlights the urgent need for public health initiatives to address its root causes and improve healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Cancrum oris, a severe gangrenous disease of the oral tissues, predominantly affects children in developing countries.
- Malnutrition is a significant contributing factor to the high incidence and severity of cancrum oris.
- Limited access to healthcare exacerbates the challenges in managing this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with cancrum oris.
- To analyze the demographic, clinical, and treatment outcomes of cancrum oris cases.
- To identify factors contributing to treatment success and failure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient records from 1982 to 1996.
- Data collection included age, gender, affected site, treatment provided, and outcomes.
- Analysis of 142 diagnosed cases of cancrum oris or its sequelae.
Main Results:
- A total of 142 pediatric cases were identified, with a mean age of 4.65 years.
- Maxillary involvement was more frequent than mandibular.
- Treatment success was low (17/72), with high failure rates (55/72); all patients exhibited malnutrition.
Conclusions:
- Cancrum oris in Nigerian children is strongly associated with malnutrition.
- Effective management requires addressing underlying socioeconomic factors and improving healthcare utilization.
- Public health interventions are crucial to reduce the burden of cancrum oris.
Aim:
To review the records of child patients with cancrum oris who presented at a teaching hospital in Nigeria.
Setting:
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Sample And Methods:
The study was carried out through review of records of child patients diagnosed as having cancrum oris or post-cancrum oris defects between 1982 and 1996. Age, gender, site distribution, treatment and its outcome were recorded.
Results:
One hundred and forty-two cases were diagnosed during the study period. Mean age was 4.65 years (range 2-16 years). The maxillary quadrants were affected more often than the mandibular. Seventeen patients completed treatment satisfactorily, but 55 failed to do so. All patients had evidence of malnutrition.
Conclusions:
The findings of this and other studies demonstrate the need for major initiatives to address the underlying causes of cancrum oris and to promote the utilization of health care.
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