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Ulcerative colitis in a Nigerian girl: a case report
Idowu O Senbanjo1, Kazeem A Oshikoya, Charles A Onyekwere
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lagos State University College of Medicine, PMB 21266, and Paediatrics Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. senbanjo001@yahoo.com
BMC Research Notes
|October 12, 2012
Summary
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a rare diagnosis in tropical regions. This case highlights that UC can occur in African children, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered uncommon in tropical and subtropical regions.
- This case report focuses on a 7-year-old Nigerian girl diagnosed with UC.
- It aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals in sub-Saharan Africa regarding UC in children.
Observation:
- The patient presented with severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and substantial weight loss.
- Initial investigations for common causes of chronic diarrhea in the region yielded negative results.
- Symptoms significantly improved following the initiation of steroid therapy.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and response to treatment were consistent with ulcerative colitis.
- The case underscores the potential for under-diagnosis of UC in African children.
- Diagnostic challenges may arise from the rarity of the condition in this demographic.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa should consider UC in the differential diagnosis of pediatric chronic diarrhea.
- Increased awareness and appropriate diagnostic approaches are crucial for timely UC diagnosis in children.
- Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of UC in African pediatric populations.
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