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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Inflammatory bowel disease in Nigerian children: case series and management challenges
Idowu Senbanjo1,2, Ayodeji Akinola2, Tolulope Kumolu-Johnson2
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lagos State University College of Medicine , Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Insights
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa, but five Nigerian pediatric cases reveal diagnostic and management challenges. Early consideration of IBD is crucial for children with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Tropical Medicine
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is infrequently diagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa.
- This study focuses on five pediatric cases from Nigeria to understand IBD's presentation and challenges in this region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the occurrence and clinical presentation patterns of IBD in Nigerian children.
- To identify management challenges associated with pediatric IBD in sub-Saharan Africa.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of diagnosed IBD cases between January 2011 and December 2018.
- Cases were identified at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital's Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit.
Main Results:
- Five pediatric cases of IBD were analyzed, with a median age of 9 years (range 7-13).
- Three cases presented with persistent bloody diarrhea, initially misdiagnosed.
- Two cases were diagnosed post-surgically for acute abdominal conditions.
Conclusions:
- IBD should be considered in the differential diagnosis for Nigerian children presenting with chronic bloody diarrhea, weight loss, or abdominal pain.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are necessary for pediatric IBD in tropical regions.
Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rare in sub-Saharan Africa. Five cases in Nigerian children are presented to highlight the occurrence, pattern of clinical presentation and management challenges. The patients were identified following a retrospective review of all diagnosed cases of IBD between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2018 seen at the Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. The median age (range) was 9 (7-13) years. Three cases were diagnosed because bloody diarrhoea persisted despite treatment at various health facilities for its common causes in the tropics and sub-tropics. The other two cases were confirmed after surgical intervention undertaken for symptoms of acute abdomen owing to appendicitis and intestinal obstruction. IBD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with chronic symptoms of bloody diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal pain or abdominal masses.
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