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

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2025

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

19.0K

Ugo N Chikani1, Ijeoma O Ohuche1,2, Chinedu M Dike3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|September 7, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric endocrine disorders (PEDs) in sub-Saharan Africa are common, with thyroid disorders, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and obesity being most prevalent. Increased awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of these childhood conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Paediatric Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited epidemiological data exists for paediatric endocrine disorders (PEDs) in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Childhood endocrine conditions often receive insufficient attention in this region.
  • Understanding the prevalence and presentation of PEDs is vital for improving healthcare outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the sociodemographic characteristics of children diagnosed with endocrine disorders.
  • To identify the pattern of presentation for various paediatric endocrine disorders.
  • To generate essential epidemiological data for sub-Saharan Africa.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of case notes from a paediatric endocrinology clinic.
  • Inclusion of paediatric patients presenting over an 11-year period.
  • Data analysis using SPSS version 23.

Main Results:

  • 188 paediatric patients were analyzed, with a near equal male:female ratio.
  • Thyroid disorders were the most common PEDs, followed by type 1 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and pubertal disorders.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism represented 14.3% of all thyroid disorder cases.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid disorders, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and obesity are the leading paediatric endocrine disorders in the study area.
  • There is a critical need to enhance awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about these conditions.
  • Improved awareness can lead to earlier and more appropriate patient referrals to specialized clinics.
Abstract

Keywords:
Nigeriapaediatric endocrinepattern

More Related Videos

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

27.2K
Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy03:57

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

2.0K

Related Concept Videos

Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
1.7K
Endocrine Signaling01:45

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
64.7K
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum01:21

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum or smooth ER is a sub-organelle with specialized functions in animal cells and plant cells. It is often associated with the tubule morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum.
The ER provides optimal conditions for synthesizing steroid hormones and lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Traditionally, lipid metabolism was considered to be a smooth ER function. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that rough ER is completely excluded from lipid...
6.0K
What is the Endocrine System?00:46

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
415.5K
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
68
Structures of the Endocrine System00:59

Structures of the Endocrine System

The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
8.1K