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Thyroid gland disorders in African children
Insights
Thyroid disorders are common in Nigerian children, accounting for 37% of endocrine conditions. Many congenital thyroid cases present late with severe developmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- African Health Studies
Background:
- Endocrine disorders are infrequent in Black African children.
- Thyroid gland disorders represent a significant portion of pediatric endocrine cases in Nigeria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence and presentation of thyroid disorders in children at University College Hospital, Ibadan.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and late presentation of congenital thyroid disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 27 endocrine disorder cases in children aged 4 months to 14 years over five years.
- Diagnoses based on clinical evaluation and basic laboratory tests.
Main Results:
- Thyroid disorders constituted 37% of all endocrine disorders studied.
- Patients, including those with congenital conditions, often presented late with advanced physical and mental developmental disturbances.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid disorders are a notable concern in pediatric endocrine care in this Nigerian population.
- Late diagnosis and presentation, particularly for congenital thyroid disorders, lead to significant developmental impairments.
Abstract:
Although endocrine disorders are uncommon in black African children, thyroid gland disorders made up 37 percent of all types of 27 endocrine disorders seen at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria over a five-year period. The age range of the children was four months to 14 years. Diagnoses largely depended on clinical acumen and a few simple laboratory tests. Even the patients with congenital thyroid gland disorders tended to present late with florid classical clinical features, including disturbances of physical and mental development.
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