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Umbilical hernia in Xhosa infants and children
Insights
Umbilical hernia is common in Xhosa children, affecting over 60%. This high incidence suggests a genetic predisposition in Black children for persistent umbilical hernias after cord separation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Umbilical hernias are common in infants.
- Previous observations suggested a higher prevalence in Black children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of umbilical herniation in Xhosa infants and young children.
- To determine if umbilical hernia persistence is more common in this population.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive series of 1200 Xhosa children (newborn to prepubertal) were examined.
- Children with conditions possibly associated with umbilical herniation were excluded.
- Data collected between March 1980 and March 1981.
Main Results:
- Umbilical herniation was found in 742 (61.8%) of the children.
- The incidence was similar in both males and females.
- A preponderance of children with umbilical hernia was observed across all age groups.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a high incidence of umbilical herniation in Xhosa children.
- Findings support the notion of a tendency towards persistent umbilical hernia in Black children after cord separation.
Abstract:
During the period 12 March 1980 to 10 March 1981 a consecutive series of 1200 Xhosa (Black) infants and young children, ranging in age from the newborn to the prepubertal, who attended the general outpatients department for a variety of medical complaints were examined for umbilical herniation. None had undergone any surgical operation, and patients with conditions possibly associated with umbilical herniation were excluded. Evidence of umbilical protrusion was found in 742 (61.8%), with a similar incidence in males and females. The overall incidence was reflected in each age group by a preponderance of children with umbilical hernia. This study confirms the validity of a generally-held impression that in Black children there is a strong tendency towards the persistence of umbilical hernia when it appears after separation of the cord.