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Published on: October 22, 2013
Enteric fever in childhood
Insights
Enteric fever in Nigerian children presents with fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. High mortality (32%) is linked to delayed diagnosis and complications like intestinal bleeding and perforation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Enteric fever poses a significant health challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in regions with limited sanitation.
- Accurate diagnosis and timely management are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric enteric fever cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, associated conditions, and outcomes of enteric fever in Nigerian children.
- To identify factors contributing to delayed diagnosis and complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 117 pediatric cases diagnosed with enteric fever.
- Review of clinical features, diagnostic delays, complications, and mortality rates.
Main Results:
- Fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea were the most common presenting symptoms.
- Disorders of sensorium were observed in 50% of the cases.
- High mortality rate of 32% was associated with delayed diagnosis and complications like intestinal hemorrhage and perforation.
Conclusions:
- Enteric fever in Nigerian children presents with characteristic symptoms but is often complicated by associated conditions leading to diagnostic delays.
- Intestinal hemorrhage and perforation significantly contribute to the high mortality rate.
- Improved diagnostic strategies and prompt treatment are essential to reduce mortality in pediatric enteric fever.
Abstract:
A detailed analysis of 117 cases of enteric fever in Nigerian children shows that fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea were the main presenting features. Disorders of sensorium occurred in 50%. Associated conditions and bizarre manifestations often delayed the diagnosis and this, coupled with complications such as intestinal haemorrhage and perforation, adversely affected the mortality which was 32% in this study.
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