PATTERN OF PAEDIATRIC ENDOCRINE DISORDERS AS SEEN AT A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY IN SOKOTO OVER A 4 -YEAR PERIOD

Abstract

In most developing countries, data on the pattern of Paediatric Endocrine Disorders is lacking. To describe the pattern of Paediatric Endocrine Disorders as seen in Usmanu Danfodiyo University teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria, from January 2013 to December 2016. The case files of children seen at the paediatric endocrine/metabolic clinic and those admitted into the wards at UDUTH, Sokoto, from January 2013 to December 2016 were audited retrospectively. Information obtained included age at presentation, gender, principal complaints, final diagnosis and outcome. A total of 37 children presented with various endocrine disorders during the 4 - year- period under review. There were 20(54.1%) males, 15(40.5%) females, and 2(5.4%) patients with genital ambiguity. Patient's age ranged from 3weeks to 15years with a mean age and standard deviation (SD) of 6.9(5.2) years. Majority, 17(46%) of the patients were Adolescents. The endocrine disorders were thyroid disorders- 12(32.4%), diabetes Mellitus 9(24.3%), disorders of energy balance 4(10.8%), disorders of calcium and bone metabolism 4 (10.8%) and pubertal disorders 3(8.1%). Five (13.5%) patients were admitted, four were diabetics, three of which were discharged and 1(2.7%) died. Fifteen (40.5%) patients were lost to follow up in the endocrine clinic. Thyroid disorders, Diabetes Mellitus, Disorders of energy balance, Calcium and bone metabolism and pubertal disorders were the five leading groups of childhood endocrine disorders encountered in our clinical practice in UDUTH, Sokoto.