Farouk Abubakar | University of Maiduguri (original) (raw)

Papers by Farouk Abubakar

Journal of hematology and allied sciences, Jun 20, 2024

Tropical Medicine & International Health

BackgroundUltrasonography is an established and reliable method for assessing the spleen. Because... more BackgroundUltrasonography is an established and reliable method for assessing the spleen. Because of variation due to genetic and other environmental factors including malaria endemicity, interpretation of splenic sizes requires a knowledge of the normal reference range for a given population. The aim of this study was to determine spleen size in different age groups among healthy people in North-Eastern Nigeria and use this as a reference to determine spleen size amongst sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, spleen size was measured in healthy people of different age groups, and steady-state SCD patients (children and adults) using abdominal ultrasonography. Using the age-group specific reference values obtained from the controls, spleens were classified into small, normal size, or enlarged among the SCD patients.ResultsAbdominal ultrasonography was performed for 313 participants, comprising 109 (34.8%) healthy controls and 204 (65.2%) stea...

Jewel Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterised by the vaso-occlusive crisis, which can ca... more Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterised by the vaso-occlusive crisis, which can cause progressive cochlea damage resulting in hearing loss. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and establish the hearing threshold of patients with sickle cell disease at the study centre. Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study on participants with sickle cell disease and normal controls between 5-50 years of age. Otolaryngological examination and Pure tone audiometry were carried out on all participants in a soundproof booth at the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna. The Sickle cell patients were randomly selected from the Sickle cell patient promotion centre Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna. The collated data were analysed descriptively with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences. (SPSS version 25). Result: Sixty-two subjects with Sickle cell disease and 62 with normal (HbAA) controls were assessed. The ages of subj...

Jewel Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Malignant small blue round cell tumours (MSBRCT) are heterogeneous group of neoplasms... more Background: Malignant small blue round cell tumours (MSBRCT) are heterogeneous group of neoplasms. It forms one of the major causes of mortality among the paediatric age due to its aggressive biological behavior and late presentation. The patterns and incidence of these neoplasms in Africa are poorly known compared to the developed world. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the patterns of MSBRCT in Maiduguri, North Eastern, Nigeria. Methods: It was a hospital-based retrospective study using archived records from the cancer registry and histopathology register book. All histologically diagnosed cases from the histopathology department from January 2006 to December 2015 were included in the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The results were presented in the form of bar charts and tables. Results: The results showed 56 cases of MSBRCT the frequency of the cancer was slightly higher among female (55.4%) than male (44.6%) with a M:F ratio of 2:3. T...

Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), also known as Haberland or Fishman syndrome, is an e... more Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), also known as Haberland or Fishman syndrome, is an extremely rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder that characteristically involves ectomesodermal tissues such as the central nervous system, eyes, and skin. The etiology of the disease remains unknown. Here we present a rare case of ECCL associated with bilateral eye involvement and orbital cyst from Sub-Saharan Africa. A 3-year-old boy presented with cystic right eye swelling since birth. Physical examination showed alopecia on right side of the scalp, ipsilateral ocular cyst, and microphthalmia with a contralateral limbal dermoid. Computed tomography of the brain revealed severe atrophy of the right cerebral hemisphere with an expansion of the cerebrospinal fluid space and dilatation of the lateral ventricle suggesting ex-vacuo hydrocephalus. Right orbital cyst continuous with the globe and calcification of the posterior aspect of both globes were also present. Histopathologic findings of the excised orbital cyst revealed an eyeball covered by fatty tissue, calcification of the cyst wall, and corneal opacity. Microscopy showed cornea-sclera wall composed of normal cartilage communicating with sandwich bony trabeculae with a focus of marrow cells, consistent with choristoma. The constellation of these findings conforms to Moog's revised diagnostic criteria for ECCL proposed in 2009. Although the disorder is easily recognizable at birth, neuroimaging is essential for appropriate diagnosis and management and to exclude or confirm other unusual associated abnormalities.

Medical Journal of Islamic World Academy of Sciences, 2020

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an infrequent, vascular, non-neoplastic, benign tumor-like lesion o... more Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an infrequent, vascular, non-neoplastic, benign tumor-like lesion of the bone first described by Jaffe and Lichtenstein in 1942 (1); the term "aneurysmal" simply describes the blow-out appearance on a radiograph. ABC is now regarded as a misnomer because it is a non-neoplastic bony lesion that consists of cystic cavernous cavities with a paucity of endothelial cell lining filled with unclotted blood. The precise etiology and pathophysiology of ABCs remain uncertain, but it is speculated that factors such as trauma, underlying neoplasms, and cytogenetic abnormalities are thought to be the possible pathophysiology of ABCs (2). The lesion can also be secondary to a reactive process following vascular hemodynamic disturbances associated with elevated venous pressure and trauma-induced hemorrhage (3). In some cases, ABCs are associated with underlying lesions such as osteoblastomas, eosinophilic granulomas, fibrous dysplasia, chondroblastomas, osteosarcomas, and chondromyxoid fibromas (4-8). Although, the lesion is classified as benign, malignant transformation has been reported in 3% of patients (9,10). Aneurysmal bone cysts represent only 1%-2% of all primary bone tumors and are usually located in the metaphyses of long bones and in the spine in 50% and 20% of cases, respectively (11). ABCs are occasionally found in the cranium, as described in 3%-6% of cases (12); in extremely rare instances, ABCs are found in the occipital region of the cranium (9,11). Treatment is often achieved by a curative en-bloc resection of the ABC and cranioplasty preferably with a titanium mesh to minimize the risk of recurrence (13). Prognosis is excellent, provided complete resection is achieved, but incomplete removal may affect its cure rate (14). This case report described a 7-year-old boy with a giant occipital ABC who presented with recurrent traumatic bleeding of the lesion. The study also reviewed the contemporary published English-language literature addressing the clinical presentation, salient imaging features, histopathologic appearances, and treatment strategies.

Dysgerminoma is one of the rare highly malignant ovarian germ cell tumour. It originate from undi... more Dysgerminoma is one of the rare highly malignant ovarian germ cell tumour. It originate from undifferentiated germ cells that are similar to primordial germ cells, and it is identical to testicular seminoma in males. Despite the tumour being malignant, prognosis is excellent with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, with promising results concerning future fertility. In this case, we report an 11-year-old girl with abdominal swelling for 7 years. She had gross abdominal distension, with a huge palpable mass. Abdominopelvic ultrasound scan showed a huge heterogeneous mass measured 9.8 cm x 15.7 cm and computed tomography showed a huge lobulated mass measured 19.2 cm x 19.0 cm x 16.3 cm. Exploratory laparotomy and excision of the mass was done. Ovarian dysgerminoma are uncommon in prepubertal girls. Prognosis depends on the stage at presentation and histology. Multidisciplinary management with a Gynaecologists and Oncologists with joint decision on the need to maintain the child’s devel...

South African Journal of Child Health, 2017

Background. Neonatal tetanus(NT) has remained an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortal... more Background. Neonatal tetanus(NT) has remained an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the tropics where high prevalence of placental malaria coexists. The current strategy for the control of NT involves stimulating production of protective level of anti-tetanus antibody in the mother, through tetanus toxoid immunization, and transferring same through the placental to the foetus. Placental malaria is known to alter the morphology and functions of the placenta, but the effect on transfer of anti-tetanus antibody specifically, remains unsettled. We studied the influence of placental malaria on transplacental transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies among mother-infant pairs at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital North-Eastern Nigeria. Method. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected from 162 mother-baby pair and analysed for anti-tetanus antibody levels using ELISA. Placental biopsy was also taken from each mother-baby pair and placental malaria diagnosed h...

Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2021

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in African chil... more Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in African children. Infection has been found to be a major cause of hospitalisation, a major precipitant of crises and one of the greatest causes of death among SCD patients at all ages. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial infection, pattern of the isolates and the antibiotic sensitivity of isolated bacteria among children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A total of 242 hospitalised children with SCA with symptoms and signs of infection were recruited for the study using consecutive sampling technique. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained. Blood, urine, aspirates, swabs and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected based on their clinical presentation and subjected to microbiological analysis. Results: A total of 242 patients were studied. The age range was 9 months–15 years, with a mean age of 6.36 years ± 3.75 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1:1.14, with 41.7% of them belonging to low social class. Seventy seven of the 242 had confirmed bacterial infection giving an incidence of bacterial infection in SCA patients of 31.8%. Gram-negative organisms accounted for 64.5% of the isolates and they include Salmonella, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and Coliforms. However, Staphylococcus aureus (32.9%) was the most frequent microorganism isolated, followed by Salmonella, (20.3%), Klebsiella (12.6%) and Coliforms (12.6%). Amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefixime and gentamicin showed more than 50% activity against the isolated bacterial pathogens while chloramphenicol was found to have low activity against Salmonella. Conclusion: High index of suspicion of bacterial infection should be borne in mind of the attending physician when children with SCA present with features of infection. Detailed clinical evaluation and appropriate sample collection for microbiological analysis are recommended. Empirical treatment should be started on SCA patients who have clinical evidence of infection and should be broad enough to cover for common bacterial pathogens.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, 2019

The kidney is an important target organ in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and a va... more The kidney is an important target organ in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and a variety of renal disorders could occur throughout the course of the disease. HIV- associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the most common form of kidney disease resulting directly from HIV infection. The true prevalence of HIVAN among infected African children is unknown largely due to lack of surveillance and reporting. We thus aimed to determine the prevalence of HIVAN and associated factors among HIV-infected children at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the Pediatric Infectious Clinic. Children aged ≤15 years were recruited through systematic random sampling. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained. Spot urine sample was analyzed using a multistix (Combi-Screen 10SL Analyticon Biotechnologies AG, Germany), and proteinuria of ≥2+ was considered significant. The CD4+ count and CD4+% (for those <5 years) were obtained using a PARTEC™ CD4+ easy count kit. The obtained data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0. A total of 250 children were recruited. Eighty-five (34%) of them had HIVAN. Sex, social class, and mode of transmission were not significantly associated with HIVAN (P >0.05). However, age, medication status (highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART]), duration on HAART, and disease severity (both clinical and immunological) all had a significant association to HIVAN (p = 0.005, 0.004, 0.008, and <0.001, respectively). These factors also showed a positive but weak correlation to HIVAN; while age had the least correlation coefficient (0.157), immunological class had the highest r = 0.458. However, these relationships were all significant (P <0.5). HIVAN is highly prevalent among children living with HIV in Maiduguri. Routine screening through urina-lysis and early commencement of HAART is recommended.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, 2018

We aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among internally displaced childr... more We aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among internally displaced children in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Data on the children's sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors for schistosomiasis were collected, over a period of six months, using an interview-based questionnaire. Ten milliliter of urine sample was collected from each child and investigated for hematuria and ova of Schistosoma haematobium. Two hundred and thirty-eight of 385 children had urinary schistosomiasis (62.0%); of this, 125 (53.0%) were males, with a male:female ratio of 1.1:1. Urinary schistosomiasis was the most common among 5-9 years' age group, low social class children, and children of farmers, P <0.05. Stunting was significantly associated with urinary schistosomiasis, P <0.05. It is concluded that urinary schistosomiasis in children was more frequently associated with stunting and low social class. It was a very common disease among internally displaced children in Nigeria.

International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2012

Tropical Doctor, 2011

We describe recurrent generalized tetanus in a four-year-old unimmunized boy following recurrent ... more We describe recurrent generalized tetanus in a four-year-old unimmunized boy following recurrent suppurative otitis media (SOM) within an 11-month period. There are not many published reports on recurrent tetanus. We highlight the importance of both primary immunizations and the need for active immunization before discharge as the infection does not confer a lifelong immunity. The usefulness of booster doses of tetanus toxoid and missed opportunities for immunization are emphasized.

Nigerian journal of paediatrics, 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important infectious disease of public health concern. The effects of TB ... more Tuberculosis (TB) is an important infectious disease of public health concern. The effects of TB on children in terms of morbidity and mortality is more than that of adults. These may not be unconnected with the differences in characteristics and peculiarities of the disease in children. Tuberculosis in children is usually primary, paucibacillary, characterized by difficulties in diagnosis of both drug susceptible and resistant TB associated with poor uptake of preventive therapy for those with latent infection, contacts and people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in most developing countries.While significant similarities exist between spectrum of TB occurring in adults and children, the characteristics and peculiarities of childhood TB may be unknown to policy makers and some clinicians, hence giving it less focus in control measures. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the characteristics and peculiarities of TB in children using PubMed/PubMed Central (PMC) and MEDLI...

Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2021

Background Horseshoe kidney (HK) is one of the most common renal fusion abnormalities, with an in... more Background Horseshoe kidney (HK) is one of the most common renal fusion abnormalities, with an incidence of 1:400 in the normal population. However, Wilms tumor (WT) arising in an HK is a rare occurrence. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with an advanced WT in an HK and also highlight the management challenges in a resource-poor setting such as ours. Case presentation The patient was a 9-year-old Nigerian boy presented to the Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) with a history of progressive abdominal swelling, weight loss, abdominal pain, and cough. Abdominal examination revealed an irregular, firm, and non-tender mass in the right lumbar region. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a heterogeneously dense mass that was predominantly to the right side of the abdomen and crossed the midline to the left side, where it continued with the relatively normal renal tissue. Chest CT revealed pulmonary meta...

Borno Medical Journal

Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure... more Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure of normal development of the proximal femur, shortening of the lower limb, and pelvic abnormality especially the acetabulum. It was first described by Aitken in the late 1950s. It commonly occurs as a unilateral form but the bilateral variant is rare occurring in 10-15 % of cases. To the best of our knowledge, bilateral proximal femoral focal deficiency has not been reported in Nigeria. We, therefore, present this case in a 25-day-old neonate who presented to our hospital with features consistent with this complex skeletal anomaly.

Background: Renal disease is commonly encountered in patients with HIV infection. The estimated g... more Background: Renal disease is commonly encountered in patients with HIV infection. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provides a good assessment of the renal function and is widely used in screening populations that are at risk of renal dysfunction. We determined the prevalence of abnormal eGFR among HIV-positive children and factors associated with it. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, children aged 15 years and below were recruited through systematic random sampling from the Paediatrics Infectious Disease Clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital until the desired sample size of 250 was reached. Clinical and laboratory information was obtained from the patient records and used for clinical staging and immunological classification. Serum creatinine was measured using Jaffe's reaction and eGFR calculated using the Schwartz formula. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 157 (62.8%) children were on antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for periods ranging from 1 to 168 months (mean duration 66.1 ± 46.5 months). Ninety-three (37.2%) children had advanced disease representing WHO clinical stages 3 and 4, whereas 103 (41.2%) had advanced or severe immunosuppression. The mean eGFR of the study population was 102 ± 41 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Fifty-two children (20.1%) had low eGFR (<2 SD below the mean eGFR for age and sex) and 6 (2.4%) had high eGFR (>2 SD above the mean eGFR for age and sex). A total of 23 (9.2%) children had moderate to severe renal impairment, defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Age, sex, socioeconomic status, mode of transmission as well as history of HAART usage were not significantly associated with abnormal eGFR. However, relatively shorter duration of treatment with HAART, as well as advanced clinical or immunological stage were all significantly associated with abnormal eGFR. Conclusion: Renal dysfunction is common among children with HIV disease in Maiduguri with over a third of those affected having moderate to severe renal dysfunction. Abnormal renal function is more frequent among children with advanced clinical and immunological disease. We recommend the regular determination of eGFR and early initiation of HAART in all children with HIV disease.

Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure... more Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure of normal development of the proximal femur, shortening of the lower limb, and pelvic abnormality especially the acetabulum. It was first described by Aitken in the late 1950s. It commonly occurs as a unilateral form but the bilateral variant is rare occurring in 10-15 % of cases. To the best of our knowledge, bilateral proximal femoral focal deficiency has not been reported in Nigeria. We, therefore, present this case in a 25-day-old neonate who presented to our hospital with features consistent with this complex skeletal anomaly.

Journal of hematology and allied sciences, Jun 20, 2024

Tropical Medicine & International Health

BackgroundUltrasonography is an established and reliable method for assessing the spleen. Because... more BackgroundUltrasonography is an established and reliable method for assessing the spleen. Because of variation due to genetic and other environmental factors including malaria endemicity, interpretation of splenic sizes requires a knowledge of the normal reference range for a given population. The aim of this study was to determine spleen size in different age groups among healthy people in North-Eastern Nigeria and use this as a reference to determine spleen size amongst sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, spleen size was measured in healthy people of different age groups, and steady-state SCD patients (children and adults) using abdominal ultrasonography. Using the age-group specific reference values obtained from the controls, spleens were classified into small, normal size, or enlarged among the SCD patients.ResultsAbdominal ultrasonography was performed for 313 participants, comprising 109 (34.8%) healthy controls and 204 (65.2%) stea...

Jewel Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterised by the vaso-occlusive crisis, which can ca... more Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterised by the vaso-occlusive crisis, which can cause progressive cochlea damage resulting in hearing loss. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and establish the hearing threshold of patients with sickle cell disease at the study centre. Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study on participants with sickle cell disease and normal controls between 5-50 years of age. Otolaryngological examination and Pure tone audiometry were carried out on all participants in a soundproof booth at the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna. The Sickle cell patients were randomly selected from the Sickle cell patient promotion centre Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna. The collated data were analysed descriptively with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences. (SPSS version 25). Result: Sixty-two subjects with Sickle cell disease and 62 with normal (HbAA) controls were assessed. The ages of subj...

Jewel Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Malignant small blue round cell tumours (MSBRCT) are heterogeneous group of neoplasms... more Background: Malignant small blue round cell tumours (MSBRCT) are heterogeneous group of neoplasms. It forms one of the major causes of mortality among the paediatric age due to its aggressive biological behavior and late presentation. The patterns and incidence of these neoplasms in Africa are poorly known compared to the developed world. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the patterns of MSBRCT in Maiduguri, North Eastern, Nigeria. Methods: It was a hospital-based retrospective study using archived records from the cancer registry and histopathology register book. All histologically diagnosed cases from the histopathology department from January 2006 to December 2015 were included in the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The results were presented in the form of bar charts and tables. Results: The results showed 56 cases of MSBRCT the frequency of the cancer was slightly higher among female (55.4%) than male (44.6%) with a M:F ratio of 2:3. T...

Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), also known as Haberland or Fishman syndrome, is an e... more Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL), also known as Haberland or Fishman syndrome, is an extremely rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder that characteristically involves ectomesodermal tissues such as the central nervous system, eyes, and skin. The etiology of the disease remains unknown. Here we present a rare case of ECCL associated with bilateral eye involvement and orbital cyst from Sub-Saharan Africa. A 3-year-old boy presented with cystic right eye swelling since birth. Physical examination showed alopecia on right side of the scalp, ipsilateral ocular cyst, and microphthalmia with a contralateral limbal dermoid. Computed tomography of the brain revealed severe atrophy of the right cerebral hemisphere with an expansion of the cerebrospinal fluid space and dilatation of the lateral ventricle suggesting ex-vacuo hydrocephalus. Right orbital cyst continuous with the globe and calcification of the posterior aspect of both globes were also present. Histopathologic findings of the excised orbital cyst revealed an eyeball covered by fatty tissue, calcification of the cyst wall, and corneal opacity. Microscopy showed cornea-sclera wall composed of normal cartilage communicating with sandwich bony trabeculae with a focus of marrow cells, consistent with choristoma. The constellation of these findings conforms to Moog's revised diagnostic criteria for ECCL proposed in 2009. Although the disorder is easily recognizable at birth, neuroimaging is essential for appropriate diagnosis and management and to exclude or confirm other unusual associated abnormalities.

Medical Journal of Islamic World Academy of Sciences, 2020

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an infrequent, vascular, non-neoplastic, benign tumor-like lesion o... more Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an infrequent, vascular, non-neoplastic, benign tumor-like lesion of the bone first described by Jaffe and Lichtenstein in 1942 (1); the term "aneurysmal" simply describes the blow-out appearance on a radiograph. ABC is now regarded as a misnomer because it is a non-neoplastic bony lesion that consists of cystic cavernous cavities with a paucity of endothelial cell lining filled with unclotted blood. The precise etiology and pathophysiology of ABCs remain uncertain, but it is speculated that factors such as trauma, underlying neoplasms, and cytogenetic abnormalities are thought to be the possible pathophysiology of ABCs (2). The lesion can also be secondary to a reactive process following vascular hemodynamic disturbances associated with elevated venous pressure and trauma-induced hemorrhage (3). In some cases, ABCs are associated with underlying lesions such as osteoblastomas, eosinophilic granulomas, fibrous dysplasia, chondroblastomas, osteosarcomas, and chondromyxoid fibromas (4-8). Although, the lesion is classified as benign, malignant transformation has been reported in 3% of patients (9,10). Aneurysmal bone cysts represent only 1%-2% of all primary bone tumors and are usually located in the metaphyses of long bones and in the spine in 50% and 20% of cases, respectively (11). ABCs are occasionally found in the cranium, as described in 3%-6% of cases (12); in extremely rare instances, ABCs are found in the occipital region of the cranium (9,11). Treatment is often achieved by a curative en-bloc resection of the ABC and cranioplasty preferably with a titanium mesh to minimize the risk of recurrence (13). Prognosis is excellent, provided complete resection is achieved, but incomplete removal may affect its cure rate (14). This case report described a 7-year-old boy with a giant occipital ABC who presented with recurrent traumatic bleeding of the lesion. The study also reviewed the contemporary published English-language literature addressing the clinical presentation, salient imaging features, histopathologic appearances, and treatment strategies.

Dysgerminoma is one of the rare highly malignant ovarian germ cell tumour. It originate from undi... more Dysgerminoma is one of the rare highly malignant ovarian germ cell tumour. It originate from undifferentiated germ cells that are similar to primordial germ cells, and it is identical to testicular seminoma in males. Despite the tumour being malignant, prognosis is excellent with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, with promising results concerning future fertility. In this case, we report an 11-year-old girl with abdominal swelling for 7 years. She had gross abdominal distension, with a huge palpable mass. Abdominopelvic ultrasound scan showed a huge heterogeneous mass measured 9.8 cm x 15.7 cm and computed tomography showed a huge lobulated mass measured 19.2 cm x 19.0 cm x 16.3 cm. Exploratory laparotomy and excision of the mass was done. Ovarian dysgerminoma are uncommon in prepubertal girls. Prognosis depends on the stage at presentation and histology. Multidisciplinary management with a Gynaecologists and Oncologists with joint decision on the need to maintain the child’s devel...

South African Journal of Child Health, 2017

Background. Neonatal tetanus(NT) has remained an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortal... more Background. Neonatal tetanus(NT) has remained an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the tropics where high prevalence of placental malaria coexists. The current strategy for the control of NT involves stimulating production of protective level of anti-tetanus antibody in the mother, through tetanus toxoid immunization, and transferring same through the placental to the foetus. Placental malaria is known to alter the morphology and functions of the placenta, but the effect on transfer of anti-tetanus antibody specifically, remains unsettled. We studied the influence of placental malaria on transplacental transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies among mother-infant pairs at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital North-Eastern Nigeria. Method. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected from 162 mother-baby pair and analysed for anti-tetanus antibody levels using ELISA. Placental biopsy was also taken from each mother-baby pair and placental malaria diagnosed h...

Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2021

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in African chil... more Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in African children. Infection has been found to be a major cause of hospitalisation, a major precipitant of crises and one of the greatest causes of death among SCD patients at all ages. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial infection, pattern of the isolates and the antibiotic sensitivity of isolated bacteria among children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A total of 242 hospitalised children with SCA with symptoms and signs of infection were recruited for the study using consecutive sampling technique. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained. Blood, urine, aspirates, swabs and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected based on their clinical presentation and subjected to microbiological analysis. Results: A total of 242 patients were studied. The age range was 9 months–15 years, with a mean age of 6.36 years ± 3.75 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1:1.14, with 41.7% of them belonging to low social class. Seventy seven of the 242 had confirmed bacterial infection giving an incidence of bacterial infection in SCA patients of 31.8%. Gram-negative organisms accounted for 64.5% of the isolates and they include Salmonella, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and Coliforms. However, Staphylococcus aureus (32.9%) was the most frequent microorganism isolated, followed by Salmonella, (20.3%), Klebsiella (12.6%) and Coliforms (12.6%). Amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefixime and gentamicin showed more than 50% activity against the isolated bacterial pathogens while chloramphenicol was found to have low activity against Salmonella. Conclusion: High index of suspicion of bacterial infection should be borne in mind of the attending physician when children with SCA present with features of infection. Detailed clinical evaluation and appropriate sample collection for microbiological analysis are recommended. Empirical treatment should be started on SCA patients who have clinical evidence of infection and should be broad enough to cover for common bacterial pathogens.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, 2019

The kidney is an important target organ in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and a va... more The kidney is an important target organ in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and a variety of renal disorders could occur throughout the course of the disease. HIV- associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the most common form of kidney disease resulting directly from HIV infection. The true prevalence of HIVAN among infected African children is unknown largely due to lack of surveillance and reporting. We thus aimed to determine the prevalence of HIVAN and associated factors among HIV-infected children at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the Pediatric Infectious Clinic. Children aged ≤15 years were recruited through systematic random sampling. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained. Spot urine sample was analyzed using a multistix (Combi-Screen 10SL Analyticon Biotechnologies AG, Germany), and proteinuria of ≥2+ was considered significant. The CD4+ count and CD4+% (for those <5 years) were obtained using a PARTEC™ CD4+ easy count kit. The obtained data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0. A total of 250 children were recruited. Eighty-five (34%) of them had HIVAN. Sex, social class, and mode of transmission were not significantly associated with HIVAN (P >0.05). However, age, medication status (highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART]), duration on HAART, and disease severity (both clinical and immunological) all had a significant association to HIVAN (p = 0.005, 0.004, 0.008, and <0.001, respectively). These factors also showed a positive but weak correlation to HIVAN; while age had the least correlation coefficient (0.157), immunological class had the highest r = 0.458. However, these relationships were all significant (P <0.5). HIVAN is highly prevalent among children living with HIV in Maiduguri. Routine screening through urina-lysis and early commencement of HAART is recommended.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, 2018

We aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among internally displaced childr... more We aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among internally displaced children in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Data on the children's sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors for schistosomiasis were collected, over a period of six months, using an interview-based questionnaire. Ten milliliter of urine sample was collected from each child and investigated for hematuria and ova of Schistosoma haematobium. Two hundred and thirty-eight of 385 children had urinary schistosomiasis (62.0%); of this, 125 (53.0%) were males, with a male:female ratio of 1.1:1. Urinary schistosomiasis was the most common among 5-9 years' age group, low social class children, and children of farmers, P <0.05. Stunting was significantly associated with urinary schistosomiasis, P <0.05. It is concluded that urinary schistosomiasis in children was more frequently associated with stunting and low social class. It was a very common disease among internally displaced children in Nigeria.

International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2012

Tropical Doctor, 2011

We describe recurrent generalized tetanus in a four-year-old unimmunized boy following recurrent ... more We describe recurrent generalized tetanus in a four-year-old unimmunized boy following recurrent suppurative otitis media (SOM) within an 11-month period. There are not many published reports on recurrent tetanus. We highlight the importance of both primary immunizations and the need for active immunization before discharge as the infection does not confer a lifelong immunity. The usefulness of booster doses of tetanus toxoid and missed opportunities for immunization are emphasized.

Nigerian journal of paediatrics, 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important infectious disease of public health concern. The effects of TB ... more Tuberculosis (TB) is an important infectious disease of public health concern. The effects of TB on children in terms of morbidity and mortality is more than that of adults. These may not be unconnected with the differences in characteristics and peculiarities of the disease in children. Tuberculosis in children is usually primary, paucibacillary, characterized by difficulties in diagnosis of both drug susceptible and resistant TB associated with poor uptake of preventive therapy for those with latent infection, contacts and people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in most developing countries.While significant similarities exist between spectrum of TB occurring in adults and children, the characteristics and peculiarities of childhood TB may be unknown to policy makers and some clinicians, hence giving it less focus in control measures. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the characteristics and peculiarities of TB in children using PubMed/PubMed Central (PMC) and MEDLI...

Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2021

Background Horseshoe kidney (HK) is one of the most common renal fusion abnormalities, with an in... more Background Horseshoe kidney (HK) is one of the most common renal fusion abnormalities, with an incidence of 1:400 in the normal population. However, Wilms tumor (WT) arising in an HK is a rare occurrence. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with an advanced WT in an HK and also highlight the management challenges in a resource-poor setting such as ours. Case presentation The patient was a 9-year-old Nigerian boy presented to the Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) with a history of progressive abdominal swelling, weight loss, abdominal pain, and cough. Abdominal examination revealed an irregular, firm, and non-tender mass in the right lumbar region. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a heterogeneously dense mass that was predominantly to the right side of the abdomen and crossed the midline to the left side, where it continued with the relatively normal renal tissue. Chest CT revealed pulmonary meta...

Borno Medical Journal

Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure... more Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure of normal development of the proximal femur, shortening of the lower limb, and pelvic abnormality especially the acetabulum. It was first described by Aitken in the late 1950s. It commonly occurs as a unilateral form but the bilateral variant is rare occurring in 10-15 % of cases. To the best of our knowledge, bilateral proximal femoral focal deficiency has not been reported in Nigeria. We, therefore, present this case in a 25-day-old neonate who presented to our hospital with features consistent with this complex skeletal anomaly.

Background: Renal disease is commonly encountered in patients with HIV infection. The estimated g... more Background: Renal disease is commonly encountered in patients with HIV infection. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provides a good assessment of the renal function and is widely used in screening populations that are at risk of renal dysfunction. We determined the prevalence of abnormal eGFR among HIV-positive children and factors associated with it. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, children aged 15 years and below were recruited through systematic random sampling from the Paediatrics Infectious Disease Clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital until the desired sample size of 250 was reached. Clinical and laboratory information was obtained from the patient records and used for clinical staging and immunological classification. Serum creatinine was measured using Jaffe's reaction and eGFR calculated using the Schwartz formula. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 157 (62.8%) children were on antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for periods ranging from 1 to 168 months (mean duration 66.1 ± 46.5 months). Ninety-three (37.2%) children had advanced disease representing WHO clinical stages 3 and 4, whereas 103 (41.2%) had advanced or severe immunosuppression. The mean eGFR of the study population was 102 ± 41 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Fifty-two children (20.1%) had low eGFR (<2 SD below the mean eGFR for age and sex) and 6 (2.4%) had high eGFR (>2 SD above the mean eGFR for age and sex). A total of 23 (9.2%) children had moderate to severe renal impairment, defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Age, sex, socioeconomic status, mode of transmission as well as history of HAART usage were not significantly associated with abnormal eGFR. However, relatively shorter duration of treatment with HAART, as well as advanced clinical or immunological stage were all significantly associated with abnormal eGFR. Conclusion: Renal dysfunction is common among children with HIV disease in Maiduguri with over a third of those affected having moderate to severe renal dysfunction. Abnormal renal function is more frequent among children with advanced clinical and immunological disease. We recommend the regular determination of eGFR and early initiation of HAART in all children with HIV disease.

Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure... more Proximal femoral focal deficiency is a rare and complex skeletal anomaly characterized by failure of normal development of the proximal femur, shortening of the lower limb, and pelvic abnormality especially the acetabulum. It was first described by Aitken in the late 1950s. It commonly occurs as a unilateral form but the bilateral variant is rare occurring in 10-15 % of cases. To the best of our knowledge, bilateral proximal femoral focal deficiency has not been reported in Nigeria. We, therefore, present this case in a 25-day-old neonate who presented to our hospital with features consistent with this complex skeletal anomaly.

Background: Invasive aspergillosis has been predominantly associated with pulmonary infection, pa... more Background: Invasive aspergillosis has been predominantly associated with pulmonary infection, particularly amongst immunocompromised individuals. Extrapulmonary infections have been reported rarely irrespective of immune status. Risk factors for invasive aspergillosis include prolonged and severe neutropenia, haematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplantation, advanced AIDS, and chronic granulomatous disease. The most frequently involved specie is Aspergillus fumigatus that constitutes over 90% of cases, followed by Aspergillus flavus, usually associated with primary skin infection. Haematogenous spread to the bone causing osteomyelitis is the commonest form of disseminated aspergillosis and a surprisingly high proportion of these patients have no immunosuppression. We present a rare case of bone marrow invasion by Aspergillus spp. in a 3-year-old patient with sickle cell trait.