Umbilical cord serum zinc in neonates delivered at the university of Nigeria teaching hospital, Enugu: Variation with gestational age.

Background: Zinc is particularly involved in cellular growth, neurodevelopment, and immune function, which is critical for child survival. To reduce neonatal mortality in developing countries, cost-effective and evidence-based interventions that can enhance growth, development, and immunity, need to be considered. Determining the zinc levels of neonates and how it relates to both gestational age is therefore imperative. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, aimed at determining the umbilical cord serum zinc levels among neonates and their relationship with their gestational age. Two hundred and seventy-five neonates of gestational ages 28 to 42 weeks were enrolled in the study. Serum zinc levels were determined using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS model no. FS 240 AA.USA, Agilent Technology Ltd.). Results: Among the 275 neonates, there were 27 (9.82%), 28 (10.18%), and 220 (80%) preterms, moderate-to-late preterms, and term neonates, respectively. The mean serum zinc level of all neonates was 87 ± 16.07 µg/dL and within the normal limit of serum zinc. Their mean serum zinc level increased with increasing gestational age (F = 90.424, P < 0.001). Very preterm and moderate-to-late preterm neonates had mean serum zinc levels of 65.13 µg/dL ± 6.15 and 69.85 µg/dL ± 9.63 µg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that though the overall mean serum zinc of neonates was normal, preterms (especially those of lower gestational ages) were zinc deficient. Routine zinc supplementation at birth should be considered in preterm neonates to reduce the untoward effects of zinc deficiency.

Pediatric HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: emerging issues and way forward.

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest burden of pediatric HIV in the world. Global target has been set for eradication of pediatric HIV by 2015 but there are still so many complex issues facing HIV infected and affected children in the sub-continent. OBJECTIVE: To review the current and emerging challenges facing pediatric HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa; and proffer solutions that could help in tackling these challenges. METHOD: A Medline literature search of recent publications was performed to identify articles on "pediatric HIV", "HIV and children", "HIV and infants", "HIV and adolescents" in sub-Saharan Africa. RESULT: There are a number of challenges and emerging complex issues facing children infected and affected by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. These include late presentation, limited access to pediatric HIV services, delayed diagnosis, infant feeding choices, malnutrition, limited and complex drug regimen, disclosure, treatment failure and reproductive health concerns. A holistic cost effective preventive, diagnostic and treatment strategies are required in order to eliminate pediatric HIV in SSA. CONCLUSION: HIV infected children and their families in sub-Saharan Africa face myriad of complex medical and psychosocial issues. A holistic health promotional approach is being advocated as the required step for eradication of pediatric HIV in Africa.