Acute kidney injury is more common in hospitalised children with sickle cell anaemia in Africa.

AIM: To document the prevalence, severity, hospital outcome and factors associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalised children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). METHODS: In this prospective observational study involving children aged 0.5-17 years with SCA requiring hospitalisation, we used serum creatinine level at 0 and 48 h of hospitalisation to determine the presence of AKI. RESULTS: The study involved 155 children with SCA aged 0.5-17 years with a median (interquartile range) age of 7.8 (4.3-11.0) years. Acute kidney injury occurred in 27 (17.4%) children with 33.3% reaching stage 3. Hepatomegaly (81.5% vs. 55.4%; p = 0.015), splenomegaly (33.3% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.003), dipstick proteinuria (22.2% vs. 5.4%; p = 0.004), and hematuria (29.6% vs. 3.1%; p = <0.001) were more common in those with AKI. In contrast, children with AKI had lower haematocrit (16.9% vs. 22.2%; p = <0.001) and serum bicarbonate (16.7 vs. 19.1 mmoL/L; p = 0.010) compared with those without AKI. Those with AKI had longer hospital stay (median [interquartile range]: 7 [4-12] days vs. 4 [3-6] days; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: AKI is common among hospitalised children with AKI and is associated with longer hospital stay.

Increasing pediatric radiation oncology capacity in sub-saharan Africa using technology: a pilot of a pediatric radiation oncology virtual training course.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in pediatric oncology and the limited access to training programs remain significant challenges in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. The the Pediatric Radiation Oncology (Virtual) Course, 'PedROC' project aims to contribute to improving pediatric cancer outcomes in Nigeria by increasing the capacity of radiation oncology professionals. To address the gap in access to pediatric radiation oncology professional development, the PedROC project was created, harnessing technology to improve radiation oncology training via a curriculum delivered through web-conferencing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the PedROC pilot in enhancing the capacity, confidence, and skill of radiation oncologists in decision-making, prescribing, and treatment planning of radiotherapy for children diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: A multidisciplinary faculty of specialists in radiation oncology, pediatric oncology, oncology nursing, radiation therapy technology, and medical physics collaborated to identify the key learning needs in pediatric radiation oncology in the country. The team collaborated to develop a comprehensive curriculum covering the most common pediatric cancers in sub-Saharan Africa for the training program. The training course was conducted over two days, delivering twenty-four half-hour sessions for a total of 12 h, from July 31 to August 01, 2021. RESULTS: Analysis of pre and post - training surveys showed a significant increase in self-reported confidence measures across all domains among radiation oncologists. The program successfully improved participants' knowledge and confidence levels in managing common pediatric cancers using radiotherapy, particularly addressing radiotherapy-specific issues such as appropriate dose, target volume delineation, treatment planning, dose constraints, and plan evaluation. CONCLUSION: The PedROC pilot showed the efficacy of this model in enhancing the capacity and confidence of radiation oncology professionals involved in the treatment of pediatric cancer. The findings indicate that technology holds significant potential to increase pediatric radiation oncology capacity in Africa, ensuring improved access to proper treatment and ultimately improving pediatric cancer outcomes.

In-hospital psychoeducation for family caregivers of Nigerian children with cancer (The RESCUE Study).

OBJECTIVES: High levels of caregiver burden (CB) are experienced by informal caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer. There is increasing evidence highlighting the extent of CB across sub-Saharan African countries, although there remains lack of interventions that target improvements in their experience. This study aimed to determine the impact of a structured psychoeducation program on caregivers' outcomes relating to preparedness to provide care, burden of caregiving, and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This quasi-experimental (pre-and-posttest) design, involved family caregivers of children on admission for cancer treatment in 4 Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Eligible participants received 2 structured, psychoeducational training sessions delivered by a multidisciplinary oncology team, focusing on the management of patients' condition, spiritual care, self-care, and support. RESULTS: Subjects were mainly female (79.5%) and mostly mothers to children undergoing cancer treatment (74.7%). Commonest cancer type was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (23.9%) with evidence of metastatic disease found in 9.6% of children. Significant improvements were observed between pre- and posttest for unmet needs (z = -9.3; p < 0.001), preparedness for caregiving in palliative care (PCPC) (z = -7.0; p < 0.001), and overall QoL (z = -7.3; p < 0.001). A significant reduction in CB was also reported (z = -8.7; p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This psychoeducational intervention (PEI) resulted in significant improvements in unmet needs, CB and significant improvements in PCPC. However, a reduction in QoL of the family caregivers was also observed. Findings from this study should encourage the use of well-crafted PEIs, delivered within hospital settings to promote improvements in outcomes for informal caregivers of hospitalized children suffering from cancer, in an African context. Further intervention development is required to better understand intervention components influencing changes in outcomes, while exploring feasibility testing and adaptation to similar settings in Nigeria and within Africa.

Reduction in seroprevalence of viral transfusion-transmitted infections in southwest Nigeria in children with sickle cell disease using an enhanced screening strategy.

Blood transfusion is an integral component in the management of children and adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). Concerns about blood safety due to the high risk of bloodborne infections in sub-Saharan Africa limits the application of this cost-effective strategy in the management of individuals with SCD. In a single-centre, retrospective, longitudinal study in southwest Nigeria, we hypothesised that the use of stringent blood donor selection, along with very sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening methods would reduce transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). Among 45 002 eligible blood donors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria, over a 5-year review period (2015-2019), the seroprevalence rate of viral TTIs was 9.83%. The seroprevalence rates for human immunodeficiency, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses were 1.37%, 6.2%, and 2.25% respectively. Among 172 children with SCD, 71% (122/172) on regular blood transfusion and 29% (50/172) who had never been transfused or had less than two transfusions per lifetime, none acquired any TTIs using our enhanced screening approach during the study period. Thus, safe blood transfusion practices can be provided for children with SCD in sub-Saharan Africa with the use of stringent donor selection protocols and fourth-generation ELISA kits for TTI screening.

Psychosocial dysfunction and delayed sexual development among adolescents living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria.

With increasing survival following the use of antiretroviral therapy, adolescents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (ALHIV) could have complications such as delayed puberty and psychological complications. In Nigeria, there is limited data on the association between delayed sexual maturation and psychosocial dysfunction in ALHIV. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the association between delayed sexual development (DSD) and psychosocial dysfunction (PSD) in ALHIV and compare it with uninfected adolescents. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria and it involved 144 ALHIV and an equal number of HIV-negative controls who were matched for age, sex and social class. Information was obtained from participants using interviewer-administered questionnaires; their stages of sexual development and their psychosocial function were assessed using Tanner staging criteria and the Paediatric Symptom Checklist tool respectively. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 23. Results: The mean (±SD) age of ALHIV and the HIV-negative controls was 14.8 (±3.0) and 14.8 (±2.9) years respectively. All the ALHIV were on HAART and 99.3% were in clinical stage 1. There was no significant difference between the prevalence of DSD among the ALHIV (9.4%) and the HIV-negative controls (6.4%) (p= 0.402). The prevalence of PSD in ALHIV and HIV-negative controls were 4.9% and 5.6% respectively (p=0.791). There was no significant association between PSD and DSD in both groups of study participants (p=0.459 and p=0.301). Conclusion: The prevalence of PSD and DSD were low and similar among adolescents with and without HIV, and no association was found between PSD and DSD. However, routine screening of adolescents for PSD should be practised for early identification and prompt management where indicated.

Feasibility and Safety of Implementing Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) for Pediatric Craniospinal Irradiation in a Low-Middle-Income Region: The Nigerian Experience.

Purpose: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a relatively new treatment technique in sub-Saharan Africa. Although craniospinal irradiation (CSI) in the pediatric population has been practiced in Nigeria for many years, the use of VMAT to deliver this treatment is previously undocumented. We reviewed the first set of patients to undergo CSI at a cancer center in Nigeria, detailing the treatment technique, the progress experienced, dose statistics achieved, treatment toxicities, and cancer outcomes to date. Methods and Materials: This was a prospective case series of 5 children with histologically diagnosed cancers requiring CSI whose parents consented to the study. They were recruited at evaluation and followed through the process of their therapy. Toxicity was monitored at weekly review appointments using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Follow-up of the children will continue in the long-term effects clinic. Results: Five patients with a median age of 6 were recruited. Diagnoses were intracranial germ cell tumor (n = 2), medulloblastoma (n = 1), pineoblastoma (n = 1), and ependymoma (n = 1). For all patients, a dose of 36.0 Gy in 1.8 Gy daily fractions was prescribed to the entire neuraxis. A subsequent boost of 18 Gy (n = 4) to 19.8 Gy (n = 1) in 10 daily fractions to the primary tumor bed (n = 2) and posterior fossa (n = 2) was delivered. Four patients had chemotherapy before, during, or after radiation therapy. No patient experienced grade 3 or greater toxicity. Conclusions: Our results indicate great progress has been made in the delivery of CSI in Nigeria, demonstrating tolerable acute side effects using VMAT. This series suggests the feasibility of implementing VMAT technology in low- or middle-income countries. Additional follow-up will be needed to determine whether survival rates and chronic toxicity rates are similar to those reported in the literature.

The Landscape of Pediatric Radiation Oncology in Nigeria.

Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential part of the multidisciplinary treatment of pediatric cancer. Over the past five decades, significant advances have been made in the delivery of RT, with better dose delivery to disease targets while minimizing exposure to nearby organs at risk. These advances have led to improved treatment outcomes, increased survival, and reduced treatment-related toxicities. Advanced treatment techniques, however, require significant investment in infrastructural and personnel resources. This review documents what is currently available regarding expertise and infrastructure for pediatric radiation oncology practice in Nigeria. It was performed to serve as a foundation for the creation and design of tailored solutions (initiatives and policies) to increase pediatric radiation availability, accessibility, and equity in Nigeria and ultimately improve pediatric cancer treatment outcomes in the region.

Coagulation abnormalities in children with uncorrected congenital heart defects seen at a teaching hospital in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Coagulation abnormality is a significant complication and cause of mortality in children with uncorrected congenital heart defects (CHD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of coagulation abnormalities and the associated factors in children with uncorrected CHD. METHOD: A cross sectional study conducted to determine the prevalence of coagulation abnormalities among 70 children with uncorrected CHD aged six months to 17 years and 70 age and sex matched apparently healthy controls. Coagulation abnormalities was determined using complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and D-dimer assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of coagulation abnormalities among children with CHD and controls was 37.1% and 7.1% respectively. Children with Cyanotic CHD had a significantly higher prevalence of coagulation abnormalities compared to children with Acyanotic CHD (57.1% versus 17.1%). Haematocrit and oxygen saturation levels were significantly associated with coagulation abnormalities. CONCLUSION: This study affirms that coagulation abnormalities are frequent in children with uncorrected CHD. Oxygen saturation and haematocrit are risk factors of coagulation abnormalities. Routine coagulation screen is recommended especially in children with cyanotic congenital heart defects to improve their quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality while awaiting definitive surgeries.

Cholelithiasis in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: Experience in a resource-limited setting.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains prevalent in Nigeria and can be complicated by cholelithiasis even in children. There is still a dearth of knowledge about the occurrence of cholelithiasis in these children. The present study is aimed to determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis in pediatric SCD in Lagos and documents relevant socio-demographic and clinical correlates. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of children and adolescents aged 1-19 years with SCD attending the Paediatric Haematology Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. One hundred and forty-seven children were consecutively recruited into the study over 3 months and they all had sonographic examination of the gall bladder. The association between cholelithiasis, sociodemographic data, clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters, and the use of hydroxyurea was also documented. Results: The median age (range) of the study participants was 9.0 (1-19) years and majority were males (59.9%). The prevalence of cholelithiasis was 13.6% and the condition was most prevalent in adolescents (21.4%) compared to the younger children (6.5%). All the children with cholelithiasis were asymptomatic. Age and the frequency of crisis were significantly associated with cholelithiasis on multivariate analysis (P = 0.03, 0.045, respectively). The use of hydroxyurea was not significantly related to the occurrence of cholelithiasis. Conclusion: The prevalence of cholelithiasis observed in this study is high. Routine screening of older children and adolescents with SCD, especially with the frequent crisis is suggested. Longitudinal studies to establish the relationship between hydroxyurea and cholelithiasis is also advocated.

Résumé Contexte: La drépanocytose (SCD) reste répandue au Nigéria et peut être compliquée par une cholélithiase même chez les enfants. Il y a encore un manque de connaissances sur la survenue de la cholélithiase chez ces enfants. La présente étude vise à déterminer la prevalence de la cholélithiase dans la drépanocytose pédiatrique à Lagos et documente les corrélats sociodémographiques et cliniques pertinents. Sujets et méthodes: ce était une étude transversale menée auprès d'enfants et d'adolescents âgés de 1 à 19 ans atteints de drépanocytose et fréquentant la clinique d'hématologie pédiatrique de Lagos Hôpital universitaire. Cent quarante-sept enfants ont été recrutés consécutivement dans l'étude pendant 3 mois et ils ont tous eu un examen échographique de la vésicule biliaire. L'association entre cholélithiase, données sociodémographiques, symptômes cliniques, laboratoire paramètres, et l'utilisation de l'hydroxyurée a également été documentée. Résultats: l'âge médian (intervalle) des participants à l'étude était de 9,0 (1­19) ans et la majorité étaient des hommes (59,9%). La prévalence de la cholélithiase était de 13,6% et la maladie était la plus répandue chez les adolescents (21,4%) par rapport aux enfants plus jeunes (6,5%). Tous les enfants atteints de cholélithiase étaient asymptomatiques. L'âge et la fréquence des crises étaient significativement associée à la cholélithiase sur l'analyse multivariée (P = 0,03, 0,045, respectivement). L'utilisation de l'hydroxyurée n'était pas significativement liées à la survenue de cholélithiase. Conclusion: La prévalence de la cholélithiase observée dans cette étude est élevée. Dépistage de routine les enfants plus âgés et les adolescents atteints de SCD, en particulier avec la crise fréquente, sont suggérés. Études longitudinales pour établir la relation entre l'hydroxyurée et la cholélithiase est également préconisée. Mots-clés: Adolescents, enfants, cholélithiase, Nigéria, drépanocytose.

A 5-year multidisciplinary care outcomes in children with wilms' tumour managed at a tertiary centre: A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades, there has been significant improvement in the outcomes of children with Wilms' tumour (WT) in high income countries (HICs) with approximately 85% survival rate globally. This is partly attributable to a multi-disciplinary team approach to care and the evolution of more robust treatment measures. A previous review in our centre prior to multi-disciplinary team shows a survival rate of 31.48%, However, the survival rates from low- and middle-income countries are still low when compared to HICs due to delays in access to care at all levels, poor to non-existent health insurance coverage, limited workforce resources, weak health-care systems and infrastructure. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of a multi-disciplinary team approach on the treatment outcomes of children with WT. METHODOLOGY: This is a 5-year retrospective review of all patients managed with WT at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Information was extracted from the patients' case notes, operation notes and ward admission records. The data were analysed with SPSS 25, and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in the study; male to female ratio was 1.6:1. The disease occurred in the right kidney in 23 patients (57.5%) and on the left in 17 patients (42.5%). The average duration of symptoms before presentation was 3.6 months (range 1-7 months), majority of patients presented with abdominal masses and were assessed as per unit protocol with abdominal Computerized tomography scan, chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound scan to assign the patient International Society of Paediatric oncology regimen. The predominant stage at surgery was Stage III 26 (65%), while Stage IV was 9 (22.5%). Morbidity after chemotherapy was 10 (25%). Twenty-five patients (63%) completed chemotherapy while 15 patients (37%) started chemotherapy but defaulted midway. The 5-year survival rate was 75%. Increasing age and male sex were associated with reduced odds of mortality; however, this was not statistically significant. Increased duration of treatment, being treated with chemotherapy alone, as well as advanced tumour stage and histology were associated with increased odds of mortality, however, this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The development of an institutional WT treatment pathway involving a multidisciplinary team has resulted in improved outcomes. There is need for increased community awareness to improve the time to presentation.

Oncology Education in the Nigerian Medical Curriculum: A Cross-Sectional Review.

Background: The quality of a physician is arguably related to the depth and quality of medical education received. As cancer devastates the health and economy of developing countries like Nigeria, it becomes increasingly important for physicians in these countries to be equipped with basic knowledge and skill to adequately detect, diagnose, refer and manage common cancers. This study reviewed exposure to oncology training as a component of the medical school's curriculum in Nigeria from the trainee's perspective. Methodology: In a cross-sectional review of medical students and recent graduates of universities across Nigeria, data were collected using a predesigned tool. Results: Entries from 228 participants were recorded and analysed. The mean age of study participants was 25.4 ± 2.9 years; 53.1% were female. Respondents were primarily in government-owned medical schools. Over half (55.7%) reported none to minimal oncology exposure during their preclinical classes, 38.6% reported oncology as a distinct clinical rotation in their medical schools and only 44.3% spent time in at least one oncology unit during clinical rotations. The mean duration spent in oncology units was 3.4 weeks. Conclusion: Doubtless, Nigeria needs more oncology specialists but, it is just as important for even general practitioners to have basic oncology knowledge. This study shows slow exposure to oncology training for medical students, which has contributed to the lack of confidence in treating common cancers seen in Nigeria and low desire among medical students to specialize in oncology. As cancer incidence rises, the need for oncology knowledge in the general physician community is increasingly evident.

Health insurance and the financial implications of sickle cell disease among parents of affected children attending a tertiary facility in Lagos, south-west Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: there is a paucity of data on the financial implications of sickle cell disease on households of affected children and their use of health insurance in Nigeria. This study assessed the awareness of health insurance, patterns of health service utilization and financial implications of sickle cell disease among children seeking care at a tertiary facility in Nigeria. METHODS: a structured questionnaire was administered to parents of 314 children with sickle cell disease attending the pediatric hematology unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between May and December 2019. RESULTS: mean age of the children was 91.5 ± 43.1 months. M: F was 1.17: 1. 45.5% of households earned above NGN 150,000 (USD 417) monthly. 71.3% of the parents had heard of health insurance but only 20.7% were enrolled in a health insurance scheme. Awareness of health insurance was significantly associated with social class (p=0.000) and monthly household income (p=0.000). 60.8% of the parents preferred pre-facility treatment. Social class (p=0.01) and monthly household income (p=0.001) were significantly associated with home treatment. Time on admission ranged from 2-18 days with an average of 4.31 days. Average cost of hospitalization was USD 148 ± USD 14.2 and total cost of care incurred was USD 20,787. Neither age of child (p=0.857), estimated household income (p=0.863) nor social class (p=0.397) was associated with cost of care. CONCLUSION: a high cost of care was observed in our study population underscoring the need for increased awareness and access to health insurance for households of children with sickle cell disease.

Haploidentical bone marrow transplant with posttransplant cyclophosphamide for sickle cell disease: An update.

Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) can cure both children and adults with sickle cell disease. Outcomes have historically been poor for the vast majority of patients who lack a matched sibling donor. However, the development of haploidentical HCT (haplo-HCT) with high doses of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has allowed for curative long-term potential with favorable transplant-related outcomes, though this has not obviated the potential for graft rejection from human leukocyte antigen mismatch and repeated red blood cell transfusions. Accordingly, multiple strategies have been developed to improve outcomes, the majority of which are based on the Johns Hopkins platform from 2012. Presently, we aim to discuss results from pertinent studies and compare outcomes with the two most recent approaches involving either thiotepa plus 200-cGy total body irradiation or 400-cGy total body irradiation. Direct comparisons are required to determine the optimized curative potential. Transplant-eligible patients must be referred to tertiary medical centers for consideration of haplo-HCT.

Challenges with medical education in Nigeria in the COVID-19 era.

On March 20th 2020 the Federal Government of Nigeria ordered the closure of all educational institutions, this was inclusive of all medical schools in the country. During the initial phases of this closure, most institutions were at a loss on how to proceed with learning as universities in Nigeria use mainly the didactic lecturing model. As the lockdown progressed it became imperative to the institutions to set up e-learning media for continued instruction of students. It was found that in the institutions with e-learning facilities, the preclinical years remained mostly unaffected by the closure of medical schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while all institutions came to a standstill as regards providing a suitable alternative for clinical exposure. This therein has caused loss of valuable time and a change in the calendar of the school year, making it uncertain as to when the next set of qualified medical professionals will emerge in Nigeria. In this essay, we take a look at medical education in Nigeria, its challenges and progression in the COVID-19 era. We also take a look at the effect of the pandemic on learning and the subsequent interventions introduced to mitigate it.

Spectrum of Thyroid Abnormalities among Children Living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria.

Thyroid disorders have been described in an adult population but are underreported in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and describe the spectrum of thyroid abnormalities among HIV infected children on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study carried out at a teaching hospital with an antiretroviral therapy (ART) center. Serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) were analyzed in 83 children living with HIV on HAART and 51 controls. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and correlation of fT3, fT4, and TSH with duration on HAART, age, CD4 count, and nutritional status were assessed. Thyroid abnormalities were seen in 9.6% of the children living with HIV comprising subclinical hypothyroidism in 6%, euthyroid sick syndrome in 2.4%, and overt hypothyroidism in 1.2% as compared to 2% subclinical thyroid disease among the controls (p= 0.15). Hypothyroidism was correlated with CD4 count and viral load. None of the patients had clinical features of thyroid disease. Thyroid abnormalities were more prevalent among children living with HIV and yearly screening with follow-up is advocated.

T-cell deplete versus T-cell replete haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease: where are we?

Introduction: Severe sickle cell disease is associated with progressive end-organ damage and early mortality in adults. While allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant from a matched related donor is curative, the vast majority of patients do not have a compatible sibling. Accordingly, platforms using haploidentical donors have been developed, which provide near-universal availability. Areas covered: This review focuses on the two commonly used approaches for haploidentical hematopoietic transplants, namely T-cell deplete and T-cell replete, each of which is associated with unique benefits and drawbacks. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate individualized decision-making for patients and providers by reviewing the pros- and cons of these differing approaches. Expert opinion: Individuals with sickle cell disease eligible for a hematopoietic cell transplant can be considered based on recent results. Comparable outcomes are seen with T-cell deplete and T-cell replete approaches. The choice depends largely on institutional preference.

Pediatric Oncology in Nigeria: A Panoramic View.

PURPOSE: A large number of children still die as a result of cancer in low- to middle-income countries, and factors such has poor infrastructure, inadequate human resources, and poorly developed health insurance are responsible for most of these deaths. Nigeria is a country with a young population and a struggling health system. We aimed to survey pediatric oncologists in Nigeria using an online survey instrument. METHODS: We surveyed the national group of pediatric oncologists using an instrument designed to assess manpower availability, infrastructural support, support services, and presence of radiotherapy and medications. RESULTS: A total of 14 institutions responded, represented by 24 oncologists of the 42 oncologists on the platform, with a response rate of 57.1%. Most of the oncologists had practiced for more than 10 years, but only two institutions had a dedicated pediatric oncology ward. There was no population-based pediatric oncology tumor registry. Molecular diagnostic capability was not available, nor was a structurally efficient radiotherapy support service. The centers also struggled with inadequate blood and blood product provision. CONCLUSION: Pediatric oncology services in Nigeria are still grappling with weak human capital, poorly developed infrastructure, weak regional and national referral systems, and poor support services.

Prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria among children living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: HIV/AIDS has gradually become a chronic disorder following the success of combination chemotherapy. As a result of the persisting immune deficiency, certain risk factors predispose affected individuals to infections. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria among HIV infected children. METHODS: this was a case control study conducted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital from July 2010 to June 2011.Eighty-five children living with HIV were consecutively selected from the HIV clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and compared with 85 age and sex matched HIV negative controls for the occurrence of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Mid-stream urine samples were obtained from the participants and the samples were analyzed for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Demographic and clinical data was obtained from the caregivers and clinical notes respectively. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSS version 17. RESULTS: the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 24.7% among children living with HIV and 8.2% among un-infected children (p value 0.004). The stage of the disease, CD4 count, sex as well as age were risk factors for asymptomatic bacteriuria among children living with HIV. CONCLUSION: asymptomatic bacteriuria is a prevalent problem among children living with HIV infection and urinary screening should be routine in the work up of febrile children living with HIV.