African journal of paediatric surgery : AJPS
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Afr J Paediatr Surg · Jul 2009
Childhood cancers: challenges and strategies for management in developing countries.
The developing countries bear the greatest burden of childhood cancers as over 90% of the world's children live in these countries. Childhood cancer in most instances is curable, but many children die from cancer because most children live in developing countries without access to adequate treatment due to high cost of treatment and poor organization in these countries. Initiatives to increase cancer care in developing countries would therefore include establishment of standard cancer care centres, manpower training, establishment of standardized management protocols, procurements of standard drugs and collaboration with international organizations.
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Afr J Paediatr Surg · Jul 2009
Case ReportsMeckel's diverticulum strangulated in an umbilical hernia.
Strangulated Meckel's diverticulum (MD) in an umbilical hernia (UH) is a rare event. We present herein a case of strangulated MD in UH in a child. ⋯ An MD may be the content of a strangulated UH. Bowel resection of the segment bearing the diverticulum is advisable if the latter is gangrenous.
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Burns injuries are recognized as a major health problem worldwide. In children and, particularly, in our environment where poverty, ignorance and disease are still high, they constitute significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies on this topic in parts of Nigeria either lumped adults and children together or were retrospective. We, therefore, prospectively studied the current trends in burns in children. ⋯ Burns is still a major health problem among children in south eastern Nigeria. Fortunately, outcome of appropriate treatment is good. However, we think that poor safety consciousness among parents is a major predisposing factor. Public enlightenment on measures to ensure safe home environment may be necessary to avoid or limit childhood burns.
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Afr J Paediatr Surg · Jan 2009
Case ReportsAcute gastric dilatation secondary to septicaemia in newborn: a rare entity.
Acute gastric dilatation in a newborn is a rarely encountered clinical entity. Such dilatation without any obstruction is furthermore rare. The authors hereby present a rare case of acute gastric dilatation that developed in a two-days old child who was born premature and was suffering from septicaemia and respiratory distress. The causes and the differential diagnosis of the rare condition are discussed.