IntroductionThe effect of socio-demographic and nutritional factors on lung functions of African children is poorly studied. This study set out to determine the effects of these factors on lung functions of Nigerian school children.MethodsRural and urban secondary schools students in Ilesa, Nigeria were selected by multistage sampling. The socio-demographic, nutritional status as well as lung function parameters measured using incentive Spirometry (MIR Spirolab III srl, Italy) of the children were obtained and compared among the rural and urban children.ResultsA total of 250 children (128 rural and 122 urban) aged 9 to 17 years participated in the study over a 12 month period. Mean (SD) age was 12.6 (1.9) years and Male: Female 1:1.1. The urban children were heavier, taller and have larger lung volumes than their age and sex matched rural counterpart. Stunted rural males [Mean (SD) FVC 1.8 (0.3) L vs. 2.2 (0.6) L t-test = 2.360; p = 0.022], underweight females [Mean (SD) FVC 1.8 (0.4) L vs. 2.2 (0.6) L; t-test = 2.855; p = 0.006] and those exposed to unclean fuel [Mean (SD) FVC 2.1 (0.6) L vs. 2.4 (0.5) L; t-test = 2.079; p = 0.041] had significantly lower lung volumes compared to their counterparts without these conditions.ConclusionUndernutrition, low socio-economic class and use of unclean fuels adversely affect the lung functions of Nigerian children. Improved standard of living, use of clean fuel and adequate nutrition may ensure better lung health among these children.

Background Childhood diabetes mellitus is a poorly researched topic in Nigeria. Its contribution to morbidity and mortality is vague. This study intends to provide additional information to the background data in Nigeria and hopefully proffers strategies to improving the outcome of this disease. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study of all children managed for childhood diabetes mellitus at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH), South West Nigeria, over a 10 year period. Relevant information was obtained from the case notes of all affected children. Data obtained were analysed with SPSS version 20 software. Results A total of 20 children were treated for diabetes mellitus (DM); there were 7 (35.0%) boys and 13 (65.0%) girls giving a M:F ratio of 1.0:1.9. Age range at presentation was 5 to 16 years and the mean age at presentation was 12.7 ± 2.89 years. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was the most common form of presentation in 13 (65.0%). Most [18 (90.0%)] of the patients had type 1 DM. Type 2 DM and glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus were recorded in a case each, Eighteen (90%)patients had not been previously diagnosed by any form of screening prior to their presentation and admission in the hospital. Seven (35.0%) of the patient's care were affected by parental financial constraints. Five mortalities were recorded and one left against medical advice while the majority [14 (70.4%)] were discharged well and alive. The association between the greater numbers of deaths recorded in children with financial constraints was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Type 1 DM remains the most predominant form of diabetes in children and most of the patients presented in DKA. The proportion of deaths in this study is unacceptably high. There is a need to proffer strategies for earlier detection and management of children with diabetes mellitus prior to the onset or development of DKA and there is a need to assist with the funding of the care of children with diabetes mellitus.

Carpopedal spasm have various causes ranging from dsyselecrolytemia, syndromic, metabolic or endocrine causes. Any of these could cause a decrease in ionized calcium and tetany. Excessive vomiting leading to alkalosis, hypokaleamia and decreased ionised calcium should be kept in mind for early etiological diagnosis of carpopedal spasm. We report a case of 4-year-old boy presenting with a history of recurrent painful spasm and flexion of bilateral hands following excessive vomiting and electrolyte derangement.

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