The common childhood renal disorders in Nigeria are post-infectious acute glomerulonephritis (PIAGN), nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, congenital anomalies and urinary tract infection. Children with PIAGN often present with hypertension, circulatory overload and hypoalbuminaemia. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by a paucity of minimal change and a poor prognosis. Posterior urethral valves and hydronephrosis are the most frequent congenital anomalies. Children with congenital anomalies present late with advanced disease. The commonest malignancy is nephroblastoma, but Burkitt's lymphoma of the kidney also occurs. Both acute and chronic renal failure present depressing and distressing clinical problems, with an aggressive course and a high morbidity and mortality. Poor socio-economy has adverse effects on the presentation, management and follow-up of Nigerian children with renal disorders.

No abstract

A 10-year-old schoolboy was referred to the Ophthalmic Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital because of sudden loss of sight following 5 days of severe frontal headache. The child had bilateral ptosis with internal and external ophthalmoplegia and fixed and dilated pupils. There was no papilloedema. Eight days later, a jaw tumour and a rapidly enlarging abdominal tumour appeared. A fine needle aspiration biopsy of the jaw tumour confirmed Burkitt's lymphoma. Combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and methotrexate (COM) led to a rapid resolution of the jaw and abdominal tumour but the child never regained his sight. Cerebrospinal fluid examination was not helpful in reaching a diagnosis.

No abstract