A Ten-Year Review of Childhood Pattern of Endocrine Disorders

Background: The endocrine system is a network of glands which produce hormones that regulate metabolic functions of other cells and organs. Disruption of this system results in abnormalities of growth, development and reproduction. These conditions are not rare in childhood but due to lack of diagnostic facilities, they are not looked for and are therefore under-reported. However, they should be detected early and managed promptly to avert the morbidity and possible mortality that may be associated.
Objectives: To describe the pattern of childhood endocrine diseases in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe.
Methodology: A retrospective hospital-based study in which data were extracted from case notes of children with endocrine disorders. These case notes were traced from the registers of all paediatrics units and general out-patient departments. These case notes were subsequently reviewed and relevant data extracted and entered unto a proforma. Outcome measures as well as complications of those admitted were also noted.
Results: Ninety-four out of 14,943 paediatric cases seen were endocrine disorders giving a prevalence of 6.3/1000 with a male/female ratio of 1.5/1. Most of the cases (75%) presented before the age of ten years and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was the commonest disorder recorded.
Conclusion: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is the commonest paediatric endocrine disorder seen in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe.