Ulcerative colitis in a Nigerian girl: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is uncommon in the tropics and sub-tropics. We report a case of UC in a 7 year old girl whose parents were both Nigerians. This report is to alert healthcare professionals in sub-Saharan Africa that UC is not a rare health problem, especially in children.


METHODS
The patient presented with frequent passage of blood stained stool, abdominal pain and significant weight loss. The diagnosis was entertained after she was investigated for common causes of chronic diarrhea in our setting and the findings were negative. The patient symptoms abated after she was commenced on steroid therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis may account for a dearth of information on UC in African children.
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lagos State University College of Medicine, PMB 21266, and Paediatrics Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. senbanjo001@yahoo.com
Idowu O
IO
Senbanjo
Kazeem A
KA
Oshikoya
Charles A
CA
Onyekwere
Fatimah B
FB
Abdulkareem
Olisamedua F
OF
Njokanma
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine