Background: Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney and cardiovascular damage. Therefore, early detection in asymptomatic individuals may be helpful in preventing deterioration in renal function. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study of 820 secondary school students aged 10 -19 years from September to November 2008. The urine samples of 615 (75.0%) without overt proteinuria and haematuria were tested for microalbuminuria using the micral test strips. Values of greater than 20mg/L were considered positive. Results: There were 299 (48.6%) males and 316 (51.4%) females, with a M:F ratio of 1:1.1. The prevalence of microalbuminuria as seen in 214 of the students was 33.2%. It was significantly higher in females (45.3%), obese subjects (35.4%), those with hypertension (70.6%), those with positive family history of hypertension (59.5%), and diabetes mellitus (46.4%). Microalbuminuria was found in 1 of the 2 subjects who had features of DM and in one subject with sickle cell anemia. Conclusion:The prevalence of microalbuminuria in Nigerian adolescents is high. We recommend routine screening for microalbuminuria in adolescents for early detection and prevention of renal damage.

Background: Methods Results Conclusion Key wordsMicroalbuminuria is an early manifestation of HIV associated nephropathy (HIVAN). This study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for microalbuminuria in children with HIV infection in Port Harcourt, Nigeria : Urine specimen of 50 children with HIV infection seen over a 4months period (October 2007-February 2008 was assayed for albumin and creatinine to determine urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR). Microalbuminuria was defined as urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) of greater than 2.5 -25mg/mmol. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Schwartz formula.: There were 28 (56%) males and 22 (44%) females with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. They aged 1 month to 18 years with a mean age of 4.07 ± 3.61years. Microalbuminuria occurred in 6 (12%) patients; 3 males and 3 females, mean age of 5.5 ± 4.6 years. Five (83.3%) of the patients with microalbuminuria had clinical AIDS and CD4 cell count 0cells/ L. All the patients with microalbuminuria were not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at the time of study. One (16.7%) patient had overt HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) with ACR greater than 2.5 mg/mmol, elevated serum creatinine 400µmmo/L, urea of 20mmol/L and a GFR of 69ml/min/1.73m .: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in Nigerian children with HIV infection is high, and it occurs mainly in older children with clinical AIDS who are not on HARRT.: Microalbuminuria, HIV infection, children. Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) has rarely been reported in African children. In this single-center study, we analyzed ten children diagnosed with HIVAN from January 2000 to October 2006. There were eight boys and two girls, with a male:female ratio of 4:1. Their ages were from 5 months to 15 years (mean 6.8+/-6.2 years), with a peak age of 5-9 years. The presenting complaints included generalized edema (60%) and hypertension (50%). All patients had proteinuria on urine dipstick, with four (40%) at nephrotic range (proteinuria >or=500 mg/dl). Nine (90%) patients were in renal failure, with elevated serum creatinine (6.3-24 mg/dl) and serum urea (70-120 mg/dl). Renal disease was the first manifestation of HIV infection in six patients, whereas the diagnosis was made on autopsy in three. The duration from HIV infection to development of HIVAN ranged from 5 months to 10 years. CD4(+) cell count, done in only three patients due to financial constraints, was below 200/mm(3). The kidneys were hyperechoic on abdominal ultrasound in all patients, and three (30%) showed grossly enlarged kidneys. Histology of renal tissues available by autopsy in three patients showed mainly collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Treatments given were angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in four and two patients, respectively, and one patient underwent peritoneal dialysis. On outcome analysis, seven (70%) patients died, two were lost to follow-up, and one was alive on HAART therapy at the writing of this article. In conclusion, HIVAN occurs in Nigeria children, and the mortality is very high from uremia.

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Background: Prone sleeping by infants has been associated with increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Many child caregivers continue to be unaware of the association of SIDS and infant sleep position and/or are misinformed as to the risks and benefits of the various sleep positions. Objectives: To explore mothers' knowledge and practice of infant sleep position and SIDS. Methods: The study was conducted in April-August 2012 amongst mothers of infants attending the Paediatric Outpatient Clinics of the