Neurofibromatosis in Nigerian children

• Published in: Annals of tropical paediatrics Vol. 7; no. 2; p. 145
• Main Authors: Ademiluyi, S A, Ijaduola, G T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-06-1987
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Facial Neoplasms - diagnosis; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Neurofibromatosis 1 - diagnosis; Nigeria; Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis; Soft Tissue Neoplasms - diagnosis; Nigeria
• ISSN: 0272-4936
• DOI: 10.1080/02724936.1987.11748493

A study of 14 children with multiple neurofibromatosis (Von Recklinghausen's disease) seen at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital within a 6-year period (1979-85) has been carried out. Eight were boys while six were girls. The youngest was 3 months old. The café-au-lait spots observed in all these children showed poor colour contrast, thus making it not easily discernible in infancy and early diagnosis difficult. They are therefore better called "café-sans-lait" or "blackish brown" spots in the African. Hyperpigmented patches were observed in eight children and multiple grotesque soft tissue swellings in ten others. Prolonged follow-up is mandatory in these patients in order to give them a better quality of life.