Childhood Diabetes Mellitus at the University Teaching Hospital of Bouake(Cote d'Ivoire) about 25 Cases

Background: In Côte d’Ivoire, more and more cases of diabetes are being discovered in children in Bouaké. The aim of the study was to describe the main epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of this condition for the improvement of prognosis.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in pediatrics wards at the Bouaké University Hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. It included all children with diabetes diagnosed on the basis of clinical-biological arguments. The variables studied were epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and progressive.

Results: 26,130 admissions recorded, including 25 cases (16 females, 9 males) of diabetes or 1 case/1,000 admissions. The average age of discovery was 11.6 years (3 years - 17 years). Ketoacidosis revealed the disease in 72%. The other signs were: polyuro polydypsia syndrome (92%), weight loss (64%), fever (48%), coma (44%), diarrhea & vomiting (36%), collapse (12%), initial average initial blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin were 4.9 g /l[2.7 g/l-9.5 g/l] and 11.5%[5.2%-18%] respectively. Insulin therapy was instituted in 100% of cases. The favourable trend and lethality were 72% and 16% respectively. Factors associated with death were collapse (p = 0.001), coma (p = 0.026) and infection (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus mainly affects school-age children. It is revealed by ketoacidosis in the majority of cases with high lethality. To improve prognosis, resource capacity must be strengthened and parents must be made aware of the need to consult the hospital early.

Keywords: Child, Diabetes, Insulin therapy, Evolution, Côte d’Ivoire.