Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0042961 (volvulus)
 4,305 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A remarkably high number of patients with epilepsy was observed in Kyarusozi subcounty, Uganda, where infection with Onchocerca volvulus is hyperendemic. A survey was conducted from April 22 to May 4, 1991, in Kyarusozi subcounty when all patients with epilepsy and growth retardation were invited for medical examination. A full history was taken and a physical examination as well as a mental state assessment were carried out for all patients. A total of 231 persons were screened, of whom, 91% were below the age of 19 years. The infection rate with Onchocerca volvulus in patients with epilepsy (61%) and retarded growth (70%) was significantly higher than in the general population of Kyarusozi subcounty. The prevalence of epilepsy in the study area was estimated to be at least 2%. The cardinal clinical features were pigeon chest, increased curvature of the dorsum, hyperextended joints, poor oral hygiene, and dental caries with disproportionately large, and displaced maloccluded teeth. Additional features were malnutrition, including dry atrophic scaly skin, skin sores, and golden hair. The thyroid gland was enlarged in 7.4% of the children with physical growth retardation. Secondary sexual characteristics were absent or poorly developed in a further 1.3%. The data seemed to indicate that social adaptation and psychological functioning are more often disturbed in individuals who suffer from the combined effects of epilepsy, onchocerciasis, and growth retardation than in patients with onchocerciasis, epilepsy, or growth retardation along. This investigation suggests that onchocerciasis is associated with epilepsy, psychological impairment, retarded growth, and retarded sexual development. Should further studies confirm a relationship between Onchocerca volvulus infection, epilepsy, and mental development, the public health importance of onchocerciasis would have the be reconsidered to control Onchocerca volvulus infection more vigorously.
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PMID:Epilepsy and retarded growth in a hyperendemic focus of onchocerciasis in rural western Uganda. 147 7

An acquired condition resulting in arrested growth was reported in the 1950s and 1960s from along the Nile near Jinja in eastern Uganda. This became known as Nakalanga dwarfism, and an association with onchocerciasis was postulated. After control of onchocerciasis through larvaciding in this area some 30 years ago, no new cases have been noted. We now report this condition from western Uganda where its appearance seems to be a relatively recent event. Thirty-one persons with short stature, 15 years of age and older, were identified through household surveys in an area of Kabarole district with a high prevalence of onchocerciasis. Cases identified were matched with controls selected for age and sex from the nearest household. Cases of Nakalanga syndrome weighed significantly less and were shorter than controls. The Z scores for weight-for-age, weight-for-height, height-for-age, and body mass index were significantly less among cases. Other clinical features observed among cases included absence of secondary sexual characteristics, skeletal deformities, dental caries, and mental retardation. All cases and 22 (79%) controls had microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus in skin snips. All community members interviewed were aware of the Nakalanga syndrome, and 93% believed it to be acquired sometime after birth. The possible association with onchocerciasis is discussed.
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PMID:The Nakalanga syndrome in Kabarole District, Western Uganda. 865 77