Pancreatic Calcification among Children with Childhood Diabetes in Abakaliki, Nigeria: Could This Be Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes?

Introduction: Tropical calcific pancreatitis is known to be associated with malnutrition and insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus. Recent studies suggest that genetic and environmental factors play a role in its etiopathogenesis. Objective: The objectives of this was were to study the prevalence, profile, and outcome of children managed for type 1 diabetes mellitus with pancreatic calcification. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of children managed for type 1 diabetes mellitus in the pediatric endocrine unit of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria. All patients who consented underwent ultrasonography of the pancreas. We undertook a case note review to identify factors that may be associated with pancreatic calcification. Results: Thirty-seven children were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The mean age was 12.3 years (5–17 years), 21 males and 16 females. Twenty of 37 (54.1%) patients were screened for pancreatic calcifications using abdominal ultrasound. Seventeen of 37 were not studied as nine of them (24.3%) died, six lost to follow-up, and two declined to participate. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 2.7 years (3 months–8 years). All patients were managed with a premixed twice-daily insulin regimen. Pancreatic calcification was seen in seven out of the 20 (35%) and was commoner among males and older children. The average glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c) was 13 and 11, and average height/weight standard deviation score was –1.9/–1.9 and –1.03/–1.02 in those with calcification and those without, respectively. Conclusion: Tropical calcific pancreatitis is common among children diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in Abakaliki, Nigeria and is associated with morbidity. Routine pancreatic ultrasound of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus may be necessary.