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Published on: July 22, 2012
[Choice of therapy for children with acute gastroenteritis in Norway]
E Kolsrud1, H Szajewska, J H Hoekstra
1Seksjon for gastroenterologi og ernaering Barneklinikken Haukeland Sykehus 5021 Bergen. ekol@haukeland.no
Insights
Healthcare professionals often lack knowledge of European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines for acute gastroenteritis in children. Improved education is crucial for effective oral rehydration therapy and early diet reintroduction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Context:
- Acute gastroenteritis poses a significant global health risk to children.
- Established guidelines for oral rehydration therapy exist from major pediatric societies.
- The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) initiated a study to assess guideline adherence.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the implementation of ESPGHAN recommendations for oral rehydration therapy.
- To identify knowledge gaps among European healthcare providers regarding gastroenteritis management.
- To assess current practices in managing acute diarrhea in infants.
Summary:
- A multicenter study surveyed 55 physicians in Norway on their adherence to ESPGHAN guidelines.
- Findings indicate a lack of familiarity with key recommendations, including rapid rehydration and early diet reintroduction.
- Misconceptions regarding lactose intolerance as a common complication were prevalent.
Impact:
- Current clinical practice deviates significantly from established best-practice guidelines.
- There is a clear need for enhanced education for healthcare professionals at all levels.
- Improved implementation of guidelines can lead to better outcomes for children with acute diarrhea.
Background:
Acute gastroenteritis is a common and potentially lethal condition in children worldwide. Recommendations for oral rehydration therapy have been issued by paediatric societies both in the USA and Europe. In 1998, The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) initiated a multicentre study to determine how current practice corresponds with these recommendations.
Material And Methods:
Paediatricians and general practitioners in 29 European countries responded to a questionnaire regarding oral rehydration therapy of a six months old infant.
Results:
In Norway, 55 physicians responded. Neither paediatricians nor general practitioners seem to be familiar with all the ESPGHAN recommendations. There is a lack of knowledge about the advantages of fast rehydration and subsequent early reintroduction of a normal diet. Many physicians also wrongly believe that secondary lactose intolerance is a common complication.
Interpretation:
The recommendations do not seem to be well implemented among health professionals. It is necessary to educate health-care workers at all levels in order to improve treatment of acute diarrhoea in children.
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