[Relationship between use of antibiotics and chronic diarrhoea in infants and young children]

N Xu1, B Wu, S Chen

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004.

Insights

Unreasonable antibiotic use in treating acute diarrhea significantly increases the risk of chronic diarrhea in young children. Early diagnosis and judicious antibiotic use are crucial for preventing long-term diarrheal diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Chronic diarrhea poses a significant health challenge in infants and young children.
  • Antibiotic use is common in pediatric care, necessitating an understanding of its potential adverse effects.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the association between antibiotic administration and the development of chronic diarrhea in pediatric populations.
  • To identify risk factors contributing to chronic diarrhea in young children.

Summary:

  • A matched case-control study involving infants and young children with chronic diarrhea, acute diarrhea, and acute respiratory tract infections was conducted.
  • Results indicated that unreasonable antibiotic use during acute diarrhea is a major risk factor for developing chronic diarrhea, with increased odds ratios correlating with the number of antibiotics used.

Impact:

  • Highlights the critical need for rational antibiotic prescribing in pediatric acute diarrhea to prevent chronicity.
  • Emphasizes the importance of early pathogenic diagnosis for effective management and prevention of chronic diarrheal diseases in children.
Abstract

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