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Persistent diarrhea in Vietnamese children: a preliminary report
Insights
Persistent diarrhea in infants under three years old is most common in those under six months. Antibiotic use was linked to longer diarrhea duration in this study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Persistent diarrhea is a significant health concern in young children.
- Understanding its clinical and laboratory features is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of persistent diarrhea in children under three years of age.
- To identify risk factors and common pathogens associated with persistent diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- A study of 83 children under three years old treated for persistent diarrhea.
- Clinical data collection and stool specimen analysis for enteric pathogens.
Main Results:
- The highest incidence of diarrhea occurred in infants aged 4-5 months.
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (24%), followed by enteropathogenic E. coli (8%), rotavirus (5%), Candida (6%), and Giardia lamblia (4%).
- Persistent diarrhea was more prevalent in infants under six months and often occurred during the first diarrheal episode (66.5%).
Conclusions:
- Persistent diarrhea in young children is frequently associated with specific enteric pathogens.
- Antibiotic administration correlated with prolonged diarrhea duration, suggesting a need for cautious use.
Abstract:
The clinical and laboratory features of persistent diarrhea were investigated in 83 children under 3 years of age who were treated in the Gastroenterology Division of the Institute for the Protection of Children's Health, Hanoi, from August 1988 to August 1989. The number of cases of diarrhea was highest in the children aged 4-5 months. The mean age of the children studies was 6.6 +or- 3.4 months. The ratio of males to females was 2.6 and mean age of 1st episode of diarrhea was 4.3 +or- 3.4 months; persistent diarrhea was more common in children under 6 months of age than in older children. Persistent diarrhea occurred in the 1st diarrheal episode in 66.5% of cases. Recent nonenteric infections were found in 30% of the study group. Of the 83 children studies, 36% had stool specimens positive for enteric pathogens; 24% had enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated, 8% had enteropathogenic E. coli, 5% rotavirus, 6% Candida, and 4% Giardia lamblia. The duration of diarrhea was longer in children who received antibiotics than in those who did not (p 0.01).