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Published on: February 9, 2024

Risk factors for mortality due to shigellosis: a case-control study among severely-malnourished children in

J M van den Broek1, S K Roy, W A Khan

  • 1Academical Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition
|November 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, altered consciousness, and bronchopneumonia significantly increase mortality risk in severely-malnourished children with shigellosis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of these conditions are crucial for reducing Shigella-related deaths.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Shigellosis is a major cause of childhood mortality, particularly in severely malnourished populations.
  • Identifying risk factors for death in these vulnerable children is critical for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the risk factors associated with mortality in severely-malnourished Bangladeshi children diagnosed with shigellosis.
  • To inform clinical management strategies aimed at reducing Shigella-related deaths in this high-risk group.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing 100 deceased severely-malnourished children with shigellosis to 100 survivors.
  • Data collected included clinical signs, laboratory values, and demographic information from hospitalized children aged <4 years.

Main Results:

  • Bronchopneumonia, altered consciousness, hypothermia, and hypoglycaemia were identified as significant independent risk factors for mortality.
  • Children presenting with these conditions had a substantially higher odds ratio for death.

Conclusions:

  • Severely-malnourished children with shigellosis exhibiting hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, altered consciousness, or bronchopneumonia are at a significantly elevated risk of death.
  • Prompt diagnosis and assertive management of these critical conditions are essential to reduce mortality in this population.

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