Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Pattern of chronic diarrhoea in children: a prospective analysis of causes, clinical features and outcome
F O Akinbami1, P Venugopalan, I B Elnour
1Department of Child Health and Pathology, Sultan Qaboos University Teaching Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Insights
Chronic diarrhoea in Omani children is often caused by post-gastroenteritis syndrome, infections, or coeliac disease. Early nutritional rehabilitation is crucial for managing this condition and reducing malnutrition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic diarrhoea is a significant health concern in children, leading to substantial morbidity.
- Understanding the specific etiological patterns and clinical presentations is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological patterns and etiological factors of chronic diarrhoea in children in Oman.
- To identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with chronic diarrhoea.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted over seven years at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
- Sixty-two children aged 3 months to 13 years with chronic diarrhoea (duration > 4 weeks) were included.
Main Results:
- Post-gastroenteritis syndrome (50%), enteric infections/infestations (27%), and coeliac disease (13%) were the primary causes.
- Malnutrition (63%), anaemia (27%), and dehydration (39%) were prevalent upon presentation.
- Most patients improved with conservative management, including rehydration and nutritional support; mortality was low (1.5%).
Conclusions:
- Chronic diarrhoea is a major cause of childhood morbidity, particularly malnutrition, in Oman.
- Prompt and adequate nutritional rehabilitation is vital for successful management.
- Addressing underlying causes and providing comprehensive supportive care are key to improving outcomes.
Objectives:
To determine the pattern of chronic diarrhoea in children in Oman.
Study Design:
This is a prospective study carried out over a 7 year period at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Subjects:
Sixty two children (37 M:25 F), aged 3 months to 13 years who presented with chronic diarrhoea, defined as diarrhoea persisting for more than 4 weeks, were studied.
Results:
Principal identifiable causes in the study population include post-gastroenteritis syndrome in 50% of cases, enteric infections and infestations in 27%, and coeliac disease in 13%. On presentation 63% were malnourished, 27% were anaemic while 39% were dehydrated. The median duration of hospital admission was 50 days. Majority of the patients responded to conservative therapy with correction of dehydration, and careful nutritional supplementation, in addition to specific therapy where necessary. Mortality was low (1.5%) resulting from immunodeficiency and gram-negative septicaemia.
Conclusion:
Chronic diarrhoea remains an important cause of morbidity especially malnutrition in children and early and adequate nutritional rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the management.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations