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Risk factors for diarrhea-associated infant mortality in the United States, 2005-2007

Jason M Mehal1, Douglas H Esposito, Robert C Holman

  • 1Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. JMehal@cdc.gov

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|March 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Diarrhea causes many infant deaths, especially in low birth weight (LBW) babies. Improving care for LBW infants and educating mothers of normal birth weight (NBW) infants on hydration are key prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Diarrhea-related infant mortality in the US has been increasing, particularly affecting infants.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with diarrhea-related infant deaths.
  • To compare characteristics of infants who died from diarrhea with those who survived.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of US Linked Birth/Infant Death data from 2005-2007.
  • Inclusion of singleton infants with diarrhea on death certificates.
  • Comparison of deceased infants with surviving infants.

Main Results:

  • 1087 diarrhea-associated infant deaths occurred between 2005-2007, with 86% in low birth weight (LBW) infants.
  • LBW infants had significantly higher mortality rates and younger median age at death compared to normal birth weight (NBW) infants.
  • Sepsis and volume depletion were common codiagnoses; most LBW deaths occurred inpatient, while NBW deaths occurred in varied settings.

Conclusions:

  • Focusing on the management of diarrhea in vulnerable LBW infants is essential for reducing mortality.
  • Educating mothers of NBW infants on home hydration and timely medical access can prevent deaths.
Abstract

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