Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:25

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: December 27, 2024

Review article: the management of acute gastroenteritis in children

M Pieścik-Lech1, R Shamir, A Guarino

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The Medical University of Warsaw, Dzialdowska 1, Warsaw, Poland.

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|November 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Updated guidelines for managing acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children are needed. New evidence supports rapid rehydration, ondansetron for vomiting, and probiotics, but questions remain about safety and efficacy in Europe.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Disease (ESPID) established guidelines for childhood acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in 2008.
  • This review focuses on advancements and new evidence published since the 2008 guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent research and data published after the 2008 ESPGHAN/ESPID guidelines.
  • To identify areas requiring updates in current pediatric gastroenteritis management recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library.
  • The search focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses published after 2008.

Main Results:

  • Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) show promise for improved taste and efficacy.
  • Rapid rehydration (4-hour) is effective, alongside standard nasogastric methods. Intravenous rehydration strategies are being explored.
  • Ondansetron effectively reduces vomiting, though pediatric safety requires further evaluation. Zinc supplementation is not beneficial in Europe. Smectite, racecadotril, and probiotics (Lactobacillus GG, S. boulardii) are effective adjunctive therapies.

Conclusions:

  • The existing ESPGHAN/ESPID recommendations for managing acute gastroenteritis in children require updating.
  • Further research is needed to clarify safety and efficacy of certain interventions, particularly in the European context.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:23

Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management

The clinical manifestations of gastritis can vary depending on the cause and type of gastritis, but some common symptoms may include the following.
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents01:18

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...