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[Obstinate diarrhea in infants. A review of 84 cases]
Insights
Severe infant diarrhea is a serious condition requiring careful management. Early diagnosis and appropriate nutritional support, including parenteral and enteral feeding, are crucial for recovery and preventing mortality in infants with severe diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition
Context:
- Presents findings from 84 infants with obstinate severe diarrhea.
- Defines clinical and biological severity criteria for infant diarrhea.
- Highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing severe pediatric diarrhea.
Purpose:
- To report on the management and outcomes of infants with severe diarrhea.
- To detail the diagnostic criteria and histological findings in infant diarrhea.
- To emphasize preventive measures for severe infant diarrhea.
Summary:
- Histological examination revealed total villous atrophy in only 33% of cases within the first 3 months.
- Exclusive parenteral feeding was initiated in 71 infants, followed by enteral renutrition.
- Mortality was 17 out of 84 infants, with an average recovery time of 4 months for survivors.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice regarding the management of severe infant diarrhea.
- Contributes to understanding the pathophysiology and diagnostic challenges of infant diarrhea.
- Underscores the importance of nutritional support and preventive strategies in infant gastroenterology.
Abstract:
Eighty-four cases of obstinate severe diarrhoea in infants are reported. Criteria for clinical and biological severity are precised. Histological examination of the small bowel was performed in 57 cases; a total atrophy of intestinal villi was found in only 33% of the cases during the first 3 months. Exclusive parenteral feeding, from the beginning or after failure of enteral feeding was given to 71 infants. Later on, enteral renutrition at constant flow, was administered, after simple preparation, in most cases. Seventeen died out of 84 infants, 7 of them within 2 weeks. For the others, the average time for recovery was 4 months. The conditions of prevention of obstinate severe diarrhoea in infancy are emphasized.