Gastroenteritis in Alice Springs

One hundred and thirty admissions to Alice Springs Hospital of full-blood Aboriginal children with acute gastroenteritis during a six-months period in 1975-1976 were examined retrospectively. Sixty-two (48%) of the children were malnourished, including seven (5.4%) who were marasmic. An accelerated weight gain was demonstrated during the recovery phase, averaging 418% of that expected for age. Hypokalaemia occurred in 77 of 117 children (66%); it was severe (serum potassium levels being less than or equal to 2.5 mmol/l.) in 15 (13%), and did not correlate with dehydration as assessed by initial weight gain, or with nutritional status. Hyponatraemia occurred in 32 of 123 children (26%) and was severe (serum sodium levels being less than or equal to 130 mmol/l.) in 11 (9%). Hypoalbuminaemia (serum albumin levels below 35 g/l.) and anaemia (haemoglobin values below 10 g/100 ml) occurred in 15% and 22% respectively. Potential faecal pathogens were isolated during 80 of the 130 admissions (62%). Multiple pathogens were common. Interrelationships of nutrition, infection and immune response are discussed, and measures for reducing morbidity and mortality are outlined.