Clinical And Microbiological Profile Of Acute Diarrhoeal Disease In Paediatrics: A Study Of 100 Children

Clinical And Microbiological Profile Of Acute Diarrhoeal Disease In Paediatrics

Abstract

Background: To study clinical profile of acute diarrhoeal disease in children and describe pathogens isolated in the cases. Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in 100 children admitted in the pediatric ward at the tertiary care hospital in Ahmedabad with clinical diagnosis of acute diarrhoeal disease, over a period of 12 months. Rectal swab was collected in each patient and was subjected to macroscopic, microscopic evaluation and culture test. Data thus collected was analysed. Results: 66% cases reported in less than two years of age. 77% cases belong to lower socio-economic class. Among all cases, 12% cases were exclusively breastfed, rest 88% were on top feeding, mixed feeding or faulty feeding. 80% of the cases reported malnourished and all mortality cases reported malnourished. Mortality reported was directly proportional to degree of malnutrition. Conclusions: Acute diarrhoeal disease is a major disease burden in under-five children. Poor hygiene and sanitation play a major role for high incidence in lower socio-economic class. Reduced number of incidence reported in the exclusively breastfed children as compared to top fed or faulty fed, explaining the need of proper feeding practices. Malnutrition is a major risk for diarrhoeal disease in children with increased number of mortality. Malnutrition and diarrhoea make a vicious cycle. [Gadhvi H Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 11(2):58-61]