Complications of acute diarrhea in malnourished children

Abstract

In a developing country like Pakistan malnutrition is a serious health problem. Diarrheal diseases and malnutrition are inter-related. Hence it is worth studying not only diarrhea itself but also the incidence of acute diarrheal complications in malnourished children. A total of 150 malnourished children with acute diarrhea, 50 patients in each 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree of malnutrition were included in the study to see the frequency of complications. Their ages ranged from 1 month to 4 years. Majority of the patients (44.68%) were between 6 months and 1 year. The incidence of complications was highest in the youngest age group (1 month to 1 year). The majority of the complications like acidosis, shock and septicemia were seen in children with 3rd degree malnutrition. Metabolic and electrolyte derangements were seen again in majority of the patients with 3rd degree malnutrition. The duration of hospital stay was directly related to the degree of malnutrition.