Effect of zinc supplementation in adolescent patients with acute diarrhoea

Abstract

Background: Despite the recommendation of zinc in the management of acute diarrhoeal illness, the effect has been seldomly reported in adolescent population. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in acute diarrhoea in adolescent population. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Settings: Department of Medicine and Paediatrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex. Study duration: This study was conducted from 1st February 2022 till 31st October 2022. Materials and methods: Both male and female patients presenting with acute diarrhoeal illness were enrolled. Patients were equally divided through block randomization into two groups. Elemental zinc at 20mg BD was administered orally to the study group. Control group received mineral and vitamin supplementation except zinc. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of reduction in stool frequency and hospital stay. Results: Age of the patients ranged from 10 to 18 years. Mean age of the patients in study group was 14.83±3.730 years versus 13.90±3.806 years in control group. Mean stool frequency on presentation in study versus control group were 5.904±1.052 versus 6.089±1.472 respectively while on day it was 1.472±0.130 versus 2.937±640 respectively. Recovery was observed in 29 patients (93.5%) in study group as compared to 21 patients (67.7%) in control group.