Etiology of acute gastroenteritis among pre-school children in Peshawar-KP Pakistan, a case control study
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the etiology of acute viral gastroenteritis among preschool children in Pesha-war, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.Methodology: A total of 420 stool samples were gathered from children under five, displaying symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Recruitment took place at a Peshawar tertiary care hospital, approved by the institute's IRB. The cohort was split evenly into 210 cases and 210 controls. Healthy controls\ originated from the outpa-tient department with no diarrhea within the last 10 days, while cases were from the emergency, inpatient, and outpa-tient units. Diagnosis criteria encompassed at least one vomiting episode in the last 24 hours and over three loose stools daily, enduring less than 5 days. Moderate to severe cases included indicators like skin turgor loss, sunken eyes, IV treatment, dysentery, or gastroenteritis-related hospitalization. A 2-month follow-up tracked complications and mortal-ity, with parental consent secured.Results: Among participants, 60% (n=126/210) were male and 40% (n=84/210) were female. The average age was 20 months (range 1-50 months). Clinical symptoms were evident during enrollment; cases displayed watery diarrhea (4 episodes on average in 24 hours, lasting 2.50 days), and 48% (n=101) experienced vomiting (3 episodes on average in 24 hours). Acute gastroenteritis symptoms persisted for an average of 4.0 days. Severe and mild dehydration were ob-served in 12% (n=25)…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 189 participants or records.
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