Hematological Changes in Acute gastroenteritis in pediatrics: A single-center Case-Control Study
Abstract
Background: Several hematologic parameters are involved in inflammatory processes through leukocyte and platelet activity, yet their diagnostic and prognostic role in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate different hematological parameters in children with AGE and determine their association with AGE severity. Methods: A case–control study was conducted at Fayoum University Children’s Hospital from February to July 2025, including 100 children aged under five years old, who attended the emergency department and the outpatient clinics of pediatric and family medicine with AGE, and 100 age-matched healthy controls. Complete blood count (CBC) indices were assessed in relation to disease severity using the Vesikari score. Results: According to the Vesikari score, 10% of cases were severe. Among AGE patients, 64% required ward admission, 11% were admitted to the PICU, and 25% were managed at home. Compared with controls, AGE patients demonstrated significantly lower mean hemoglobin and MCH, a lower median MCV, and higher RDW and PMI values. CRP was significantly associated with higher Vesikari severity (p = 0.036). The Vesikari score also showed predictive accuracy for survival outcomes, with a sensitivity of 93.5% and a specificity of 57.1%. Conclusion: Children with AGE exhibited distinct hematological alterations, most notably elevated RDW and PMI. CRP served as an independent predictor of Vesikari severity and prolonged hospitalization. These…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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