Author/Editor		Vintar-Spreitzer, M; Čižman, M; Orel, R
Title		Akutna driska pri otroku
Translated title		Acute diarrhoea in children
Type		članek
Source		Slov Pediatr
Vol. and No.		Letnik 16, št. 2
Publication year		2009
Volume		str. 58-71
Language		slo
Abstract		Acute gastroenteritis is an extremely common problem in childhood, particularly in the first three years of life. In Europe, it is usually, although not always, a mild disease, and death is an exceptional outcome. However, gastroenteritis is associated with a substantial number of hospitalisations and high costs. The severity of gastroenteritis is related to the aetiology rather than to age, and rotavirus is the most frequent causative agent. Dehydration is the main clinical feature of acute gastroenteritis and most closely reflects the severity of the disease. Weight loss, prolonged capillary refill time, skin turgour, and an abnormal breathing pattern are the best clinical indicators of dehydration. Hospitalisation should be reserved for children who need measures that can only be carried out in hospital, such as intravenous rehydration. Microbiological investigations are generally not needed. Rebydration is the key treatment and it should be commenced as soon as possible. Reduced or low osmolality oral rehydration solution should be used, and it should be offered as desired). Regular feeding should not be interrupted and it should be continued after initial rehydration. Regular milk (lactose-containing) formulas are appropriate in the vast majority of cases. Drugs are generally not necessary. However, selected probiofies may reduce the duration of the illness and relieve symptoms. Other drugs may be effective, but further research is required. Antibiotic therapy is not recommended in most cases of AGE and it may prolong the carrier status in cases of Salmonella infection. Antibioric treatment is effective mainly in shigellosis and in the early stage of Campylobacter infection. Rotavirus immunisation is recommended for all European children. It is expected that the burden of gastroenteritis will be reduced and, in this way, the majority of severe cases in the most susceptible age groups will be prevented.
Descriptors		GASTROENTERITIS DIARRHEA CHILD