RESUMO
Acute diarrhea is a common pediatric problem, which may lead to death if not treated properly. It is defined as passing watery stool at least three times a day. The study aims at encouraging the application of the WHO program in treating diarrhea and hence to limit the use of antibiotic therapy. The study was conducted at the Teaching Hospital in Tikrit from the 1st of April through September 2001. It included patients under 2 years of age suffering from acute diarrhea only; who were examined clinically for the signs of dehydration and for the nutritional status. Malnourished children and those suffering from diseases accompanied with diarrhea were excluded from the study. The sample of 102 patients with acute diarrhea who had moderate to severe dehydration, were divided into two groups: group [A] represented [45] cases who were managed according to the WHO program, while group [B] represented [57] cases and who were treated with the traditional method. Males were encountered more frequently than females. The most frequently encountered age group was under six months. Of the total cases, [23.4%] had bloody diarrhea and [55.9%] of cases were given antimicrobial therapy before admission to hospital. Of those, [25.5%] used a single drug and [29.4%] used a combination of two drugs. The most common drug prescribed before admission to hospital was trimethoprim-sulfamethaxazole [56.5%] followed by metronidazole [30.4%] and gentamicin [12%]. Patients in group A recovered from dehydration during the first 2 days of admission to hospital, with a higher percent than in group B [95.6% and 66.7%] respectively. The recovery from diarrhea during the first 2 days was higher among group A than in group B [46.7% and 19.3%] respectively. The antimicrobials were given to [42%] of patients in group A in comparison to [100%] in group B. The study reflected the practical application of the WHO program in treating acute diarrhea regarding time, efforts and cost. Accordingly, we encourage the application of this program and discourage the use of antimicrobials unless there is a real indication
RESUMO
A prospective study of the infants and children bacterial meningitis cases admitted to Saddam General Hospital [SGH] during the Spring of 1995 covering 87 patients where analyzed. Data were collected by a researcher filled, 23 relevant variables questionnaire, in addition to clinical findings and laboratory investigations. The peak incidence was in the 3 months to two years of age group, comprising 50% of the total cases. These patients were admitted to the hospital after showing signs and symptoms at times from one day to one month. The majority of cases [48%] were admitted within 1-5 days. The main etiological agents were H. influenzae, Streptococci, N. meningitidis, E. Coli, and Pneumococci. There were 28% of non responsive patients and four mortality cases and five cases with neurological sequalae. The factors influencing the disease and the treatment outcome are discussed