Treating acute diarrhea according to the WHO program in comparison with the traditional method

ABSTRACT

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