Severity of Diarrhea and Dehydration in Children Under 5 Years

The aim of this study was to assess the severity and type of dehydration in children with diarrhea who were admitted hospital. This is a retrospective study. A total of 345 cases of acute diarrhea mainly in children below 5 years of age admitted at tertiary care Pediatric hospital in University Center -Mother Theresa- over the period 2011-2013 were included in the study. Medical history, diarrhea symptoms, treatment prior to hospitalization and demographics were obtained from medical records. Dehydration degree was assessed and all patients were treated with intravenous fluids.345 (99 %) of children had a moderate dehydration whereas 3 (1 %) children who were unable to drink/swallow had a severe dehydration. Upon admission, 137 (39.7 %) patients had isotonic dehydration, 201 (58.3 %) hypotonic and 6 (5 %) had mild hypertonic dehydration. The mean Na value upon admission was 133.7 (5.4) mmol/ whereas with hydration the mean value increased to 136.8 (3.2) mmol/l (p