Acute diarrheal illness with severe complications in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Introduction: acute diarrheal disease is one of the main childhood health problems worldwide.

Objective: to characterize patients under one year of age diagnosed with severe acute diarrheal disease admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Infantil “Hermanos Cordové” from September 2019 to September 2021.

Method: a retrospective and descriptive study was conducted in 60 patients admitted to this institution. The variables studied were: age, sex, reason for admission, length of stay, risk factors, symptoms and signs, complications, and treatment plans.

Results: children under three months of age (58.3%) and boys (60%) predominated. Hydromineral imbalance was the primary reason for admission (75%); 10% of children were hospitalized for more than ten days. Vomiting (48.3%) was the most common clinical manifestation accompanying diarrhea, and metabolic acidosis was the most frequent complication (70%). The most frequently used hydration plan was Type C (51.7%).

Conclusions: severe diarrheal disease is more common in males and in children under three months of age. Hydromineral imbalance disorders are the primary cause of the disease, and its main risk factors are age under three months, malnutrition, and mixed breastfeeding. The cardinal clinical manifestations are fever and vomiting. Metabolic acidosis is the main complication, and Type C hydration plan was the most frequently used in patients.