A Review on the Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children

Acute gastroenteritis represents a frequent cause of morbidity among children in Hong Kong. Despite the large number of potential etiologic agents, principles of management of gastroenteritis are uniform and aim to prevent the two major complications - dehydration and malnutrition. A review of the l...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hong Kong journal of emergency medicine 2004-07, Vol.11 (3), p.152-160
Main Authors: Shek, KC, Ng, P, Hung, CY, Lam, KK, Lau, CL, Ching, WM, Kam, CW
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anti‐diarrhoeals
anti‐infective agents
diarrhoea
fluid therapy
oral administration
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Request full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Acute gastroenteritis represents a frequent cause of morbidity among children in Hong Kong. Despite the large number of potential etiologic agents, principles of management of gastroenteritis are uniform and aim to prevent the two major complications - dehydration and malnutrition. A review of the literature was performed. Selected articles were appraised, graded, and synthesised qualitatively. Statements on recommendations were generated. Current evidence emphasises the use of oral rehydration and the early reintroduction of age-appropriate foods. Apart from these two, important aspects of management reviewed included laboratory investigations, role of anti-diarrhoeal agents, and use of antimicrobial agents. Criteria for admission of high-risk children are also addressed.
ISSN:1024-9079
2309-5407
DOI:10.1177/102490790401100305