Analysis of the use of oral rehydration therapy corner in a teaching hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia.
Children under five years of age attending the Paediatrics Department, Gondar College of Medical Sciences, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) corner for acute diarrhoea in the year 1988-90 are analysed using only eight variables. Of 1003 children, 38.1% presented with no dehydration, 61.3% with some dehydration and 0.6% with severe dehydration. Eighty four percent of the children were below two years of age. Ninety seven per cent of the dehydrated children were managed with oral rehydration solution and only 3% required admission and intravenous therapy. September to October were the peak months of diarrhoeal episodes. Malnourished children had a four fold higher risk of developing dehydration than well nourished children. The diarrhoea pattern and its association with nutritional status, degree of dehydration and outcome are discussed. Establishment of an ORT corner and the wide use of ORS in all health care facilities are recommended.
Department of Paediatrics, Gondar College of Medical Sciences, Ethiopia.
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D002675:Child, Preschool; D003681:Dehydration / Q000209:etiology; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons