title: Chronic and persistent diarrhea in infants and young children: status statement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diarrhea that lasts for more than two weeks is a common cause of mortality and morbidity in infants and children. There is a need to update the information available on this subject in Indian context.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review has analyzed the available published data on the subject with particular focus on developing countries. It has also outlined the current diagnostic and management practices in India based on the experience of the participants from major hospitals in different parts of the country.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Problem areas in both persistent and chronic diarrhea have been identified and remedial measures relevant to India are presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Micronutrient supplementation, algorithm based diet regimens, and good supportive care are sufficient in most children above 6 months of age with persistent diarrhea. Paucity of diagnostic facilities limits evaluation of chronic diarrhea in most parts of the country and regional laboratories need to be set up urgently. Lack of awareness regarding cows milk protein allergy, celiac disease and immunodeficiency associated diarrhea is of particular concern.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641 004, Tamil Nadu, India. psg_peds@yahoo.com
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mathai
authors.forename: Bhaskar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Raju
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bavdekar
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant