Viral gastroenteritis.

Since the discovery of norovirus in 1972 as a cause of what was contemporarily known as acute infectious non-bacterial gastroenteritis, scientific understanding of the viral gastroenteritides has continued to evolve. It is now recognised that a small number of viruses are the predominant cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, in both high-income and low-income settings. Although treatment is still largely restricted to the replacement of fluid and electrolytes, improved diagnostics have allowed attribution of illness, enabling both targeted treatment of individual patients and prioritisation of interventions for populations worldwide. Questions remain regarding specific genetic and immunological factors underlying host susceptibility, and the optimal clinical management of patients who are susceptible to severe or prolonged manifestations of disease. Meanwhile, the worldwide implementation of rotavirus vaccines has led to substantial reductions in morbidity and mortality, and spurred interest in vaccine development to diminish the impact of the most prevalent viruses that are implicated in this syndrome.

Enhancing Nursing Care for Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: Integrating Pediatric Early Warning Scores with the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation System.

Background: Acute gastroenteritis is a frequently encountered diarrheal illness in children, often self-limiting but occasionally linked to substantial mortality and morbidity, demanding effective approaches for assessment and intervention. While the utilization of the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) and the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation system (SBAR) in pediatric patient management is recognized as effective, research in this area remains limited. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the potential impact of PEWS and SBAR systems on the outcomes of pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at our hospital, enrolling 124 children aged 3 to 12 years diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis. These participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (62 cases) or an intervention group (62 cases). Different outcomes were assessed, including the frequency and duration of diarrhea and vomiting, the Modified Vesikari Scale (MVS), the Clinical Dehydration Scale (CDS), and follow-up physician visits. We utilized a two-group independent sample t test to compare outcomes between the two groups. Results: Our study resulted in statistically significant findings favoring the intervention group regarding the frequency and duration of diarrhea and vomiting, the MVS, the CDS, and the need for repeat healthcare visits. Conclusions: The integration of PEWS with SBAR appears to offer improved outcomes for children afflicted with acute gastroenteritis.

Factors Associated With Actionable Gastrointestinal Panel Results in Hospitalized Children.

OBJECTIVES: There is uncertainty regarding which hospitalized patients with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) benefit from gastrointestinal panel (GIP) testing. Unnecessary testing may lead to increased costs, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment. In general, AGE management and outcomes are most impacted if an actionable (bacterial or parasitic) result is obtained. We aimed to assess which clinical reasons for ordering GIP testing ("order indications") and patient factors were associated with actionable results. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of pediatric patients hospitalized between 2015 and 2018 at a large pediatric health care system with diarrhea and a GIP performed. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine associations between actionable GIP results and order indication, stool frequency, and demographics. Findings were evaluated in patients with complex chronic conditions (CCC) and non-CCC patients. RESULTS: There were 1124 GIPs performed in 967 encounters. Non-CCC patients had more actionable results than CCC patients, and reasons for testing differed. Across both cohorts, age ≥1 year old was positively associated with actionable results. For non-CCC patients, actionable results were associated with "diarrhea with blood or pus" order indication and nonwinter season; international travel was associated with non-Clostridioides difficile bacteria and parasites. No order indications were associated with actionable results for CCC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patient factors and order indications that may help identify children hospitalized for AGE with actionable GIP results include older age (regardless of CCC status), as well as bloody stools and international travel in previously healthy children. Prospective validation of these findings could help improve diagnostic stewardship and decrease unnecessary testing.

Disparities in Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Hospitalized Children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common health care problem accounting for up to 200 000 pediatric hospitalizations annually. Previous studies show disparities in the management of children from different ethnic backgrounds presenting to the emergency department with AGE. Our aim was to evaluate whether differences in medical management also exist between Hispanic and non-Hispanic children hospitalized with AGE. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study of children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted to the pediatric hospital medicine service from January 2016 to December 2020 with a diagnosis of (1) acute gastroenteritis or (2) dehydration with feeding intolerance, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Differences in clinical pathway use, diagnostic studies performed, and medical interventions ordered were compared between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients. RESULTS: Of 512 admissions, 54.9% were male, 51.6% were Hispanic, and 59.2% were on Medicaid. There was no difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients in reported nausea or vomiting at admission, pathway use, or laboratory testing including stool studies. However, after adjusting for covariates, Hispanic patients had more ultrasound scans performed (odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.04-2.64) and fewer orders for antiemetics (odds ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.95) than non-Hispanic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no differences in many aspects of AGE management between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients, there was still variability in ultrasound scans performed and antiemetics ordered, despite similarities in reported abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Prospective and/or qualitative studies may be needed to clarify underlying reasons for these differences.

Correlates of healthcare-seeking behavior for acute gastroenteritis-United States, October 1, 2016 -September 30, 2017.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, public health surveillance systems often underestimate the burden of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) because they only identify disease among those who interact with the healthcare system. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with healthcare-seeking behavior among individuals experiencing community-acquired AGE. METHODS: From October 2016 -September 2017, we conducted a weekly, age-stratified, random sample of Kaiser Permanente Northwest members located in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, United States. Individuals who completed the online survey and experienced AGE were included in the analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of healthcare-seeking behavior. RESULTS: Of the 3,894 survey respondents, 395 experienced an AGE episode and were eligible for analysis, of whom, 82 (21%) sought care for their AGE episode. In the final multivariable model, individuals with a concurrent fever (odds ratio [OR]: 4.76, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.48-9.13), increased diarrhea duration (≥6 days vs 1-4 days, OR: 4.22, 95% CI: 1.78-10.03), or increased vomiting duration (≥3 days vs 1 days, OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.22-7.26), were significantly more likely to seek healthcare. In the adjusted model, no sociodemographic or chronic disease variables were associated with healthcare-seeking behavior. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that individuals with a short duration of AGE and those without concurrent fever are underrepresented in healthcare facility-based surveillance systems.

Severe Adult Rotavirus Gastroenteritis: A Rare Case with Multi-Organ Failure and Critical Management.

BACKGROUND Infectious diarrheal illnesses such as rotavirus gastroenteritis are significant contributors to childhood morbidity and mortality, especially in low socio-demographic index regions. Major advances in addressing this issue include sanitation and clean water initiatives, as well as rotavirus immunization. In Australia, a robust vaccination program has significantly reduced childhood rotavirus infections, leading to decreased hospitalizations and mortality. However, cases of adult rotavirus still occur, and although these adult patients usually do not require interventional management, it is possible for them to present critically unwell and require resuscitation. CASE REPORT A previously well 65-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department febrile and hypotensive with severe diarrhea attributed to rotavirus. Clinically, he presented with mixed hypovolemic and septic shock. Despite initial resuscitation, he had multiple severe acute end-organ complications, secondary to poor perfusion. He acquired an acute kidney injury, type-2 myocardial infarction, and ischemic hepatic injury. The mainstay of management was rapid fluid resuscitation, continuous renal replacement therapy, and monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit; however, it was crucial to empirically treat for other causes of shock. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, there is a scarcity of reports documenting the management of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in adults. We recommend advising elderly patients to avoid contact with individuals with diarrheal illnesses, especially rotavirus gastroenteritis. Clinicians should also promote awareness regarding the potential severity of a disease that is typically managed conservatively, and be aware that intervention can be required in severe gastroenteritis.

Acute Gastroenteritis: A Qualitative Study of Parental Motivations, Expectations, and Experiences During Out-of-Hours Primary Care.

PURPOSE: Acute gastroenteritis is a common infectious disease in children younger than 6 years of age. Although it is a self-limiting disease, it nevertheless has a high consultation rate in primary care, especially during out-of-hours primary care (OOH-PC). Reasons for this high consultation rate remain unclear. METHODS: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore parental motivations, expectations, and experiences of OOH-PC contacts for children with acute gastroenteritis. We conducted 14 semistructured interviews with parents who contacted OOH-PC in the Netherlands. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using elements of grounded theory and a constant-comparison approach. RESULTS: Unusual behavior of the sick child, absent micturition, and ongoing vomiting and/or diarrhea, with decreased or no fluid intake, motivated parents to contact OOH-PC. Parents initiated contact to prevent symptom deterioration and to be reassured by a general practitioner (GP), expecting them to perform a thorough physical examination, provide information, and make follow-up plans. Parents reported dissatisfaction if they felt unheard, misunderstood, or not taken seriously, and this increased their likelihood of seeking another consultation. General practitioners did not always meet parental expectations. CONCLUSION: Multiple factors affect the decision for parents to contact OOH-PC for their child with gastroenteritis. There is a mismatch between parental expectations and actions of the GP. Awareness regarding parental feelings and understanding their expectations can guide GPs in the interaction with parents, which could improve satisfaction with primary health care and OOH-PC specifically.

Association between Radon Hot Spring Bathing and Health Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study in Misasa, Japan.

No epidemiological studies have examined the health effects of daily bathing in radon hot springs. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the associations between radon hot spring bathing and health conditions. The target population was 5,250 adults ≥ 20 years old in the town of Misasa, Japan. We collected information about the participants' bathing habits and alleviation of a variety of disease symptoms, and their self-rated health (SRH). Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. In both the adjusted and unadjusted models of hypertension, significant associations between the > 1×/week hot spring bathing and the alleviation of hypertension symptoms were observed compared to the group whose hot spring bathing was <1×/week: adjusted model, OR 5.40 (95%CI: 1.98-14.74); unadjusted model, 3.67 (1.50-8.99) and for gastroenteritis: adjusted model, 9.18 (1.15-72.96); unadjusted model, 7.62 (1.59-36.49). Compared to the no-bathing group, higher SRH was significantly associated with both bathing < 1×/week: unadjusted model, 2.27 (1.53-3.37) and > 1×/week: adjusted model, 1.91 (1.15-3.19). These findings suggest that bathing in radon hot springs is associated with higher SRH and the alleviation of hypertension and gastroenteritis.

Dysnatremia and subsequent sodium level changes following various intravenous treatments in infants with acute gastroenteritis.

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the main causes of electrolyte imbalance in infants. We aimed to determine the frequency of and factors associated with dysnatremia at presentation and establish the ideal intravenous treatment scheme. The records of hospitalized infants aged 1-12 months with community-acquired acute gastroenteritis between January 2017 and March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Factors associated with dysnatremia at presentation were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Subsequent sodium levels 4-24 h after intravenous fluid treatments, which were categorized into 2 groups, were determined in the subgroup of infants with normal sodium levels at presentation. A total of 347 infants with a median age of 8.0 (5.0-10.0) months were included. The frequency of dysnatremia at presentation was 14% (hyponatremia 12% and hypernatremia 2.0%). Severe dehydration was associated with dysnatremia at presentation (p = 0.048). Among 68 infants with normal sodium levels at presentation, the median sodium change was highest in the 5% dextrose in saline group, with changes of + 3 (0.5-5) and + 1 (- 2 to 2) mmol/L in infants who received 5% dextrose in saline and 5% dextrose in 1/3-1/2 saline, respectively (p = 0.001). Four out of 47 infants (8.5%) developed hyponatremia while receiving 5% dextrose in 1/3-1/2 saline. None of those who received 5% dextrose in saline developed subsequent dysnatremia.   Conclusion: The frequency of dysnatremia at presentation among infants with acute gastroenteritis was 14%. Severe dehydration was associated with dysnatremia at presentation, so electrolyte levels need to be assessed in these patients. The use of isotonic solution did not promote acquired dysnatremia. This study supports once more that current guidelines recommending isotonic solution for children, and, especially, infant rehydration, are important also for infants in Thailand. What is Known: • There were a wide variation in the incidence of dysnatremia at presentation in children with acute gastroenteritis in previous pediatric series. • The AAP guidelines recommend using isotonic solution in children with acute illness from 28 days to 18 years of age to prevent acquired hyponatremia. What is New: • The incidence of dysnatremia at presentation in infants with acute gastroenteritis was 14% (hyponatremia 12% and hypernatremia 2.0%). • The use of isotonic solution did not promote acquired dysnatremia in infants with acute gastroenteritis.

A multi-strain probiotic promoted recovery of puppies from gastroenteritis in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Objective and animals: Acute diarrhea is among the most common causes of veterinary consultations for dogs. A double-blind, placebocontrolled intervention trial was done with 120 puppies with gastroenteritis. These dogs were 1 to 4 mo old, male and female, of various breeds and sizes. Procedure: Dogs were randomly allocated into 2 groups: Those in the treated group (TG) received a multi-strain probiotic with Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1693, Ligilactobacillus murinus CRL1695, Limosilactobacillus mucosae CRL1696, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius CRL1702 (1 × 109 CFU/mL) daily for 7 d, whereas those in the control group (CG) received a placebo. All puppies received intravenous fluids, an antiparasitic, amoxicillin PO, and enrofloxacin SC. Results: At the start of the trial, the 2 groups were similar. Probiotic administration for 7 d normalized fecal consistency, with 69, 50, and 80% of small, medium, and large puppies in the TG achieving a fecal score of 1 (separate hard lumps) at 7 d, significantly better than puppies in the CG. After 7 d of treatment, most puppies (70%) in the TG had an excellent recovery, whereas in the CG, recoveries were 35.7% "bad" and 30.4% "fair." Therefore, treatment with probiotics hastened recovery (P < 0.0001). At the end of the trial, there was a significant increase of cultivable lactobacilli in the feces of TG puppies, but no significant differences between the 2 groups in numbers of total mesophylls, enterobacteria, or Gram-positive cocci. Total mortality was 5.8%, including 4 puppies from the CG and 3 from the TG. Conclusion: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, puppies with gastroenteritis symptoms receiving a multi-strain probiotic had rapid improvement, implying beneficial effects on the microbiota and its functionality.

Un probiotique multi-souches a favorisé la guérison des chiots de la gastro-entérite dans une étude randomisée, en double aveugle et vérifiée par placebo. Objectif et animaux: La diarrhée aiguë fait partie des causes les plus fréquentes de consultations vétérinaires pour les chiens. Un essai d'intervention en double aveugle et vérifié par placebo a été réalisé avec 120 chiots atteints de gastro-entérite. Ces chiens étaient âgés de 1 à 4 mois, mâles et femelles, de différentes races et tailles. Procédure: Les chiens ont été répartis au hasard en 2 groupes : ceux du groupe traité (TG) ont reçu un probiotique multisouches contenant Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1693, Ligilactobacillus murinus CRL1695, Limosilactobacillus mucosae CRL1696 et Ligilactobacillus salivarius CRL1702 (1 × 109 UFC/mL) quotidiennement pendant 7 j, tandis que ceux du groupe témoin (CG) ont reçu un placebo. Tous les chiots ont reçu des liquides intraveineux, un antiparasitaire, de l'amoxicilline PO et de l'enrofloxacine SC. Résultats: Au début de l'essai, les 2 groupes étaient similaires. L'administration de probiotiques pour une durée de 7 j a normalisé la consistance fécale, avec 69, 50 et 80 % des chiots petits, moyens et grands dans le TG obtenant un score fécal de 1 (morceaux durs séparés) à 7 jours, ce qui était significativement meilleur que les chiots dans le CG. Après 7 jours de traitement, la plupart des chiots (70 %) dans le TG ont eu une excellente récupération, alors que dans le CG, les récupérations étaient de 35,7 % « mauvaises ¼ et 30,4 % « passables ¼. Par conséquent, le traitement avec des probiotiques a accéléré la récupération (P < 0,0001). À la fin de l'essai, il y avait une augmentation significative des lactobacilles cultivables dans les fèces des chiots TG, mais aucune différence significative entre les 2 groupes en nombre de mésophylles totaux, d'entérobactéries ou de coques à Gram positif. La mortalité totale était de 5,8 %, dont 4 chiots du CG et 3 du TG. Conclusion: Dans une étude randomisée, en double aveugle et vérifiée par placebo, des chiots présentant des symptômes de gastro-entérite recevant un probiotique multi-souches ont présenté une amélioration rapide, impliquant des effets bénéfiques sur le microbiote et sa fonctionnalité.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Mothers participation in caring for hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis: A quasi-experimental study.

AIMS: To identify informational and practical deficits of mothers of hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis and to determine the effect of intervention on enhancing mothers' participation in providing care. DESIGN: This study was a two-group pre- and post-test quasi-experimental study. METHODS: Sample size was eighty mothers of hospitalized children younger than 5 years with acute gastroenteritis in each group using consecutive sampling method. Based on the needs assessment, the training and practical demonstration were performed individually in the intervention group. The control group received usual and standard care. The care practice of mothers were observed before and three times after the intervention at a 1-day interval. The confidence level was 0.95. RESULTS: After intervention, there was a significant increase in the mothers' care practice in the intervention group and a significant difference between the two groups. The participatory care approach could enhance mothers' practice in providing care to the hospitalized children with AGE.

Treatment options for chronic norovirus infection in immunocompromised patients.

Norovirus is generally an acute infection causing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting lasting for 24-48 hours. However, for immunocompromised patients, norovirus gastroenteritis can last for several years and result in villous atrophy and lead to severe malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and continuous viral shedding. Several treatment strategies have been suggested in case reports: nitazoxanide, ribavirin and enterally administered immunoglobulin with varying results. Favipiravir is also suggested but not tested on humans, highlighting the need for further research.

Pathogen-Specific Benefits of Probiotic and Synbiotic Use in Childhood Acute Gastroenteritis: An Updated Review of the Literature.

Probiotics represent viable microorganisms which are found within the normal gut microbiota, that exert strain-specific benefits in the management of several gastrointestinal disorders in children, including acute gastroenteritis. This review aims to evaluate the pathogen-specific role of probiotic supplementation in childhood diarrhea. A search of scientific databases was conducted to identify studies which investigated efficacy of probiotics and synbiotics in influencing outcome of acute gastroenteritis of known etiology. We identified 32 studies, most of which analyzed impact of probiotic supplementation in rotavirus gastroenteritis, while a very limited number of these conducted a separate analysis on bacterial diarrhea. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), L. reuteri and S. boulardii still remain the most researched strains, with a proven role in decreasing diarrhea and hospitalization duration, especially in the setting of rotavirus infection. Combined products containing at least one of the aforementioned strains also performed similarly and might also influence rotavirus fecal shedding. Rotavirus immunization status has also been proposed as a significant influencing factor of probiotic use impact. The paucity of research focusing on bacterial etiologies, as well as of clinical trials conducted within ambulatory care units leaves room for further research on the matter, which needs to include larger cohort studies.

Probiotics for the Management of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders: Position Paper of the ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, are widely used despite uncertainty regarding their efficacy and discordant recommendations about their use. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications provides updated recommendations for the use of probiotics for the management of selected pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. METHODS: All systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, as well as subsequently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (until December 2021), that compared the use of probiotics in all delivery vehicles and formulations, at any dose, with no probiotic (ie, placebo or no treatment), were eligible for inclusion. The recommendations were formulated only if at least 2 RCTs on a similar well-defined probiotic strain were available. The modified Delphi process was used to establish consensus on the recommendations. RESULTS: Recommendations for the use of specific probiotic strains were made for the management of acute gastroenteritis, prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, nosocomial diarrhea and necrotizing enterocolitis, management of Helicobacter pylori infection, and management of functional abdominal pain disorders and infant colic. CONCLUSIONS: Despite evidence to support the use of specific probiotics in some clinical situations, further studies confirming the effect(s) and defining the type, dose, and timing of probiotics are still often required. The use of probiotics with no documented health benefits should be discouraged.

Effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on pediatric emergency department visits for acute gastroenteritis evaluated using a validated clinical severity score.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak that began in late 2019 has significantly affected quality of life and healthcare. Approaches to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have also affected the prevalence of other diseases. This retrospective review evaluated pediatric emergency department (PED) volume, in terms of children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE), and changes in AGE severity before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. METHODS: Patients who visited the PED and were diagnosed with AGE during the 70-day COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, or the identical period in 2020, were compared using a clinically validated AGE severity score, the modified Vesikari score (MVS), and additional parameters. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a 61.4% reduction in the number of children with AGE visiting the PED. In that period, the AGE severity score was similar compared to the pre-pandemic period (9.00 vs. 8.57, p = 0.273). The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) level (55.7 vs. 40.6 mg/L, p < 0.001) and rate of antibiotics use (48% vs. 23.5%, p < 0.001) were higher during the outbreak than the pre-pandemic period. CONCLUSION: The number of children with AGE visiting the PED decreased during the COVID-19 outbreak, while disease severity was unchanged compared to the pre-pandemic period. The use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic warrants further investigation.

Síndrome urémico hemolítico: reporte de dos casos pediátricos con nexo epidemiológico / Hemolytic uremic syndrome: report of two pediatric clinical cases with epidemiologic link / Síndrome urémico hemolítico: reporte de casos pediátricos con nexo epidemiológico

Introducción: el síndrome hemolítico urémico (SHU) es en muchos países, de las causas más frecuentes de insuficiencia renal aguda. La mayoría de los casos ocurre luego de un episodio de gastroenteritis aguda (GEA) por Escherichia coli productora de toxina Shiga (STEC). En Uruguay a pesar de ser una enfermedad de notificación obligatoria, existe subregistro. Objetivo: describir dos casos clínicos de SHU asociados a GEA con nexo epidemiológico. Casos clínicos: se trata de dos varones de 4 y 5 años, sanos. En los días previos, ingesta de carne en el mismo local comercial. Consultaron por dolor abdominal, deposiciones líquidas y vómitos reiterados. El niño de 4 años presentaba fiebre y deposiciones líquidas con sangre. El niño de 5 años dolor abdominal. El estado de hidratación y las constantes vitales eran normales en ambos. Fueron admitidos a cuidados moderados. A las 48 horas y a los 5 días, respectivamente, agregan palidez cutáneo-mucosa intensa, edemas y oliguria. Estudios complementarios: anemia, plaquetopenia e insuficiencia renal. Ingresaron a cuidados intensivos y se realizó diálisis peritoneal. La investigación de STEC fue negativa y la evolución favorable. Conclusiones: en menores de 5 años el SHU asociado a GEA es la forma de enfermedad más frecuente. En Uruguay predominan las cepas STEC no-O157. En estos casos no se pudo identificar el agente. La existencia de un nexo epidemiológico alerta sobre la necesidad de extremar los cuidados en la preparación y cocción de la carne. Debido a la asociación con una enfermedad prevalente, es necesario tener presente esta complicación para poder sospecharla e iniciar el tratamiento en forma precoz y oportuna.

Introduction: hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is one of the most frequent causes of acute renal failure in many countries. Most cases occur after an episode of acute gastroenteritis (GEA) due to the Shiga toxin producing Escherichia Soli (STEC). In Uruguay, despite being a disease that requires mandatory notification, it is under reported. Objective: to describe two clinical cases of HUS associated with GEA with an epidemiological link. Clinical cases: these are two healthy boys aged 4 and 5 years. In the previous days, they reported meat intake in the same commercial premises. They consulted for abdominal pain, liquid stools and repeated vomiting. The 4 year old boy had a fever and bloody stools. The 5 year old boy had abdominal pain. They both showed normal hydration levels and vital signs. They were admitted to moderate care. At 48 hours and 5 days, respectively, they showed intense skin and mucosal paleness, edema and oliguria. Complementary studies: anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. They were admitted to intensive care and peritoneal dialysis was performed. The STEC's investigation was negative and the evolution favorable. Conclusions: in children under 5 years of age, HUS associated with GEA is the most frequent form of the disease. In Uruguay, non-O157 STEC strains predominate. In these cases, the agent could not be identified. The existence of an epidemiological link warns us about the need for extreme care in the preparation and cooking of meat. Due to the association with a prevalent disease, it is necessary to keep this complication in mind in order to suspect it and initiate early and timely treatment.

Introdução: a síndrome hemolítico urêmica (SHU) é uma das causas mais frequentes de insuficiência renal aguda em muitos países. A maioria dos casos ocorre após um episódio de gastroenterite aguda (GEA) devido à Escherichia Coli, a toxina produtora de Shiga (STEC). No Uruguai, apesar de ser uma doença de notificação compulsória, há subnotificação. Objetivo: descrever dois casos clínicos de SHU associada à AGE com vínculo epidemiológico. Casos clínicos: dois meninos saudáveis com idades entre 4 e 5 anos. Nos dias anteriores, eles reportaram consumo de carne nos mesmos estabe- lecimentos comerciais. Eles consultaram para dor abdominal, fezes líquidas e vômitos repetidos. O menino de 4 anos teve febre e fezes com sangue. O menino de 5 anos teve dores abdominais. O estado de hidratação e os sinais vitais foram normais em ambos meninos. Foram internados em cuidados moderados. Às 48 horas e 5 dias, respectivamente, apresentaram aliás palidez intensa da pele e mucosas, edema e oligúria. Realizaramse estudos complementares: anemia, trombocitopenia e insuficiência renal. Eles foram internados em terapia intensiva e realizouse diálise peritoneal. A investigação do STEC foi negativa e a evolução favorável. Conclusões: em crianças menores de 5 anos, a SHU associada à GEA é a forma mais frequente da doença. No Uruguai, predominam cepas STEC não-O157. Nesses casos, o agente não pôde ser identificado. A existência de um nexo epidemiológico alerta para a necessidade de extremo cuidado no preparo e cozimento da carne. Devido à associação com doença prevalente, é necessário considerar essa complicação para suspeitar e iniciar o tratamento precoce e oportunamente.

Management and Outcomes of Salmonella Gastroenteritis in the Era of Rapid Molecular Testing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Molecular diagnostics provide a rapid and sensitive diagnosis of gastroenteritis compared with a stool culture. In this study, we seek to describe the changes in medical management and outcomes of children with Salmonella gastroenteritis as our hospital system adopted molecular diagnostics. METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review of children <18 years of age diagnosed with nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis between 2008 and 2018 at a large pediatric health care system in the southeastern United States. Those with immunocompromising conditions and hemoglobinopathies were excluded. Patients diagnosed via molecular testing were compared with those diagnosed solely by stool culture for aspects of management including admission rates, blood culture obtainment, and antibiotic administration. RESULTS: Of 965 eligible patients with Salmonella gastroenteritis, 264 (27%) had a stool molecular test and 701 (73%) only had a stool culture performed. Groups were similar in age and presentation. Those diagnosed by molecular methods had higher hospitalization rates (69% vs 50%, P <.001), more blood cultures obtained (54% vs 44%, P <.01), and received more antibiotics (49% vs 34%, P <.001) despite statistically similar rates of bacteremia (11% vs 19%, P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: The rapid diagnosis of Salmonella gastroenteritis by molecular methods was associated with increased hospital admission rates, blood culture obtainment, and antibiotic use. This suggests possible overmedicalization of uncomplicated Salmonella gastroenteritis, and clinicians should remain cognizant of the possibility of providing low-value care for uncomplicated disease.

Incidence, Etiology, and Healthcare Utilization for Acute Gastroenteritis in the Community, United States.

Knowledge of the epidemiology of sporadic acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in the United States is limited. During September 2016-September 2017, we surveyed Kaiser Permanente Northwest members in Oregon and Washington, USA, to collect data on the 30-day prevalence of dually defined AGE and diarrhea disease and related health-seeking behavior; from a subset of participants, we obtained a stool specimen. Using the iterative proportional fitting algorithm with raked weights, we generated AGE prevalence and annualized rate estimates. We detected norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and sapovirus from submitted stool specimens through real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). We estimated a 30-day prevalence of 10.4% for AGE and 7.6% for diarrhea only; annual rates were 1.27 cases/person/year for AGE and 0.92 cases/person/year for diarrhea only. Of those with AGE, 19% sought medical care. Almost one quarter (22.4%) of stool specimens from those reporting AGE tested positive for ≥1 viral pathogen, compared with 8.2% from those without AGE.

Randomized, direct comparison study of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 versus multi-strained Bacillus clausii probiotics for the treatment of pediatric acute gastroenteritis.

BACKGROUND: The choice of an appropriate probiotic for pediatric acute gastroenteritis (PAGE) can be confusing. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 probiotics (Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 vs a 4-strain mixture of Bacillus clausii O/C, SIN, N/R, T) for the treatment of PAGE. METHODS: A 2-arm parallel, randomized trial recruited children (6 months to 5 years old) with mild-moderate acute diarrhea, from 8 centers in Argentina. A total of 317 children were enrolled and blindly randomized to 5 days of either S boulardii CNCM I-745 (n = 159) or a 4-strain mixture of B clausii (n = 158), then followed for 7 days post-probiotic treatment. A stool sample was collected at inclusion for pathogen identification. The primary outcome was duration of diarrhea defined as the time from enrollment to the last loose stool followed by the first 24-hour period with stool consistency improvement. Secondary outcomes included frequency of loose stools/day, severity of diarrhea, number reporting no diarrhea at Day 6, time-to-first formed stool, recurrence of diarrhea by study end (Day 12) and safety outcomes. RESULTS: Three hundred twelve (98%) children completed the study. S boulardii CNCM I-745 showed a significant reduction (P = .04) in the mean duration of diarrhea (64.6 hours, 95% confidence interval [CI] 56.5-72.8) compared to those given B clausii (78.0 hours, 95% CI 69.9-86.1). Both probiotics showed improvement in secondary outcomes and were well-tolerated. CONCLUSION: In this study, S boulardii CNCM I-745 demonstrated better efficacy than B clausii mix for reducing the duration of pediatric acute diarrhea.

Effectiveness and Safety of Saccharomyces Boulardii for the Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children aged under 5. Methods: Two independent researchers retrieved literature from PubMed, OVID, Embase, ScienceDirect, and other databases, followed by extracting indicators of the primary endpoints. Cochrane Q test and I 2 statistics were used to evaluate interstudy heterogeneity. The relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) of related indicators were calculated and combined using the random- or fixed-effect model, as appropriate. Furthermore, the funnel plot and Egger's test were used to evaluate the publication bias. A two-sided P < 0.05 denoted statistical significance. Results: 10 articles were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 1282 children having acute gastroenteritis. The use of Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute gastroenteritis could effectively shorten diarrhea duration (MD = 19.70, 95% CI: -24.87, 14.52) and reduce the length of hospital stay (MD = -0.91, 95% CI: -1.28, -0.54). Compared with the control group, the RR of continued diarrhea was significantly lower in the treatment group after 1 day treatment (RR = -0.31, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.03) and 3 days treatment (RR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.66). In addition, treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii reduced the average number of diarrhea after 3 days of treatment by about 1.03 (MD = -1.03, 95% CI: -1.53, -0.53). There were no adverse drug reactions in both groups. Conclusion: The use of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii can significantly improve the symptoms of diarrhea in children with acute gastroenteritis and reduce the duration of diarrhea symptoms and the time of hospitalization. Meanwhile, the RR of continued diarrhea in children after 1 and 3 days of Saccharomyces boulardii treatment and the frequency of diarrhea after 3 days of Saccharomyces boulardii treatment were decreased. It is also safe and does not increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions.