Treatment of Gastroenteritis in Children

Guideline adherence was associated with 50% lower costs in the treatment of outpatients with uncomplicated acute gastroenteritis.

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the most common health problems of children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC have published guidelines for treating AGE, stressing oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and recommending against routine laboratory testing (electrolyte measurement, organism identification). Now, researchers in Seattle have used the Pediatric Health Information System database (which includes records for 17 of the 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas and 70% of free-standing children's hospitals) to study adherence to guidelines for AGE.

From January 2001 through September 2006, 188,873 children aged 6 months to 6 years were treated for AGE; 14,279 (8%) were admitted to the hospital. Intravenous antibiotics were given t…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Treatment of Gastroenteritis in Children

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Reviewing Author