Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

The approach to patients with gmrointestinal tract infections begins with a thorough mediCdI history, induding information about epidemiologic factors, a physiCdI examination, and knowledge of the pathophysiology of various enteropathogens. Gastrointestinal tract infections conduded with a wide range of symptom complexes and csn be produced by a variety of Mferopathogens. Most infectious diarrheal illnesses Cdn be dassified into one of several Cdtegories based on the causative agent, its pathophysiologic mechanism, and the dinicaJ response. These informations can then be used to determine the appropriate use of laboratory facilities and proper therapy. All patients with diarrhea require nonspecific support, but only for some cases, specific antimicrobial therapy is indiCdted to shorten the course of illness and eradicate fecal exarfion of the organism. (5)

The results of our study that illustrated in FifUres, No. 1-5 are induding:

Age distribution: infant 66.5% (fig.1), Sex distribution: Males 61.7%, Formula fe«Jing: 77% (fig 2), Established etiologic agent: In 82.5% stool cultures and smears were negative, E.coli 5.8%, salmonella 4.6%, Entamoeba histolytiCd 3.1%, Giardia lambelia 23% and shigella 1.7% (fig 3)

Dehydration status: 59% No detectable or mild dehydration (fig 4) Dehydration type: Isonatremic dehydration 87.5% (fig 5), and mortality rate was 2.1 %

Condusion: We assume viruses are the major cause of diarrhea in our patients.

Standard stool cultures and smears were negative in 82.5% of cases, but of course no viral studies were done.

The cornerstone of proper management is related to fluid and electrolyte therapy. In general, this therapy should indude oral replacement and maintenance with rehydration solutions such as those specified by the WHO. Early refeeding with breast milk should be encouraged as soon as dehydration is corrected. (5)

Despite this common belief that early rmeding is aggrevating diarrhea, it should be encouraged because prolonged with holding of keding frequently leads to chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. (72)