Diagnosis and treatment protocol of acute diarrhea in pediatric patients in emergency room of hospital provincial general docente de Riobamba, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Acute diarrheal disease is defined as the presence of ≥3 stools in 24 hours, with a decrease in consistency and duration <14 days. According to WHO and UNICEF, 1 in 3 deaths in children are due to this disease, caused by microorganisms and transmitted by contaminated food or water or poor hygiene. Objective: To develop the diagnostic and treatment protocol for acute diarrhea in pediatric patients attending the General Provincial Teaching Hospital of Riobamba in 2024. Methods: The bibliographic search was carried out using the words "acute diarrhea in pediatric patients." The databases used included PubMed, SciELO, BioMed Central, Elsevier (SOCPUS), Medigraphic, E-book, Medline plus, UpToDate and WOS. Results: 50 investigations were identified between original articles and bibliographic reviews, 33 met the criteria to be included. Discussion: Gastroenteritis develops due to changes in the absorption and secretion of water and electrolytes through the intestinal mucosa, triggering dehydration. The child's hydration should be assessed, as this determines the patient's management. Diagnosis of diarrhea should include a detailed clinical history, clinical manifestations, physical examination, warning signs and risk factors, diagnostic and laboratory tests. Conclusions: Supportive care should be initiated without a confirmed etiological diagnosis, hydration and symptom relief are initiated, empirical or directed therapy is implemented according to the clinical presentation and study results (20). Therapy is based on the clinical characteristics of dehydration, hypovolemia and laboratory findings.