Study on Renal Function in Acute Diarrheal Disease with Dehydration

Abstract

Background: Decreasing trend of exclusive breast feeding and faulty practices of bottle-feeding play an important role in the causes of acute diarrhoea. The main cause of death in acute diarrhoea is dehydration, which results from the loss of fluid and electrolytes in diarrheal stools. The present work was planned to assess renal function (Blood Urea and Serum Creatinine) in acute diarrheal disease with dehydration.Subjects and Methods: The present hospital based prospective study was conducted at department of paediatrics GSL Medical College & General Hospital, Rajahmundry, which includes consecutive patients attending OPD and inpatients in view of acute diarrhea between 1 month and 5years of age. A detailed history from the patients with acute gastroenteritis was taken .The procedure of the study was explained &required consent for the study was taken. Examination of the patient was done & all relevant data was obtained.Results: B. Urea levels were elevated (>35mg/dl) in 35.1% cases and normal in 64.9% cases with mean being 44.93 mg/dl. S.Creatinine levels were elevated(>0.7mg/dl) in 32% cases and rest having normal levels with mean being 0.68mg/dl. Maximum age incidence was found in age group of less than 1 yr (50.5%).Conclusion: The present study aimed at noting the biochemical changes in patients having acute diarrhoea. Like any other electrolyte abnormalities which occur in conditions other than diarhoea, are basically asymptomatic & does not require aggressive correction of electrolytes.