Treatment of acute gastroenteritis in Austria. Results on the basis of a europewide comparison in an ESPGHAN multicenter study

Hauer, A. C.; Hoekstra, J. H.; Sandhu, Bhupinder; Szajewska, H.

Abstract

Background. An ESPGHAN multicenter study was performed to determine for the first time how closely current european treatment of infant acute gastroenteritis compares with the ESPGHAN recommendations. Here the austrian results are analysed on the basis of a europewide comparison. Methods. A questionnaire addressing the management of a 6-month-old infant with acute gastroenteritis and mild to moderate dehydration was circulated by national coordinators to randomly selected primary care physicians and paediatricians. Results. The majority of european physicians would use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) for rehydration and would recommend to continue breastfeeding at all times. However, only a minority would follow the remaining recommendations such as use of an ORS with 60 mmol Na+/l, exclusive rehydration for 3-4 hours only, fast realimentaion with normal feed including an undiluted lactose-containing formula and use of ORS to replace ongoing losses from watery diarrhea. The same practical approach is seen in Austria. However, paediatricians - in contrast to the primary care physicians - followed the ESPGHAN recommendations slightly more appropriately than the european average. Conclusion. Primary care physicians and paediatricians both in Austria and in most other european countries have to be informed more consequently on the adequate treatment of childhood acute gastroenteritis.

Citation

Hauer, A. C., Hoekstra, J. H., Sandhu, B., & Szajewska, H. (2003). Treatment of acute gastroenteritis in Austria. Results on the basis of a europewide comparison in an ESPGHAN multicenter study. Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde, 151(5), 532-538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00112-002-0511-2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: May 1, 2003
• Journal: Monatsschrifft Kinderheilkunde
• Print ISSN: 0026-9298
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 151
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 532-538
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00112-002-0511-2
• Keywords: gastroenteritis, Austria, Europe
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1070065
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00112-002-0511-2