Background. Acute gastroenteritis is still an important cause of morbidity in infants and young children globally. Diarrhoea and vomiting can cause the loss of important fluids and electrolytes from the body. The aim of this work was to determine frequency changes of serum electrolytes and glucose concentrations in children with acute gastroenteritis and mild or moderate dehydration.
Materials and methods. A total of 44 6-48 (20±11) months aged patients were enrolled in the study at Vilnius University Children’s Hospital. Immediately after admission, a thorough clinical history of the patient was obtained, and a complete physcal examination was performed. Venous blood was obtained at admission for analysis and concentration of serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium) and glucose.
Results. The mean duration of gastroenteritis before admission was 31±17.5 h. Mild dehydratation was in 32 (72%) patients, moderate - in 12 (28%). Rotavirus antigen was found in 75% cases. Electrolyte disbalance in young children with acute gastroenteritis and mild or moderate dehydration was in 70.5% and glucose - in 61% cases. Hypocalcemia, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia was in 34%, 39% and 7%, retrospectively. Marked changes concentration of electrolytes determinated in 20% and marked hypoglycemia - in 18% patients.
Conclusions. Serum electrolyte balance in young children with acute gastroenteritis and mild or moderate dehydration commonly was disturbed, but marked only one from five cases. Concentrations of natrium, calcium and glucose mostly were reduced, potassium and chloride - little increased.
