The Spectrum of Gastroenteritis at the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic,. Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, University of North Sumatera in 1982

Abstract

The number of children attending the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of Pirngadi Hospital, Medan, during 1982 was 15.375. Out of these, 1246 (8.1%) had gastroenteritis. Most of the patients (1046 or 83.94%) were under two years old. The male to female ratio was 1.6: I. The peak incidence for allendance was in January, April, and May. Of 1057 patients under five years old, 383 (36.2%) also had malnutrition. The highest percentage (70. 75%) of those who had malnutrition was found in the I to 2 years age group. Of 370 patients whose Hb level was examined, 185 (50%) had anemia. The highest percentage (67.02%) was in the below 1 year group. Only 360 (28.8%) of gastroenteritis cases received oral rehydration solution. There were 23 (1.85%) cases in which diarrhea lasted longer than 7 days. The number of patients admitted to the ward was 213 (17.07%), and the highest percentage was in the above 3 years age group. The largest number of hospitalized patients was in January (43), February (21), and April (28); while the highest percentage was in April (20.40%), June (21.42%) and August (31.42%). Peak rainfall in Medan during 1982 was in October, November, and December, i.e. much 322.2 mmm, 366.4 and 382 mm, respectively.

Keywords

• gastroenteritis; malnutrition; anemia;