Abstract
Introduction: Diarrhoea is worldwide health problem in paediatric patients. It is the second leading and primary cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood in India. Zinc deficiency is prevalent among children in developing countries and is one of the reasons which cause diarrhoea. WHO, UNICEF, IAP and NRHM have advocated the use of Zinc for the treatment of paediatric diarrhoea. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Zinc gluconate in Indian paediatric diarrhoea patients.
Methodology: Study was planned in 200 patients. The duration of the study was 5 days. There were 3 visits (Baseline, Day 3 and Day 5) planned. Efficacy assessment was made by studying the change in stool consistency (hard/soft/semisolid/ watery) and reduction in average stool frequency. Safety assessment was made by analysing the adverse events during the clinical trial. All the patients received Zinc gluconate solution (20mg/day) with ORS.
Results: Out of 200 patients, 182 patients completed the study. Efficacy assessment was made by analysis of change in stool consistency and frequency. As compared to baseline visit, it was found that in conclusion visit the patients with watery stools are shifted to soft and semisolid stool and some patients were found with hard stools. The average stool frequency at baseline visit was 7.07 which reduced to 3.5 in conclusion visit.
Conclusion: Zinc gluconate with ORS therapy is safe and efficacious in treatment of diarrhoea in Indian paediatric patients.
Keywords
- actinic kerstosis
- diclofenac gel
- non melanoma skin cancers.