Outcome of cases of persistent diarrhea after discharge.

After recovery from persistent diarrhea, some children have recurrent episodes of diarrhea and associated problems. We undertook this study to identify the risk factors responsible for this relapse. All patients reporting at 1 month follow up since discharge, with > 7 diarrheal days, or inadequate weight gain compared to the weight at discharge, constituted the failure group. All others constituted the non-failure group. Various risk factors were studied in 21 cases (failure group), and 42 controls (non-failure group). Univariate analysis revealed a significant association of hospital stay < 5 days (OR 10.6; 95% CI 3.13-36), working mothers (OR 8.5; 95% CI 2.5-27), poor socioeconomic status (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.4-14) and presence of younger sibling (OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.1-12.6) with failed outcome. On logistic regression analysis, only hospital stay < 5 days (OR 11.7; 95% CI 1.02-134.68) and female children (OR 17.65; 95% CI 1.26-246) remained significant. We therefore conclude, that a short hospital stay, limited optimal contact and limited health education adversely affects the outcome. Pediatricians should be more cautious while managing female children.