[The current problems of persistent diarrhea in children].

Although incidence of persistent diarrhea episodes is lower than the incidence of acute diarrhea episodes (5%), the former is, due to its consequences--including great mortality--, a problem in pediatric practice. The authors present a synthesis of the topical knowledge of persistent diarrhea in children in developing countries. After the definition, incidence and impact of the persistent diarrhea and of its risk and prognostic factors, the paper reports on the main physiopathological aspects involved. The treatment of the persistent diarrhea is presented in a concise manner; both the dietary and drug treatments are recommended.