Gastroenteritis: a continuing problem of child health in Britain.

A paediatric gastroenteritis unit had 608 admissions over 2 years. The children admitted were mostly under 6 months of age, had often been in hospital previously and were, as a group, underweight for their age. Severe biochemical disturbances, early complications, and death were significantly related and were almost entirely confined to the children under 6 months of age. There were 8 deaths (1-3%), 5 (0-8%) of which were associated with serious underlying disorders. Late complications related to food intolerance were found in 3%. Young infants with gastroenteritis are best cared for in units experienced in the management of acute metabolic disturbances in such patients, though highly specialised renal and gastrointestinal services are not essential. These units should provide continuing paediatric supervision.