Nathoo et al reported risk factors for mortality in children admitted to the hospital with dysentery in Zimbabwe. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the University of Zimbabwe.
Patient selection: age 1 month to 12 years admitted for bloody diarrhea due to Shigella dysenteriae type 1
Outcome: death
Predictors of mortality from multivariate analysis (with odds ratios ranging from 1.6 to 2.1):
(1) body temperature < 36°C
(2) severe dehydration
(3) serum potassium > 5.5 mmol/L (hyperkalemia)
(4) serum sodium < 120 mmol/L (hyponatremia)
(5) blood urea > 8 mmol/L
(6) abdominal distention
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
