Racecadotril for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children received outpatient care in Qatar
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Keywords
Racecadotril, Gastroenteritis, Electrolyte replacement solution, Dehydration
Abstract
Introduction: Acute gastroenteritis is a clinical syndrome often defined by increased stool frequency (eg, ≥3 loose or watery stools in 24 hours, also it is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years in the developing world. Racecadotril is an antisecretory agent that can prevent fluid/electrolyte depletion from the bowel as a result of acute diarrhea without affecting intestinal motility. Research question or hypothesis: To investigate whether prescribing Racecadotril plus oral rehydrating solution in outpatient care helps to decrease the hospital revisit rate within 72 hours due to acute gastroenteritis in comparison with oral rehydrating solution alone. Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Pediatric patients aged 3 months to 14 years visited Al Wakra Pediatric emergency department due to acute gastroenteritis for outpatient care in the period between 1/1/2022 till 30/06/2022 were included. Case group was defined as patients who prescribed oral rehydrating solution plus Racecadotril upon their initial visit. Control group was defined as patients who prescribed only oral rehydrating solution upon their initial visit. Results: 2505 pediatric patients were included, 520 patients were enrolled in the control group, and 1985 patients were included in the case group. Most patients in both groups were 1 to 5 years old (67% in control group, and 59% in case group). The hospital revisit rate within 72 hours due to gastroenteritis was slightly less in case group 7.1% in comparison with 7.5% in control group (Relative risk 0.95, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.34). Most patients (88%) who revisited the hospital due to gastroenteritis within 72 hours showed no or mild signs of clinical dehydration in their initial visit (77% in control group, and 93% in case group) Conclusion: Racecadotril was found to have insignificant impact on hospital revisit rate in acute pediatric gastroenteritis managed at outpatient setting
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