Diarrheal deaths in the United States, 1979 through 1987: a special problem for the elderly

Article Abstract:

Studies of deaths from diarrhea usually focus on young children because they are thought to be at greatest risk. However, the elderly may be at risk as well because of their susceptibility to dehydration, weakened immunity, and frequent institutionalization. Such deaths may also be preventable through replacement of lost fluids (oral rehydration therapy), control of the spread of infection in health care settings, and vaccines against specific causes. Mortality data from the National Center for Health Care Statistics for the period 1979 through 1987 show that more than half of all diarrheal deaths occurred among the elderly. The elderly often suffered from unrelated conditions, such as heart disease, which make diarrhea potentially more serious. Oral rehydration could be lifesaving in these cases. The annual distribution of diarrheal infection shows a winter peak, suggesting an infectious cause. Nursing home residents are at especially high risk for diarrheal deaths, as are white women, perhaps because they make up the largest segment of nursing home residents. White women were also more likely to die of diarrhea than other groups. The only group that had an increase in the diarrhea rate was males between 25 and 54 years of age, located on the northeast and west coasts, areas corresponding with the highest rates of AIDS. Diarrheal deaths among young children declined during the study period. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aged, Elderly, Risk factors

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Trends of diarrheal disease - associated mortality in US children, 1968 through 1991

Article Abstract:

Deaths from diarrhea and its complications can be prevented by recognizing danger signs and starting early rehydration or other appropriate treatment. A total of 14,137 deaths were linked to diarrhea in U.S. children, mostly infants, between 1968 and 1991. The number of deaths dropped from 1,455 in 1968 to 299 in 1985, but has stabilized since then. Improvements in baby care may have contributed to the decline in diarrheal deaths between 1968 and 1985. Nonwhite children who live in the South have the greatest risk of death. Complications from diarrhea include electrolyte disorders, cardiac arrest, shock, and vomiting. Mothers and health care workers should be educated about this problem and devote greater attention to diarrhea in infants.

Children, Child health

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Diarrheal mortality in US infants: influence of birth weight on risk factors for death

Article Abstract:

Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants are at increased risk of developing potentially fatal diarrhea. Researchers analyzed data on all infants who died from diarrhea in the US in 1991. Of the 257 deaths from diarrhea, more than half occurred in VLBW infants. These infants had a 100-fold greater risk of fatal diarrhea compared to low-birth-weight infants. In VLBW infants, prematurity and a low Apgar score were linked to fatal diarrhea. Among low-birth-weight infants, African-American race and mothers with little education were linked to fatal diarrhea.

Infants (Premature), Birth weight, Low, Premature infants, Low birth weight, Infant mortality, Diarrhea in children, Childhood diarrhea

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