The Effect of 14-day Oral Zinc Supplementation in 12-36-Month- Old Children with Acute Watery Diarrhea and Failure to Thrive at Outpatient Clinics

Diarrheal diseases are the most common health problems in developing countries and have an important role in malnutrition of children. Zinc deficiency is usually present in patients with failure to thrive and diarrhea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 14-day course of supplemental zinc administration in children with acute watery diarrhea and failure to thrive. This study was performed on 71 children, aged 12 to 36 months, with acute watery diarrhea and failure to thrive of two outpatient pediatric clinics of Kashan. Patients were enrolled into two groups (zinc group and control group). Duration of diarrhea and the average of diarrheal episodes were recorded. Data were analyzed by the use of Chi-squared test, odds ratio and unpaired t-test. Using t-test, this study showed that the average of diarrheal episodes was significantly lower in the zinc group (4.93 1.21vs. 8.61 1.92 respectively). Diarrhea more than seven days was not significantly lower in the zinc group (odds ratio= 0.617 and 95% CI=0.18-2.08) however, diarrhea more than fourteen days was significantly lower in the zinc group (Chi-square=4.512 and P value=0.034).