Acute Infectious Diarrhea - Duke Pediatrics Intranet

Illustrative Cases, cont.• A four-week-old female twin born at 37 weeks of gestation had large,watery diarrheal stools five to six times per day for three to four days,with some vomiting. She was taking formula and no clear liquids. Hertwin sister had a similar but less severe illness. The infant's neonatalcourse was normal. At two weeks of age she weighed 2.36 kg (5 lb, 3oz).• On physical examination, the infant weighed 2.05 kg (4 lb, 8 oz), with arespiratory rate of 40 and a heart rate of 120. Her temperature was 38.5C and her blood pressure measurement was 30/0 mm Hg. The patientwas lethargic and weakly responsive, with cool extremities. Herskin turgor was decreased, and capillary refilling time was about 3.0seconds.• Results of laboratory tests included the following: sodium level, 145mEq per L (145 mmol per L); potassium level, 4.2 mEq per L (4.2 mmolper L); bicarbonate level, 12 mEq per L (12 mmol per L); blood ureanitrogen level, 25 mg per dL (8.9 mmol per L); and creatinine level, 0.8mg per dL (70 µmol per L).•Rotazyme positive. Diagnosis rotovirus.