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A common, symptom-based case definition for gastroenteritis

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Published in:Epidemiology and Infection vol. 136, no. 7 (Jul 2008), p. 886-894
Main Author: MAJOWICZ, S E
Other Authors: HALL, G, SCALLAN, E, ADAK, G K, GAUCI, C, JONES, T F, O'BRIEN, S, HENAO, O, SOCKETT, P N
Published:
Cambridge University Press
Subjects:
Age Factors
Australia > epidemiology
Biomedical Research > standards
Canada > epidemiology
Child, Preschool
Epidemiologic Methods
Epidemiologic Research Design
Female
Gastroenteritis > diagnosis
Gastroenteritis > epidemiology
Gastroenteritis > physiopathology
Humans
Incidence
Infant
Ireland > epidemiology
Male
Malta > epidemiology
United States > epidemiology
Ireland
United States > US
Canada
Australia
Malta
Vomiting
Gastrointestinal diseases
Collaboration
Population-based studies
Diarrhea
Public health
Morbidity
Illnesses
Surveillance
Irritable bowel syndrome
Epidemiology
Social
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Abstract:SUMMARY National studies determining the burden of gastroenteritis have defined gastroenteritis by its clinical picture, using symptoms to classify cases and non-cases. The use of different case definitions has complicated inter-country comparisons. We selected four case definitions from the literature, applied these to population data from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta and the United States, and evaluated how the epidemiology of illness varied. Based on the results, we developed a standard case definition. The choice of case definition impacted on the observed incidence of gastroenteritis, with a 1·5-2·1 times difference between definitions in a given country. The proportion of cases with bloody diarrhoea, fever, and the proportion who sought medical care and submitted a stool sample also varied. The mean age of cases varied by <5 years under the four definitions. To ensure comparability of results between studies, we recommend a standard symptom-based case definition, and minimum set of results to be reported. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]   National studies determining the burden of gastroenteritis have defined gastroenteritis by its clinical picture, using symptoms to classify cases and non-cases. The use of different case definitions has complicated inter-country comparisons. We selected four case definitions from the literature, applied these to population data from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta and the United States, and evaluated how the epidemiology of illness varied. Based on the results, we developed a standard case definition. The choice of case definition impacted on the observed incidence of gastroenteritis, with a 1.5-2.1 times difference between definitions in a given country. The proportion of cases with bloody diarrhoea, fever, and the proportion who sought medical care and submitted a stool sample also varied. The mean age of cases varied by <5 years under the four definitions. To ensure comparability of results between studies, we recommend a standard symptom-based case definition, and minimum set of results to be reported.
ISSN:0950-2688
1469-4409
DOI:10.1017/S0950268807009375
Source:Health & Medical Collection