[Histological findings of the small intestinal mucosa in rotavirus infections in infants and young children]

Abstract

In a prospective study we performed small intestinal mucosal biopsies in 40 children with acute rotavirus diarrhoea. Biopsies were taken from these children between the 2nd to 10th day of acute phase. The children were at an age of less than 18 month. 95% of the patients had normal histological findings of the small intestinal mucosa. Only 2 children (5%) had well defined injuries of intestinal mucosa. Correlations were not found between clinical findings, morphological results and therapy. In one child with gastroenteritis and meningitis rotaviruses were found in cerebrospinal fluid. In 31.25% of all children rotavirus infection was acquired by a nosocomial infection. The treatment of rotavirus infection is symptomatic. Usually intestinal mucosal biopsy as a routine diagnostic method isn't recommended and it should be used only in intractable courses.