Tropical pediatrics

Abstract

Tropical pediatrics often is more a study of the consequences of poverty than of exotic infections. Pediatricians involved with the care of children in or from the tropics must deal with poverty, place an appropriate emphasis on preventive medicine, and seek to bridge their own cultural and linguistic barriers. Malaria, diarrheal disease, and malnutrition account for a large part of pediatric morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. P falciparum can cause severe malarial disease. Treatment must be initiated promptly; resistance to antimalarial drugs is possible. Hygienic and nutritional prevention of diarrhea must be coupled with widespread use of oral rehydration therapy for acute cases of diarrhea. Identification and early treatment of mildly malnourished children can prevent some of the mortality of overt marasmus and kwashiorkor.