BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) is common but not readily recognizable to primary care physicians and pediatricians. Most literature comes from East Asia and Western countries. Studies among the Filipino population are lacking. This study aimed to determine the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes, and provide knowledge for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study on pediatric patients diagnosed with CwG admitted at a tertiary hospital in the Philippines from January 2020 to December 2023. The study included patients 1-72 months old presenting with seizures accompanied by symptoms of gastroenteritis, without clinical signs of dehydration, electrolyte derangement, and fever (body temperatureRESULTS

Twenty patients met the criteria for CwG, aged 7-60 months, with a male:female ratio of 1:1. Most seizures were brief, generalized tonic-clonic occurring in clusters, with an average frequency of 3 per day. Laboratory findings, electroencephalogram, and neuroimaging results were mostly normal. Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) were prescribed in 65% (n=13), with levetiracetam being the most common. Most seizure clusters did not persist, and none needed additional ASM. Follow-up showed normal neurodevelopmental profiles.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that CwG is also encountered among Filipino children. The clinical characteristics align with the known presentation of CwG. Most patients had normal test results and a benign course. Given this selflimiting nature, extensive testing and unnecessary therapy are not recommended, and instead provision of adequate counseling to the caregivers is advocated.

Human ; Seizures ; Gastroenteritis

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of a selected population of patients on herbal dietary supplements (HDS).
METHOD: Methodological triangulation was used to generate a conceptual framework on HDS KAP. A survey of 175 patients was performed to measure knowledge and attitudes regarding HDS and SPSS was used for data analysis. Inverviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to further explore the attitudes and practices, and constant comparison method was used for analysis of responses.
RESULTS: Respondents were generally aware of HDS. Majority of survey respondents believed that HDS are different from conventional drugs (52.0%, p<0.05). However, knowledge on the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating HDS and understanding of "No Approved Therapeutic Claims" were poor.
The attitude toward HDS was generally positive. Majority (64.0%, p<0.05) were positive toward their perceived health benefits as claimed for the prevention of diseases, while a smaller percentage (46.9%, p<0.05) believed in their benefit for the treatment of diseases. A favorable attitude regardings HDS safety was observed due to the idea of their being "herbal" and "natural".
Among the survey respondents, only 22% were HDS users. Family was shown to promote use while cost deterred their use.
CONCLUSION: Individual knowledge and attitudes on HDS exert significant influence toward HDS practices. Factors that promote use are poor knowledge and positive attitudes toward HDS. Good knowledge seems to lead to judicious use or non-use.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Focus Groups ; United States Food And Drug Administration ; Awareness ; Perception ; Safety ; Attitude ; Dietary Supplements