Background Using herbal medicine and supplements in treatment of pediatric diarrhea is used by around 80% of people worldwide. Sagwa is popularly used mainly in rural areas in Iraq. Potential toxicity may include neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic effects. Its potential toxicity includes neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and cardiotoxic effects. Aim This study was carried out to determine the morbidity and mortality linked to Sagwa use in acute gastroenteritis in infants with contributing factors. Patients and Methods A prospective case-control study in Al-Fallujah, Iraq from July 1 st , 2022, to Jan 1 st , 2023. Infants with acute diarrhea were enrolled and classified based on Sagwa exposure status (exposed vs non-exposed). The cases were infants who had received Sagwa prior to hospital presentation, while controls were age- and sex-matched without Sagwa exposure. The data of patients included: the number of times of having Sagwa, the duration between exposure and hospital admission, duration of hospital stay, the grandmother responsibility, the severity of dehydration, the presence of renal failure, the need for dialysis, convulsion, coma and death. Results The study included 50 cases and 50 controls. No significant differences in age and sex were observed but there was a significant association with rural residence, not educated mothers, grandma responsibility, severe dehydration, convulsions, and death. No significant differences were observed considering renal failure, dialysis and coma. Combining oral and scalp administration was significantly associated with convulsions and renal failure. Conclusion Sagwa use in infants with diarrhea associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Public health interventions targeting caregivers are essential to reduce this preventable risk.
Huweidy et al. (Tue,) studied this question.