Epidemiological Characteristics, Management Strategies and Outcome of Patients with Chronic Diarrhea in Tanta University Hospitals: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic diarrhea, defined as three or more abnormally loose stools lasting at least four weeks, affects approximately 5% of adults worldwide and poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of patients with chronic diarrhea treated at Tanta University Hospitals. Methods: This retrospective study included 854 patients aged >18 years with chronic diarrhea between January 2018 and October 2023. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed using R and Jamovi software. Results: The mean age was 40.32 ± 17.29 years, with 54.1% males. Common comorbidities included hypertension (17.6%) and diabetes mellitus (15.7%). Functional disorders were the leading cause (28.68%), followed by ulcerative colitis (18.97%) and drug-induced diarrhea (6.44%). Most patients (91%) were managed medically, with 4.7% requiring surgical intervention. Outcomes included improvement in 45.2%, remission in 23.8%, and cure in 10.8%. Relapse occurred in 7.9%, progression in 3.6%, and death in 2.6%. Conclusion: Functional disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases were the most common causes of chronic diarrhea. Medical management was the predominant treatment approach, yielding favorable outcomes in the majority of cases. Improved diagnostic accuracy and tailored therapeutic strategies are essential to optimize patient outcomes.