Comparison of oral rehydration with electrolytes solution and soy milk in acute diarrhea
Varavithya, W.; Chernchit, L.; Wongsaroj, P.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 63(11): 593-597
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 7193708 Document Number: 164438
Oral rehydration with electrolytes solution and soy milk electrolytes in mild to moderate fairly well nourished diarrheal patients were carried out. Group I consisting of 23 infants received soy milk electrolytes for rehydration, and in group II 23 patients received electrolytes solution in the first 24 h. Milk formula was given by mouth on the 2nd day. diluted human milk and breast milk were given by mouth after 24 h of rehydration in group II. Evaluation of the outcome of therapy revealed a significantly shortened recovery course in group II in which breast milk was given after oral electrolytes rehydration when compared to patients who received human milk (P = 0.05). Sugar malabsorption was found in 27-30% of the patients in this series. Only 5 patients had 1st degree malnutrition. Stool culture revealed 2 cases of Salmonella in group I and 3 case of Shigella in group II. Serum electrolytes were within normal limits except total CO2 content, which was persistently low despite the patients' clinical improvement. Technical error of sample collecting was the most likely explanation. For acute diarrheal disease in infants and children, oral rehydration with electrolytes sucrose solution, followed by breast milk would be most appropriate. When soy milk was given early, the patients tolerated it well but there was no overt advantage over others. Soy milk may not be necessary in acute diarrhea.