Serum electrolytes in children admitted with diarrhoeal dehydration managed with simple salt sugar solution
Nathoo, K.J.; Glyn-Jones, R.; Nhembe, M.
Central African Journal of Medicine 33(8): 200-204
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 3451801 Document Number: 352889
Diarrheal diseases constitute a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe. Since 1982, it has been the policy in Zimbabwe to use home-based Salt Sugar Solution (SSS) as standard Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) therapy for both prevention and management of dehydration. The recommended formula is incomplete, lacking both potassium and bicarbonate. It may not, therefore, be as efficacious as complete ORS for the prevention or correction of hypokalemia and acidosis during diarrhea. For this reason, a study was carried out at Harare Central Hospital to assess the type and prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in dehydrated children who had previously been managed with oral salt sugar solution for acute gastroenteritis. 121 such referred patients had their serum urea and electrolytes estimated on admission prior to further management in the Unit; .38 (27.5%) cases of hypokalemia, 12 (8.9%) of hypernatremia, 52 (5.5%) of hypoatremia and 65 (45.7%) of severe acidosis (bicarbonate level 10 mmol/1) were documented. It is concluded that simple salt sugar solution is ideal for the prevention of dehydration but in cases of established dehydration the WHO complete formula is more appropriate for combating hypokalemia and severe metabolic acidosis.