Clinical experience with a hypotonic oral rehydration solution for treatment of pediatric gastroenteritis in the United Kingdom
Elliott, E.J.; Walker-Smith, J.A.; Farthing, M.J.; Hunt, J.; Cameron, D.
Clinical Therapeutics 12(Suppl): 86-94
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0149-2918 PMID: 2187614 Document Number: 363838
A new oral rehydration solution (ORS), reformulated Dioralyte (RD), containing sodium 60 mmol/litre and glucose 90 mmol/litre with an osmolality of 240 mosm/kg, was compared for safety and efficacy in 32 children in the UK with standard Dioralyte (SD), a widely used low-Na high-glucose solution containing Na 35 mmol/litre and glucose 200 mmol/litre with an osmolality of 310 mosm/kg. Infants and children aged 2 weeks to 3 years admitted with acute gastroenteritis of less than five days' duration and mild to moderate dehydration were randomized to receive either RD or SD. No adverse effects from either ORS were reported. Efficacy was evaluated in 24 patients, of whom 8 received RD and 16 SD. Total ORS intake and intake in ml/kg were similar in both treatment groups. Mean fluid balance, mean percentage weight change, and median stool frequency did not differ between the groups at 12, 24, and 48 h after onset of treatment. Results suggested that RD was safe in children with predominantly viral gastroenteritis, mild to moderate dehydration and minimal electrolyte disturbance.