[Acute gastroenteritis and dehydration in infants]

Gastroenteritis continue to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The main objectives in the approach to a child with acute gastroenteritis are to assess the degree of dehydration and provide fluid and electrolyte replacement. The general agreement among paediatric gastroenterologists is to consider that the optimal management of acute gastroenteritis in mild to moderately dehydrated children in Europe should consist of the following practical guidelines: use of oral fast rehydration solution (ORS) to correct estimated dehydration over 3-4 hours using an hypo-osmolar solution; continuation of breast feeding throughout; early refeeding i.e. resumption of normal diet (without restriction of lactose intake) after 4 hours rehydration in most children, while maintaining supplementing fluids with ORS in order to prevent further dehydration; no unnecessary medication.