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Assessment of the effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy against severe diarrheal dehydration
S P Pulungsih1, A Ittiravivongs, Sutoto
1Infectious Diseases Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
Proper preparation of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is crucial for effectively treating severe dehydration in children with diarrhea. Incorrect ORT preparation significantly reduces its effectiveness, highlighting the need for accurate usage guidance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in children under five globally.
- Severe dehydration from diarrhea is a critical condition requiring prompt and effective treatment.
- Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is a cornerstone intervention for managing dehydration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) preparation in preventing severe dehydration among young children with diarrhea.
- To evaluate the impact of proper versus improper ORT preparation on treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based case-control study was conducted with 202 children (≤24 months) experiencing acute watery diarrhea.
- Children were classified as cases (severe dehydration) or controls (non-severe dehydration) based on WHO criteria.
- Mothers were interviewed regarding ORT preparation methods, and effectiveness was calculated using odds ratios and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The effectiveness of ORT against severe diarrheal dehydration was 72.1% when prepared properly.
- Improper preparation of ORT reduced its effectiveness to 63.2%.
- Logistic regression analysis controlled for potential confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Proper preparation of ORT significantly enhances its effectiveness in treating severe dehydration caused by diarrhea in young children.
- Inadequate ORT preparation compromises treatment efficacy, underscoring the importance of correct administration techniques.
- Healthcare providers should emphasize and demonstrate correct ORT preparation to caregivers to maximize its benefits.
Abstract:
A hospital based case-control study for assessing the effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) preparation against severe dehydration due to diarrhea was conducted at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. A total of 202 children aged 24 months or less who attending the hospital were suffering from acute watery diarrhea were recruited in the study. Those who were severely dehydrated as assessed by WHO criteria were accounted as cases; those who were non-severely dehydrated were accounted as controls. There were 59 cases and 143 controls. A questionnaire was used to interview all study subjects' mothers about ORT usage and various risk factors. Mothers who used ORT were asked to show how they prepared either oral rehydration solution (ORS) or sugar salt solution (SSS). Effectiveness of ORT against severe diarrheal dehydration was based on the formula for assessment of vaccine efficacy by using the odds ratio (OR). With the use of the logistic regression method, an adjusted OR was obtained after controlling various confounders. The effectiveness of ORT against severe diarrheal dehydration was 72.1% for proper ORT preparation and was decreased to 63.2% when ORT was improperly prepared.