Acceptability and efficacy of a gel hypotonic oral rehydration solution in children with acute gastroenteritis

Oral rehydration solution remains the mainstay of acute gastroenteritis therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptability of a new zinc-containing hypotonic super-oral rehydration solution (ORS) in a gel formulation and its efficacy in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea in children.

This was a randomized-controlled trial of children (5-36 months of age) observed for diarrhea lasting less than 24 h. Children were randomized to receive standard hypotonic ORS (group 1) or a gel hypotonic super-ORS containing zinc (group 2). The main study outcome was ORS intake in the first 24 h. ORS intake at 4 h, rate of diarrhea resolution at 72 h of treatment, total duration and severity of diarrhea, hospitalization, and adverse effects were also evaluated.

Eighty-three children were enrolled (group 1: 40; group 2: 43). The amount of ORS consumed at 24 h was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. A similar result was observed at 4 h. The number of children who refused ORS (<10 ml/kg/day) was lower in group 2 versus group 1 (P=0.001). The number of children presenting diarrhea after 72 h of treatment was lower in group 2 versus group 1 (P=0.028). Also, the mean duration of diarrhea was shorter in group 2 than in group 1 (P=0.001). The hypotonic super-ORS containing zinc in a gel formulation had a positive effect on the severity of diarrhea. No patient required hospitalization. No adverse events were observed in either of the two study groups.

The new zinc-containing hypotonic super-ORS in a gel formulation is effective in the management of childhood acute gastroenteritis.