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Comparison of rice water, rice electrolyte solution, and glucose electrolyte solution in the management of infantile
Insights
Rice water (RW) and rice-based electrolyte solutions (RES) effectively treat acute gastroenteritis in infants. These rice-based treatments outperformed the World Health Organization's glucose electrolyte solution (GES) in reducing stool output and promoting weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis is a common cause of dehydration in infants.
- Oral rehydration therapy is the standard treatment for dehydration.
- Existing oral rehydration solutions may have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of rice water (RW) and rice-based electrolyte solution (RES) against the World Health Organization's (WHO) glucose electrolyte solution (GES) for treating acute gastroenteritis in infants.
- To evaluate the impact of these treatments on hydration status, stool output, and biochemical markers.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 150 infants under 6 months with acute gastroenteritis.
- Infants were treated with RW, RES, or GES.
- Hydration status, stool characteristics, and biochemical variables (serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine) were monitored before and after 48 hours of treatment.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in initial hydration status or biochemical markers among the groups.
- RW and RES groups showed significantly lower blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels after 48 hours compared to the GES group (p < 0.05).
- RW and RES were superior to GES in reducing stool frequency and volume, and in promoting weight gain. Serum potassium was lower in the RW group than in the RES group.
Conclusions:
- Rice water and rice-based electrolyte solutions are effective and potentially superior alternatives to glucose electrolyte solutions for oral rehydration in infants with acute gastroenteritis.
- These rice-based solutions may offer benefits in reducing dehydration markers and improving nutritional status.
- Further research into the optimal composition and use of rice-based oral rehydration solutions is warranted.
Abstract:
150 infants aged under 6 months and admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis were treated with rice water (RW), rice-based electrolyte solution (RES), and the glucose electrolyte solution (GES) recommended by the World Health Organisation. Two-thirds of the patients were moderately dehydrated and only 8% had positive stool culture. Vomiting, present in 11%, did not interfere with successful oral rehydration. Before treatment serum electrolytes and other biochemical variables were similar in the three groups. After 48 h of treatment the blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were lower (p less than 0.05) in the RW and RES group than in the GES group. Serum potassium was also lower in the RW than in the RES group. RW and RES were superior to GES in reducing the frequency and volume of stool output and in producing weight gain.