"Cholera solution" in short bowel syndrome

An oral glucose and electrolyte solution (glucose 120 mmole/liter, Na 100 mEq/liter K 10 mEq/liter, Cl 70 mEq/liter, HCO3 40mEq/liter) was used successfully in a patient with the short bowel syndrome. We believe this solution reversed fluid and electrolyte losses and was responsible for her clinical improvement.