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[Gastroenteritis in children. Peroral rehydration, intravenous fluid therapy and nutrition]
1Barneklinikken Rikshospitalet, Oslo.
Insights
Oral rehydration treatment is a key management strategy for pediatric gastroenteritis, offering advantages over traditional methods. Modern nutritional therapy for gastroenteritis emphasizes early feeding and avoids lactose restriction due to reduced secondary lactose intolerance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Nutrition
Context:
- Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is increasingly adopted in Western hospitals for pediatric gastroenteritis management, drawing from global experiences.
- Traditional nutritional interventions for gastroenteritis, such as bowel rest and lactose avoidance, are being re-evaluated.
- Advances in understanding secondary lactose intolerance have shifted therapeutic approaches.
Purpose:
- To discuss the advantages, limitations, and practical application of oral rehydration treatment in pediatric gastroenteritis.
- To provide guidelines for the clinical examination and intravenous fluid management of dehydrated children.
- To review current research on nutritional management strategies for pediatric gastroenteritis.
Summary:
- This paper reviews the use of oral rehydration treatment for pediatric gastroenteritis, detailing its benefits and practical considerations.
- It outlines clinical assessment of dehydration in children and offers guidance on intravenous fluid therapy.
- The review highlights updated research on nutritional management, emphasizing a move away from traditional bowel rest and lactose restriction due to decreased incidence of secondary lactose intolerance.
Impact:
- Promotes evidence-based nutritional practices in pediatric gastroenteritis care.
- Supports the effective implementation of oral rehydration therapy in clinical settings.
- Reduces unnecessary dietary restrictions, improving patient outcomes and recovery.
Abstract:
In pediatrics, oral rehydration treatment is increasingly used in the management of gastroenteritis, and based on third world experiences, it is becoming used also in hospitals in western countries. In this paper, the advantages, limitations and practical use of oral rehydration treatment are discussed. Clinical examination of dehydrated children is described, and guidelines are given for intravenous fluid treatment. Furthermore, the article reviews modern research on the nutritional management of gastroenteritis. The incidence of secondary lactose intolerance has been dramatically reduced in recent decades, and this necessitates some changes in our traditional nutritional therapy. Rest of the bowels, and removal of lactose from the diet are seldom justified.