Use of a single solution for oral rehydration and maintenance therapy of infants with diarrhea and mild to moderate

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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

M B Cohen1, A G Mezoff, D W Laney

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.

Pediatrics
|May 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This study found both glucose-based (Pedialyte) and rice syrup solids-based (Infalyte) oral rehydration solutions effectively rehydrate infants with mild to moderate dehydration. Infalyte showed greater sodium absorption in the first 24 hours.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Acute diarrhea is a common cause of dehydration in infants.
  • Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the standard treatment for mild to moderate dehydration.
  • Two commonly used ORS in the US are glucose-based (Pedialyte) and rice syrup solids-based (Infalyte).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of Pedialyte and Infalyte in rehydrating infants with mild to moderate dehydration.
  • To assess fluid, sodium, and potassium absorption and retention between the two ORS groups.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized study involving 60 infant boys (≤ 2 years old) with mild to moderate dehydration.
  • Infants received either a glucose-based ORS (Pedialyte) or a rice syrup solids-based ORS (Infalyte).
  • Clinical outcomes, intake, output, and absorption/retention of electrolytes were measured.

Main Results:

  • Both ORS effectively rehydrated all infants without the need for intravenous fluids.
  • No significant differences were observed in time to rehydration, weight gain, ORS consumption, or stool output.
  • Infalyte demonstrated greater apparent sodium absorption compared to Pedialyte within the first 24 hours.

Conclusions:

  • Both Pedialyte and Infalyte are effective oral rehydration solutions for infants with mild to moderate dehydration.
  • The study suggests potential benefits of using a single ORS for both rehydration and maintenance phases.
  • Further research could explore the long-term acceptance and efficacy of single-solution strategies in clinical practice.
Abstract

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