Oral rehydration of infants with hypernatremic dehydration due to acute gastroenteritis

Twenty-five infants with hypernatremic dehydration due to acute gastroenteritis were given oral rehydration therapy (ORT). The patients received a glucose-electrolyte solution (such as that recommended by the World Health Organization) over six hours (2:1 rotating method). Twenty-three patients were successfully rehydrated within 48 hours after onset of therapy, while the two remaining patients attained normal serum Na+ levels within 72 hours. Acidosis was noted in 10 patients which disappeared in 24 hours.