Hypo-osmolar sucrose oral rehydration solutions in acute diarrhoea: a pilot study

Based on studies showing improved absorption of hypo-osmolar oral rehydration solutions (ORS) with reduced glucose and sodium concentration, a hypo-osmolar ORS with sucrose replacing glucose (sodium 60, potassium 15, chloride 60, citrate 5, sucrose 58 mmol l-1, calculated osmolality 198 mOsm kg-1) was compared with mildly hyperosmolar glucose ORS (WHO) in 46 children aged 6-30 months with acute diarrhoea and dehydration. In the hypo-osmolar sucrose ORS group (n = 18) faecal output was less by 30% during the initial 24 and 48 h compared with controls, suggesting better absorption. Sucrose may be a suitable alternative to glucose in an absorption-efficient hypo-osmolar ORS.