Prevent dehydration
Small frequent liquid feeds should be given with added clear fluids such as salt-and-sugar solution, diluted juices or mildly sweetened tea, even when the child is vomiting.
Once the child shows signs of dehydration, ORT takes precedence over feeding. The clinical signs of dehydration are variable;30 the degree of dehydration is most accurately predicted with a combination of the observer’s experience,31 , 32 the measured acute weight loss, and the presence of metabolic acidosis.33 Placed together, these allow an assessment of whether dehydration is mild, moderate or severe. In particular, capillary filling time must be noted: a capillary refill time (CFT) >3 seconds in a dehydrated child indicates the need for intravenous resuscitation in addition to rehydration.
Intravenous fluids in dehydration
Severely dehydrated and shocked patients require intravenous resuscitation. Intravenous fluids are required in the following cases (in all others, ORT should be preferred):
• Resuscitation from shock
• Dehydration with severe acidosis and prolonged capillary refill time
• Severe abdominal distension and ileus
• An altered level of consciousness
• Resistant vomiting despite appropriate oral fluid administration
• Deterioration or lack of improvement after 4 hours of adequate oral fluids
Initially, an isotonic solution – such as Lactated Ringer’s or Normal Saline – should be chosen for resuscitation. If the circulation has improved after 1 - 2 boluses of 20 ml/kg, given rapidly, the fluid can be changed to a rehydration fluid such as half-strength Darrow’s solution with 5% dextrose, at a rate of 10 ml/kg/h. If the circulation has not improved after the second bolus, a third bolus of 20 ml/kg should be started, with transfer to hospital for intensive monitoring and care.
Patients receiving intravenous rehydration must be reassessed regularly, as the fluid administration rate may require adjustment, up or down, depending on the rate of improvement and ongoing loss.
ORT achieves faster rehydration and is associated with fewer admissions than parenteral rehydration.34 , 35 A hypotonic solution is recommended with a 45 - 65 mmol/l sodium content, approximately 2% glucose (111 mmol/l), and potassium and bicarbonate or citrate for alkali replenishment. Commercial rehydration solutions comply with these recommendations.
Oral rehydration solutions, provided in small frequent sips by teaspoon at a rate of 15 - 25 ml/kg/h, avoid gastric distension and vomiting. Manuals such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses,8 the South African Essential Drugs List (Hospital Level, Paediatrics) and the WHO Manual on the Management of Diarrhoea,9 provide recommended volumes of solutions to be given per hour. Most children are able to rehydrate within a few hours before they are ready to commence with small feeds. In the face of ongoing diarrhoea, extra fluids must still be offered for thirst and prevention of further dehydration.
Oral rehydration therapy is recommended Evidence Level A