Underutilisation of oral rehydration in the treatment of gastroenteritis.
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) has now been used successfully in many countries. The best indication of its effectiveness is a decrease in mortality, and this has been demonstrated in a number of studies in developing communities. In developed communities where mortality from acute diarrhoea is already low, ORT has been underutilised. Here, the general practitioner has a key role, and it is vitally important to appreciate that ORT is first-line treatment, with no place for drug therapy in most cases.
Walker-Smith
J A
JA
Academic Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Medical College of St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant