Morbidity from excessive intake of high energy fluids: the 'squash drinking syndrome'.
OBJECTIVE
To identify children suffering morbidity from excessive intake of energy from fluids.


METHODS
Prospective enrolment of outpatients in a supervised reduction of energy rich fluid intake.


METHODS
Outpatient paediatric clinic.


METHODS
Eight children (four boys, mean age 20.8 months, mean duration of symptoms seven months) who were referred with non-specific symptoms such as poor appetite, poor behaviour at mealtimes, poor weight gain, and loose stools.


RESULTS
All children were able to reduce their intake of energy rich fluids, as prescribed. All children demonstrated an improvement in symptoms and an increase in weight.


CONCLUSIONS
A careful dietary history, which includes documentation of fluid intake may identify children whose intake of high energy drinks may be excessive. The pathogenesis, symptoms, and response to treatment of these patients are consistent enough to be regarded as a distinct clinical entity: the 'squash drinking syndrome'.
Hourihane
J O
JO
Department of Child Health, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton General Hospital.
Rolles
C J
CJ
D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002957:Citrus; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology; D004326:Drinking; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013577:Syndrome; D015430:Weight Gain