Treatment of mild to moderate dehydration in children with oral rehydration therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To review current literature on the effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) in the treatment of mild to moderate dehydration in children.


METHODS
Recommendations from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), World Health Organization (WHO), selected research articles (2000-2006), and Internet sources.


CONCLUSIONS
Dehydration is a common diagnosis in pediatric primary care. The literature indicates that dehydration is more often treated with intravenous (IV) therapy when ORT would be equally effective. ORT is an effective treatment for children with mild to moderate dehydration. ORT could be used more frequently rather than IV rehydration therapy. The use of ORT versus traditional methods of IV hydration matches the nursing philosophy of holistic care by enhancing client comfort and autonomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Current practice in the treatment of mild to moderate dehydration in children does not match both AAP and WHO guidelines, which are based on evidence supporting ORT effectiveness. Treatment with ORT allows children more flexibility to be treated at home and thus decreases hospital stay. Evidence shows that the time required to initiate ORT is actually quicker than IV therapy and allows for a less stressful therapy that can be performed in the home.
Diggins
Kristene C
KC
Parker Internal Medicine, Charlotte, North Carolina 28173, USA. bj-kris_diggins@sil.org
D002648:Child; D003681:Dehydration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000150:complications; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018579:Patient Selection; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D015532:Rehydration Solutions