Polymer-based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea.
BACKGROUND
Acute diarrhoea is one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality among children in low-income countries. Glucose-based ORS helps replace fluid and prevent further dehydration from acute diarrhoea. Since 2004, the World Health Organization has recommended the osmolarity < 270 mOsm/L (ORS </= 270 ) over the > 310 mOsm/L formulation (ORS >/= 310). Glucose polymer-based ORS (eg prepared using rice or wheat) slowly releases glucose and may be superior.


OBJECTIVE
To compare polymer-based ORS with glucose-based ORS for treating acute watery diarrhoea.


METHODS
In September 2008, we searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 3), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and mRCT. We also contacted researchers, organizations, and pharmaceutical companies, and searched reference lists.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials of people with acute watery diarrhoea (cholera and non-cholera associated) comparing polymer-based and glucose-based ORS (with identical electrolyte contents).


METHODS
Two authors independently assessed the search results and risk of bias, and extracted data. In multiple treatment arms with two or more treatment groups, we combined outcomes as appropriate and compared collectively with the control group.


RESULTS
Thirty-four trials involving 4214 participants met the inclusion criteria: 27 in children, five in adults and two in both. Twelve trials used adequate methods to conceal allocation. Most compared polymer-based ORS with ORS >/= 310. There were fewer unscheduled intravenous infusions in the polymer-based ORS group compared with glucose-based ORS (ORS >/= 310 and </= 270 groups combined) (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.95; 2235 participants, 19 trials). Adults positive for Vibrio cholerae had a shorter duration of diarrhoea with polymer-based ORS than with ORS </= 270 (MD -7.11 hours, SD -11.91 to -2.32; 228 participants, 4 trials). Wheat-based ORS resulted in lower total stool output in the first 24 hours compared with ORS </= 270 (MD -119.85 g/kg, SD -114.73 to -124.97; 129 participants, 2 trials). Adverse effects were similar for polymer-based ORS and glucose-based ORS.


CONCLUSIONS
Polymer-based ORS shows some advantages compared to ORS >/= 310 for treating all-cause diarrhoea, and in diarrhoea caused by cholera. Comparisons favoured the polymer-based ORS over ORS </= 270, but the analysis was underpowered. If specialists consider a potential role for polymer-based ORS, further trials against the current standard (ORS </= 270) will be required.
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Taft Avenue, Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines, 1000. germana1@hotmail.com
Germana V
GV
Gregorio
Maria Liza M
ML
Gonzales
Leonila F
LF
Dans
Elizabeth G
EG
Martinez
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002771:Cholera / Q000150:complications; D003681:Dehydration / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011108:Polymers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011108:Polymers; D015532:Rehydration Solutions