Acute diarrhea: evidence-based management.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the current recommendations on the best management of pediatric patients with acute diarrheal disease.


METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar.


METHODS
There has been little progress in the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) in recent decades, despite being widely reported by international guidelines. Several studies have been performed to improve the effectiveness of ORS. Intravenous hydration with isotonic saline solution, quickly infused, should be given in cases of severe dehydration. Nutrition should be ensured after the dehydration resolution, and is essential for intestinal and immune health. Dietary restrictions are usually not beneficial and may be harmful. Symptomatic medications have limited indication and antibiotics are indicated in specific cases, such as cholera and moderate to severe shigellosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydration and nutrition are the interventions with the greatest impact on the course of acute diarrhea.
Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil. Electronic address: katiabrandt@uol.com.br.
Kátia Galeão
KG
Brandt
Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.
Margarida Maria de
MM
Castro Antunes
Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.
Gisélia Alves Pontes da
GA
Silva
D000208:Acute Disease; D002648:Child; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000628:therapy*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012492:Salts / Q000008:administration & dosage
D015532:Rehydration Solutions; D012492:Salts
Acute diarrhea; Child nutrition; Children; Crianças; Diarreia aguda; Gastroenterite; Gastroenteritis; Hidratação; Hydration; Nutrição infantil