[Oral rehydration: experience in the management of patients with acute gastroenteritis in the emergency room at the Dr. Antonio Ortiz pediatric hospital].

Oral rehydration solutions containing 50-90 mEq/L of sodium (Na+) have recently been recommended for the ambulatory management of children with acute diarrhea in the United States. We conducted a randomized study comparing the use of a commercial oral rehydration solution (Rehydralyte), containing 75 mEq/L of Na with the usual method of rehydration with an intravenous solution. Patients treated in the University Pediatric Hospital Emergency Room with acute diarrhea were randomly chosen to receive the oral rehydration solution (Rehydralyte) (Group A), control patients (Group B) were hydrated with the usual intravenous fluids, ie, Ringer's Lactate and then a solution of 56 mEq/L of Na. All patients received orientation about this modality of treatment. Both groups were compared as for weight gain, metabolic parameters, duration of diarrhea, impact on complications associated with use of intravenous solution and cost impact. When both groups were compared there were no differences in measurements of clinical, laboratory data and outcome. Advantages of oral rehydration on cost containment and less human suffering were demonstrated. It can be concluded that in Puerto Rican children oral rehydration solution containing 75 mEq/L Na may be used safely for the treatment of acute diarrhea on ambulatory basis.