Intractable diarrhea of infancy. An alternative treatment strategy.

Prolonged diarrhea in an adult is a serious problem; in an infant it is life threatening. Conventional therapy for intractable diarrhea of infancy, which involves use of clear liquids and gradual reintroduction of cow's milk or formula, works in most situations. However, for some infants this type of management exacerbates diarrhea. As alternative therapy, the authors recommend use of oral elemental diets in most infants and total parenteral nutrition in some. This would lessen the likelihood of diarrhea exacerbation and decrease morbidity and mortality.