Access to oral rehydration solution and zinc supplementation for treatment of childhood diarrhoeal diseases in Sudan.

OBJECTIVES: The decline in diarrhoeal disease-related mortality globally has been attributed to the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation. However, data on ORS and zinc supplementation in Sudan are scarce. We aimed to investigate the access to ORS and zinc treatments and the associated factors, through the analysis of the latest available data from Sudan-Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)-2014 obtained from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). RESULTS: A total of 14,081 children were included in this analysis. During the 2 weeks preceding the survey, 29.3% of these children had a diarrhoeal disease. Only 18.9% and 14.8% of these children had received ORS and zinc supplements, respectively. Whereas children from the higher wealth index groups were more likely to receive ORS treatment (fourth group: AOR = 1.301; 95% CI 1.006-1.682), children from rural areas were less likely to receive ORS treatment (AOR = 0.666; 95% CI 0.552-0.803) and zinc supplements (AOR = 0.603; 95% CI 0.500-0.728). The results indicate the existence of unequal access to treatment of childhood diarrhoeal diseases among children under 5 years in Sudan.

Strong community-based health systems and national governance predict improvement in coverage of oral rehydration solution (ORS): a multilevel longitudinal model.

Diarrheal disease remains a leading cause of child death globally, especially in low and middle-income countries. Use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) for treatment of diarrhea in children, a very cost-effective intervention, remains below 50% in many countries. Here we use a multi-level longitudinal model to reveal important predictors of ORS use at the national level. The findings suggest that increasing government effectiveness along with increased implementation and affordability of community-based health programs can lead to substantial increases in ORS use. Key informant interviews with national health leaders in countries that significantly improved ORS coverage support these quantitative findings.

A pectin-gelatin gel containing oral rehydration solution and the release of sodium chloride under simulated gastric conditions.

Both gelatin and pectin have the ability to trap salt and facilitate its release under simulated gastric conditions. The objective of this study was to develop a pectin-gelatin gel fortified with oral rehydration solution/s (ORS) that can maintain a more rigid structure to limit salt mobility (potentially less salty taste), yet allow rapid release in simulated gastric conditions. Two gels containing both pectin and gelatin were developed: (1) low salt (LS) containing 2.6 g/L salt and 13.5 g/L sugar and (2) high salt (HS) containing 5.2 g/L salt and 27.0 g/L sugar. The ORS-fortified gels were compared with commercially available gelatin gels and a control pectin-gelatin gel without added salt or sugar. A stronger gel network (higher G') and higher viscosity was noted for HS compared to other samples. HS had slower salt release (80.70 ±â€¯1.92%) than LS (95.95 ±â€¯3.82%) at 1 min in simulated gastric conditions. After 120 min, HS showed up to 99.38 ±â€¯1.08% release of salt, while LS had 95.95 ±â€¯3.82% release. HS had a favorable textural profile, having values more similar to the ready-to-eat commercial cup gel than did the LS formulation. The HS formulation resulted in a stable structure for ORS delivery and beneficial release properties.

Efficacy of an Oral Rehydration Solution Enriched with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Zinc in the Management of Acute Diarrhoea in Infants: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The efficacy of oral rehydration solution (ORS) enriched with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and zinc in infants with acute gastroenteritis, is poorly defined. The aim of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, was to assess the efficacy of an ORS enriched with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and zinc (ORS⁺Lr&Z) in well-nourished, non-hospitalized infants with acute diarrhoea. Fifty one infants with acute diarrhoea were randomly assigned to receive either ORS⁺Lr&Z (28 infants, mean ± SD age 1.7 ± 0.7 years, 21 males), or standard ORS (ORS-Lr&Z; 23 infants, mean ± SD age 1.8 ± 0.7 years, 16 males). Stools volume and consistency were recorded pre- and posttreatment using the Amsterdam Infant Stool Scale and were compared between the two groups, as well as lost work/day care days, drug administration and need for hospitalization. Both groups showed reduction in the severity of diarrhoea on day two (p < 0.001) while, all outcomes showed a trend to be better in the ORS⁺Lr&Z group, without reaching statistical significance, probably due to the relatively small number of patients. No adverse effects were recorded. In conclusion, both ORS were effective in managing acute diarrhoea in well-nourished, non-hospitalized infants. ORS enriched with L. reuteri DSM 17938 and zinc was well tolerated with no adverse effects.

Electrolytes: Oral Electrolyte Solutions.

Oral electrolyte solutions are used widely for rehydration in diarrheal illness and to maintain hydration during vigorous exercise. In diarrheal illness, an oral rehydration solution (ORS) typically is preferred over intravenous fluids except for patients with severe dehydration. The preferred ORS is one similar to the glucose-containing reduced osmolarity World Health Organization ORS. There also are polymer-based solutions that use rice or wheat as the source of carbohydrates but these are not widely recommended. Use of other liquids, such as sport drinks, juice, soft drinks, and chicken broth is not recommended, though these can be considered for patients with no or mild dehydration. For maintaining hydration during exercise, particularly vigorous high-intensity exercise, recommendations are to consume fluids (ie, 5 to 7 mL/kg) and a sodium-containing snack at least 4 hours before. During exercise, individuals require 200 to 800 mL/hour of liquid that should contain 20 to 30 mEq/L of sodium. Carbohydrate intake is recommended during high-intensity exercise. Intake of excessive sodium-free fluids should be avoided to prevent exercise-induced hyponatremia. Additional fluids (ie, 1.5 L/kg of weight lost) can be consumed after exercise to restore hydration. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not recommended routinely for athletes unless known deficiencies exist.

Pilot Study Comparing 2 Oral Rehydration Solutions in Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a common indication for home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Oral rehydration solutions (ORSs) have the ability to supplement or reduce HPN dependence. However, ORSs have suffered from poor taste profiles, making long-term consumption and compliance unlikely. The goal of the current study was to assess the taste and compliance of 2 ORSs among patients with SBS requiring HPN. METHODS: All participants with SBS receiving HPN with anticipated duration >3 months were offered enrollment: 31 participants met inclusion criteria; 3 declined enrollment; and 28 were randomized to receive a modified World Health Organization ORS (group A) or a commercially available ORS (DripDrop; group B). RESULTS: Six participants dropped out shortly after randomization (3 in each group) due to poor taste or intolerance. An additional 3 (1 in group A and 2 in group B) discontinued the ORS before the end of the study at 6 months. At the end of the study, 19 remained. The mean taste rating given by the participants was, on a scale of 1-10, 7.3 ± 1.9 for group A and 7.6 ± 1.6 for group B ( P = .61). The mean number of days that ORSs were consumed each week was 6.0 ± 1.3 for group A and 6.6 ± 1 days for group B ( P = .06). CONCLUSION: Taste rating was not different for both ORSs; however, a significant number of participants did not complete the study.

N-Acetylcysteine and Desferoxamine Reduce Pulmonary Oxidative Stress Caused by Hemorrhagic Shock in a Porcine Model.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the pulmonary oxidative stress and possible protective effect of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Desferoxamine (DFX)in a porcine model subjected to hemorrhagic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one pigs were randomly allocated to Group-A (sham, n = 5), Group-B (fluid resuscitation, n = 8) and Group-C (fluid, NAC and DFX resuscitation, n = 8). Groups B and C were subjected to a 40-min shock period induced by liver trauma, followed by a 60-min resuscitation period. During shock, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was maintained at 30-40 mmHg. Resuscitation consisted of crystalloids (35 mL/kg) and colloids (18 mL/kg) targeting to MAP normalization (baseline values ± 10%). In addition, Group-C received pretreatment with NAC 200 mg/kg plus DFX 2 g as intravenous infusions. Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were determined in lung tissue homogenates. Also, histological examination of pulmonary tissue specimens was performed. RESULTS: TBARS were higher in Group-B than in Group-A or Group-C: 2.90 ± 0.47, 0.57 ± 0.10, 1.78 ± 0.47 pmol/µg protein, respectively (p < 0.05). Protein carbonyls content was higher in Group-B than in Group-A or Group-C: 3.22 ± 0.68, 0.89 ± 0.30, 1.95 ± 0.54 nmol/mg protein, respectively (p > 0.05). GPx activity did not differ significantly between the three groups (p > 0.05). Lung histology was improved in Group-C versus Group-B, with less alveolar collapse, interstitial edema and inflammation. CONCLUSION: NAC plus DFX prevented the increase of pulmonary oxidative stress markers and protein damage after resuscitated hemorrhagic shock and had beneficial effect on lung histology. NAC/DFX combination may be used in the multimodal treatment of hemorrhagic shock, since it may significantly prevent free radical injury in the lung.

Changes in plasma phosphate during in-patient treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition: an observational study in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Children treated for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are at risk of refeeding hypophosphatemia. Therapeutic diets have only recently become fortified with phosphorus to meet United Nations (UN) specifications, but to our knowledge no studies have investigated the effect. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess concentrations and correlates of plasma phosphate (P-phosphate) at admission and during treatment and to identify correlates of changes in P-phosphate. DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study in 6- to 59-mo-old children admitted for treatment of SAM to Mulago Hospital, Uganda. P-phosphate was measured at admission, on the second day of treatment with a therapeutic formula containing 75 kcal/100 mL and 560 mg phosphorus/L (F-75, Nutriset), at the start of the transition to a therapeutic formula containing 100 kcal/100 mL and 579 mg phosphorus/L (F-100; Nutriset), at day 2 of transition, and at discharge. RESULTS: Among 120 children, mean ± SD P-phosphate at admission was 1.04 ± 0.31 mmol/L and increased by 0.43 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.52) mmol/L during the first 2 d and more slowly toward discharge. Most (79%) children experienced their lowest P-phosphate concentration at admission, and none developed severe hypophosphatemia. P-phosphate was lowest in children with edema and with elevated C-reactive protein, and a lower increase was seen with increasing caretaker-reported severity of illness. Partially or fully replacing F-75 with rice porridge (i.e., a local practice to reduce diarrhea) during the first 2 d of stabilization was associated with a 0.34-mmol/L (95% CI: 0.18, 0.50 mmol/L) lower increase in P-phosphate during the same first 2 d. CONCLUSIONS: F-75, which complies with UN specifications and provides 73 mg phosphorus · kg(-1) · d(-1) (130 mL · kg(-1) · d(-1)), seems to prevent refeeding hypophosphatemia in children with SAM. Replacing this formula with rice porridge during the first days of treatment to manage diarrhea may have an adverse effect on P-phosphate concentrations. This study was registered at http://www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN55092738.

Global challenges in acute diarrhea.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Childhood diarrhea is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in the low and middle-income countries. The burden of child mortality because of diarrhea has declined, but still a lot is desired not only to reduce diarrhea-specific mortality but reduce the overall incidence, and hence the morbidity associated with childhood diarrhea. RECENT FINDINGS: A recent Lancet series on diarrhea suggests that amplification of the current interventions can eliminate virtually all preventable diarrhea deaths. A refocused attention and strategy and collective effort from the multilateral entities to promote water sanitation and hygiene, rotavirus vaccination, nutrition, and improved case management can bridge gaps and tackle the existing undue burden of deaths because of diarrhea. SUMMARY: Investment toward preventing and controlling childhood diarrhea should be a priority, especially when the existing solution is plausible for implementation at scale and in underprivileged settings.

Oral Rehydration Therapy and Feeding Replaces Total Parenteral Nutrition: A Clinical Vignette.

A 27-year-old patient with spina bifida and a high output loss of water and electrolytes from her ileostomy was successfully liberated from dependency on total parenteral nutrition and intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement by the use of a rice-based oral rehydration therapy (ORT). This allowed her to return home to the care of her mother. We suggest that ORT can be effective in the context of modern high-technology settings, as well as in resource-poor situations.

Diapers in war zones: ethnomedical factors in acute childhood gastroenteritis in Peshawar, Pakistan.

This article considers ethnomedical knowledge and practices among parents related to contraction of acute gastroenteritis among children in Peshawar, Pakistan. Research methods included analysis of the Emergency Pediatric Services' admission register, a structured interview administered to 47 parents of patients seen in the Khyber Medical College Teaching Hospital, semi-structured interviews of 12 staff, and four home visits among families with children treated at the hospital. The use of native research assistants and participant observation contributed to the reliability of the findings, though the ethnographic, home-visit sample is small. Our research indicated that infection rates are exacerbated in homes through two culturally salient practices and one socioeconomic condition. Various misconceptions propagate the recurrence or perserverance of acute gastroenteritis including assumptions about teething leading to poor knowledge of disease etiology, rehydration solutions leading to increased severity of disease, and diaper usage leading to the spread of disease. In our Discussion, we suggest how hospital structures of authority and gender hierarchy may impact hospital interactions, the flow of information, and its respective importance to the patient's parents leading to possible propagation of disease. These ethnographic data offer a relatively brief but targeted course of action to improve the effectiveness of prevention and treatment efforts.

Magnesium supplementation and high volume hydration reduce the renal toxicity caused by cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer: a toxicity study.

BACKGROUND: Renal toxicity is a clinical problem that affects 28-42% of patients undergoing treatment with cisplatin. Renal toxicity can be minimized by high volume hydration with mannitol diuresis. Recent reports have shown that cisplatin induces depletion of Mg and that Mg supplementation can reduce renal toxicity. We hypothesized that Mg infusion combined with low volume hydration may not be sufficient to overcome cisplatin-induced renal toxicity. METHODS: In total, 85 patients with lung cancer receiving their first cycle of cisplatin-based chemotherapy at the Osaka City University Hospital were classified into three groups: those administered high volume hydration without Mg infusion (high-volume Mg-), high volume hydration with Mg infusion (high-volume Mg+), and with low volume hydration with Mg infusion (low-volume Mg+). Serum creatinine (sCr) and creatinine clearance (CrCl) were examined before and after treatment with cisplatin. Multivariable analysis was carried out to identify the most important contributing factors. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in pre-treatment sCr levels or CrCl between groups. In the high-volume Mg- group, post-treatment sCr significantly increased compared with pre-treatment levels, while post-CrCl significantly decreased compared with pre-treatment CrCl (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the high-volume Mg+ group, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-treatment levels of sCr, or between pre- and post-treatment CrCl (p = 0.118 and p = 0.254, respectively). In the low-volume Mg+ group, there was a trend towards increased sCr levels and decreased CrCl after treatment (p = 0.068 and p = 0.055, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the absence of Mg infusion and low-volume hydration were both independent factors for decreased CrCl (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: High-volume hydration and Mg infusion reduces the renal toxicity induced by cisplatin. A low-volume Mg+ regimen may be considered for patients with adequate renal function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Observational Study UMIN000013950; Registered 13 May 2014.

Hipodermoclisis como alternativa para la rehidratación en niños / Hypodermoclysis as an alternative to pediatric rehydration / Hipodermóclise como alternativa para a reidratação em crianças

La deshidratación es una de las principales causas de mortalidad en la población pediátrica en países en vía de desarrollo. Por ello, se han estudiado alternativas de manejo para la rehidratación oral, intravenosa e intraósea, de fácil aplicación y bajo costo. La hipodermoclisis es la técnica para la administración subcutánea de líquidos con el fin de prevenir o tratar la deshidratación leve o moderada; olvidada por muchos años debido a la falta de experiencia y protocolos bien estructurados. Recientemente resurge el interés en investigar e implementar esta técnica gracias a sus beneficios y menores riesgos frente a las otras opciones, entre las que se encuentran facilidad de aplicación, mantenimiento de la vía, comodidad del paciente y disminución de complicaciones por daño endotelial, demostrados en diferentes estudios como es el caso del Infuse Peds 1 y 2. Para favorecer la absorción subcutánea se puede implementar la hialuronidasa recombinante humana, enzima encargada de disolver el ácido hialurónico para alterar, temporalmente, la permeabilidad del tejido, que es el objeto de análisis dentro de estos estudios. En Colombia esta técnica aún no ha sido completamente difundida para aplicarla en la población pediátrica. Es imperativo divulgar opciones de manejo que sean efectivas y de bajo costo para la atención de las enfermedades más prevalentes. La hipodermoclisis cumple con estos objetivos y cuenta, además, con beneficios como la satisfacción de los padres y mejora índices de morbimortalidad infantil.

Dehydration is one of the main causes of mortality in pediatric population in developing countries. Thus, we have studied alternative measures that are low-cost and easy to administer for oral, intravenous, and intraosseuos rehydration. Hypodermoclysis is the technique for subcutaneous administration of liquids in order to prevent or treat mild or moderate dehydration. This method has been forgotten for many years due to the lack of experience and well-structured protocols. Recently, there has been increasing interest in researching and implementing this technique due to the benefits and lower risks compared to other options, including easy administration, pathway maintenance, patient comfort, and reduced complications due to endothelial damage, demonstrated in different studies, such as INFUSE-Peds I and II. Human recombinant hyaluronidase can be implemented in order to favor subcutaneous absorption; this enzyme is in charge of dissolving hyaluronic acid to temporarily alter the permeability of the tissue, which is the object of analysis of these studies. This technique has not been completely disseminated in Colombia to administer in pediatric population. It is imperative to divulge treatment options that are effective and low-cost to treat the most prevalent diseases. Hypodermoclysis meets these objectives and also has benefits such as parent satisfaction and improves indexes of infant morbidity and mortality.

A desidratação é uma das principais causas de mortalidade na população pediátrica em países em via de desenvolvimento. Por isso, se estudaram alternativas de manejo para a reidratação oral, intravenosa e intraóssea, de fácil aplicação e baixo custo. A hipodermóclise é a técnica para a administração subcutânea de líquidos com o fim de prevenir ou tratar a desidratação leve ou moderada; esquecida por muitos anos devido à falta de experiência e protocolos bem estruturados. Recentemente ressurge o interesse em investigar e implementar esta técnica graças a seus benefícios e menores riscos frente às outras opções, entre as que se encontram facilidade de aplicação, manutenção da via, comodidade do paciente e diminuição de complicações por dano endotelial, demostrados em diferentes estudos como é o caso do Infuse Peds 1 e 2. Para favorecer a absorção subcutânea se pode implementar a hialuronidase recombinante humana, enzima encargada de dissolver o ácido hialurônico para alterar, temporalmente, a permeabilidade do tecido, que é o objeto de análise dentro destes estudos. Na Colômbia esta técnica ainda não há sido completamente difundida para aplicá-la na população pediátrica. É imperativo divulgar opções de manejo que sejam efetivas e de baixo custo para a atenção das doenças mais prevalentes. A hipodermóclise cumpre com estes objetivos e conta, ademais, com benefícios como a satisfação dos pais e melhora índices de morbimortalidade infantil.

Effects of beverages with variable nutrients on rehydration and cognitive function.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CE), lemon tea (LT), and distilled water (DW) on rehydration and cognitive performance after 60 min of moderate exercise. 9 healthy males and 10 eumenorrheic females completed 3 runs in a randomized crossover study design. During the 4-h recovery (REC) period, they consumed either a volume of CE, LT or DW equal to 150% of their body mass (BM) loss during the previous run. The 3 beverages vary in carbohydrate and electrolyte content. A battery of cognitive tests was performed upon arrival, immediately after exercise, and at the end of REC. After the REC, the restoration of BM loss was lower in the DW and LT trials than that in the CE trial in the female participants (CE vs. LT vs. DW: 59.3±2.8 vs. 41.7±5.7 vs. 45.6±2.2%). When compared with the DW, the accuracy of performances during a working memory task in both males and females was higher in the CE and LT trials. The results suggested that during a short-term recovery, both LT and CE show certain beneficial effect in maintaining cognitive performance. However, CE appears to be more effective than LT and DW in rehydrating female participants.

Global burden of childhood diarrhea and interventions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years in low-income and middle-income countries. Over the past 2 decades under-five mortality has decreased substantially, but reductions have been uneven and unsatisfactory in resource-poor regions. RECENT FINDINGS: There are known interventions which can prevent diarrhea or manage children who suffer from it. Interventions with proven effectiveness at the prevention level include water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, vitamin A and zinc supplementation, and vaccines for diarrhea (rotavirus and cholera). Oral rehydration solution, zinc treatment, continued feeding, and antibiotic treatment for certain strains of diarrhea (cholera, Shigella, and cryptosporidiosis) are effective strategies for treatment of diarrhea. The recent Lancet series using the 'Lives Saved' tool suggested that if these identified interventions were scaled up to a global coverage to at least 80%, and immunizations to at least 90%; almost all deaths due to diarrhea could be averted. SUMMARY: The current childhood mortality burden highlights the need of a focused global diarrhea action plan. The findings suggest that with proper packaging of interventions and delivery platforms, the burden of childhood diarrhea can be reduced to a greater extent. All that is required is greater attention and steps toward right direction.

Fluid resuscitation in sepsis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fluid resuscitation is the cornerstone of sepsis treatment. However, whether balanced or unbalanced crystalloids or natural or synthetic colloids confer a survival advantage is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of different resuscitative fluids on mortality in patients with sepsis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ACP Journal Club, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through March 2014. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized trials that evaluated different resuscitative fluids in adult patients with sepsis or septic shock and death. No language restrictions were applied. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Risk of bias for individual studies and quality of evidence were assessed. DATA SYNTHESIS: 14 studies (18916 patients) were included with 15 direct comparisons. Network meta-analysis at the 4-node level showed higher mortality with starches than with crystalloids (high confidence) and lower mortality with albumin than with crystalloids (moderate confidence) or starches (moderate confidence). Network meta-analysis at the 6-node level showed lower mortality with albumin than with saline (moderate confidence) and low-molecular-weight starch (low confidence) and with balanced crystalloids than with saline (low confidence) and low- and high-molecular-weight starches (moderate confidence). LIMITATIONS: These trials were heterogeneous in case mix, fluids evaluated, duration of fluid exposure, and risk of bias. Imprecise estimates for several comparisons in this network meta-analysis contribute to low confidence in most estimates of effect. CONCLUSION: Among patients with sepsis, resuscitation with balanced crystalloids or albumin compared with other fluids seems to be associated with reduced mortality. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: The Hamilton Chapter of the Canadian Intensive Care Foundation and the Critical Care Medicine Residency Program and Critical Care Division Alternate Funding Plan at McMaster University.

Burden of laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter infections in Guatemala 2008-2012: results from a facility-based surveillance system.

INTRODUCTION: Campylobacteriosis is one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. This study describes the epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter diarrheal infections in two facility-based surveillance sites in Guatemala. METHODS: Clinical, epidemiologic, and laboratory data were collected on patients presenting with acute diarrhea from select healthcare facilities in the departments of Santa Rosa and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, from January 2008 through August 2012. Stool specimens were cultured for Campylobacter and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on a subset of isolates. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes. RESULTS: Campylobacter was isolated from 306 (6.0%) of 5137 stool specimens collected. For children <5 years of age, annual incidence was as high as 1288.8 per 100,000 children in Santa Rosa and 185.5 per 100,000 children in Quetzaltenango. Among 224 ambulatory care patients with Campylobacter, 169 (75.5%) received metronidazole or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 152 (66.7%) received or were prescribed oral rehydration therapy. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were tested in 96 isolates; 57 (59.4%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 12 (12.5%) were MDR. CONCLUSION: Campylobacter was a major cause of diarrhea in children in two departments in Guatemala; antimicrobial resistance was high, and treatment regimens in the ambulatory setting which included metronidazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and lacked oral rehydration were sub-optimal.

The effects on gastric emptying and carbohydrate loading of an oral nutritional supplement and an oral rehydration solution: a crossover study with magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative administration of clear fluids by mouth has recently been endorsed as a way to improve postoperative outcomes. A carbohydrate-containing beverage supplemented with electrolytes or proteins may have additional benefits for patients' satisfaction. However, effects on gastric residual, nausea, and emesis and the effectiveness of these beverages for improving patients' hydration status have not been well defined. METHODS: We evaluated changes in gastric volume over time by magnetic resonance imaging, as well as blood glucose levels, before and after administration of 500 mL oral rehydration solution (ORS) containing 1.8% glucose and electrolytes in 10 healthy volunteers. The same volume of an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing 18% glucose and supplemental arginine (545 mOsm/kg) was given to the same population using a crossover design. RESULTS: The mean (median, 95% confidence interval) gastric fluid volume at 1 hour after oral ingestion was 55.0 (55.3, 39.0-70.9) mL in the ORS group, whereas 409.2 (410.9, 371.4-447.0) mL in the ONS group (P = 0.0002). The gastric fluid volume of all participants in the ORS group returned to <1 mL/kg at 90 minutes after ingestion, whereas none reached <1 mL/kg at 120 minutes in the ONS group. The ONS group showed a sustained increase in the blood glucose level after ingestion (P < 0.0001 to baseline at 30, 60, 120 minutes), while the ORS group showed an initial increase (P < 0.0001, P = 0.01, P = 0.205 at each time point). CONCLUSIONS: ORS supplemented with a small amount of glucose showed faster gastric emptying, which may make it suitable for preoperative administration. In contrast, ONS supplemented with arginine with a relatively low osmolality was associated with a longer time for gastric emptying, although it showed a sustained increase in blood glucose level.