Treatment of diarrheal dehydration.

ABSTRACT

A regimen for the treatment of diarrheal dehydration is presented. It was devised for use in conditions found in developing countries. Application to large number of patients has been successful. One of its characteristics is the infusion at the start of treatment of a larger amount of fluid than generally recommended. The advantages of magnesium supplementation and phosphate supplementation have been studied. Fecal electrolyte composition has been studied during recovery from diarrheal dehydration. Components of acid balance and generation have been measured with the "net acid" balance technique.

ABSTRACT

PIP A regimen for treating diarrheal dehydration is presented which was devised specifically for use in developing countries. Also reported is the author's experience when using this regimen for rehydration on a large population of people with diarrheal diseases. The fluid therapy recommended has 3 phases reparation, maintenance, and replacement. The fluid therapy is designed to reduce the volume of the extracellular fluid compartment by reestablishing normal tissue perfusion and normal renal regulatory function. The main difference between this regimen and previously published procedures is an emphasis on correction of sodium and chloride deficit within the first 2-3 hours of therapy. To this end, the authors recommend infusion at the start of treatment of a larger amount of fluid than heretofore recommended. Also discussed are the advantages of magnesium supplementation and phosphate supplementation is some cases. Also studied was fecal electrolye composition during recovery from diarrheal dehydration as a gauge for measuring rehydration effectiveness. The net balance technique was used to measure components of acid balance and generation. Tables and graphs present data on urine and fecal component losses during diarrheal dehydration and rehydration.