Efficacy comparison of oral rehydration solutions containing either 90 or 75 millimoles of sodium per liter.

In a randomized trial 62 infants between the ages of 2-35 months with dehydration due to acute watery diarrhea were allocated to 1 of 2 groups: group A received solution A (WHO recommended oral rehydration solution) which contained (mmol/L): Na+90 K+20 C1-80 citrate3- 10 and glucose 110; group B received solution B (Pedialyte RS; Abbott Laboratories North Chicago) which contained (in mmol/L): Na+ 75 K+20 C1-65 citrate3- 10 and glucose 139. Oral therapy was given until clinical signs of hydration status were normal. During the 48 hour trial the following laboratory data were collected: blood gases serum electrolytes glucose urea and creatinine values and sodium an potassium concentrations in stool and urine; serial weights and clinical signs were also reported. 6 of the 62 infants 3 in each group required intravenous fluids because of high stool output. Results of clinical outcome and normalization of altered serum electrolyte values were similar in both groups. During the 48 hour trial 8 patients in group A and 4 in group B had mild asymptomatic hypernatremia. Pedialyte RS was found to be a safe glucose/electrolyte solution for oral rehydration therapy. (authors)