Oral therapy for dehydration in acute diarrhoeal diseases with special reference to the global Diarrhoeal Diseases Control Programme.

Oral rehydration therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the morbidity and mortality connected with diarrheal diseases in the developing countries. Use of this therapy with parenteral therapy for a backup should be instituted worldwide. The principles involved in the therapy and the choice of rehydrating solution are explained. For ease of administration a single formulation for all oral rehydration therapy is preferable. Ensuring its safety and efficacy when oral rehydration solutions are delivered from rural treatment facilities is important. Oral rehydration solutions to make up a deficit will differ from those needed to prevent the occurrence of a deficit. The size and age of the patient must be taken into consideration when preparing the quantity of solution. Education of the health personnel dispensing the solution is necessary. Packaged ingredients are the recommended method of distribution. Field testing of the accuracy of mixing safety and efficacy of oral solutions made from salt and sugar at home by mothers is a research priority. Other basic and oeprational research priorities are listed.