section name header

Evidence summaries

Reduced Osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solution for Treating Dehydration Caused by Acute Diarrhoea in Children

Reduced osmolarity oral redydration solution compared to WHO ORS is associated with fewer unscheduled intravenous infusions, smaller tool volume, and less vomiting. Level of evidence: "A"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 11 studies with more than 2300 children. In a meta-analysis of eight trials, reduced osmolarity ORS was associated with fewer unscheduled infusions compared with standard WHO ORS (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.79). There was no evidence of heterogeneity between studies.

11 trials reported stool output, and data suggested less stool output in the reduced osmolarity ORS group. Vomiting was less frequent in the reduced osmolarity group in six studies reporting this outcome. There were no obvious differences in the occurrence of hyponatraemia.

References

  • Hahn S, Kim S, Garner P. Reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution for treating dehydration caused by acute diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD002847. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords