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.
Primary/Secondary Keywords