Rehydration

In childhood gastroenteritis enteral rehydration is as effective as IV rehydration.

In childhood gastroenteritis intravenous hydration chosen over oral rehydration when significant vomiting is present.

Among children with severe acute malnutrition and gastroenteritis, no evidence of difference in mortality at 96 hours was noted between oral and intravenous rehydration strategies (GASTROSAM trial group).

This study ruled out the excessive risk of rehydration causing congestive heart failure.

Oral rehydration therapy is the mainstay of treatment for diarrhea worldwide for both adults and children and can be used by parents at home, as well as in clinics and hospitals.