HYPOOSMOLAR SUCROSE ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTIONS IN ACUTE DIARRHEA - A PILOT-STUDY

Based on studies showing improved absorption of hypo-osmolar oral rehy dration solutions (ORS) with reduced glucose and sodium concentration, a hypo-osmolar ORS with sucrose replacing glucose (sodium 60, potassi um 15, chloride 60, citrate 5, sucrose 58 mmol l(-1) calculated osmola lity 198 mOsm kg(-1)) was compared with mildly hyperosmolar glucose OR S (WHO) in 46 children aged 6-30 months with acute diarrhoea and dehyd ration. In the hypo-osmolar sucrose ORS group (n = 18) faecal output w as less by 30% during the initial 24 and 48 h compared with controls, suggesting better absorption. Sucrose may be a suitable alternative to glucose in an absorption-efficient hypo-osmolar ORS.