ORAL REHYDRATION OF INFANTS WITH HYPERNATREMIC DEHYDRATION DUE TO ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS

Twenty-five infants with hypernatremic dehydration due to acute gastro enteritis were given oral rehydration theraPY (ORT). The patients rece ived a glucose-electrolyte solution (such as that recommended by the W orld Health Organization) over six hours (2:1 rotating method). Twenty -three patients were successfully rehydrated within 48 hours after ons et of therapy, while the two remaining patients attained normal serum Na+ levels within 72 hours. Acidosis was noted in 10 patients which di sappeared in 24 hours.