HYPOCALORIC ORAL-THERAPY DURING AN EPISODE OF DIARRHEA AND VOMITING CAN LEAD TO SEVERE MALNUTRITION

Background: Malnutrition associated with diarrhea and vomiting can be prevented if the focus of treatment is on nutritional requirements. So me pediatricians inappropriately continue to recommend clear liquids f ollowed by dilute feedings or hypocaloric diets until the diarrhea cle ars. Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the l iterature was reviewed. Results: Severe malnutrition occurred in two c hildren with diarrhea and vomiting who were treated with clear liquids followed by restricted nutrient intake.Conclusion: Severe malnutritio n associated with diarrhea and vomiting can occur when the prescribed treatment is bowel rest followed by hypocaloric diets until diarrhea c lears. Malnutrition can be prevented if the focus of treatment is on n utritional requirements. Current American Academy of Pediatrics recomm endations for treatment of diarrhea and vomiting are discussed.