MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE DIARRHEA WITH LOW OSMOLARITY ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTIONS AND LACTOBACILLUS STRAIN GG

Two hypotonic oral rehydration solutions with osmolarities of 224 mosm ol/l (Na+ 60 mmol/l, glucose 84 mmol/l) and 204 mosmol/l (Na+ 60 mmol/ l, glucose 64 mmol/l), respectively, and oral treatment with Lactobaci llus GG were evaluated in a double blind trial in children aged 6-36 m onths hospitalised for acute diarrhoea. Early administration of Lactob acillus GG at the start of oral rehydration resulted in the shortest d uration of diarrhoea, best weight gain, and fastest correction of acid osis. A reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution (224 mosmol/l) co mbined with early administration of Lactobacillus GG is an effective t reatment for acute diarrhoea in young children; further reduction of o smolarity may not be beneficial.