The efficacy of who/unicef oral rehydration solution in malnourished children

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of oral rehydration therapy using WHO/UNICEF oral rehydration solution in malnourished children was studied. 92 children aged 3 months to 24 months with moderate dehydration formed the study cases. 36.91. were well nourished, 43.41. were underweight, 171.marasmic and 21. had kwashiorkor. 911.

of the patients were successfully rehydrated within the first 6

hours of treatment. At admission into the study 16.31. of

the

patients had hyponatremia and 69.61. of

the patients

had

hypokalemia,

the patients with abnormal

electrolytes being

predominantly malnourished. At completion of therapy WHO/UNICEF oral rehydration solution was found to be largely effective in correcting the hypokalemia that occurred but was not as effective in correcting the hyponatremia. No complications were observed in the course of treatment of these patients.