Updates in Oral Management of Dehydration and Electrolyte Disturbance in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The ability of the first responder to identify and effectively treat hypovolemic shock will determine whether or not a child with severe volume depletion survives in the emergency room. Although the fundamentals of fluid and electrolyte therapy have been studied for decades, the issue is still difficult to resolve because there is no universally accepted therapeutic care approach. Objectives: This systematic review aims to study the updated management of dehydration and electrolyte disturbance in children and infants. Methods: PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process. Results & interpretation: This review included a total of ten studies with 2285 patients, and 883 (38.6%) were males. According to this comprehensive study, home-based therapy and ORS were successful in straightforward instances. Other methods, such as ORS plus Xyloglucan and ORS with honeybee added, were secure and efficient in reducing the frequency of vomiting and diarrhea. The electrolyte balance and rehydration of the patients were improved by diluted apple juice, rehydration treatments, and preferred fluids. However, gelatin tannate proved ineffective for rehydrating the child, although it advised against ever stopping breastfeeding. Drugs like intravenous Metoclopramide and Domperidone demonstrated efficacy for treating pediatric dehydration in the event that ORS failed.