The goal of a study published in the Journal de Pediatria was to describe the current recommendations on the best management of pediatric patients with acute diarrheal disease.

This review found that there has been little progress in the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) in the recent decades, despite its use being recommended by international guidelines. Meanwhile, several studies have been performed to improve the effectiveness of ORS.

It was suggested that intravenous hydration with quickly infused isotonic saline solution, should be given to patients with severe dehydration. Nutrition should be ensured after the dehydration resolution, and is essential for intestinal and immune health. On the other hand, dietary restrictions are usually not beneficial and may be harmful. Symptomatic medications have limited indication and antibiotics should be prescribed in specific cases, such as cholera and moderate to severe shigellosis.

Thus, it was inferred that hydration and nutrition are the most effective interventions for managing acute diarrhea.

Source: Journal de Pediatria. Nov-Dec 2015;91(6 Suppl 1):S36-43. doi: 10.1016/j.jped.2015.06.002.