Oral rehydration in diarrhea: from history to current guidelines. A review

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is usually defined as a change in stool consistency (liquid or unformed) and/or an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, which can also be accompanied by vomiting and fever. Fever increases the metabolic rate by more than 1.5 times; for every 1°C increase in body temperature, fluid loss increases by 10%. AGE is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among infants and children. The prognosis is favorable if the condition is recognized promptly and appropriate treatment is started. The main goal of AGE therapy is to restore water balance and prevent dehydration, which can be achieved with an oral rehydration solution. The composition and proportion of the components of rehydration agents are described in the guidelines of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, of which the Russian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterologists is a collective member, and such agents are fully consistent with the balanced formulations of RehydroStandard and Rehydron Bio rehydration agents. The latter includes the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, well studied and recommended by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition for acute intestinal infections since this strain reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea according to the results of studies. Rehydron Bio and RehydroStandard can be recommended for use in clinical pediatric practice.