MANAGEMENT OF DEHYDRATION IN CHILDREN

Rehydration therapy is critical for management of dehydration. The goal of replacement therapy is to replenish deficits in water and electrolytes lost, while maintance to maintain homeostasis.

●Phases of rehydration – Fluid management consists of two phases: replacement and maintenance.

Replacement – Treatment begins with the replacement phase, which continues until all signs and symptoms of volume depletion have resolved and the patient has urinated; ideally, this is achieved during the first four hours of treatment.

Maintenance – The maintenance phase counters ongoing losses of water and electrolytes; this phase continues until diarrhea and other signs and symptoms of illness have resolved.