Dehydration (peds)

Background

1kg body wt = to 1 liter fluid

Clinical Presentation

• Decreased urine output
• Sunken fontanelle
• Most reliable:
  • Abnormal capillary refill
  • Abnormal respiratory pattern
  • Decreased skin turgor

Treatment

• Ondansteron
• For mild to moderate dehydration start with trial of oral rehydration therapy
  • Part of ACEP Choosing wisely

ORS

• Pedialyte, rehydralyte or infalyte.
• Or, home made solution:
  • 1 litre water
  • 8 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Can add banana or orange juice for potassium

• Consider Fluid Repletion (IVF) only if severely dehydrated, not tolerating oral intake or failed oral rehydration therapy

See Also

• Fluid Repletion (IVF)