Oral fluid therapy in Iran

Abstract

In 1950, 520 newborn to adult patients with diarrhea and vomiting were hospitalized in Tehran and some of the southern cities of Iran. The patients were different in: States of nutrition, severity of fluid deficits and a wide range of electrolyte abnormalities. They were treated in two separate phases using 2 different solutions, which are formulated upon physiobiochemical principles being iso-osmatic with plasma. For deficit therapy solution no. 1 (Sodium 80, potassium 20 mmol/l) was administrated orally at a rate of 40 ml/kg. Per hour until all signs of dehydration disappeared. (This is maintenance therapy the second solution (Potassium 30, sodium 40 mmol/l, i.e. K:Na in normal=75%) was given sip by sip at a rate of 250 ml/kg/24 hours until diarrhea stopped. Intravenous fluids were not used at all even in severe dehydration and shock. The efficacy and safety of this regimen were confirmed by rapid and successful dehydration and correction of a wide range of electrolyte abnormalities present on admission.