Treatment of hypernatraemic dehydration in infancy

Abstract

Thirty eight infants with severe hyperosmolar dehydration and hypernatraemia were treated using 3 regimens of intravenous fluids: 0.5 normal saline, given fast; 0.5 normal saline given slowly; 0.2 normal saline. 28 of the infants were studied in a treatment trial, and it is concluded that 0.18% saline in 4.3% dextrose, with the early addition of potassium given at a rate of 100 ml/kg estimated rehydrated weight per 24 hr gives satisfactory rehydration within 48 hr, with little risk of convulsions.