Acceptability and efficacy of a gel hypotonic oral rehydration solution in children with acute gastroenteritis

OBJECTIVEOral rehydration solution remains the mainstay of acute gastroenteritis therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptability of a new zinc-containing hypotonic super-oral rehydration solution (ORS) in a gel formulation and its efficacy in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea in children. METHODSThis was a randomized-controlled trial of children (5–36 months of age) observed for diarrhea lasting less than 24 h. Children were randomized to receive standard hypotonic ORS (group 1) or a gel hypotonic super-ORS containing zinc (group 2). The main study outcome was ORS intake in the first 24 h. ORS intake at 4 h, rate of diarrhea resolution at 72 h of treatment, total duration and severity of diarrhea, hospitalization, and adverse effects were also evaluated. RESULTSEighty-three children were enrolled (group 140; group 243). The amount of ORS consumed at 24 h was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. A similar result was observed at 4 h. The number of children who refused ORS (