Satish S.C. Rao, M.D, Ph.D., FACG of the University of Iowa and colleagues at the Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad have found that Gatorade and Pedialyte are equally effective as oral rehydration salts in children suffering from and vomiting related to acute viral gastroenteritis.
The researchers have presented their findings at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. The researchers tracked 73 children in India with acute gastroenteritis and administered Gatorade, Pedialyte or another oral rehydration solution containing carbohydrates, sodium and potassium for 2 days. Out of the 61 children who actually completed the course of the treatment, it was found that stool frequency, stool consistency and body weight improved dramatically with any of the three solutions. Taste wise the kids, aged between five and twelve reported that Gatorade and the new solution were better tasting than Pedialyte."A small number of patients with dehydration may have significant electrolyte disturbances. As they continue to rehydrate with oral rehydration solutions, a portion may continue to experience electrolyte imbalances, and additional treatment may be necessary," said Dr. Rao. It was also found that patients with hypokalemia or a deficiency of potassium and hyponatremia, a deficiency of sodium did not respond to any of the three solutions.
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