Hypo‐osmolar sucrose oral rehydration solutions in acute diarrhoea: a pilot study

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Abstract
Based on studies showing improved absorption of hypo‐osmolar oral rehydration solutions (ORS) with reduced glucose and sodium concentration, a hypo‐osmolar ORS with sucrose replacing glucose (sodium 60, potassium 15, chloride 60, citrate 5, sucrose 58mmoll−1, calculated osmolality 198mOsmkg−1) was compared with mildly hyperosmolar glucose ORS (WHO) in 46 children aged 6–30 months with acute diarrhoea and dehydration. In the hypo‐osmolar sucrose ORS group (n = 18) faecal output was less by 30% during the initial 24 and 48 h compared with controls, suggesting better absorption. Sucrose may be a suitable alternative to glucose in an absorption‐efficient hypo‐osmolar ORS.