Volume 27, Issue 1 pp. 1-5
Original Articles

Hypocaloric Oral Therapy During an Episode of Diarrhea and Vomiting Can Lead to Severe Malnutrition

Susan S. Baker

Corresponding Author

Susan S. Baker

Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. S. Baker, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 158 Rutledge Street, Charleston, SC 29403, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this author
Anne M. Davis

Anne M. Davis

Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Search for more papers by this author
First published: 01 July 1998
Citations: 3

This article is accompanied by an editorial. Please see: Goepp JG. Hypocaloric oral therapy during an episode of diarrhea and vomiting can lead to severe malnutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1998;27:116-117.

ABSTRACT

Background:

Malnutrition associated with diarrhea and vomiting can be prevented if the focus of treatment is on nutritional requirements. Some pediatricians inappropriately continue to recommend clear liquids followed by dilute feedings or hypocaloric diets until the diarrhea clears.

Methods:

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the literature was reviewed.

Results:

Severe malnutrition occurred in two children with diarrhea and vomiting who were treated with clear liquids followed by restricted nutrient intake.

Conclusions:

Severe malnutrition associated with diarrhea and vomiting can occur when the prescribed treatment is bowel rest followed by hypocaloric diets until diarrhea clears. Malnutrition can be prevented if the focus of treatment is on nutritional requirements. Current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for treatment of diarrhea and vomiting are discussed.

The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties.