Treatment of moderate and severe dehydration by nasogastric drip

This study evaluates the efficacy of rehydration by nasogastric drip in children with moderate or severe dehydration and evaluates a simple system for determining the degree of dehydration. The study was conducted in Zaire. The study sample consisted of 32 children (21 males and 11 females) between the ages of 2 months and 48 months who were admitted to the pediatric ward because of dehydration. The severity of dehydration was evaluated using a points system. Mothers were encouraged to breastfeed and offer ORS by mouth during the treatment period. Following admission to the study, each child was weighed and a nasogastric tube was inserted to lie with its tip in the stomach. All mothers and children tolerated the nasogastric tube well. Edema of the eyelids was noted in 2 cases. The results indicate that a nasogastric drip is an effective means of rehydration in moderate and severe dehydration. Nasogastric infusion is also useful in treating dehydration associated with conditions such as malnutrition, pneumonia and measles. The method has proved economically advantageous to the patient by reducing the cost of treatment and the need for hospitalization.