Reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution for treating cholera
Murphy C, Hahn S, Volmink J
Published in Cochrane Database Syst Rev (4), pp. CD003754
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomised trials (718 participants) comparing reduced-osmolarity with standard oral rehydration solution in adults and children with cholera.
Key Findings
Biochemical hyponatremia (serum sodium below 130 mmol/L) was more common with the reduced-osmolarity solution (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.57); severe hyponatremia was not significantly different, and no trial reported symptomatic hyponatremia or death. The need for unscheduled intravenous fluid did not differ.
Conclusions
In cholera, the lower-sodium solution works about as well but carries a higher risk of low blood sodium, so caution is warranted where monitoring is difficult.
Limitations
Small total number of patients; specific to cholera, where sodium losses are very high.
Supplements Studied
reduced osmolarity ORS is associated with biochemical hyponatremia when compared with standard ORS
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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