Oral rehydration in acute infantile diarrhea.

The significance of acute diarrheal illness, a common disorder in infants and children, is presented. Although in developed countries this disease is seldom fatal, it is the second most common reason that children are hospitalized. Methods for managing acute diarrhea and its subsequent dehydration, including intravenous rehydration and refeeding, are discussed, with emphasis placed on the use of oral rehydration solutions.