Dehydration and rehydration therapy in paediatrics

Dehydration is one of the most common acute conditions in pediatrics, encountered in both outpatient and hospital practice. Due to a high proportion of body water and immature renal functions, children, especially infants, are highly susceptible to rapid internal environment collapse. An incorrectly chosen rehydration procedure or underestimating initial symptoms can lead to the development of hypovolemic shock and severe electrolyte imbalances. The key to successful treatment is the early classification of the degree of dehydration based on the clinical presentation and the subsequent choice of an adequate form of fluid replacement. In this algorithm, you will practice the diagnosis, calculation of losses, and selection of rehydration techniques and solutions for both an infant and an older child, including follow-up realimentation and parent education.