Intravenous Rehydration for Severe Acute Malnutrition with Gastroenteritis.

This study evaluated rehydration strategies in children aged 6 months to 12 years with severe acute malnutrition and gastroenteritis in Africa. It compared oral rehydration (with intravenous boluses only for shock) against rapid and slow intravenous rehydration protocols.

Involving 272 participants, the trial found:

• No significant difference in mortality at 96 hours or at 28 days between oral and intravenous rehydration groups.
• Similar rates of serious adverse events across groups.
• No evidence of fluid overload or cardiac complications.

These findings suggest that intravenous rehydration is not associated with increased mortality or fluid-related adverse effects in this population, challenging current recommendations against its use.