Treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children: an overview of systematic reviews of interventions commonly used in developed countries

Abstract

Given that oral rehydration is less invasive than IV rehydration with no evidence of important clinical differences, it is the first choice for rehydration in children with AGE and mild-to-moderate dehydration. As the vast majority of children with AGE do not require IV rehydration, oral ondansetron administration to children with significant vomiting should be performed to reduce the use of IV rehydration and the need for hospital admission. In children deemed too unwell to receive oral rehydration therapy, IV ondansetron administration is an option, as its use is associated with lower hospital admission rates. Although probiotics appear to be an effective option for the treatment of AGE amongst hospitalized children, outpatient data is lacking and more studies are urgently needed to determine the optimal organism, dosing and duration of treatment.

Oligoantiemesis or Inadequate Prescription of Antiemetics in the Emergency Department: A Local and National Perspective

“…Furthermore, early and effective management of nausea and vomiting with antiemetics (such as ondansetron) may also improve the ability of patients to tolerate oral fluids, shortening ED LOS and reducing the need for i.v. hydration and admission (8).…”

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Pediatric Acute Gastroenteritis in the Outpatient Setting

“…Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Saccharomyces boulardii have strong recommendations for use by international practice guidelines, although the strength of evidence in these recommendations was low . Most importantly, probiotics were not associated with any adverse events (Freedman, Ali, Oleszczuk, Gouin, & Hartling, 2013). Probiotics are considered a supplement that is not regulated by federal quality and safety standards, and therefore product differences may result in varying efficacy, which should be discussed with families before treatment begins.…”

Ondansetron for pediatric concussion; a pilot study for a randomized controlled trial

“…Previous studies have failed to show an impact of multiple doses in comparison to a single dose for other disease. 20 The control group received an identical looking/tasting pill as placebo.…”