Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Ringer’s Lactate Versus Normal Saline in Resuscitation of Severely Dehydrated Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

AuthorManijeh Tabrizien
AuthorAfshin Safaei Aslen
AuthorSeyyedeh Azade Hoseini Nourien
AuthorFaranak Ebrahimpouren
AuthorAfagh Hassanzadeh Raden
OrcidManijeh Tabrizi [0000-0002-3305-4481]en
OrcidAfshin Safaei Asl [0000-0001-9820-5984]en
OrcidSeyyedeh Azade Hoseini Nouri [0000-0003-0554-9986]en
OrcidFaranak Ebrahimpour [0009-0001-1003-4074]en
OrcidAfagh Hassanzadeh Rad [0000-0001-6980-8866]en
Issued Date2026-02-08en
AbstractBackground: Fluid resuscitation plays a crucial role in the treatment of severely dehydrated children. There is evidence that chloride-rich fluids such as normal saline (NS) may cause hyperchloremic normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, hypernatremia, and hyperkalemia. There is also concern about the occurrence of acute kidney injury caused by renal vasoconstriction. Objectives: Given the lack of sufficient data in the pediatric field, this study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of Ringer’s Lactate (RL) versus NS in two groups of severely dehydrated children. Methods: In this randomized, parallel-group clinical trial, 104 children with severe dehydration were randomly assigned to receive either NS or RL using block randomization with allocation concealment. Vital signs, mental status, number of fluid boluses, length of hospital stay, recovery from severe dehydration, capillary refill time, skin turgor, serum electrolytes, arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters, and urine output were recorded over six hours of treatment. Data were analyzed using Independent Sample t-tests in SPSS version 26, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: RL showed a significant difference regarding improvement of pH, bicarbonate, base excess, and anion gap compared to NS after 6 hours of treatment (P < 0.001, P < 0.007, P < 0.010, and P < 0.014, respectively). Establishment of urine output and reduction of pulse rate were greater in recipients of RL (P = 0.047, P < 0.001). NS was superior in terms of capillary refill time and skin turgor correction. The results showed a higher level of sodium, chloride, and blood sugar in RL recipients 6 hours after treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences regarding mental status, respiratory rate, blood pressure, number of fluid boluses, time to recover from severe dehydration, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, potassium levels, and length of hospitalization between the two groups. Conclusions: This study found that treatment with RL compared to NS had a greater impact on improving the acid-base status, correcting anion gap and base excess, reducing tachycardia, and establishing urine output in children with severe dehydration caused by gastroenteritis during six hours of fluid resuscitation. However, more detailed and precise studies are needed for more reliable conclusions.en
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.5812/apid-166117en
KeywordDehydrationen
KeywordRinger's Lactateen
KeywordNormal Salineen
KeywordDiarrheaen
KeywordChildrenen
PublisherBrieflandsen
TitleEvaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Ringer’s Lactate Versus Normal Saline in Resuscitation of Severely Dehydrated Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: A Randomized Clinical Trialen
TypeResearch Articleen

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