Ringers lactate versus normal saline among pediatric patients with acute severe diarrhea

Abstract

Objective: This study compares Ringer Lactate (RL) and normal saline (NS) effectiveness in treating pediatric acute severe diarrheal dehydration.

Methodology: Randomized controlled trial was conducted at Agha Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from 1^st March 2022 to 30 February 2023 in one year duration. Patients were divided into two equal groups (group RL and group NS) by simple randomization. The randomization process was carried out by a person who was not involved in the study to minimize bias and maintain the integrity of the randomization process.

Results: Primary and secondary outcomes at the end of six hours shown in table. II. Improvement in clinical status and pH (≥7.35) in RL group was most common 50.0% as compare to the NS group 27.8%, the difference was statistically significant, (p<0.010).

Conclusion: Resuscitation with Ringer's lactate (RL) and normal saline (NS) yields comparable resolution of biochemical and improvement in clinical signs in children with acute severe diarrheal dehydration, with NS showing a trend toward lower creatinine, blood urea, and lactate levels, as well as offering advantages of lower cost and greater availability, thus positioning NS as the preferred fluid choice based on considerations of clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility.