Journal Jam 8 – Dilute Apple Juice for Pediatric Gastroenteritis

This is EM Cases Journal Jam podcast on a randomized control trial of dilute apple juice vs PediaLyte for mild pediatric gastroenteritis. While IV rehydration is required in cases of severe gastroenteritis (which we rarely see in North America) and oral rehydration with electrolyte maintenance solutions is still the mainstay in treating moderate gastroenteritis, could better-tasting, more cost-effective fluids such as diluted apple juice be just as effective as traditional electrolyte solutions in milder cases? Listen to Dr. Justin Morgenstern (@First10EM) interviewing Dr. Stephen Freedman, the world-renowned pediatric EM researcher who put ondansetron for pediatric gastroenteritis on the map and who was one of our guest experts on our main episode on Pediatric Gastroenteritis, Constipation and Bowel Obstruction, about this practice-changing paper. This is followed by a hilarious rant on the topic from Dr. Anthony Crocco ("Ranthony"), the Division head and medical director of pediatric EM at Hamilton Health Sciences. Produced by Anton Helman (@EMCases), Justin Morgenstern (@First10EM), and Anthony Crocco (@croccoag) November 2016 Cite this podcast as: Morgenstern, J, Freedman, S, Crocco, A, Helman, A. Dilute Apple Juice for Pediatric Gastroenteritis. Emergency Medicine Cases. November, 2016. https://emergencymedicinecases.com/dilute-apple-juice-pediatric-gastroenteritis/. Accessed [date]. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Dilute Apple Juice in Pediatric Mild Gastroenteritis Before diving in and using dilute apple juice for all your pediatric patients with gastroenteritis be sure to review the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study to help you decide whether or not to apply the evidence to your patient in the ED. Inclusion Criteria 6 months-60 months 3 + episodes diarrhea or vomiting in preceding 24hrs < 96hrs of symptoms none to minimal dehydration Exclusion Criteria clinical dehydration scale score 5+ (see clinical dehydration score below) <8kg < 6 months > 2sec cap refill significant GI disease (eg: short gut syndrome) significant co-morbidities (eg: diabetes) premature bilious vomiting hematochezia or hemato-emesis requiring immediate IV access for any reason Dr. Freedman recommends using the validated Clinical Dehydration Scale to assess for hypovolemia in children suspected of gastroenteritis. Clinical Dehydration Scale   If you do use dilute apple juice for hydration in children with mild gastroenteritis give 5ml q2-5min in the ED plus 10ml/kg for each episode of diarrhea or 2ml/kg for each emesis.   Dr. Helman, Dr. Morgenstern, Dr. Freedman and Dr. Crocco have no conflicts of interest to declare. References for Dilute Apple Juice in Pediatric Gastroenteritis Freedman SB, Willan AR, Boutis K, Schuh S. Effect of Dilute Apple Juice and Preferred Fluids vs Electrolyte Maintenance Solution on Treatment Failure Among Children With Mild Gastroenteritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2016;315(18):1966-74. Abstract Kinlin LM, Freedman SB. Evaluation of a clinical dehydration scale in children requiring intravenous rehydration. Pediatrics. 2012;129(5):e1211-9.