The problem of emesis during oral glucose-electrolytes therapy given from the onset of severe cholera

Abstract

In an attempt to obviate the need for intravenous fluids by preventing dehydration, 57 adult volunteers who experienced induced clinical cholera during a vaccine development programme were treated from the onset of diarrhoea with oral glucose-electrolytes therapy. 44 individuals with mild to moderately profuse diarrhoea (less than 8 L. total volume) were maintained in normal water and electrolyte balance with oral therapy alone. 13 individuals with severe diarrhoea (greater than 8 L. total volume) could not be maintained in balance with oral therapy alone, due chiefly to emesis during the first day of illness. Emesis occurred in the absence of significant dehydration or acidosis. Since emesis precludes effective early oral therapy in severe cases, domiciliary oral therapy is unlikely to eliminate cholera mortality. Rural diarrhoea treatment centres using oral therapy with limited amounts of intravenous fluids when needed, could reduce case fatality from cholera and related diarrhoeas virtually to zero with least expense.