Article Text
Original article
Serum bicarbonate and dehydration severity in gastroenteritis
Abstract
The concentration of bicarbonate was measured in serum samples from 106 children with gastroenteritis and dehydration. A concentration less than 22 mmol/l was more common in children with severe dehydration, but the magnitude of bicarbonate reduction was not significantly different with increasing degrees of dehydration. Doctors should not rely on the serum bicarbonate concentration when assessing fluid deficit.
- dehydration
- gastroenteritis
- serum bicarbonate