Oral fluid therapy of cholera among Bangladesh refugees.

Abstract

A field trial of oral electrolyte solutions for the treatment of cholera was conducted in India among war refugees from Bangladesh during the summer of 1971. The oral solution used combined sodium bicarbonate chloride and glucose prepackaged for mixing with water in the field. Potassium citrate or other potassium salt could have been added when available. A total of 3703 patients including many severe cases and many young children were treated. The fatality rate of less than 4% compared favorably with results of standard therapy in well-organized modern treatment centers. Advantages of this therapy included: 1) local availability of ingredients; 2) minimal cost of preparation and transport; 3) ease of administration 4) safety in the hands of less experienced personnel; 5) early accessibility of treatment; and 6) reasonable effectiveness when used early in the course of the disease. This therapy succeeded in replacing fluid and electrolytes and preventing fatal dehydration. In severe cases intravenous solutions preceded administration of the oral therapy. Patients with mild to moderate dehydration and no signs of hypovolemic shock were given only oral therapy.