WATER AND ELECTROLYTE ABSORPTION BY THE INTESTINE IN CHOLERA.

Abstract

The cholera patient's ability to absorb orally administered water and the Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), and HCO3(-) ions was determined in 12 subjects. In some of the patients the studies were repeated in convalescence. Studies on these typical patients are discussed in sufficient detail to show that H2O and the K(+) and HCO3(-) ions are readily absorbed, while NaCl given orally is not absorbed in acute, severe cholera. However, net absorption of these ions is readily shown in convalescence. (Author)