The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

ORS key to treatment of diarrhoea, says doctor
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 9
For more than 25 years the WHO and UNICEF have recommended a single formulation of glucose-based oral rehydration salts (ORS) to prevent or treat dehydration from diarrhoea, irrespective of the cause or age group affected. This product, which provides a solution containing 90/mEq/l of sodium with a total osmorality of 311 mOsm/1, has proven effective and without apparent adverse effects in worldwide use. It has contributed substantially to a dramatic global reduction in mortality from diarrhoeal disease during the period .

These observations were made by Dr Daljit Singh, paediatrician and principal of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), while speaking at a seminar on "Recent advances in the management of acute diarrhoea"organised by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Ludhiana district branch, here today.

Dwelling on other aspects of treatment and the role of ORS, launched by the Government of India with certain modifications, he remarked that for the past 20 years, numerous studies had been undertaken to develop improved ORS. The goal was a product that would at least be as safe and effective as standard ORS for preventing or treating dehydration from all types of diarrhoea. And, in addition, it should reduce stool quantity or have other important clinical benefits.

"One approach consists in reducing the osmorality of the ORS solution to avoid possible adverse effects of hypertoxicity on net fluid absorption. This was done by reducing the glucose and salt (NaCl) concentrations in the solution. The new improved formula is the result of extensive research sponsored by the WHO's Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development and supported by the US Agency for International Aid.

Dr Daljit Singh further said that the latest study was conducted in five developing countries, among children aged one month to two years with acute diarrhoea and dehydration. The study findings suggested that using the low-sodium, low-glucose ORS formulation reduced the need for intravenous fluids by 33 per cent. The effect of this reduction could result in fewer children requiring hospitalisation, fewer secondary infections, a diminished need for handling blood with its potentially dangerous consequences and lower health care costs.

Dr Rajinder Gulati, president of the IAP, said that by the use of ORS, physicians were able to reduce mortality in children drastically in the past 20 years.

Dr Surinder Likhi and Dr B.K. Jain chaired the session. Among those present were Dr A.K. Handa, Dr Harinder Singh, Dr A.S. Chawla, Dr Sukhmeet Sethi and Dr Rakesh Gupta.

Phillaur Academy shooters shine
Our Sports Reporter

Phillaur, August 9
Shooters of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, displayed remarkable skill and form by winning 13 medals, including eight gold, four silver and one bronze, in the 40th Punjab State Shooting Meet at Mohali Shooting Ranges. The gold medals were won by Sewak Singh, Narinder Singh, Avtar Singh, Gurdeep Singh and Sukhdev Chand. Kuldeep Singh, Smittar Chand and Inderjeet Singh won silver medals whereas Jaspal Singh bagged a bronze medal in the air pistol event.

The Director of the Academy, Dr GS Aujla, has announced special rewards for the medal winners.