Viral gastroenteritis in children

Clinical assessment of degree of dehydration[40]Leung A, Prince T; Canadian Paediatric Society. Oral rehydration therapy and early refeeding in the management of childhood gastroenteritis. Paediatr Child Health. 2006 Nov;11(8):527-31. https://academic.oup.com/pch/article/11/8/527/4560375

Mild (<5%)

• Alert

• Slightly decreased urine output

• Slightly increased thirst

• Slightly dry mucous membrane

• Slightly elevated heart rate

• Normal capillary refill

• Normal skin turgor

• Normal eyes

• Normal anterior fontanelle.

Moderate (5% to 10%)

• Alert, fatigued, or irritable

• Decreased urine output

• Moderately increased thirst

• Dry mucous membrane

• Elevated heart rate

• Prolonged capillary refill

• Decreased skin turgor

• Sunken eyes

• Sunken anterior fontanelle.

Severe (>10%)

• Apathetic or lethargic

• Markedly decreased or absent urine output

• Greatly increased thirst

• Very dry mucous membrane

• Greatly elevated heart rate

• Prolonged or minimal capillary refill

• Decreased skin turgor

• Very sunken eyes

• Very sunken anterior fontanelle

• Cold extremities

• Hypotension

• Coma.