Abstract
Background: Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) is a major cause of presentation to hospital in children. Detection and classification of the degree of dehydration are vital for proper treatment.
 Methods: The authors reviewed six international guidelines on AGE in children. The aim was to equip clinicians working in a hospital setting with practical and readily applicable clinical handles to assist them in detecting and classifying dehydration.
 Results: Published international guidelines on AGE vary in their recommendations on the assessment of dehydration as well as their classification of dehydration severity. Nevertheless, a practical scheme utilizing a combination of these guidelines could be devised.
 Conclusion: In addition to the World Health Organization classification of dehydration in children, several clinical handles were suggested.
 Key words: acute gastroenteritis, children, dehydration, diarrhea
Highlights
Acutegastroenteritis (AGE) and its complications remain one of the leading causes of mortality in children worldwide [1]
In addition to the existing World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for treating diarrhea in children, five international guideline documents addressing acute diarrhea/gastroenteritis and dehydration were retrieved from the websites of the relevant professional organizations and institutions
Almost all reviewed guidelines agreed on using a three-category classification of no (< 5%) dehydration, some (5 to 9%) dehydration, and severe (≥ 10%) dehydration
Summary
Acutegastroenteritis (AGE) and its complications remain one of the leading causes of mortality in children worldwide [1]. In places with underdeveloped, underresourced, and overburdened community and primary care services, a considerable percentage of patients with AGE present to the emergency departments (EDs) of large hospitals without passing through primary healthcare services. This necessitates an easy and reliable tactic to quickly and efficiently detect and classify dehydration in children in a busy and understaffed ED. The aim was to equip clinicians working in a hospital setting with practical and readily applicable clinical handles to assist them in detecting and classifying dehydration. Results: Published international guidelines on AGE vary in their recommendations on the assessment of dehydration as well as their classification of dehydration severity. Conclusion: In addition to the World Health Organization classification of dehydration in children, several clinical handles were suggested
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