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PediatricPeds Dehydration
Pediatric Dehydration Assessment
Assess dehydration severity in children using clinical signs.
Clinical Signs
Dehydration Assessment
None / Minimal
No or minimal dehydration (< 3% fluid deficit)
About
The Pediatric Dehydration Assessment is based on the WHO clinical dehydration scale. It evaluates six clinical signs to classify dehydration severity in children with diarrhea or vomiting. The assessment guides fluid replacement therapy: minimal dehydration can be managed with oral rehydration at home, moderate dehydration requires supervised oral rehydration therapy (ORT), and severe dehydration requires immediate IV fluid resuscitation.
Formula
Score = Sum of 6 clinical sign scores (0–12)
0–2: No/minimal dehydration (<3%)
3–6: Some dehydration (~5%)
7–12: Severe dehydration (≥10%)
Interpretation
| Score | Severity | Fluid Deficit | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 2 | Minimal | < 3% | Home oral rehydration |
| 3 – 6 | Moderate (~5%) | ~50 mL/kg | Supervised ORT (4 hours) |
| 7 – 12 | Severe (≥10%) | ≥100 mL/kg | IV fluids immediately |
References
- World Health Organization. The Treatment of Diarrhoea: A Manual for Physicians and Other Senior Health Workers. WHO; 2005.
- Freedman SB, et al. Diagnosing clinically significant dehydration in children with acute gastroenteritis using non-invasive methods: a meta-analysis. J Pediatr. 2015;166(4):908-916.
FAQ
Disclaimer
Educational and informational reference only. Not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or independent verification.