The role of oral rehydration solutions in the children of Europe: continuing controversies.

Controversy remains concerning ORS composition in Europe. This centres chiefly upon the sodium level. Solutions with a low sodium content continue to be widely used in Europe. ORS with Na 90 mmol/l when given correctly is safe and effective. However when this solution is prepared incorrectly there is a risk of hypernatraemia. In most of Europe mortality and morbidity from gastroenteritis is now very low. Therefore any change from current formulation must not carry any risk in this regard. The need for bicarbonate or indeed any base in ORS is also controversial. There is a clear need in Europe for controlled trials of ORS solutions of various composition to determine the ideal solution for the children of Europe who have acute diarrhoea.