Effect of Golytely on serum electrolytes and hydration status of infants.

Golytely (GLP) is a commonly used oral preparation for infants and children undergoing intestinal surgery. Although the composition of GLP, a nonabsorbable electrolyte lavage solution, is designed to avoid electrolyte shifts and dehydration, systematic evaluation of the effects of this preparation on the hydration status and serum electrolytes of infants has not been performed. The authors evaluated 48 children (0 to 24 months of age) who received GLP. Serum electrolytes and blood urea nitrogen measurements were obtained before and after GLP administration. During GLP administration all the patients were allowed to drink clear fluids, including Rehydralyte in unrestricted quantities. Only two received intravenous fluids during the preparation. Statistical evaluation of the shifts in electrolytes were performed by the Students paired t test. Although the shift in serum electrolytes may be statistically significant, with a decrease in potassium and chloride and an increase in CO2, these changes were not clinically significant.