Reported outcomes:

30% reduction in volume of IV fluids administered in the ED 15% reduction in the number of physician orders for IV fluids.

Unfortunately this protocol and accompanying data weren't published as a study, so there's limited baseline demographics, outcome measures, or comparison group information. They also unfortuantely didn't release patient specific measures such as satisfaction, need for rescue medication, or clinical outcomes - which limit the generalizability of this data.





The hospital itself Brigham and Women's Hospital (one of the largest research hospitals in the world) may also suggest limits to the generalizability of this protocol (well funded tertiary centers); however, the practice is well established in pediatric patients ( with a large systematic review ) and is used in resource limited settings.





This is a timely study, it addresses a current problem (IV fluid shortage); it also raises the question if IV fluids are superior to PO for mild dehydration, and what the impact of PO over IV rehydration strategies would have on patient satisfaction, care costs, length of stay and patient specific outcomes.















