Paediatric Dehydration Assessment (WHO)
WHO (2005) clinical assessment of dehydration in children with diarrhoea: condition, eyes, thirst and skin pinch. NICE CG84 uses the same signs to recognise clinical dehydration and shock.
Score interpretation
Not enough signs for some or severe dehydration (WHO).
→ WHO Plan A: oral rehydration solution and continued feeding at home; safety-net advice (NICE CG84).
Two or more 'some dehydration' signs (WHO).
→ WHO Plan B: oral rehydration solution in the volume set by weight over 4 hours; reassess; nasogastric or IV fluids if oral rehydration fails (NICE CG84).
Two or more 'severe dehydration' signs (WHO). Look for shock.
→ WHO Plan C / NICE CG84: urgent IV rehydration per the local paediatric fluid protocol; glucose and electrolytes; senior paediatric review.
Interpretation bands for the Paed Dehydration. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- WHO. The treatment of diarrhoea: a manual for physicians and other senior health workers. 4th revision. 2005.
- NICE CG84. Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis in under 5s: diagnosis and management. 2009.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ibuprofen (Paediatric) · NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Ondansetron (Paediatric) · 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonist — Nausea / Vomiting / Gastroenteritis
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Vancomycin (Paediatric) · Glycopeptide Antibiotic — MRSA / Severe Gram-Positive Infections in Children
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.