Paediatric Dehydration Assessment
WHO/NICE clinical assessment of dehydration severity in children to guide fluid management.
Score interpretation
No or minimal dehydration (< 3% body weight loss).
→ Oral rehydration. Continue breastfeeding. ORS (Dioralyte) 10 ml/kg for each loose stool / vomit. Return if worsening.
Some dehydration (3–9% body weight loss).
→ ORS 50–100 ml/kg over 2–4 hours. Reassess frequently. Consider IV access. Admit if oral route fails.
Severe dehydration (> 9% body weight loss). Shock may be present.
→ IV access immediately. 20 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl bolus over 15–20 min. Reassess. Repeat bolus if needed (up to 60 ml/kg). Check electrolytes, glucose, blood gas. Admit PICU.
Interpretation bands for the Paed Dehydration. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- NICE CG84. Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis in under 5s. 2009.
- WHO. The management of acute diarrhoea in children. 2005.
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.