The early history of the treatment for dehydration

Article Abstract:

The history of rehydration therapy began in 1614, when Santorio published his discovery that the body can lose water through pores on the skin and through breathing. He even measured the loss, which was the first time anyone had done this. William Brooke O'Shaughnessy studied cholera victims in the 1830's and discovered they had lost water and salt. His report in 1832 was the first report of the condition now called dehydration. Thomas Latta was the first physician to treat cholera patients in 1832 by giving them intravenous fluids. However, intravenous rehydration therapy had to await the availability of needles, syringes and tubing.

Care and treatment, Dehydration (Physiology), Oral rehydration therapy

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A Commentary on the Use of Rational Oral Electrolyte Therapy

Article Abstract:

The author outlines the history of development of rehydration, from the recognition that dehydration was a problem in some patients through William O'Shaughnessy's theory in 19th century London that rehydration with a combination of water and salts could save the lives of cholera victims to Thomas Latta's application of the theory into practice. The evolution of today's maintenance and emergency formulas took many more years, until a salt-sugar solution was introduced in the 1940's. Still, side effects were serious and in the 1960's, study of the digestive system's mechanics revealed that a proper balance of sugar-salt was needed.

Hydration, Rehydration solutions

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Why do patients with diabetic ketoacidosis have cerebral swelling, and why does treatment sometimes make it worse?

Article Abstract:

Standard guidelines for the treatment of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis may be responsible for the increase in brain deterioration and death seen in these patients. Diabetic ketoacidosis causes cells to retain too much water. When this happens in brain cells, the brain expands, pressure builds, and damage results. The standard treatment of free water administration may be the problem. It should be changed to administration of sodium salt solutions or protein solutions, potassium replacement, and correction of high blood sugar levels. The fluid intake of patients with headaches or confusion should be monitored.

Editorial, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Cerebral edema, Diabetic acidosis, Ketoacidosis, Diabetic ketoacidosis

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