Armon et al reported clinical features of dehydration in pediatric patients with gastroenteritis. The authors are from University of Nottingham, Pinderfields General Hospital and Maudsley Hospital in England.
Patient selection: pediatric patient with recent acute gastroenteritis
Parameters:
(1) percent weight loss
(2) mucuous membranes
(3) eyes
(4) tears
(5) skin turgor of abdominal skin
(6) neurologic status
(7) breathing
(8) peripheral perfusion
percent weight loss =
= ((usual body weight in kg) - (current body weight in kg)) / (usual body weight in kg) * 100
Parameter
Mild to Moderate Dehydration
Severe Dehydration
percent weight loss
3 to 8%
>= 9%
mucous membranes
dry (exclude mouth breathing)
very dry
eyes
sunken
sunken
tears
reduced to none
none
skin turgor of abdominal skin by pinch test
reduced (1 to 2 seconds to recoil)
poor (> 2 seconds)
neurologic status
drowsy or irritable
may be comatose
breathing
deep, acidotic
deep
peripheral perfusion
may be reduced
skin cool, mottled, pale
circulatory collapse
not present
may be present
where:
• Normal abdominal skin shows immediate recoil if pinched.
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