[Evaluation of the use of sodium bicarbonate in a group of children with diarrhea, 10 per cent dehydration and metabolic acidosis].

Considering the disparity of criteria regarding the use of sodium bicarbonate in the management of infants with diarrhea, dehydration and metabolic acidosis, a prospective study was done in 25 infants (13 managed without and 12 with bicarbonate) where it was demonstrated; a) The use of bicarbonate does not lead to a more rapid correction of the metabolic acidosis. b) Bicarbonate should not be used in patients with serum bicarbonate levels of 5 mEq/1. or over. c) Patients with dehydration and metabolic acidosis show hyperglycemia that returns to normal when the dehydration is corrected. This fact is of great interest because these children should not be considered nor managed as diabetics.