Pediatrics
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This article reviews and synthesizes evidence in the published literature on the safety and efficacy of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) among young children with pediatric gastroenteritis in developed nations. ⋯ There seems to be a great potential for improving the medical treatment of children with acute gastroenteritis by the greater use of ORT.
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The use of the emergency departments as a regular source of sick care has been increasing, despite the fact that it is costly and is often an inappropriate source of care. This study examines factors associated with routine use of emergency departments by using a national sample of US children. ⋯ Reliance on hospital emergency departments for routine sick care is strongly associated with demographic and social characteristics of the child and family, the type and source of available well child care, and the supply of primary care physicians. Because health insurance status was not a significant predictor of use, public policies aimed at reducing the use of emergency departments by children will need to address other factors. These include the organizational characteristics and responsiveness of the health care system and the motivation of families for routine use of hospital emergency departments.