You see an 18-month-old boy with diarrhoea and persistent vomiting, and diagnose gastroenteritis. There is clinical evidence of moderate dehydration. He has unfortunately not been able to tolerate oral rehydration therapy (ORT) in the department, and attempts to place a nasogastric tube to deliver ORT are met with stiff resistance. Cannulation for intravenous therapy is rather difficult, and mother and child look at you balefully as your team succeed on the third attempt. You have heard of subcutaneous fluids being used to successfully to rehydrate adults in your hospital-and wonder whether this technique could be used in children like your patient.
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