Ebola Virus Disease with Severe Dehydration (>10% Volume Depletion) and No Shock
This protocol covers the management of Ebola virus disease in patients who present with severe dehydration exceeding 10% volume depletion but without haemodynamic shock — a distinct clinical situation requiring prompt, structured fluid intervention.
Clinical scenario
Patients without shock but with severe dehydration (>10% volume depletion). The priority is accurate assessment of fluid status and rapid initiation of rehydration before further deterioration occurs.
Treatment approach (partial overview)
Management centres on prompt intravenous fluid replacement using crystalloid solutions — with oral rehydration solution offered by sips where the patient is able to drink while IV access is being established. The specific fluid choices, age-stratified volumes and rates, and the reassessment schedule are contained in the full structured protocol.
Clinical goal: Improvement of hydration status, monitored through frequent reassessment during fluid administration.
References
- Patients without shock but with severe dehydration (see Section 2.4 Fluid status)
- Start IV fluid therapy with 0.9% saline with dextrose or Ringer's lactate with dextrose (see also Appendix 2).
- If patient can drink, give ORS by sips while IV is being set up.
- Determine amount of IV fluid to be given: 100 ml/kg.
- Re-assess child every 15–30 minutes. If hydration status not improving, give fluids more rapidly.