Non-invasive Assessment of the Current State of Hydration in Children by Ultrasound

Children with clinical signs of severe dehydration will be examined by ultrasound in a supine position during admission. Children aged between 1 and 15years will be divided into three weight groups: 10-20kg, 20-30kg, 30-50kg. Early after admission 1st measurement of diameters of vena cava inferior (VCImax, VCImin) during breathing cycles and diameters of both venae jugulares (VJI dx max, min, VJI sin max, min) before and after passive leg raise maneuver will be recorded. After a defined fluid infusion within 60 minutes, a second examination will be evaluated and compared with the first one. The investigators considered also echocardiography to measure CO changes however they wanted to make it as simple as it might be at emergency during the night shift without an experienced cardiologist.