Explanation for the choice of comparators {6b}
infectious diseases, hyperhydration, dehydration
INFECTIOUS DISEASES, DEHYDRATION, COMPLICATIONS
Both treatment pathways reflect widely accepted, albeit usually implemented in a non-standardized manner, treatment approaches used in North American Institutions. As it is unknown which approach is most beneficial, there is equipoise. Both pathways have been reviewed and accepted by critical stakeholders at each institution (including emergency medicine, nephrology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases and hospital medicine) as reasonable and appropriate care options. Embedding protocolized management of either clinical approach (i.e., hyperhydration or conservative fluid management) may lead to improvements over current practice, reducing undesirable outcomes by avoiding dehydration, use of antibiotics or antimotility-agents, and by facilitating close follow up and early recognition of complications.