RESUMEN
We studied 60 hospitalized sick infants with diarrhea to determine the efficacy of lactose free, soy-milk formula(Isomil) on the recovery of diarrhea. 60 sick infants were divided into two groups; Group 1 is consisted of 30 infants who were given Isomil, Group 2 is also consisted of 30 infants who were given 1/2 milk formula during the recovery stage, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups in admission weight, age, duration of diarrhea, number of stools per day, degree of dehydration and serum Na concentration. Initial management of the dirrhea was by means of intravenous fluid therapy and approprate period of fasting to allow intestinal rest. At 2nd day or 3rd day, the patient was given at random lactose free formula or 1/2 milk formula when we started to observe the frequency and consistency of stool. In Group 1, 23 successes and 7 failures. In Group 2, 13 successes and 17 failures. This represented a significant success rate in group I (p<0.025). The data suggest that during the recovery phase of gastroenteritis in young infants, a lactose free, soy-protein formula(Isomil) has definite adventages than 1/2 milk formula.