Our group has been doing office rehydration for at least 5 years. Many times, a mere push of 20cc/kg normal saline or lactated Ringer's will get a child "over the hump", especially one who has become acidotic from protracted vomiting. Careful reassessment after the initial 20cc/kg can permit the additional administration of 10-20 cc/kg. Due to the use of bolus fluids, prolonged periods of IV infusion and observation can be avoided. If the patient needs prolonged infusion, we do admit to the hospital. Most of the time, however, hospitalization can be completely avoided, benefiting the patient, parent, doctor, and even the insurance company. Rehydration is usually done in our "treatment room", although once the IV line is in, the patient can be moved to an examination room if necessary. IV lines are usually placed by either an MD or RN. Bear in mind, as we all know, that little veins become littler when they reside within a dehydrated infant--we have found the topical application of small amounts of nitroglycerin paste to be of immense help (references available upon request); the nitroglycerin causes venodilatation and inhibits the reflex venoconstriction caused by the needle puncturing the vein. Dave Arkin Richmond, VA