Is sodium chloride worth its salt?

Euan McIntosh, Peter J Andrews

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The choice of fluid for resuscitation of the brain-injured patient remains controversial, and the 'ideal' resuscitation fluid has yet to be identified. Large volumes of hypotonic solutions must be avoided because of the risk of cerebral swelling and intracranial hypertension. Traditionally, 0.9% sodium chloride has been used in patients at risk of intracranial hypertension, but there is increasing recognition that 0.9% saline is not without its problems. Roquilly and colleagues show a reduction in the development of hyperchloremic acidosis in brain-injured patients given 'balanced' solutions for maintenance and resuscitation compared with 0.9% sodium chloride. In this commentary, we explore the idea that we should move away from 0.9% sodium chloride in favor of a more 'physiological' solution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150
JournalCritical Care
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Is sodium chloride worth its salt?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this