Normal Saline vs Balanced Fluids — What Does Recent Literature Say?

Intravenous fluid therapy, a crucial life-saving intervention for critically ill patients, raises questions about the optimal type, dose, and timing. Patient outcomes can be affected by the choice of resuscitation fluids, but only in the past 5-7 years has more attention been given to crystalloid therapy, specifically the differences between 0.9% saline and 'balanced' solutions.

Originating from the 1831 cholera pandemic, normal saline has been widely used, but recent concerns highlight its potential complications due to its high chloride concentration. Balanced crystalloids, such as lactated Ringer's and Plasma-Lyte, offer an alternative with electrolyte content closer to extracellular fluid.

While intravenous fluids are commonly used, an ideal fluid is yet to be found. Guidelines recommend crystalloids over colloids, but lack specificity on the type of crystalloid. Recent evidence prompts reevaluation of crystalloid choices in critical care. In my presentation, In this presentation, Dr. Islam will examine current research to determine the…