Do we overestimate intravenous fluid therapy needs? Adverse effects related to isotonic solutions during pediatric hospital admissions

Abstract

Introduction: Maintenance intravenous fluids are frequently used in hospitalised pediatric patients. The aim of the study was to describe the adverse effects of isotonic fluid therapy in hospitalised patients, and its prevalence based on the rate of infusion. Materials and methods: A prospective clinical observational study was designed. We included hospitalised patients between 3 months-old and 15-years-old were included with 0,9% isotonic solutions with 5% glucose within the first 24 h of administration. They were divided into two groups, depending on the quantity of liquid they received (restricted 110 mEq/L (16.6%) and oedema (19%). Oedema was more frequent in patients with lower age (p 110 mEq/L (16,6%) y edemas (19%). La aparición de edemas fue más frecuente en pacientes de menor edad (p < 0,01) y la hipercloremia se asoció con el desarrollo de edemas (OR 1,73 (1,0–3,8), p = 0,06. Conclusiones: La administración de sueros isotónicos no está exenta de complicaciones, probablemente relacionadas con el ritmo de administración y más frecuentes en lactantes. Son necesarios estudios que revisen las necesidades de líquidos en niños hospitalizados.

Keywords

• Fluidoterapia intravenosa
• Fluidoterapia isotónica
• Efecto adverso
• Edema
• Pediatría
• Hospitalización pediátrica