Fluids, Electrolytes & Nutrition: Fluid Replacement

Intravenous Fluids

Crystalloid Fluids

  • Definition: Aqueous Solutions Containing Mineral Salts & Small Molecules
  • Types of Crystalloid:
    • Lactated Ringer (LR)/Hartmann’s Solution
      • Sodium (Na): 130 mEq/L
      • Chloride (Cl): 109 mEq/L
      • Potassium (K): 4 mEq/L
      • Calcium (Ca): 2.7 mEq/L
      • Lactate: 28 mEq/L
        • Metabolization Releases Bicarbonate (Alkalinize)
        • Overall pH: 6.5
    • 0.9% Normal Saline (NS)
      • Sodium (Na): 154 mEq/L
      • Chloride (Cl): 154 mEq/L
    • Hypertonic Saline (3% NS)
      • Sodium (Na): 513 mEq/L
      • Chloride (Cl): 513 mEq/L
    • 0.45% Normal Saline (1/2 NS)
      • Sodium (Na): 77 mEq/L
      • Chloride (Cl): 77 mEq/L
  • Additives:
    • Dextrose
      • D5 (5%) or D10 (10%)
      • D5W – 5% Dextrose in Water
    • Potassium Chloride (KCl)

Colloid Fluids

  • Definition: Aqueous Solutions Containing Large Molecules
  • Types of Colloids:
    • Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC)
    • Platelets (Plt)
    • Plasma (FFP)
    • Albumin
  • Synthetic Colloids: Hydroxyethyl Starch, Dextran or Gelatins
    • Rarely Used Now
    • Side Effect: Coagulopathy (From Impaired Platelet Function) & AKI
  • *See Hematology & Oncology: Blood Products

Fluid Replacement

Resuscitation Fluids

Maintenance Fluids (mIVF)

  • Fluid Choice:
    • Neonate (< 10 kg): D10 1/4-NS + 10 mEq KCl
    • Peds: D5 1/4-NS + 20 mEq KCl
      • *More Hypotonic Fluid Preferred in Peds Due to Ineffective Ability of the Distal Nephrons to Concentrate Urine (GFR About 25% that of an Adult)
    • Adult: D5 1/2-NS + 20 mEq KCl
  • Maintenance Rate: Mn
kg cc/kg/day cc/kg/hour
0-10 100 4
11-20 50 2
20+ 20 1
    • *Each Step is Added to the Prior Steps
    • *Ex: 23 kg > 10×4 + 10×2 + 3×1 = 63
  • May Need to Decrease Infusion Rate Below the Calculated Maintenance Rate Once Patients Begin Mobilizing Third-Space Fluid
    • Often Occurs Around Post-Operative Day #3
  • Goal Urine Output (UOP):
    • Infant (< 1 Year): > 2.0 cc/kg/hr
    • Peds: 1.0-2.0 cc/kg/hr
    • Adult: 0.5-1.0 cc/kg/hr

Fluid Replacement Sequestration

  • Crystalloid – Only 1/3 Remains Intravascular
  • Albumin – Stays Intravascular Longer (Does Not “Pull” Fluids In)
    • Benefits & Indications are Poorly Defined

Mnemonic

Easy Way to Calculate Hourly Maintenance Fluid Requirements

  • Hourly Rate = kg + 40
  • *Only if Over 20 kg