Loading...
The choice of crystalloid fluid for volume resuscitation is debated often. With rising concern about the effect of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis associated with normal saline, clinicians more commonly are opting for balanced crystalloids, such as lactated Ringer's solution or Plasma-Lyte. In two parallel trials, investigators from Vanderbilt randomized patients to receive either normal saline or balanced crystalloid (generally lactated Ringer's). One trial was performed in the emergency department (ED); one was done in the intensive care units (ICUs). Computer order-entry system directed providers to use the assigned fluid.
In the ICU trial, patients who received balanced crystalloids had fewer adverse kidney events, a composite outcome …