The Great(est) Fluid Debate

Resuscitation fluids save lives in humans with life-threatening hypovolaemia. The fluid of choice should have biochemical characteristics close to the type of fluid lost and replaced at a rate and volume sufficient to correct the severe fluid deficit. Then stop and consider the early use of catecholamines. There are few indications to give critically ill patients resuscitation fluids after 24 hours of admission. There is no place for synthetic colloids of non-physiological crystalloids. The effects of unnecessary fluids last well beyond the initial resuscitation period and are associated with adverse effects and harm to the patient. Fluids are toxic drugs and must be used with great care.