Fluids in the ICU: which is the right one?
Timo MayerhöferAndrew D ShawChristian J WiedermannMichael JoannidisPublished in: Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association (2022)
The administration of fluids is one of the most common interventions in the ICU. The effects and side effects of intravenous fluids depend on the amount administered and their specific composition. Intravenous fluid solutions are either considered crystalloids (for example 0.9% saline, lactated Ringer's solution) or colloids (artificial colloids such as gelatins, and albumin). This narrative review summarizes the physiological principles of fluid therapy and reviews the most important studies on crystalloids, artificial colloids, and albumin in the context of critically ill patients.