Fluid Resuscitation in Acute Illness — Time to Reappraise the Basics

Fluid resuscitation is a fundamental intervention in the treatment of critically ill patients. However, there is little conclusive evidence to guide clinicians about the best type of resuscitation fluid; the appropriate timing, volume, and rate of fluid administration; and the optimal way to adequately monitor the efficacy and safety of fluid resuscitation in various clinical conditions.1 Although the complications associated with excessive volume of resuscitation fluid — such as pulmonary and interstitial edema — are well recognized, an emerging body of evidence suggests that the type of resuscitation fluid may adversely affect the outcomes in specific clinical conditions; for example, . . .