BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to summarize the properties of the commonly available resuscitation fluids and highlight where knowledge of the characteristics of individual fluids might guide their use in clinical practice. Some of the current controversies surrounding resuscitation fluids are also discussed. Blood or blood products, or strategies of fluid administration, are not focused upon. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical trial data does not support the concept of a therapeutic advantage for either crystalloids or colloids, despite claimed theoretical advantages for both classes of fluid. The available colloid solutions have quite distinct profiles of activity, both in terms of their plasma volume expansion profile and other physiological and pharmacological properties. Recent data suggests that physiologically balanced crystalloid and colloid solutions may improve clinical outcomes when compared with saline-based fluids.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to summarize the properties of the commonly available resuscitation fluids and highlight where knowledge of the characteristics of individual fluids might guide their use in clinical practice. Some of the current controversies surrounding resuscitation fluids are also discussed. Blood or blood products, or strategies of fluid administration, are not focused upon. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical trial data does not support the concept of a therapeutic advantage for either crystalloids or colloids, despite claimed theoretical advantages for both classes of fluid. The available colloid solutions have quite distinct profiles of activity, both in terms of their plasma volume expansion profile and other physiological and pharmacological properties. Recent data suggests that physiologically balanced crystalloid and colloid solutions may improve clinical outcomes when compared with saline-based fluids.