There are two main types of<unk> s: crystalloids and colloids. Crystalloids are aqueous solutions of mineral salts or other water-soluble molecules. Colloids contain larger insoluble molecules, such as gelatin; blood itself is a colloid. There is no evidence that colloids are better than crystalloids in those who have had trauma, burns, or surgery. Colloids are more expensive than crystalloids. As such, colloids are not recommended for<unk>  expansion in these settings. Crystalloids The most commonly used crystalloid fluid is normal saline, a solution of sodium chloride at 0.9% concentration, which is close to the concentration in the blood (isotonic). Ringer's lactate or Ringer's acetate is another isotonic solution often used for large-volume fluid replacement. The choice of fluids may also depend on the chemical properties of the medications being given. Normal saline Normal saline (NS) is the commonly used term for a solution of 0.9% w/v of NaCl, about 300 mOsm/L. Less commonly, this solution is referred to as physiological saline or isotonic saline, neither of which is technically accurate. NS is used frequently in intravenous drips (IVs) for patients who cannot take fluids orally and have developed or are in danger of developing dehydration or hypovolemia. NS is typically the first fluid used when hypovolemia is severe enough to threaten the adequacy of blood circulation, and has long been believed to be the safest fluid to give quickly in large<unk> s. However, it is now known that rapid infusion of NS can cause metabolic acidosis. Ringer's solution Lactated Ringer's solution contains 28 mmol/L lactate, 4 mmol/L K+ and 1.5 mmol/L Ca2+. It is very similar – though not identical – to Hartmann's Solution, the ionic concentrations of which differ slightly. 1/3 NS 2/3D5 2/3 1/3 is no longer recommended as a maintenance intravenous fluid in children as it is hypotonic and isotonic fluids are preferred. Glucose (dextrose) Intravenous sugar solutions, such as those containing glucose (also called dextrose), have the advantage of providing some energy, and may thereby provide the entire or part of the energy component of parenteral nutrition. Types of glucose/dextrose include: * D5W (5% dextrose in water), which consists of 278 mmol/L dextrose * D5NS (5% dextrose in normal saline), which, in addition, contains normal saline. Comparison table + Composition of common crystalloid solutions Solution Other Name Na+(mmol/L) Cl−(mmol/L) Glucose(mmol/L) Glucose(mg/dl) D5W 5% Dextrose 0 0 278 5000 2/3 D5W & 1/3 NS 3.3% Dextrose / 0.3% saline 51 51 185 3333 Half-normal saline 0.45% NaCl 77 77 0 0 Normal saline 0.9% NaCl 154 154 0 0 Ringer's lactate Lactated Ringer 130 109 0 0 D5NS 5% Dextrose, Normal Saline 154 154 278 5000 + Effect of adding one litre Solution Change in ECF Change in ICF D5W 333 mL 667 mL 2/3 D5W & 1/3 NS 556 mL 444 mL Half-normal saline 667 mL 333 mL Normal saline 1000 mL 0 mL Ringer's lactate 900 mL 100 mL Colloids Colloids preserve a high colloid osmotic pressure in the blood, while, on the other hand, this parameter is decreased by crystalloids due to hemodilution. Therefore, they should theoretically preferentially increase the intravascular<unk> , whereas crystalloids also increase the interstitial<unk>  and intracellular<unk> . However, there is no evidence to support that this results in less mortality than crystalloids. Another difference is that crystalloids generally are much cheaper than colloids. Common colloids used in the medical context include albumin and fresh frozen plasma. Hydroxyethyl starch Hydroxyethyl starch (HES/HAES, common trade names: Hespan,<unk> n) is controversial. Its use in those who are very ill is associated with an increased risk of death and kidney problems. Therefore, HES/HAES is not recommended in people with known inflammatory conditions such as renal impairment. Gelofusine Gelofusine is a colloid<unk>  which may be used as a blood plasma replacement when a significant amount of blood is lost due to extreme hemorrhagia, trauma, dehydration, or a similar event. It is an intravenous colloid that behaves much like blood filled with albumins. As a result, it causes an increase in blood<unk> , blood flow, cardiac output, and oxygen transportation.
Volume expander
Osmotic dilator
Catheter lock solution
Saline flush
Contrast agent
Diuresis
Iodixanol
Uterotonic