Problems associated with intravenous fluid administration in children: do we have the right solutions?

Edema, both in its cellular and tissue form, is a frequent complication in critically ill patients. In health, a balance is struck between intracellul ar and extracellular osmotic forces and interstitial and intravascular onco tic forces, which in turn governs fluid distribution between the intracellu lar, extracellular and interstitial fluid compartments. The use of hypo- an d hypernotic electrolyte solutions has major effects on brain cells, which can be detrimental or beneficial. The controversy over the use of colloids versus crystalloid solutions in critically ill patients remains unresolved. Curr Opin Pediatr 2000, 12:217-221 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams &Wilkins, Inc.