Balanced versus unbalanced salt solutions: what difference does it make?

Iatrogenic hyperchloremia: An overview in hospitalized patients for pharmacists

PURPOSE

The purpose of this therapeutic update is to provide pharmacists with a general overview of the pathophysiology of hyperchloremia and describe strategies to help prevent development of this electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized patients.

SUMMARY

Hyperchloremia is an electrolyte abnormality associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury and metabolic acidosis. Intravenous (IV) fluids utilized for volume resuscitation, medication diluents, and total parental nutrition all may contribute to the development of hyperchloremia. Current evidence suggests that administration of balanced crystalloids for either fluid resuscitation or maintenance fluids may impact serum chloride levels and patient outcomes. In multiple randomized controlled trials, administering balanced crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patient populations did not decrease mortality. However, further analyses of subpopulations within these trials have demonstrated that patients with sepsis may benefit from receiving balanced crystalloids for initial fluid resuscitation. Results from several small studies suggest that altering the composition of these IV fluids may help prevent development of hyperchloremia.

CONCLUSION

Management of hyperchloremia is preventative in nature and can be mitigated through management of resuscitation fluids, medication diluents, and total parenteral nutrition. Inpatient pharmacists should be aware of the potential risk of fluid-associated hyperchloremia and assist with optimal fluid management to prevent and manage hyperchloremia.

The Ins and Outs of IV Fluids in Hemodynamic Resuscitation

OBJECTIVES

Concise definitive review of the physiology of IV fluid (IVF) use in critically ill patients.

DATA SOURCES

Available literature on PubMed and MEDLINE databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Basic physiology studies, observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews addressing the physiology of IVF and their use in the critically ill were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

None.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We combine clinical and physiologic studies to form a framework for understanding rational and science-based use of fluids and electrolytes.

CONCLUSIONS

IVF administration is among the most common interventions for critically ill patients. IVF can be classified as crystalloids or colloids, and most crystalloids are sodium salts. They are frequently used to improve hemodynamics during shock states. Many recent clinical trials have sought to understand which kind of IVF might lead to better patient outcomes, especially in sepsis. Rational use of IVF rests on understanding the physiology of the shock state and what to expect IVF will act in those settings. Many questions remain unanswered, and future research should include a physiologic understanding of IVF in study design.

Etiology and Management of Acute Metabolic Acidosis: An Update

BACKGROUND

The etiology of acute metabolic acidosis (aMA) is heterogeneous, and the consequences are potentially life-threatening. The aim of this article was to summarize the causes and management of aMA from a clinician's perspective.

SUMMARY

We performed a systematic search on PubMed, applying the following search terms: "acute metabolic acidosis," "lactic acidosis," "metformin" AND "acidosis," "unbalanced solutions" AND "acidosis," "bicarbonate" AND "acidosis" AND "outcome," "acute metabolic acidosis" AND "management," and "acute metabolic acidosis" AND "renal replacement therapy (RRT)/dialysis." The literature search did not consider diabetic ketoacidosis at all. Lactic acidosis evolves from various conditions, either with or without systemic hypoxia. The incidence of metformin-associated aMA is actually quite low. Unbalanced electrolyte preparations can induce hyperchloremic aMA. The latter potentially worsens kidney-related outcome parameters. Nevertheless, prospective and controlled data are missing at the moment. Recently, bicarbonate has been shown to improve clinically relevant endpoints in the critically ill, even if higher pH values (>7.3) are targeted. New therapeutics for aMA control are under development, since bicarbonate treatment can induce serious side effects. Key Messages: aMA is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication of various conditions. Lactic acidosis might occur even in the absence of systemic hypoxia. The incidence of metformin-associated aMA is comparably low. Unbalanced electrolyte solutions induce hyperchloremic aMA, which most likely worsens the renal prognosis of critically ill patients. Bicarbonate, although potentially deleterious due to increased carbon dioxide production with subsequent intracellular acidosis, improves kidney-related endpoints in the critically ill.

Clinical practice on intra-operative fluid therapy in Poland: A point prevalence study

Intra-operative fluid therapy (IFT) is the cornerstone of peri-operative management as it may significantly influence the treatment outcome. Therefore, we sought to evaluate nationwide clinical practice regarding IFT in Poland.A cross-sectional, multicenter, point-prevalence study was performed on April 5, 2018, in 31 hospitals in Poland. Five hundred eighty-seven adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery were investigated. The volume and type of fluids transfused with respect to the patient and procedure risk were assessed.The study group consisted of 587 subjects, aged 58 (interquartile range [IQR] 40-67) years, including 142 (24%) American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status (ASA-PS) class III+ patients. The median total fluid dose was 8.6 mL kg h (IQR 6-12.5), predominantly including balanced crystalloids (7.0 mL kg h, IQR 4.9-10.6). The dose of 0.9% saline was low (1.6 mL kg h, IQR 0.8-3.7). Synthetic colloids were used in 66 (11%) subjects. The IFT was dependent on the risk involved, while the transfused volumes were lower in ASA-PS III+ patients, as well as in high-risk procedures (P < .05).The practice of IFT is liberal but is adjusted to the preoperative risk. The consumption of synthetic colloids and 0.9% saline is low.

Outcome and complications in horses administered sterile or non-sterile fluids intravenously

Background

Obtaining commercial fluids for intravenous administration (IVF) was challenging during a recent shortage. This necessitated use of custom‐made non‐sterile fluids for intravenous administration (JUGs) in some hospitals. There are no studies comparing outcome of horses treated with JUG versus IVF and limited information is available about adverse effects of JUGs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate death, complications, blood pH, and plasma electrolyte concentrations of horses that received JUG versus IVFs.

Animals

One hundred eighty‐six horses that received IVFs and 37 that received JUGs.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was performed to identify horses that received IVFs or JUGs during hospitalization. Information including survival to discharge, complications (fever [>38.5°C], jugular vein phlebitis/thrombosis, arrhythmia, or laminitis), blood pH, and plasma electrolyte concentrations were obtained.

Results

There was no difference (P = .67) in survival to discharge for horses that received JUGs (78%) compared to horses that received IVFs (87%). Horses that received JUGs were more likely to develop a jugular vein complication (3 of 37 versus 1 of 186, odds ratio 17.2 [95% CI 1.9‐389.8], P = .04). Horses that received JUGs were more likely to have electrolyte abnormalities consistent with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Veterinarians using JUGs should obtain informed client consent because of a potential increased risk of jugular vein complications. Chloride content of JUGs should be considered to limit development of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.

Fluid composition and acute kidney injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe recent advances in the understanding of the role of fluid composition in renal outcomes in critically ill patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

The debate on fluid composition is now focused in a pragmatic discussion on fluid electrolyte composition. The resurgence of this debate was propelled by several observational studies that suggested that balanced (i.e., low chloride) solutions were associated with less acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. Nevertheless, a cluster randomized trial failed to show any benefit of balanced solutions. This trial, however, may have failed to detect an effect because of low global illness severity and little fluid infused. If balanced solutions are to be associated with less acute kidney injury, it will probably be in high risk, aggressively resuscitated patients. Additionally, the causal loop involving unbalanced solution infusion, induction of hyperchloremia and acute kidney injury is yet to be closed. Other factors, such as buffer type, speed of infusion and temperature, among others, may also be important.

SUMMARY

Recent evidence suggests that crystalloid fluid composition matters and can influence renal outcomes in critically ill patients. Further studies should assess the impact and cost-efficiency of balanced solutions in the context of high-risk scenarios.

Challenges in the Anesthetic and Intensive Care Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a devastating condition with high morbidity and mortality. In the past 2 decades, the treatment of AIS has been revolutionized by the introduction of several interventions supported by class I evidence-care on a stroke unit, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 hours of stroke onset, aspirin commenced within 48 hours of stroke onset, and decompressive craniectomy for supratentorial malignant hemispheric cerebral infarction. There is new class I evidence also demonstrating benefits of endovascular therapy on functional outcomes in those with anterior circulation stroke. In addition, the importance of the careful management of key systemic physiological variables, including oxygenation, blood pressure, temperature, and serum glucose, has been appreciated. In line with this, the role of anesthesiologists and intensivists in managing AIS has increased. This review highlights the main challenges in the endovascular and intensive care management of AIS that, in part, result from the paucity of research focused on these areas. It also provides guidelines for the management of AIS based upon current evidence, and identifies areas for further research.

Effect of Intravenously Administered Crystalloid Solutions on Acid-Base Balance in Domestic Animals

Intravenous fluid therapy can alter plasma acid-base balance. The Stewart approach to acid-base balance is uniquely suited to identify and quantify the effects of the cationic and anionic constituents of crystalloid solutions on plasma pH. The plasma strong ion difference (SID) and weak acid concentrations are similar to those of the administered fluid, more so at higher administration rates and with larger volumes. A crystalloid's in vivo effects on plasma pH are described by 3 general rules: SID > [HCO3-] increases plasma pH (alkalosis); SID < [HCO3-] decreases plasma pH (alkalosis); and SID = [HCO3-] yields no change in plasma pH. The in vitro pH of commercially prepared crystalloid solutions has little to no effect on plasma pH because of their low titratable acidity. Appreciation of IV fluid composition and an understanding of basic physicochemical principles provide therapeutically valuable insights about how and why fluid therapy can produce and correct alterations of plasma acid-base equilibrium. The ideal balanced crystalloid should (1) contain species-specific concentrations of key electrolytes (Na+ , Cl- , K+ , Ca++ , Mg++ ), particularly Na+ and Cl- ; (2) maintain or normalize acid-base balance (provide an appropriate SID); and (3) be isosmotic and isotonic (not induce inappropriate fluid shifts) with normal plasma.

A comparison of balanced and unbalanced crystalloid solutions in surgery patient outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to evaluate adverse patient outcomes associated with the choice of intravenous fluid administered during general anaesthesia.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review of vascular surgery patients at a Canadian tertiary care hospital. Patients were separated into three groups: those who were intraoperatively administered normal saline (NS), balanced crystalloids, or a combination of both solutions. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine association between volume of each fluid type administered and adverse outcomes including in-hospital mortality, prolonged intensive care unit admission, vasopressor requirement, ventilator requirement, hemodialysis requirement, and a composite endpoint of any of these adverse events occurring.

RESULTS

Overall, 796 vascular surgery patients were included in the analysis. There were 425 patients who received balanced crystalloids, 158 patients who received NS, and 213 patients received both balanced crystalloids and NS. Groups were similar in age (P=0.06), but varied in gender (P<0.001) and overall health (ASA≥2; P=0.027). The most common adverse event was ventilator requirement (NS: 27.9%, balanced: 7.5%, both: 38.0%; P<0.001). Mortality was lowest in the group that received balanced fluids (NS: 12.0%, balanced: 5.9%, both: 10.8%; P=0.018). Patients who were administered NS or both fluids were more likely to reach the composite endpoint than patients receiving balanced crystalloid alone.

CONCLUSION

The administration of an unbalanced crystalloid solution was associated with poor patient outcomes in our study population.

Practical approach to physical-chemical acid-base management. Stewart at the bedside

The late Peter Stewart developed an approach to the analysis of acid-base disturbances in biological systems based on basic physical-chemical principles. His key argument was that the traditional carbon dioxide/bicarbonate analysis with just the use of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation does not account for the important role in the regulation of H(+) concentration played by strong ions, weak acids and water itself. Acceptance of his analysis has been limited because it requires a complicated set of calculations to account for all the variables and it does not provide simple clinical guidance. However, the analysis can be made more pragmatic by using a series of simple equations to quantify the major processes in acid-base disturbances. These include the traditional PCO2 component and the addition of four metabolic processes, which we classify as "water-effects," "chloride-effects," "albumin effects," and "others." Six values are required for the analysis: [Na(+)], [Cl(-)], pH, Pco2, albumin concentration, and base excess. The advantage of this approach is that it gives a better understanding of the mechanisms behind acid-base abnormalities and more readily leads to clinical actions that can prevent or correct the abnormalities. We have developed a simple free mobile app that can be used to input the necessary values to use this approach at the bedside (Physical/Chemical Acid Base Calculator).

Preservation solution impacts physiologic function and cellular viability of human saphenous vein graft

INTRODUCTION

Recent clinical data suggest intraoperative preservation of human saphenous vein (HSV) in normal saline is associated with vein graft failure. We evaluated the influence of several preservation media on acute physiologic function and cellular viability of HSV conduit.

METHODS

Unprepared (UP) HSV obtained from coronary artery bypass graft patients was characterized on a muscle bath after 2-hour storage in 6 solutions: Plasma-Lyte A, 0.9% NaCl (normal saline), University of Wisconsin solution, Celsior solution, autologous whole blood, or glutathione-ascorbic acid L-arginine (GALA) solution. Vascular smooth muscle contractility was assessed after exposure to depolarizing KCl and phenylephrine. The relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted HSV to sodium nitroprusside and carbachol (endothelial-independent and -dependent relaxation, respectively) was also assessed. Cellular viability was determined via the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Rat aortae were used to assess the effect of pH during graft preservation on endothelial-dependent relaxation.

RESULTS

Preservation of HSV in normal saline and autologous whole blood impaired contractile responses to KCl relative to UP tissues, whereas preservation in University of Wisconsin solution and Celsior solution enhanced contractile responses (P < .05). Relative to UP tissues, responses to phenylephrine were decreased with preservation in normal saline, whereas preservation in University of Wisconsin solution, Celsior solution, and GALA all potentiated these responses (P < .05). Only preservation in normal saline impaired endothelial-independent relaxation (P = .005). Preservation in Plasma-Lyte A (P = .02), normal saline (P = .002), and University of Wisconsin solution (P = .02) impaired endothelial-dependent relaxation. Normal saline preservation decreased MTT viability index relative to UP tissues (0.02 ± 0.002 mg(-1)0.5 mL(-1) vs 0.033 ± 0.005 mg(-1)0.5 mL(-1); P = .03). Endothelial function was impaired by acidic pH in rat aorta.

CONCLUSION

Preservation of HSV in normal saline causes graft injury leading to impaired physiologic function and decreased viability of the HSV. This harm is mitigated by the use of buffered salt solutions as preservation media.