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Avoiding common problems associated with intravenous fluid therapy

Alexander D Franke
Med J Aust 2009; 190 (12): . || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02656.x
Published online: 15 June 2009

To the Editor: A recent review of medical textbooks found that the topic of intravenous fluid therapy is poorly covered.1 Hence, the recent article by Hilton and colleagues provides interesting hypothetical examples of the risk of hypovolaemia and hypervolaemia, as well as imbalances in fluid tonicity, in patients receiving intravenous fluid therapy.2 In particular, the authors recommend the use of intravenous 0.9% saline, as it is reportedly isotonic and hence avoids potential imbalances in serum sodium concentration.


  • Intensive Care Unit, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA.



  • 1. Chawla G, Drummond GB. Textbook coverage of a common topic: fluid management of patients after surgery. Med Educ 2008; 42: 613-618.
  • 2. Hilton AK, Pellegrino VA, Scheinkestel CD. Avoiding common problems associated with intravenous fluid therapy. Med J Aust 2008; 189: 509-513. <MJA full text>
  • 3. Awad S, Allison SP, Lobo DN. The history of 0.9% saline. Clin Nutr 2008; 27: 179-188.
  • 4. Morgan TJ. The meaning of acid–base abnormalities in the intensive care unit: part III — effects of fluid administration. Crit Care 2005; 9: 204-211.

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