Daily intravenous chloride load and the acid-base and biochemical status of intensive care unit patients

Abstract

Background: Studies have described the development of metabolic acidosis after the rapid intravenous administration of large amounts of chloride-rich solutions. There are little data on the effect of daily intravenous fluid therapy within the intensive care unit. Aim: To test the correlation between daily intravenous chloride load and the acid-base and biochemical status of intensive care unit patients. Method: Data were prospectively collected on the type and volume of intravenous fluids administered to intensive care unit patients over 24-hour cycles. Correlation was then tested between daily chloride load and the acid-base and biochemical variables obtained from the first morning measurem..