The effects of saline or albumin resuscitation on acid-base status and serum electrolytes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To test whether fluid resuscitation with normal saline or 4% albumin is associated with differential changes in acid-base status and serum electrolytes. DESIGN: Nested cohort study. SETTING: Three general intensive care units. PATIENTS: Six hundred and ninety-one critically ill patients. INTERVENTIONS: Randomization of patients to receive blinded solutions of either 4% human albumin or normal saline for fluid resuscitation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Albumin was given to 339 patients and saline to 352. At baseline, both groups had a similar serum bicarbonate, albumin, and base excess levels. After randomization, bicarbonate and base excess increased significantly and similarly..