Modern aspects of infusion therapy: review

Abstract

The infusion therapy is a routine procedure of the nowadays perioperative period and critical patient treatment. But there are controversial questions about the quantity, quality, start and duration of infusion therapy, which are under discussion. Modern infusion therapy includes intravenous administration of crystalloid solutions and more rarely colloid solutions. The type, amount and rate of infusion fluid depends on the indication for infusion therapy and the specific requirements of the patient. Nowadays colloidal solutions have limited indications. Crystalloid solutions are used for infusion therapy of patients with hypovolemia or dehydration, correction of free water deficiency, correction of electrolyte disorders, replenishment of ongoing fluid losses and replacement for patients who unable to drink water orally. All patients should be monitored with combination of clinical parameters and laboratory tests. Therapeutic endpoints should be determined. The moment these endpoints are achieved fluid therapy should be appropriately de-escalated in order to avoid overhydration.