Modern aspects of infusion therapy.

Abstract

The infusion therapy (IT) 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 IT which are discussing. Modern IT 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 IT 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 time when this endpoints are achieved fluid therapy should be appropriately de-escalated for avoiding overhydration.