Fluid and Electrolyte Considerations for the Pediatric Surgical Patient

Abstract

Fluid and electrolyte management is critical to successful care of neonatal and pediatric surgical patients. Although infants and toddlers in particular are clearly different from adults in their fluid requirements, recent literature supports a shift away from hypotonic intravenous fluids to isotonic fluids. The importance of glucose regulation and electrolyte management in the development of neonates has been established, and they are essential goals in the care of these patients. Specific surgical diseases included in this review are hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, gastrointestinal atresia and bowel obstructions, ileostomy management, and burns. Key words: electrolyte replacement; fluid and electrolytes; neonatal surgical critical care; oral rehydration; pediatric hypernatremia; pediatric hyponatremia; pediatric maintenance fluids; pediatric surgical critical care; pediatric total body water