Sodium Acetate Infusion to Correct Acidosis in Premature Infants-Reply

Abstract

In Reply .—Kasik and colleagues criticize our use of sodium acetate in the fluid therapy of premature infants. In our study we set up a goal to avoid variations in osmolality by providing a stable water, sodium, and acid-base balance. Naturally, we made all efforts to establish adequate ventilation, cardiac output, peripheral perfusion, and renal output, as well as to control infection and provide appropriate nutrition. But parallel to these managements, we wanted to find guidelines for planning the fluid and electrolyte therapy. The infants were treated according to a restricted fluid regimen in an environment minimizing insensible water loss. It is our view that this approach gives the best opportunity to control water balance and water losses after birth. Furthermore, we believe that in all situations, other than those with an alkalosis, a base anion could routinely be a part of fluid administration. Sodium acetate, without the problems of