Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jan 2025
Effect of Treatment With Balanced Crystalloids Versus Normal Saline on the Mortality of Critically Ill Patients With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Some studies suggest that balanced solutions may improve outcomes in critical care patients. However, in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) existing data indicate that normal saline may be preferred. We hypothesized that mortality in critically ill patients with and without TBI would differ with the use of balanced salt solutions versus normal saline. ⋯ In comparison to normal saline, balanced solutions were associated with a reduction in mortality in critical care patients without TBI. However, balanced solutions were associated with an increase in mortality in patients with TBI. These findings suggest that the effect of fluid choice on intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes may depend partially on the type of critical illness and in particular in patients with TBI.