Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Nov 2006
Review[The practice guideline 'Volume suppletion in critically-ill neonates and children up to the age of 18 years' of the Dutch Paediatric Association].
Hypovolaemia is the most common cause of circulatory failure in children. Treatment consists of volume suppletion with a crystalloid or colloid solution; which agent is the best in children is not clear. This evidence-based practice guideline formulates recommendations as to which fluid should be used for volume suppletion in critically-ill neonates and children up to the age of 18 years with hypovolaemia. ⋯ On the basis of data from the literature and considerations regarding the applicability of evidence in adults to children and neonates, the side effects of resuscitation fluids, pathophysiology and costs, the first-choice fluid for neonates and children with hypovolaemia is isotonic saline. Albumin should not be used for the treatment of hypovolaemia. The volume to be administered and the infusion rate depend on the severity of the hypovolaemia and should be determined on an individual basis.