Doctors have urged hospitals around the world to re-think about saline fluids for critically ill patients
In a study by the researcher of Imperial College London found that saline fluid fluids which are commonly used to treat critically ill children may make the blood acidic and can lead to other organ failures.
“This study suggests we need a re-think of how we resuscitate patients,” said Professor Michael Levin who is a study author.
The team publish their work in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, urges hospitals across the world that saline fluids should be a swap for a different buffer solution that helps prevent blood from changing its pH value.
Although the researcher studied the data of over 3,000 kids with malaria or sepsis in Africa, the research team say findings could apply to all critical adults and children.
Hospitals give patients a large amount of fluids called bolus through a vein when patient bought to the hospital in critical condition. This fluid help to increase heart rate, blood pressure and make sure that blood is still pumped around the body.
This fluid is called saline water which contains 5% albumin solution.
Shockings findings of the study
Saline fluids were thought to be the most effective until FEAST trial. The trail conduct in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda giving a smaller amount of saline fluid over a longer time. They hoped that it would decrease the number of deaths but they found that giving a large number of saline fluids associated with higher deaths rate.
For lung and brain
In a study found that although fluids improve heart rate and blood pressure ut it harm the lung, increase brain swelling and acidity of the blood.
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