Intravenous Fluids in Hospitalised Children

Fluid Therapy in Acutely Ill Children - a Randomized Controlled Trial

The main objective of the trial is to evaluate the risk of hypokalemia following administration of a isotonic solution compared to a hypotonic solution in acutely ill hospitalised children, who need intravenous fluid therapy.

The main objective of the trial is to evaluate the risk of hypokalemia (low plasma potassium concentration) following administration of a Plasmalyte Glucos 50 mg/mL solution compared to a 0.45% saline in 5% dextrose solution in acutely ill hospitalised children, who need intravenous fluid therapy. The secondary objective of the trial is to evaluate the risk of hyponatremia (low plasma sodium concentration) and the risk of hypernatremia (high plasma sodium concentration) following administration of isotonic solution compared to hypotonic solution.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acutely ill hospitalised children
• Need for intravenous fluid therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• An initial plasma sodium concentration of lower than 130 mmol/L
• An initial plasma sodium concentration of higher than 150 mmol/L
• An initial plasma potassium concentration of lower than 3.0 mmol/L
• Need for 10% glucose solution
• Diabetes
• Diabetes insipidus
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Renal disease that needs dialysis
• Protocol-determined chemotherapy hydration
• Severe liver disease
• Inborn errors of metabolism that need protocol-determined fluid therapy