Tribonat--a comprehensive summary of its properties.

OBJECTIVE: To review available investigations describing the properties of the buffer mixture Tribonat.

DATA SOURCES: Original reports published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

STUDY SELECTION: Review of 76 citations, including four original studies on the effect of Tribonat performed by or supervised by the author, and six original studies concerning Tribonat originating from the institution to which the author is affiliated.

DATA EXTRACTION: Computer search of the literature regarding treatment with alkaline buffers during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Routine buffering of acidosis has been questioned, but clinical situations still exist where such treatment is regarded as indicated. In such cases, a buffer with advantageous qualities and few side-effects is desirable. The hitherto commonly used buffers do not always fulfill these requirements, and a more profound knowledge of the alternative Tribonat may therefore be warranted.

CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed articles support the assumption that Tribonat may offer important advantages over previously used buffers in situations where administration of an alkalinizing agent is indicated.