Full Volume Isotonic (0.9%) vs. Two-Thirds Volume Hypotonic (0.18%) Intravenous Maintenance Fluids in Preventing Hyponatremia in Children Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit-A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the effect of two different intravenous fluid regimes on the incidence of hyponatremia in children.

METHODS: Children 1 month to 18 years of age, admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care medical college hospital were randomized to receive either isotonic fluid (0.9% saline in 5% dextrose) at the standard maintenance rate or hypotonic fluid (0.18% saline in 5% dextrose) at two-thirds of the standard maintenance rate.

RESULTS: A total of 240 children were randomized (120 isotonic, 120 hypotonic). In all, 16.7% children in hypotonic group developed hyponatremia compared with 7.5% in isotonic group (p = 0.029). Duration of PICU stay was significantly more in Hypotonic group.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that use of 0.9% saline in 5% dextrose as maintenance fluid helps in reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired hyponatremia and duration of intensive care unit stay among children admitted to PICU.