Choosing Maintenance Fluids Based on Sodium Content

Selecting maintenance fluids involves considering sodium content to prevent fluctuations. Historically, hypotonic fluids like half normal saline were favored to evade hypernatremia from normal saline. However, concerns now exist regarding hyponatremia risk with hypotonic fluids. The decision-making process for maintenance fluids is complex, involving considerations like potassium, glucose, and infusion rates. The choice of fluids is often guided by guidelines recommending normal saline for patients aged one month to 18 years for ongoing maintenance therapy.