What are the benefits and harms of intravenous maintenance fluids for children?

BEEM Bottom Line

Why is this study important?

Why is this guideline and at least some of its recommendations important? Iatrogenic hyponatremia is still a major cause of morbidity in hospitalized children receiving hypotonic intravenous fluids (IVF).[1] This is because acutely ill patients can have increased arginine vasopressin production leading to free water retention. This guideline addresses the evidence and assesses the risk of hospital acquired hyponatremia when comparing isotonic fluids (e.g., plasmalyte, sodium chloride [NaCl] 0.9%) with hypotonic fluids (e.g., NaCl 0.2% or 0.45%). 

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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