Hypertonic saline: A review of the literature and evaluation of its role in resuscitation of traumatic hypovolaemic shock.

Hypertonic saline solutions have properties that may be advantageous for resuscitation. In both animal and human studies rapid improvements in cardiovascular status occur when hypertonic saline is administered to hypovolaemic subjects and the possible side effects of hypertonic solutions have not been shown to be of clinical importance. Hypertonic saline certainly has a potential role in resuscitation of hypovolaemic casulaties in the modern military setting.