[Perioperative infusion therapy in children].

A volume replacement therapy compensates a reduced intravascular volume to stabilize and maintain hemodynamics and vital signs. For this therapy, a physiologically-based solution comprising both, osmotic and colloid osmotic components, should be administered. The basic requirement for a sufficient fluid replacement and volume resuscitation therapy in children are the profound and special knowledge of the physiological and pathophysiological interactions in water balance and electrolyte metabolism in childhood, the pharmacology of the applied solutions and the adequate monitoring of this fluid and volume replacement therapy. Wrong dosages and side effects are reasons for a negative postoperative outcome in children.