Choosing fluids to reduce the risks of acute electrolyte disturbances in children after a kidney transplant.

Intravenous (i.v.) fluid therapy is critically important in pediatric kidney transplantation. Because of the high volumes given perioperatively, transplant recipients can develop significant electrolyte abnormalities depending on the types of fluids used. Current practices in pediatric transplantation aim to balance risks of hyponatremia from traditionally used hypotonic fluids, such as 0.45% sodium chloride, against hyperchloremia and acidosis associated with isotonic 0.9% sodium chloride. Using the balanced solution Plasma-Lyte 148 as an alternative might mitigate these risks.