Adverse Effects of Fluid Administration

Abstract

Fluid therapy in acute brain injury patients is a part of the basic or maintenance care. Adverse effects of fluid administration incidence and severity depend on the infused volume, the composition and tonicity of the fluids, and the chronic and acute pre-existing conditions of the patient. Whereas hypovolaemia could worsen secondary cerebral lesions, recent data suggests that cerebral or systemic fluid overload could also exacerbate it through their effects on the lungs and the heart and their interactions with the brain. Ionic and osmolarity disturbances are relatively frequent in neurologic patients. Their consequences can be devastating if there is a disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Glucose-containing solutions have been associated with a worsening of acute cerebral lesions.