Choice of fluids in the perioperative period of kidney transplantation. / Elección de fluidos en el periodo perioperatorio del trasplante renal.

Normal saline has traditionally been the resuscitation fluid of choice in the perioperative period of kidney transplantation over balanced potassium solutions. However, the problems arising from hyperchloraemia triggered by the infusion of normal saline have led to studies being conducted that compare this solution with balanced solutions. From this narrative review it can be concluded that the use of balanced crystalloids containing potassium in the perioperative period of kidney transplantation can be considered safe. These solutions do not affect serum potassium levels any more than normal saline, whilst maintaining a better acid-base balance in these patients.

Peak oxygen uptake in a sprint interval testing protocol vs. maximal oxygen uptake in an incremental testing protocol and their relationship with cross-country mountain biking performance.

In the literature, the exercise capacity of cyclists is typically assessed using incremental and endurance exercise tests. The aim of the present study was to confirm whether peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) attained in a sprint interval testing protocol correlates with cycling performance, and whether it corresponds to maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) determined by an incremental testing protocol. A sample of 28 trained mountain bike cyclists executed 3 performance tests: (i) incremental testing protocol (ITP) in which the participant cycled to volitional exhaustion, (ii) sprint interval testing protocol (SITP) composed of four 30 s maximal intensity cycling bouts interspersed with 90 s recovery periods, (iii) competition in a simulated mountain biking race. Oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation, work, and power output were measured during the ITP and SITP with postexercise blood lactate and hydrogen ion concentrations collected. Race times were recorded. No significant inter-individual differences were observed in regards to any of the ITP-associated variables. However, 9 individuals presented significantly increased oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation, and work output in the SITP compared with the remaining cyclists. In addition, in this group of 9 cyclists, oxygen uptake in SITP was significantly higher than in ITP. After the simulated race, this group of 9 cyclists achieved significantly better competition times (99.5 ± 5.2 min) than the other cyclists (110.5 ± 6.7 min). We conclude that mountain bike cyclists who demonstrate higher peak oxygen uptake in a sprint interval testing protocol than maximal oxygen uptake attained in an incremental testing protocol demonstrate superior competitive performance.

Effects of delayed cord clamping on the third stage of labour, maternal haematological parameters and acid-base status in fetuses at term.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the time in the third stage of labour, differences in maternal hematologic parameters 48h after birth and acid-base status in the umbilical cord between the early cord clamping (ECC) and delayed cord clamping (DCC). STUDY DESIGN: 97 healthy pregnancies at term and a spontaneous vertex delivery at Clinic University Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca" (Murcia, Spain), were randomized to ECC group (<10s post-delivery) or to DCC group (2min post-delivery). Duration of the third stage of labour was measured. Samples for acid-base status were taken both from the umbilical artery and vein. Blood samples were taken from the mothers 48h after birth. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in the time of the third stage of labour (p=0.35). No statiscally significant differences were found between the number of red cells (p=0.25), hemoglobin (p=0.08) or hematocrit (p=0.15) in mothers. Umbilical acid-base status or gas analysis did not show any differences between the two groups CONCLUSIONS: Delayed cord clamping does not affect significantly the time of the third stage of labour. It does not show either any effect on the hematological parameters in the mother 48h after birth.

Calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles for caries control.

Caries is caused by acid production in biofilms on dental surfaces. Preventing caries therefore involves control of microorganisms and/or the acid produced. Here, calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles are presented as a new approach to caries control. The particles are made by co-precipitation and designed to bind to bacteria in biofilms, impede biofilm build-up without killing the microflora, and release phosphate ions to buffer bacterial acid production if the pH decreases below 6. Analysis of biofilm formation and pH in a five-species biofilm model for dental caries showed that treatment with particles or pure osteopontin led to less biofilm formation compared to untreated controls or biofilms treated with osteopontin-free particles. The anti-biofilm effect can thus be ascribed to osteopontin. The particles also led to a slower acidification of the biofilm after exposure to glucose, and the pH always remained above 5.5. Hence, calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles show potential for applications in caries control.

Acid-base optimization during hypothermia.

Cardiac arrest (CA) often results in hemodynamic and metabolic compromise with associated poor prognosis. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has become the standard of care for CA survivors, decreasing reperfusion injury and intercellular acid-base disturbances, with improved neurologic outcomes. These benefits are realized despite a mild acidosis that can potentially occur during TH. By contrast, the severity of acidosis after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) must be monitored carefully and managed appropriately. Bicarbonate should be used only in case of severe acidosis and as a continuous infusion. The blood gas samples are usually warmed to 37 °C before analysis; hence, it is worth noting that the blood gas values are temperature dependent. Therefore, a calculated correction for values may be necessary.

Acute effect of citrate bath on postdialysis alkalaemia.

INTRODUCTION: The correction of metabolic acidosis caused by renal failure is achieved by adding bicarbonate during dialysis. In order to avoid the precipitation of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate that takes place in the dialysis fluid (DF) when adding bicarbonate, it is necessary to add an acid, usually acetate, which is not free of side effects. Thus, citrate appears as an advantageous alternative to acetate, despite the fact that its acute effects are not accurately known. OBJECTIVE: To assess the acute effect of a dialysis fluid containing citrate instead of acetate on acid-base balance and calcium-phosphorus metabolism parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective crossover study was conducted with twenty-four patients (15 male subjects and 9 female subjects). All patients underwent dialysis with AK-200-Ultra-S monitor with SoftPac® dialysis fluid, made with 3 mmol/L of acetate and SelectBag Citrate®, with 1 mmol/L of citrate and free of acetate. The following were measured before and after dialysis: venous blood gas monitoring, calcium (Ca), ionic calcium (Cai), phosphorus (P) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). RESULTS: Differences (p<0.05) were found when using the citrate bath (C) compared to acetate (A) in the postdialysis values of: pH, C: 7.43 (0.04) vs. A: 7.47 (0.05); bicarbonate, C: 24.7 (2.7) vs. A: 27.3 (2.1) mmol/L; base excess (BEecf), C: 0.4 (3.1) vs. A: 3.7 (2.4) mmol/L; corrected calcium (Cac), C: 9.8 (0.8) vs. A: 10.1 (0.7) mg/dL; and Cai, C: 1.16 (0.05) vs. A: 1.27 (0.06) mmol/L. No differences were found in either of the parameters measured before dialysis. CONCLUSION: Dialysis with citrate provides better control of postdialysis acid-base balance, decreases/avoids postdialysis alkalaemia, and lowers the increase in Cac and Cai. This finding is of special interest in patients with predisposing factors for arrhythmia and patients with respiratory failure, carbon dioxide retention, calcifications and advanced liver disease.

Guía Nacional de Consenso para el Diagnóstico y Tratamiento de las Emergencias Hiperglucémicas / National Consensus Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperglycemic Emergencies

Introducción: las Guías de Consenso de mayor prestigio a nivel mundial no establecen recomendaciones específicas para el manejo del síndrome hiperglucémico (SHG) en el marco de los cuidados intensivos lo que estimula a las instituciones hospitalarias a desarrollar guías para el manejo, diagnóstico y tratamiento de este síndrome en cuidados intensivos adaptadas a los diferentes contextos regionales y/o nacionales. Objetivo: elaborar una guía de diagnóstico y tratamiento de las emergencias hiperglucémicas. Método: endocrinólogos e intensivistas en calidad de expertos, en representación de todo el país, se reunieron durante la Jornada por el 42 Aniversario de la Fundación del Centro de Atención al Diabético de La Habana, para la discusión preliminar de esta Guía Nacional. Resultados: luego de un amplio debate se estableció la versión preliminar de las guías, la cual detalla los criterios diagnósticos, objetivos, metas terapéuticas y tratamiento de los pacientes en SHG en su tránsito desde la admisión en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, hacia los cuidados intermedios y el alta hospitalaria. Se establecen las pautas de monitoreo, las insulinas aprobadas para su uso, las vías y esquemas terapéuticos en cada nivel de atención emergente, así como los criterios de transición terapéutica desde la infusión endovenosa continua de insulina hasta los esquemas de tratamiento intensivo basal-bolos indicados una vez compensado el paciente. Se establecen además las indicaciones para el manejo de los eventos hipoglucémicos y el manejo de la glucemia durante el periodo perioperatorio durante las intervenciones quirúrgicas electivas(AU)

Introducción:consensus Guidelines most prestigious worldwide do not provide specific recommendations for the management of the Hyperglycemic syndrome under intensive care which encourages hospitals to develop guidelines for the management, diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome in intensive care adapted to different regional and / or national contexts. Objective: develop a diagnosis and treatment guide of hyperglycemic emergencies. Method: endocrinologists, and intensivists as experts representing the whole country, met during the 42nd Anniversary of the Founding of the Diabetes Care Center of Havana, for the preliminary discussion of this national guidance. Results: after extensive discussion it was established, the preliminary version of the guidelines which detail the diagnostic criteria, objectives, therapeutic goals and treatment of patients in HGS from the admission in ICU, to the intermediate care and discharge. Monitoring guidelines are established, insulins approved for use, pathways and therapeutic schemes at every level of emergent care and therapeutic transition criteria from continuous intravenous insulin infusion to the schemes of basal-bolus intensive treatment indicated once the patient was compensated. It is also established some directions for the management of hypoglycemic events and blood glucose management during the perioperative period during elective surgery(AU)

Sodium lactate for fluid resuscitation: the preferred solution for the coming decades?

In a recent issue of Critical Care, 0.5 M sodium lactate infusion for 24 hours was reported to increase cardiac output in patients with acute heart failure. This effect was associated with a concomitant metabolic alkalosis and a negative water balance. Growing data strongly support the role of lactate as a preferential oxidizable substrate to supply energy metabolism leading to improved organ function (heart and brain especially) in ischemic conditions. Due to its sodium/chloride imbalance, this solution prevents hyperchloremic acidosis and limits fluid overload despite the obligatory high sodium load. Sodium lactate solution therefore shows many advantages and appears a very promising means for resuscitation of critically ill patients. Further studies are needed to establish the most appropriate dose and indications for sodium lactate infusion in order to prevent the occurrence of severe hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis.

Effects of potassium chloride and potassium bicarbonate in the diet on urinary pH and mineral excretion of adult cats.

Low dietary K levels have been associated with increasing renal Ca excretion in humans, indicating a higher risk of calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolith formation. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether dietary K also affects the urine composition of cats. A total of eight adult cats were fed diets containing 0·31 % native K and 0·50, 0·75 and 1·00 % K from KCl or KHCO3 and were evaluated for the effects of dietary K. High dietary K levels were found to elevate urinary K concentrations (P<0·001). Renal Ca excretion was higher in cats fed the KCl diets than in those fed the KHCO3 diets (P=0·026), while urinary oxalate concentrations were generally lower in cats fed the KCl diets and only dependent on dietary K levels in cats fed the KHCO3 diets (P<0·05). Fasting urine pH increased with higher dietary K levels (P=0·022), reaching values of 6·38 (1·00 % KCl) and 7·65 (1·00 % KHCO3). K retention was markedly negative after feeding the cats with the basal diet (-197 mg/d) and the 0·50 % KCl diet (-131 mg/d), while the cats tended to maintain their balance on being fed the highest-KCl diet (-23·3 mg/d). In contrast, K from KHCO3 was more efficiently retained (P=0·018), with K retention being between -82·5 and 52·5 mg/d. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of KHCO3 instead of KCl as K source could be beneficial for the prevention of CaOx urolith formation in cats, since there is an association between a lower renal Ca excretion and a generally higher urine pH. The utilisation of K is distinctly influenced by the K salt, which may be especially practically relevant when using diets with low K levels.

Hyperventilation as a strategy for improved repeated sprint performance.

Repeated high-intensity sprints incur substantial anaerobic metabolic challenges and create an acidic muscle milieu that is unfavorable for subsequent performance. Hyperventilation, resulting in respiratory alkalosis, acts as a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. This study tested the hypothesis that hyperventilation performed during recovery intervals would attenuate performance decrement in repeated sprint pedaling. Thirteen male university athletes performed 10 sets of 10-second maximal pedaling on a cycle ergometer with a 60-second recovery between sets under control (spontaneous breathing) and hyperventilation conditions in a crossover counter-balanced manner. Pedaling load was set at 0.075 × body mass. Peak and mean power outputs were documented for each set to compare performance decrements for 10 sets between conditions. Hyperventilation (60 breaths per minute and end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 maintained at 20-25 mm Hg) was performed 30 seconds before each sprint set. This intervention successfully increased blood pH by 0.03-0.07 but lowered P(CO2) by 1.2-8.4 mm Hg throughout exercise (p < 0.001). The peak and mean power outputs, and blood [La] accumulation were not significantly different between the conditions. However, a significant condition × time interaction existed for peak power (p = 0.035) and mean power (p = 0.023), demonstrating an attenuation in power decrement in later sprint sets with hyperventilation. In conclusion, hyperventilation implemented during recovery intervals of repeated sprint pedaling attenuated performance decrements in later exercise bouts that was associated with substantial metabolic acidosis. The practical implication is that hyperventilation may have a strategic role for enhancing training effectiveness and may give an edge in performance outcomes.

[Continuous hemodiafiltration during graft repair for a ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was useful in a patient with chronic renal failure].

A 74-year-old man with ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was scheduled for open surgical repair under partial cardiopulmonary bypass. He had a history of diabetes mellitus and a concomitant renal dysfunction, requiring regular intermittent hemodialysis. To maintain electrolytes, acid base as well as water balance within adequate ranges, we planned to use continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) during the surgery because there was a high incidence of bolus transfusion to deal with massive bleeding in these surgeries. We increased fluid removal speed of ultrafiltration when blood components had to be infused rapidly. With these considerations, the patient did not develop fluid overload, hyperkalemia, or aggravation of acidosis. We did not administer anticoagulants into CHDF circuit because activated coagulation time was prolonged probably due to massive bleeding prior to the surgery. Heparin was administered just before the partial car diopulmonary bypass. There was no evidence for thromboembolic complications due to CHDF use. In conclusion, we successfully managed electrolytes as well as acid base balance, and hydration of a patient with chronic renal failure by using CHDF during open graft repair of ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Comparison of bicarbonate-buffered fluid and isotonic saline solution as Cell Saver washing fluids for packed red blood cells.

OBJECTIVES: Massive transfusion (MT) can cause severe electrolyte and acid-base disturbances in neonates and infants due to the unphysiological composition of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Washing of the PRBCs using Cell Saver systems prior to MT is recommended for this reason. AIM: The composition of normal saline (NaCl), the standard wash fluid for Cell Saver systems, is considerably different from that of physiological plasma. The aim of the study presented here was to investigate the effect of washing the PRBCs with a bicarbonate-buffered hemofiltration solution (BB-HS) in comparison with washing with NaCl and to evaluate the impact on electrolyte concentrations, acid-base balance and the stability of PRBCs. METHODS: In an experimental in vitro setting, PRBCs were washed with Cell Saver systems prepared with NaCl or BB-HS as washing solutions. Before and after the washing procedure, electrolyte concentrations, acid-base parameters, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and free hemoglobin (fHb) concentrations were measured. RESULTS: In both groups, the potassium concentrations decreased (baseline: 18.4 ± 5.17 mmol·l(-1), end of study: NaCl 2.71 ± 1,81 mmol·l(-1), BB-HS 2.50 ± 1.54 mmol·l(-1), P < 0.05) while the acid-base balance improved only in the BB-HS-group (baseline: base excess -21.6 ± 3.52 mmol·l(-1), end of study: NaCl -30.2 ± 1.42 mmol·l(-1), BB-HS -7.51 ± 2.49 mmol·l(-1) , P < 0.05). Furthermore, markers of erythrocyte stability such as fHb and ATP concentrations were improved in the BB-HS-group. CONCLUSIONS: Washing of PRBCs with BB-HS rather than NaCl results in a more physiological composition with improvements of electrolyte concentrations, acid-base balance and erythrocyte stability.

[Acid-base disturbances during liver transplantation].

UNLABELLED: Objective of the study is to assess the contribution of different factors in the development of acid-base disturbances at the stages of liver transplantation. MATHERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of right lobe relative liver transplantation was held in 86 recipients. 22 patients corresponded to ASA III (group 1), ASA IV - 50 patients (group 2), and ASA V - 14 patients (group 3). Blood samples were studied by pH, SB, lactate, pCO2 at the stages: up to the beginning, before v. cava inferior cross-clamping, before blood flow launch, on the 1st minute after blood flow launch, 5 min after blood flow launch. 1 hour after the blood flow launch, 2 hours after blood flow launch, at the end of operations. Cardiac index and oxygen delivery were also estimated RESULTS: The preliverless stage was characterized by a decrease in pH, SB. BE and increased lactate, oxygen delivery slightly reduced due to the reduction of oxygen blood capacity, cardiac index remained within the normal range. During liverless period, the growth rate of lactate was different in all three groups, DO2 was below the norm, CI - on the lower bound of the norm. Blood flow launch was accompanied by a peak values of pH, SBC, BE, lactate and increased pCO2. CONCLUSIONS: The main factor in the development of metabolic acidosis during preliverless stage is lactate growth as a consequence of decreased hepatic lactate clearance and blood loss. During liverless period the most significant impact contributes to reduced cardiac output, which, together with reduced oxygen blood capacity leads to a decrease in tissue DO2. Increased production of lactate, together with a decrease in its clearance due to liver shutdown from the bloodstream leads to higher rates of lactate growth in this period. When starting the blood flow in addition to the release of acidic substances, growth of endogenous CO2 leads to the peak pH values.

Chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs commonly in older dogs and cats. Advances in diagnostics, staging, and treatment are associated with increased quality and quantity of life. Dietary modification has been shown to increase survival and quality of life and involves more than protein restriction as diets modified for use with CKD are lower in phosphorous and sodium, potassium and B-vitamin replete, and alkalinizing, and they contain n3-fatty acids. Additionally, recognition and management of CKD-associated diseases such as systemic arterial hypertension, proteinuria, and anemia benefit patients. This article summarizes staging and management of CKD in dogs and cats.

Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42/6:1 for perioperative plasma volume replacement in 1130 children: results of an European prospective multicenter observational postauthorization safety study (PASS).

INTRODUCTION: Third-generation hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is now approved also for the use in children, but safety studies including large numbers of pediatric patients are still missing. Therefore, we performed an European multicentric prospective observational postauthorization safety study (PASS) to evaluate the use of HES 130/0.42/6:1 in normal saline (ns-HES) or a balanced electrolyte solution (bal-HES) in children undergoing surgery. METHODS: Children aged up to 12 years with ASA risk scores of I-III receiving ns-HES (Venofundin 6%; Braun) or bal-HES (Tetraspan 6%; Braun) were followed perioperatively. Demographic data, surgical procedures performed, anesthesia, hemodynamic and laboratory data, adverse events (AE), and adverse drug reactions (ADR) were documented using a standardized case report form. RESULTS: Of 1130 children studied at 11 European pediatric centers from 2006 to 2009 (ns-HES, 629 children; bal-HES, 475 children; mean age, 3.6 ± 3.8 [range, day of birth-12 years]; and body weight, 15.4 ± 13 [0.9-90 kg]), 1104 were included for analysis. The mean infused HES volume was 10.6 ± 5.8 (0.83-50) ml·kg(-1). In the 399 (36.1%) cases with blood gas analysis before and after HES infusion, hemoglobin and strong ion difference decreased significantly in both groups, whereas bicarbonate and base excess (BE before infusion: ns-HES -1.8 ± 3.1, bal-HES -1.2 ± 3.3 mm; after infusion: ns-HES -2.5 ± 2.8; bal-HES -1.1 ± 3.2 mm, P < 0.05) decreased only with ns-HES but remained stable with bal-HES. Chloride concentrations increased in both groups and were significantly higher with ns-HES (Cl before infusion: ns-HES 105.5 ± 3.6, bal-HES 104.9 ± 2.9 mm; Cl after infusion: ns-HES 107.6 ± 3.4, bal-HES 106.3 ± 2.9 mm, P < 0.05). For the AE/ADR rates, dose-response but no age relationships could be demonstrated. No serious and no severe ADR directly related to HES (i.e. anaphylactoid reaction, clotting disorders, renal failure) were observed. CONCLUSION: Moderate doses of HES 130/0.42/6:1 for perioperative plasma volume replacement seem to be safe even in neonates and small infants. The probability of serious ADR is lower than 0.3%. Changes in acid-base balance may be decreased when HES is used in an acetate-containing balanced electrolyte solution instead of normal saline. Caution should be exercised in patients with renal function disturbances and those with an increased bleeding risk.

Mathematical arterialization of venous blood in emergency medicine patients.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial punctures represent a painful and unpleasant experience. Acid-base and oxygenation status can be assessed from peripheral venous blood, but agreement with arterial values is not always clinically acceptable. This study evaluates a method for mathematically transforming peripheral venous values into arterial values in emergency medicine patients. METHODS: Paired arterial and peripheral venous samples were analysed in groups A (47 patients) and B (101 patients), corresponding to the clinical need for arterial blood sampling (A) and without (B). Venous values were input into the mathematical arterialization method and the values of arterial pH, PCO2 and PO2 were calculated and compared with the measured values. RESULTS: The calculated and measured arterial pH and PCO2 values correlated well with the correlation coefficients (r ) of group A, pH 0.94, PCO2 0.97; group B, pH 0.87, PCO2 0.83; and Bland-Altman limits of agreement well within the limits of acceptable laboratory and clinical performance. The calculated values of arterial PO2 followed a set of predefined rules relating calculated and measured PO2 levels in all cases. The method represents an improvement on the use of venous blood alone where the correlation coefficients were as follows: group A, pH 0.85, PCO2 0.88; group B, pH 0.79, PCO2 0.59; and limits of agreement for PCO2 at the border of (group A) or beyond (group B) acceptable clinical limits. CONCLUSION: Application of the mathematical arterialization method may reduce the pain associated with assessment of acid-base and oxygenation status, maximize the information obtained from peripheral venous blood and allow venous measurements to be presented as more commonly interpreted arterial values.

Efficacy and safety of hydroxyethyl starch 6% 130/0.4 in a balanced electrolyte solution (Volulyte) during cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The infusion of large amounts of saline-based solutions may contribute to the development of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and the use of a balanced carrier for colloid solutions might improve postoperative acid-base status. The equivalence of 2 hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions and the influence on chloride levels and acid-base status by selectively changing the carrier of rapidly degradable modern 6% HES 130/0.4 were studied in cardiac surgery patients. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. SETTING: A clinical study in 2 cardiac surgery institutions. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one patients. INTERVENTION: Patients received either 6% HES130/0.4 balanced (Volulyte; Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) or 6% HES130/0.4 saline (Voluven; Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) for intra- and postoperative hemodynamic stabilization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The therapeutic equivalence of both HES formulations regarding volume effect and superiority of the balanced electrolyte solution regarding serum chloride levels and acid-base status were measured. Similar volumes of both HES 130/0.4 balanced and HES 130/0.4 saline were administered until 6 hours after surgery, 2,391 ± 518 mL in the HES 130/0.4 balanced group versus 2,241 ± 512 mL in the HES 130/0.4 saline group. The 95% confidence interval for the difference between treatments (-77; 377 mL; mean, 150 mL) was contained entirely in the predefined interval (-500, 500 mL), thereby proving equivalence. The serum chloride level (mmol/L) was lower (p < 0.05 at the end of surgery), and arterial pH was higher in the balanced group at all time points except baseline, and base excess was less negative at all time points after baseline (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Volumes of HES needed for hemodynamic stabilization were equivalent between treatment groups. Significantly lower serum chloride levels in the HES balanced group reflected the lower chloride load of similar infusion volumes. The HES balanced group had significantly less acidosis.