Overview of Fluid and Electrolyte Maintenance
Overview of Fluid and Electrolyte Maintenance
Overview of Fluid and Electrolyte Maintenance
Fluid and
Electrolyte
Maintenance
Mallory Turner, Pharm.D., BCPS
AAHP Fall Seminar
October 9, 2015
1
Disclosure
• I have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
2
Pharmacist Objectives
• Discuss the distribution of total body fluid, and apply this concept
towards the management of a patient's fluid replacement.
• Recommend an appropriate intravenous fluid regimen based on a
patient's clinical characteristics.
• Develop an effective electrolyte replacement plan based on a
patient's clinical status and electrolyte abnormalities.
• Identify appropriate clinical situations for the use of hypertonic and
hypotonic saline, and recommend monitoring parameters to ensure
the safe use of these intravenous fluids.
3
Technician Objectives
• Recognize appropriate precautions to be taken while compounding
intravenous electrolyte replacement products, including hypotonic
and hypertonic saline.
• Delineate the differences between colloid and crystalloid fluids, and
recall appropriate instances for their use.
• Identify common intravenous fluid regimens and describe
appropriate dosages and concentrations for electrolyte additives.
• Identify common units and calculations involved in compounding
electrolyte replacement products.
4
Fluid Management
5
Fluid Distribution
• Total body fluid (TBF)
Estimated as ~60% of lean body weight (LBW) in males
Estimated as ~50% of LBW in females
6
Fluid Distribution
Total Body Fluid
Extracellular
Cell Membrane
Total Body Fluid
Intracellular
60% TBF
Extracellular
Interstitial Fluid
75% EC
40% TBF
Capillary Membrane
Intravascular Fluid
25%
7
Fluid Compartments
8
Osmotic Equilibrium
• Osmotic pressure
Created by concentration of ions/electrolytes in each compartment
Responsible for containing water in each space, keeps volume constant
• Osmolality
Number of particles per kilogram of water
• Osmotic Equilibrium
Water moves across the cell membrane from of region of low osmolality to one of
higher osmolality
• Plasma osmolality
Normal value: 280-300 mOsm/kg
9
Acute Fluid Resuscitation
• Intravascular fluid depletion can occur as a result of shock
Associated with reduced cardiac function and organ hypoperfusion
Signs and symptoms usually occur when ~15% (750mL) of blood volume is lost or shifts
out of intravascular space
• Crystalloids vs Colloids
No difference has been shown in time to resuscitation or outcomes
Colloids: higher cost, some adverse effects
11
Maintenance Fluid Replacement
• Indicated in patients unable to tolerate oral fluids
• Goal: prevent dehydration and maintain normal fluid/electrolyte
balance
• Administered as continuous infusions through peripheral or central
lines
• Example maintenance fluid
D5W with 0.45% NaCl with 20-40mEq of KCl per liter
12
Maintenance Fluid Replacement
• Calculations to determine daily volume needed in children and adults
Administer 100mL/kg for the first 10kg of weight, then 50mL/kg for the next 10-
20kg, plus 20mL/kg for every kilogram greater than 20kg
OR
Administer 20-40ml/kg/day (adults only)
13
Commonly Used IV Fluids
Crystalloids
• Crystalloids
Normal saline, Lactated Ringer’s, Normosol-R
Contain water, sodium, chloride, and additional electrolytes
Hypertonic and hypotonic crystalloid options
• Additional Considerations
Duration 1-4 hours
Isotonic
14
Commonly Used IV Fluids
Crystalloids
• Lactated Ringers (or Ringers Lactate)
Advantages
Low risk for adverse reactions
Disadvantages
Freely distribute across the vascular barrier
Risk of respiratory acidosis due to CO2 accumulation
Risk for hyperkalemia (4mEq/L of potassium)
Impaired metabolism of lactate to bicarbonate in patients with severe liver disease
• Additional Considerations
Duration of action 1-4 hours
Considered equally effective as NS
Not recommended in hemorrhagic shock or brain trauma
Traditionally preferred in surgical patients
Contains sodium chloride, sodium lactate, potassium chloride, calcium chloride
15
Commonly Used IV Fluids
Crystalloids
• 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)
“Free water”: metabolized to water and carbon dioxide
Water crosses any membrane in the body
60% into the IC space and 40% to the EC space
• Hypotonic
Isotonic in bag but becomes hypotonic when metabolized to free water
• Additional Considerations
Not preferred for fluid resuscitation
50 grams of dextrose per liter
Not recommended in patients with neurologic injury or elevated intracranial
pressure
16
Commonly Used IV Fluids
Colloids
• Colloids
PRBCs, albumin, dextran, hetastarch
Too large to cross capillary membrane
Provide significant volume increase because they remain in intravascular space
• Controversial use
Albumin showed no mortality benefit over NS (SAFE trial)
Hydroxyethyl starch no longer recommended due to adverse effects
Expensive compared to crystalloids
Higher risk of adverse and allergic reactions
17
Commonly Used IV Fluids
Colloids
• Albumin (5% and 25% formulations)
Advantages
Colloids provide greater volume expansion than equal volumes of crystalloids
Disadvantages
Potential for allergic reactions
Potential for transmission of infection
Hyperoncotic albumin may cause kidney damage
Expensive
• Additional Considerations
Natural colloid (blood product)
Duration of action 12-24 hours
5% albumin is iso-oncotic, 25% albumin is hyperoncotic
18
Commonly Used IV Fluids
Colloids
• Dextran
Advantages
Provides greater volume expansion than equal volumes of crystalloids
Disadvantages
High risk for adverse reactions
Potential for allergic reactions or anaphylactoid reactions
Impairs hemostasis
May cause kidney damage
• Additional Considerations
Artificial colloid
Duration of action 1-2 hours
Use for fluid resuscitation has fallen out to favor due to risk of adverse reactions
19
Commonly Used IV Fluids
Colloids
• Hydroxyethyl starch (HES)
Advantages
Provides greater volume expansion than equal volumes of crystalloids
May modulate inflammation
Disadvantages
Potential for anaphylactoid reactions
May accumulate in tissues and cause prolonged itching
May impair platelet function and/or cause kidney damage
Expensive
• Additional Considerations
Synthetic colloid
Duration of action up to 36 hours
Hyperoncotic (6%)
Larger molecular weight than albumin
Not recommended in patients with severe sepsis (increased mortality, bleeding)
20
Composition of Commonly Used
Intravenous Replacement Solutions
Na Cl Distribution Distribution Free
Solution Dextrose Tonicity
(mEq/L) (mEq/L) (% ECF) (% ICF) water/L
D5W 5g/100mL 0 0 Hypotonic 40 60 1000ml
0.45%
0 77 77 Hypotonic 73 37 500mL
NaCl
0.9%
0 154 154 Isotonic 100 0 0mL
NaCl
3% NaCl 0 513 513 Hypertonic 100 0 -2331mL
Hypotonic
LR 0 130 109 100 0 0mL
(slightly)
21
IV Fluid Distribution
Intravenous Fluid Infused Volume (mL) Equivalent Intravascular
Volume Expansion (mL)
NS 1000 250
LR 1000 250
Normosol-R 1000 250
D5W 1000 100
Albumin 5% 500 500
Albumin 25% 100 500
Hetastarch 6% 500 500
22
Electrolyte Replacement
23
Electrolyte Composition
Total Body Fluid
Intracellular Extracellular
Compartment Compartment
• Potassium • Sodium
• Magnesium • Chloride
• Phosphate • Bicarbonate
• Calcium
24
Disorders of Sodium
• Normal range 135 – 145 mEq/L
• Role in the body
Sodium in the ECF determines the tonicity of the ECF
Directly affects the distribution of water between EC and IC compartments
Sodium concentration is the ratio of Na:H2O (not absolute amount of either)
Sodium level does not indicate whether abnormality is due to increase in the total
amount of Na, H2O, or both
25
Hyponatremia
• Sodium concentration <135 mEq/L
• Most common electrolyte abnormality
• Significant morbidity and mortality
• Signs and symptoms
Clinically do not appear until sodium <125 mEq/L
Acute: cerebral edema, seizures, increased mortality risk
Chronic: N/V, confusion, personality changes, neurologic dysfunction, gait
disturbances, seizures
28
3% Sodium Chloride Infusion
• High alert medication
• Administration
Symptomatic hyponatremia: infusion rate 1-2ml/kg/hour
Central IV access (osmolarity >900mOsm/L)
If peripheral IV must be used (emergency), monitor for phlebitis
Monitor serum sodium changes every 1-4 hours depending on symptom severity
• Complications
Osmotic demyelination syndrome
Hypokalemia
Hyperchloremic acidosis
Hypernatremia
Heart failure
Coagulopathy
Hypotension
29
Hypernatremia
• Sodium level >145mEq/dL
• Hypertonic state resulting in cellular dehydration
• Commonly observed in patients without thirst response
• High mortality rates if serum sodium >160mEq/dL (~60-75%)
• Signs and symptoms
Thirst, dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, acute weight loss, weakness,
lethargy, restlessness, irritability, confusion, hallucinations, ICH, coma, seizures,
death
30
Types of Hypernatremia
Hypovolemic Euvolemic Hypervolemic
Hypernatremia Hypernatremia Hypernatremia
Description Water loss Water loss only Sodium gain
exceeds sodium exceeds water
loss gain
Example Insensible losses DI Sodium overload,
exceed intake mineralicorticoid
excess
Treatment 0.9%NS until VS Free water Free water
stable, then free replacement, replacement with
water vasopressin loop diuretic, HD
31
Hypernatremia
• Treatment
Depends on cause: too little water or too much sodium
• Hypovolemic Hypernatremia
NS adminstered to correct ECF volume
Then hypotonic solution to correct H2O deficit
• Euvolemic hypernatremia
Hypotonic solution
Treatment for DI if indicated
• Hypervolemic hypernatremia
Goal: to remove sodium from the body
Diuretics (loops) and hypotonic solution (D5W)
32
Disorders of Potassium
• Normal range: 3.5 – 5 mEq/L
• Intracellular ion
Most abundant cation in the body
98% in intracellular compartment, 2% in extracellular space
33
Hypokalemia
• Potassium level < 3.5 mEq/L
Mild: 3 – 3.5 mEq/L
Moderate : 2.5 – 3 mEq/dL
Severe: < 2.5 mEq/L
• Causes
GI loss
Medications
Metabolic acidosis
Hypomagnesemia
34
Hypokalemia Treatment
• Potassium level 3.5 – 4 mEq/L
Increase dietary intake of potassium rich foods
35
Hypokalemia Treatment
Plasma K+ Treatment Comments
(mEq/L)
3-3.5 Oral KCl 60-80 mEq/day if no signs or Doses >60mEq should be
symptoms divided to avoid GI effects
Recheck K+ daily
2.5-3 Oral KCl 120 mEq/day or IV 60-80 mEq Monitor K+ (i.e. 2 hours post-
administered at 10-20mEq/hour if signs or infusion)
symptoms
2-2.5 IV KCl at 10-20mEq/hour Consider continuous ECG
monitoring
<2 IV KCl at 20-40mEq/hour Consider continuous ECG
monitoring
36
Potassium IV Administration
General Med-Surg Areas ICU/Telemetry Beds
37
Hyperkalemia
• Potassium level >5.5 mEq/L
Mild: potassium level 5.5 – 6 mEq/L
Moderate: potassium level 6.1 – 6.9 mEq/L
Severe: potassium level > 7 mEq/L
• Causes
Renal failure, acidosis, red cell hemolysis, overcorrection, medications, salt
substitutes, traumatic injury (MVC), adrenal insufficiency
38
Hyperkalemia Treatment
• Treatment Goals
Reverse cardiac effects immediately
Redistribute potassium from extracellular space into the cell
Eliminate potassium from the body
Additionally: treat underlying cause and stop excess intake or medications
• Treatment
Calcium gluconate
Insulin and glucose
Β2-agonists
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Loop diuretics
Dialysis
39
Disorders of Magnesium
• Normal Range: 1.5 – 2.2 mEq/L
• Role in the body
Intracellular ion predominantly
Found in bone and muscle
40
Hypomagnesemia
• Magnesium level <1.4 mEq/L
• Causes
Reduced intake, reduced absorption, increased loss, drug-induced
Often due to other electrolyte abnormalities
41
Hypomagnesemia Treatment
• PO, IV infusion, or IM
• PO
Magnesium containing antacids or laxatives
Magnesium oxide
SE: diarrhea
• IV infusion
Magnesium sulfate
Dose depends on the depletion 8-12 g (1 gram = 4 mEq)
Standard infusion rate: 1-2 grams/hour
42
Hypermagnesemia
• Magnesium level: > 2.2 mEq/L
• Causes
Renal failure (acute vs chronic), elderly, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism,
lithium
43
Hypermagnesemia Treatment
• Reduce magnesium intake
44
Disorders of Phosphorous
• Normal range: 2.5 – 4.5 mg/dL
• Role in the body
Intracellular ion
Cell membrane function, DNA/RNA/proteins, part of energy molecule (ATP), RBC
function, bone mineral
45
Hypophosphatemia
• Phosphate < 2.6 mg/dL
• Causes
Decreased GI absorption, increased urinary excretion, redistribution
46
Hypophosphatemia Treatment
• Mild to moderate hypophosphatemia
Usually asymptomatic
PO phosphorous replacement
• Severe hypophosphatemia
IV phosphorous 15-30mmol (0.5 – 0.75 mmol/kg of IBW)
Max IV rate 7.5 mmol/hour
Monitor q6hours for up to 72 hours
47
Hyperphosphatemia
• Phosphate > 4.5 mg/dL
• Causes
Chronic kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism
• Treatment
Limit intake of phosphorous
Phosphate binding agents
Dialysis
Replace calcium if patient is also hypocalcemic
48
Disorders of Calcium
• Normal range: 8.5 – 10.5 mEq/dL (ionized calcium 1.1 – 1.3 mmol/L)
• Distribution
Extracellular fluid contains <1% of calcium, 99% of total body stores is in skeletal
bone
Half of calcium in EC fluid is bound to albumin and other plasma proteins
Ionized calcium (unbound) is the active form
Ionized calcium is regulated by parathyroid hormone, phosphorous, vitamin D and
calcitonin
49
Hypocalcemia
• Total serum calcium level <8.5 mg/dL
• Ionized calcium level <1.1 mmol/L
• Causes
Post-operative hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, renal failure,
malnutrition, medications, hyperphosphatemia
50
Hypocalcemia Treatment
• Acute hypocalcemia
IV calcium (calcium chloride or calcium gluconate)
200-300mg of elemental calcium
Monitor calcium q4-6 hours during IV therapy
Treat underlying disorder
• Chronic hypocalcemia
Oral calcium supplementation
Oral vitamin D supplementation
51
Hypercalcemia
• Serum calcium >10.5mg/dL
• Ionized calcium >1.3 mmol/L
• Causes
Usually due to malignancy, hyperparathyroidism
• Treatment
Beyond the scope of this discussion
ECG changes: volume expansion, loop diuretics, HD
Treat underlying disorder
52
References
• Bayer O, Reinhart K, Kohl M, et al. 2012. Effects of fluid resuscitation with synthetic colloids or crystalloids alone on shock reversal,
fluid balance, and patient outcomes in patients with severe sepsis: a prospective sequential analysis. Crit Care Med, 40(9): 2543-51.
• Besen B, Gobatto A, Melro L, et al. 2015. Fluid and electrolyte overload in critically ill patients: An overview. World J Cri Care Med, 4(2):
116-29. Doi:10.54692/wjccm.v4.116
• Choo W, Goeneveld A, Driessen R, Swart E. 2014. Normal saline to dilute parenteral drugs and to keep catheters open Is a major and
preventable source of hypernatremia acquired in the intensive care unit. Journal of Critical Care. 29: 390-394.
• Dickerson R, Maish G, Weinberg J, et al. 2013. Safety and efficacy of intravenous hypotonic 0.225% sodium chloride infusion for the
treatment of hypernatremia in critically ill patients. Nutr Clin Pract, 28(3): 400-8. Doi:10.1177/0845336113483840.
• Dipiro J.T. Pharmacotherapy a Pathophysiologic Approach 9th edition, McGraw Hill 2011, Ch. 58, 59, 60 & 9th edition, McGraw Hill
2014, Ch. 34, 35, 36.
• Hamilton L. 2015. Fluids, Electrolytes, and Nutrition. ACCP Updates in Therapeutics: The Pharmacotherapy Preparatory Review and
Recertification Course. 2:3-49.
• Han J, Martin G. 2010. Rational or rationalized choices in fluid resuscitation? Crit Care, 14: 1006-8.
• Helms R.A. Textbook of Therapeutics Drug and Disease Management 8th edition, LWW 2006, Ch. 28.
• Hilton A, Pellegrino V, Scheinkestel C. 2008. Avoiding common problems associated with intravenous fluid therapy. MJA, 189(9): 509-
514.
• Kraft B, Btaiche I, Sacks G, Kudsk K. 2005. Treatment of electrolyte disorders in adult patients in the intensive care unit. Am J Health
Syst Pharm , 62(16): 1663-82.
• Kristellar J. 2014. Fluids, Electrolytes, and Nutrition. ACCP Updates in Therapeutics: Pharmacotherapy Preparatory Review and
Recertification Course. 1-85-132
53
• Lindner G, Funk G. 2013. Hypernatremia in critically ill patients. J Crit Care, 28(2): e11-20. doi10.1016/j.jcrc.2012.05.001
References
• Martin G. 2008. The Great Fluid Debate Revisited. Medscape Critical Care. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/572584.
• Mustafa I, Leverve X. 2002. Metabolic and hemodynamic effects of hypertonic solutions: sodium lactate versus sodium chloride infusion
in post-operative patients. Shock, 18(4): 306-10.
• Nguyen M, Kurtz I. 2003. A new quantitative approach to the treatment of the dysnatremias. Clin Exp Nephrol, 7(2): 125-37.
• Nunes T, Ladeira R, Bafi A, et al. 2014. Duration of hemodynamic effects of crystalloids in patients with circulatory shock after initial
resuscitation. Annals of Intensive Care, 4: 1-7. http:www.annalsofintensivecare.com/content/4/1/25.
• Perner A, Haase N, Guttormsen A, et al. 2012. Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42 versus ringer’s acetate in severe sepsis. N Engl J Med,
367(2): 124-134.
• Polderman K, Girbes A. 20014. Severe electrolyte disorders following cardiac surgery: a prospective controlled observational study. Crit
Care, 8(6): r459-66.
• Smorenburg A, Ince C, Groeneveld A. 2013. Dose and type of crystalloid fluid therapy in adult hospitalized patients. Perioper Med, 6(2):
1-10. Doi: 10.1186/2047-0525-2-17.
• Strunden M, Heckel K, Goetz A, Reuter D. 2011. Perioperative fluid and volume-management: physiological basis, tools and strategies.
Annals of Intensive Care, 1(2): 1-8.
• Thompson J. 2015. Intraoperative fluid management. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am, 27(1): 67-77. Doi:10.1016/j.cnc.2014.10.012.
Vincent J, Gottin L. 2011. Type of fluid in severe sepsis and septic shock. Minerva Anestesiologica, 77(12): 1190-96.
54
•