Resuscitation Fluid Composition and Acute Kidney Injury in Critical Illness

Acute kidney injury often complicates critical illness and is associated with high morbidity, with patients not infrequently receiving renal replacement therapy, and with increased mortality.1 Patients with acute kidney injury have an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and premature death, even when kidney function has recovered.2 Because acute kidney injury confers serious short- and long-term risks, therapy during the course of critical illness should avoid iatrogenic harm, including nephrotoxic effects.3 Fluid therapy to improve hemodynamic status and organ perfusion helps prevent acute kidney injury. Intravenous 0.9% sodium chloride solution (saline) has been a standard resuscitation fluid for . . .