Updated guidelines for the management of fluid and electrolytes in children

Safe intravenous fluid management in children is important and requires an understanding of the basic science of fluids and electrolytes. NICE guidelines issued in December 2015 update an NPSA alert of 2007 which aimed to reduce the serious risks of hyponatraemia. Hyponatraemia most commonly arises from the inappropriate administration of fluids with low concentrations of sodium during resuscitation or when given for the replacement of deficits or when given in inappropriately large volumes. Electrolyte abnormalities and their correction are summarized in this paper.