Hospital-acquired hyponatremia in pediatric patients: a review of the literature

Abstract

Hypotonic intravenous (IV) fluids in children are a mainstay of therapy based on a recommendation made in 1957 by Holliday and Segar. Since that time, hospital-acquired hyponatremia caused by hypotonic IV fluids has been found to be an additional risk factor in the cause of death and neurological impairment in acutely ill children. This article reviews and critically evaluates the literature regarding the association of hyponatremia and hypotonic IV fluids in pediatric hospitalized, postoperative, and critical care patients.

Keywords: hyponatremia; hypotonic saline; intravenous fluids.