Serum sodium pattern in paediatric surgical patients on 4.3% dextrose in 0.18% saline infusion.

Recent studies have questioned the use of hypotonic maintenance infusions like 4.3% dextrose in 0.18% saline due to the risk of hyponatremia. This prospective observational study of 66 children found that within 24 hours postoperative, 74.2% had decreased serum sodium, and 27.3% developed hyponatremia, though none were symptomatic. Between 24–48 hours, the hyponatremia rate increased to 50%. The author recommends a multicentre large-scale national study to determine if a shift away from hypotonic infusion is necessary in this environment.