Perioperative Fluid Management in Pediatric Patients

Intravenous fluid administration is an integral part of perioperative care for children undergoing surgery. The ultimate goal of intravenous fluid therapy is to maintain cardiovascular stability, euvolemia, normal electrolyte and acid base status. The volume and composition of the replacement fluids should be based on the preoperative patient condition, type of procedure and anticipated perioperative course. Neonates and infants poorly tolerate errors in fluid and electrolyte management. The chapter will mainly focus on distinctly different pediatric physiology, advantages of optimized perioperative fasting duration and assessment of volume status in neonates and children. In this chapter, we will review the various types of fluids, newer recommendations for perioperative fluid management in children to maintain normal physiology and to improve safety and efficacy. In addition, clinical situations requiring special consideration will be narrated briefly.