Choice of resuscitation fluids in trauma patients

In recent decades, fluid management in trauma patients has improved primarily as a result of more liberal use of sufficient fluid in an effort to avoid clinically apparent or inapparent tissue hypoperfusion. In spite of these advances, the inherent risks of underhydration and overhydration that are still associated with fluid therapy have prompted continuing investigations that compare and evaluate different fluid formulations in an effort to reduce complications. This chapter reviews three areas of research that will likely change future clinical management of fluids in trauma patients.