Perioperative IV Fluid Management

Adult IV fluid management guidelines are routinely extrapolated to paediatric patients without accounting for fundamental physiological differences between the populations. Surgery triggers complex physiological and hormonal responses that place particular demands on fluid and electrolyte regulation. Perioperative intravascular volume is affected by fasting duration, surgery type and length, sensible and insensible fluid losses, volumes for drug and anaesthetic dilution, and individual comorbidities. The review covers eligible participants from neonates to individuals under 18 years of age undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery in outpatient or inpatient non-critical care settings. Intravenous fluids serve to maintain intravascular volume, electrolyte homeostasis, and acid-base balance as a fundamental component of perioperative care.