Hypertonic Saline

[Mathias Kalkum]

Sanjay,
> A new partner has joined our trauma team and she has
> great faith in Hypertonic saline, not only for
> resuscitation, but also for regular maintenance fluid
> for patients with head injuries as well as for all
> sorts of other critically ill surgical patients.  

hypertonic saline is a well known solution. There are dextran and HAES 
based products on the market. Aim is to rapid restore a minimum blood 
pressure *and* to avoid such nasty things like fluid overload etc. In 
given circumstances and handled with caution (don't pop the clot etc...) 
it seems to have some advantages in comparison to other fluids. Head 
injury is such an example.

Mathias