Ringer's lactate solution

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 Ringer's lactate solution (RLS), also known as Lactated Ringer's solution, is a balanced crystalloid fluid that is widely used in medical settings for fluid resuscitation in patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including trauma, burns, surgery, and severe dehydration.

Ringer-Lactat-Infusion

Composition[edit | edit source]

  • RLS closely mimics the electrolyte composition of blood plasma, containing the following:
  • Sodium (Na+): 130 mEq/L
  • Potassium (K+): 4 mEq/L
  • Calcium (Ca2+): 3 mEq/L
  • Chloride (Cl−): 109 mEq/L
  • Lactate: 28 mEq/L
  • The lactate component is metabolized in the liver to bicarbonate, thereby helping to buffer metabolic acidosis, a condition often seen in critically ill or injured patients.

Indications[edit | edit source]

  • RLS is a first-line fluid for volume resuscitation in many situations:
  • Trauma: RLS is often used in the initial management of patients with significant injuries.
  • Surgery: It is commonly used during surgical procedures to replace lost fluids.
  • Burns: RLS is the preferred resuscitation fluid in the early management of severe burns.
  • Severe Dehydration: This includes conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, or septic shock where a rapid infusion of fluids may be necessary.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

  • While RLS is widely used, it is contraindicated in certain scenarios:
  • Hyperkalemia: As RLS contains potassium, it should not be used in patients with high potassium levels.
  • Lactic acidosis: Given the lactate component, it should be avoided in patients with lactic acidosis as they may not be able to metabolize lactate effectively.
  • Severe liver disease: The liver is responsible for metabolizing lactate to bicarbonate, so RLS is usually avoided in patients with severe liver disease.

Administration[edit | edit source]

RLS is usually administered intravenously. The rate of administration depends on the patient's condition, the severity of fluid loss, and the presence of any contraindications.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • Thomas, D. R. (2008). Intravenous fluid resuscitation: was Poiseuille right?. Emergency medicine journal, 25(3), 174-180.
  • Jhang, W. K., & Kang, H. C. (2014). Cerebral edema after Lactated Ringer's solution therapy in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis. Korean journal of pediatrics, 57(6), 273-277.
Ringer's lactate solution Resources

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