Intravenous fluid therapy in adults in hospital

Why this is important

This is almost certainly under-reported in the ward setting with significant implications for patients, predominantly morbidity through to mortality. It is probable that complications of fluid therapy are frequent and may be associated with increased clinical needs, such as critical care and, on occasion, may necessitate fluid resuscitation. Lack of a set of clearly defined features of the complications of fluid mismanagement compounds the problem. It is important to define these features and then undertake an observational study in a hospital setting to determine the epidemiology of these complications. Such a study would highlight the prevalence of fluid related complications and inform the development of preventive measures.