Strong ion difference and arterial bicarbonate concentration as cornerstones of the impact of fluid therapy on acid-base balance

The biochemical characteristics of infused fluids may be important in regulating acid-base balance, by modifying plasmatic volume and strong ion difference. In vitro and animal studies [1,2] have shown that volume and strong ion difference of infused fluids (SIDin) as well as the arterial baseline bicarbonate concentration (HCO3-a) influence acid-base variations. Our aim was to verify these changes in critically ill patients after surgery.